Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I would have no difficulty setting aside time for a debate on the regionalising of the HSE, as requested by Senator Butler. I welcome the announcement of €72 million in respect of the Shanganagh sewerage scheme. It is no wonder the Senator is pleased. The money will be well spent on this project.

Senator Hannigan referred to the serious housing issue, which I have considered. Rather than having a discussion using a portion of next Wednesday's financial debate, I propose that we leave the afternoon free after next Tuesday's Order of Business to debate housing. It will meet Senators' requests concerning matters pertaining to the construction and housing industries, the challenges facing local authorities and everything else covered in the housing portfolio of the new Minister of State, Deputy Finneran, a former Senator. Given that it will be the only matter on the agenda, every Senator will have an opportunity to contribute to the debate on this serious issue facing the country.

Senators Ellis and Glynn expressed their concerns regarding the report of the Constituency Commission and the upcoming Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2008. Every Senator has a responsibility to state whether political parties agree with the breaking of county boundaries. Among others, Senator Ellis and I have been badly affected in this regard, but we are only individuals and everyone must realise that individuals are temporary passages of flight. No one is more important than the people. Their democratic wishes must be held sacrosanct.

To leave a county without representation in Dáil Éireann is not good policy and does not make sense. Senator Ellis's request may need to be addressed by the chairmen of the various parliamentary parties and the Independents in the House. If they can agree with the Senator's request, we can make progress on the proposal. I will leave the matter for the consideration of the parliamentary groupings. Senator Ellis has made a passionate plea to all of his parliamentary colleagues to express to the political establishment, including the Government, that County Leitrim deserves Dáil representation.