Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senator O'Toole, who I know supports me on this, can then ask the Minister if we can return to the situation as it pertained when Deputy Dempsey held that portfolio. As a former teacher, he would have known about the pressures involved. Now is the time when we can get tremendous value for money from school building projects and hopefully this matter can be included in the Government's budgetary deliberations.

Senators MacSharry and Coffey sought clarification of media reports that the HSE is to be regionalised. We will pursue this matter. The excellent BreastCheck service is not available everywhere, so we hope it can be prioritised by the HSE. I will arrange for such a debate at the earliest possible opportunity with the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, present.

I will convey to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform Senator Mullen's views on the treatment of persons entering the State.

Senator Butler, who has enormous experience in public life, referred to the availability of credit. This is an important issue given the announcement this morning by the British Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Darling. The current difficulty in the commercial world is that banks have stopped loaning to each other. This is the biggest single issue because we can come to terms with the economic downturn as soon as everyone allows the system to work. If banks continue their policy of not loaning to each other, however, everything will gradually come to a standstill. This is the driving factor for all governments that are currently trying to come to terms with the problems in the banking sector.

My own view is that the fall in share values is down to high interest rates. I look forward to an interest rate reduction in the United Kingdom, which will affect most of us in Ireland, but particularly from the midlands to Antrim because it concerns Border county business. The activities of the Ulster Bank and the Bank of Scotland are very important to us because those brand names operate quite successfully across the island of Ireland. I also look forward to a substantial interest rate reduction in the EU, which would restore confidence and kick-start firms that have been providing employment for generations.

I will convey to the Minister for Finance Senator Kelly's views on the public finances and an audit on State buildings. We can also discuss these matters in the House when we have a debate on the budget. I will try to facilitate the Senator's request at my next meeting with the party Leaders.