Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I intend to invite the Tánaiste to the House at the earliest possible time — I am talking about the next few sitting days — to discuss the challenges she has as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and how we can assist her in these areas. In response to Senator Quinn, as I have often said if the captains of industry can do it for themselves, imagine what they can do when they have the resources of the nation behind them with their ideas. Even though people have done it for themselves down through the years, everybody needs assistance at present.

I join all those celebrating the 90th anniversary of the ending of the First World War. I had a granduncle who fought in that war and, thankfully, survived. I congratulate everyone associated with it.

Senator Carty made a proposal to celebrate on 21 January 2009 the 90th anniversary of the First Dáil. Why not? What a wonderful idea. Let us see how we can progress this. With your permission, a Chathaoirligh, I will take the proposal to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges under your stewardship to see how we can progress it with your colleague, the Ceann Comhairle.

Senator O'Donovan congratulated those involved in the significant drugs haul off the coast of west Cork over the weekend. He congratulated the Garda, the Naval Service and Customs and Excise personnel who risked their lives. I wish to be associated with and offer the congratulations of all Members of the House to the Garda, the Naval Service and Customs and Excise for this magnificent achievement.

Senator Regan commented on the State visit of the President of the Czech Republic to Ireland. He is very welcome and I had the pleasure and honour of representing the Seanad, along with the Deputy Leader, Senator Boyle, at a lunch yesterday hosted by the Taoiseach for the Czech President. I was honoured to have met him and spoken to him for a few moments.

Senator MacSharry called for a debate on the national spatial strategy and the innovation fund in particular. He called on various Departments to indicate the up-to-date position and this can be taken with the debate on the economy. As I have stated in the House — some colleagues may have been in committee or otherwise engaged last week — we should leave such a debate until after the Finance Bill is published on 3 December. It would be possible to have the debate on the week after.

Senator MacSharry made his strong views known to the House regarding the Health Service Executive in the north west and the reduction in nurses' training. I understand the problem is in getting staff and I will come back to the House when I have a further update. There is a difficulty in recruitment in the area and I will have the matter checked further before coming back to the House, perhaps tomorrow, on the matter.

The Senator also had serious concerns regarding cancer screening in the north east. The Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Mary Harney, was in the House last week and gave a very comprehensive commentary on all aspects of the HSE. She even extended her question and answer session by 30 minutes, which was very generous. I mentioned this on the Order of Business last Thursday, and we never have any difficulty finding out the up-to-date position on that Minister's portfolio.

Senator Buttimer expressed his concern, views and support for the Fine Gael, Green Party and Fianna Fáil draws going on currently.