Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I know it may not be enough, but in these difficult times there is an increase. The capital allocation for next year will amount to €889 million, which is an increase of €79 million or almost 10% on the 2008 outturn.

I will always allow Senators who have major concerns about any topic the opportunity to highlight them on the Order of Business. That is my duty and I am committed to that happening in the coming weeks.

Senator McFadden called for an urgent debate on the closure of Longford Army barracks. That is an issue dear to me because Senator McFadden and I shared the constituency with Senator Glynn and our Dáil colleagues. In our constituency we have been fortunate in having three Army barracks — Athlone, Mullingar and Longford — serving the Defence Forces. It could be said that in terms of the difficulties experienced in Northern Ireland since the foundation of the State, much progress has taken place. Perhaps this is something for the current chief of staff, who is committed to the midlands area and who wore his provincial colours with great distinction and is a GAA all star. In response to Senator McFadden, I will allocate whatever time is deemed necessary for a debate on this issue. I will put that in place after the Order of Business.

Senators O'Toole, Ormonde, Norris and Bacik called for an urgent debate on education. I covered that earlier and will endeavour to have that take place at the earliest possible time. Senator Norris raised the issue of the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill. I will carry out inquiries into that after the Order of Business and come back to the Senator directly.

Senators Hannigan, Coghlan and Walsh expressed their concerns regarding the regulatory authority and legislation due. I will have those inquiries made after the Order of Business.

On the issue Senator Walsh brought to the House, I will arrange an urgent debate on the restaurants issue in the next few weeks. We have heard that issue debated on the radio. It does not make sense. If something that is too draconian has been put into legislation, we must correct it and have the Minister in the House to debate the issue. I assure the House and Senator Walsh that this debate will take place in the next two weeks.

Senators Leyden and Bacik raised the universality issue. I have no difficulty arranging a debate on that matter. Members on this side of the House can reflect with great pride on and take kudos from what has occurred. I am sure all Senators will engage in a vigorous discussion in respect of this issue and I look forward to allocating time for a debate on it.

I welcome Senator Glynn's announcement in respect of municipal policing committees and town councils. The Senator has been a distinguished representative in the House of the Association of Municipal Authorities of Ireland. I support his call that all Members should make themselves available and should be honoured to serve on these committees. I congratulate the Senator on all his hard work and endeavour on behalf of the AMAI in respect of this matter.

I wish to inform Senator Bacik that it is hoped to take the civil partnership Bill early in the next session.