Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Cathaoirleach. I am simply informing the House of the facts as they happened in the past.

Senators called for a debate on human rights and the funding of human rights and anti-racism organisations, about which I have no difficulty. I am also happy to set aside time for a debate on banking and the up-to-date position on that sector. I gave a commitment to the House that once every month we will discuss the financial challenges facing the country, which includes banking. We can also have a debate, once a month, on the economy. Given the downturn that is taking place, we must review the challenges every month and assist the Government in any way we can.

Senators also called for a debate on energy costs, which is urgent because what is proposed by the energy suppliers is unacceptable. It is completely unacceptable that in the past 12 months gas and electricity prices have increased by 25%. It is simply not possible to keep the doors open on establishments in the face of price increases of that magnitude. As Senator Leyden said, the price of a barrel of oil has dropped substantially in recent weeks. There is something wrong somewhere. There appears to be a hidden agenda. The Seanad can play a leading role in assisting the Government and the Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, in getting to the bottom of this. The committee has a serious responsibility in this area. It should devote time to unearthing the hidden agenda and conduct an inquiry similar to the one carried out into the insurance industry. If it could be done with regard to insurance costs, it can be done with regard to energy. We must find the source of the rip-off in energy costs. Those Senators who are members of the aforementioned committee have a duty to this House to ensure that the committee devotes adequate time to this matter — I would suggest a minimum of half a day per week for the next four weeks — to ensure that the people are protected from being ripped off.

What is happening is unacceptable. Thousands of jobs could be lost because of high energy costs. I know of many people operating in the tourism sector who are suffering a huge amount of pain at present. They do not know how they will keep their doors open for the months of November through to February. Tourism is one of the top three industries that is keeping our economy going and it is a major employer. I beseech Members on all sides of the House who are members of the energy committee to play their part. After the Order of Business today I will consult with them to see if the Seanad can play a part in assisting the committee in its deliberations.

The call for a debate on foreign affairs is timely and I have no difficulty in allocating time for it. Senators White and O'Malley referred to the appalling pictures on television screens of the poor people in the Congo. It is unbelievable and unimaginable that, in this day and age, such carry-on continues in some countries. Senator Keaveney called for a debate on Northern Ireland, which is timely given the cross-Border situation and the deliberations of the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and the various North-South bodies. I have no difficulty in such a debate taking place before Christmas.

Senator Prendergast called for a debate with the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Mary Harney, who is due in the House in five minutes. The Senator can make her point to the Minister in her contribution to that debate. Senator Coffey called for a debate on waste management and I have given my word that this will take place in the coming weeks. Senator Bacik referred to the Climate Protection Bill 2007 and asked when Second Stage will be taken. I will revert to the Senator on that matter in the afternoon. The Senator also referred to the Civil Partnership Bill which will be taken in the House early next year. Senator Healy Eames highlighted her concerns about the party pill. The Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Mary Harney, will be in the House shortly and the Senator can raise that in her contribution.