Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

That will take place next week. I know that many Senators will wish to contribute to that discussion.

On the request for a debate on agriculture, I am actively pursing the Minister in terms of a date in his diary for this debate. It is timely that this should take place and I have no difficulty in accommodating such a debate at the earliest possible time. I will come back to the House next week with a time and date for that. Senators Bradford, Quinn and Boyle expressed their various views on the economy and the public service. I have no difficulty with such a debate, which I will endeavour to have at the earliest possible time.

Senator Leyden brought a very important point to our attention on the cost of energy, particularly oil, electricity and gas. At yesterday's Joint Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment, I raised this point with the chairman of the Competition Authority and his officials who appeared to discuss other matters. I highlighted the cost of energy, particularly electricity and gas, which have had increases of between 25% and 40% in this year alone. This is unsustainable and unacceptable. The chairman had very strong views on these matters and while he said that it was not within his remit he made various comments that we all know can be dealt with. Perhaps we will have a debate on the cost of energy. This will take place as soon as I can arrange it.

Senator Quinn spoke about the importance of the allocation of national lottery funds for youth services. I understand such allocations are completely dependent on the availability of funds. I will certainly pass the Senator's strong views on to the Minister.

Senator Regan referred to the old chestnut of the Mahon tribunal. I wish the tribunal well in its deliberations. It is a mammoth task and a great undertaking has been going on for in excess of ten years, with more than 400 witnesses giving evidence. I hope all can benefit from the experience. It was not just one party alone that appeared before the tribunal, I understand that members of other parties were there. I hope everyone in public life can learn from the experience that these difficulties arise from time to time. We are placed here by the trust of the people. On the day that I was first elected to the Seanad, I came home to Castlepollard where 1,000 people had come out.