Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators Fitzgerald, O'Toole, Prendergast. Regan, Harris, Bacik, Hanafin, Healy Eames, Hannigan, Buttimer, Butler, Ross, Coghlan and Norris expressed their views on the economy. There are great concerns about the changing face of the economy on a week by week basis. I had intended to have a debate on the economy the week after the Finance Bill is published on 3 December, but I will review the situation after these calls and similar calls last week to see how an earlier debate may be facilitated. Senator Regan quoted an address the Taoiseach gave some months ago, but the situation is changing weekly rather than monthly or annually. It is unprecedented. Those of us who have been in business long enough know that what is happening is unprecedented. World leaders have never faced such a challenge to the global economy, which affects everyone, as we are witnessing now. I remember the recession in the 1970s and the 1980s. I was involved in the terrible struggle to keep paying staff wages and maintain employment. No one has all the answers, and I want colleagues to exercise their minds on this and perhaps come up with a unified suggestion for the Government.

In times of previous economic downturn, farmers had resort to the ACC, which was a Government-backed bank, while the manufacturing sector and small family businesses had recourse to the ICC, but those institutions are no longer there. People who were struggling could discuss their problems with a bank and it gave them a break because it was Government-backed. On this occasion, however, that does not arise. The difficulty now is that the Government must protect small firms, including family businesses, those who employ approximately 150,000 people. Those people are very concerned about the challenges they will have to face in the next 18 months. That being the case, legislators must ensure that some provision is made in the banks' guarantee to replace the good work previously done by the ACC and the ICC. I can certainly say, addressing the Upper House as Leader, that I know dozens and dozens of friends who would not be in employment or would not be giving employment today in a huge way, particularly in the midlands where I am from, were it not for the assistance of those two Government-backed banks in the 1970s and 1980s. I will do anything I can to assist colleagues in regard to having this debate take place. I want to help in every way possible in order that we, as Members of the Upper House, play our part.

Senator Fitzgerald asked the up-to-date position regarding medical cards and I will come back to the House tomorrow morning with that information. Senator O'Toole has on numerous occasions requested a debate on education. I am endeavouring to have this debate take place but, as colleagues know, legislation, which has priority, is being dealt with all day tomorrow and all day Thursday. I know how seriously colleagues take legislation when it is offered to the House and I look forward to their participation over the next two days. I have taken on board the strong views expressed in the House last week with regard to legislation getting preference over statements and other debates.

Senator Prendergast outlined something really important to the House, namely, the unfortunate plight of the late Susie Long. Going home from the House one afternoon I heard a re-run on the radio on what poor Susie Long had said and experienced over the seven or eight months she had waited to get into hospital. Had she been diagnosed with cancer in time, she might be alive today. Surely it would be the wish of every Member of this House, under your stewardship, a Chathoirleach, that we would learn from the advice and example of the late Susie Long and do whatever we can in order that this can be addressed.

It is unacceptable that someone is told he or she has cancer but cannot be taken into hospital for three or four months. If there is a priority to be given to expenditure, surely it must be given to those who are suffering the dreaded plague of cancer. We should make it one of our principal fights and priorities, as Members of the 23rd Seanad, to seek to do all we possibly can to ensure cancer is made one of the top priorities of the HSE. No one should be told he or she has cancer and must stay at home for three months. That is not acceptable. I will certainly have the Minister to the House to discuss this issue. The Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Mary Harney, has been very co-operative with the House since she was appointed to her portfolio in the current Government.

Reference was made to penny-pinching cutbacks and the need for self esteem and respect for the unfortunate people who were suffering from the treatment of cancer. I will certainly have this addressed and will speak to the Minister personally about it.

Senator Ó Murchú welcomed the decision of the city council that No. 16 Moore Street would be preserved. The building was closely associated with the leaders of 1916. I join with Senator Ó Murchú in welcoming the decision and we look forward to anything that can be done to enhance the property. I congratulate the city manager, councillors and the Lord Mayor for this decision.

Senator Harris referred to the task force on the reform of the public service, which he is making one of his priorities. My understanding is that this report will be published about 26 November. I also commend the Senator with regard to taking a reduction of 10% in his salary as his commitment to the plight of the economy at present.

Senator Bacik called for a debate on female genital mutilation, which I can certainly allow to take place. Senators Kett, Hannigan, Feeney and Norris called for an update on the regulation of apartments and management charges. I understand from the Deputy Leader, Senator Dan Boyle, that legislation is coming forward and will be in the House in the very near future. I join the Senators in their call in that regard. I heard on the radio that 180,000 apartments are now available or are being rented here. That means that in excess of 250,000 people live in apartments.

Senator Hannigan expressed his views on the unfortunate 39 albinos who were killed in Tanzania. I will pass on the Senator's views to the Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Senator Buttimer asked the up-to-date position on the intention of the Government regarding aviation, particularly in respect of the three airports in Cork, Shannon and Dublin. I made a commitment to have a debate on that.

Senator McFadden called for support for lone parents, working lone parents and lone parents in their teens. I support the Senator's call and will do anything I possibly can to have a debate on that issue.

Senator Norris called on the Minister for Transport, Deputy Dempsey, to come into the House and explain the United States-Ireland agreement that has been successfully concluded. I congratulate the Minister, Deputy Dempsey, on what he has done for the Irish who travel to the US in terms of customs clearance. We all remember the bad old days when we would arrive in New York or some other destination in the US after a long flight and would have to stand for three or three and a half hours while waiting for customs clearance, and there was no air conditioning in those days. I congratulate the Minister. I will pass on Senator Norris's strong views on the other issues he raised.