Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Countess Constance Markievicz had a significant part to play in getting the franchise for women in 1918, as the Deputy Leader remarked. We had to wait until the arrival of the former Minister, Máire Geoghegan Quinn, who was the next woman in Cabinet. That is how difficult it was for ladies, whereas now it is the norm. There are two ladies in Cabinet and there is a lady Tánaiste. Matters are progressing and women are becoming more prominent and giving example to others. It sends the message that we encourage ladies to be involved as much as is humanly possible.

Senators McCarthy and Bacik spoke on the Government levy that was announced yesterday. I hope it will be received in the spirit in which the Government, particularly the Minister for Health and Children, made the announcement. Age Action Ireland welcomed this and stated that the Government's intervention is timely and will ensure many of the 600,000 people over the age of 50 with private health insurance will be able to afford to keep the cover. That is the spirit in which it was proposed and implemented. I have no difficulty with debating this in the House in future.

Senator Glynn again called for a debate on foster carers. I am pleased to inform the House, with permission of the Fianna Fáil Party, that we will take this in party's next slot for Private Members' business. We only have one more slot before Christmas, which shows how tight it will be to get debates other than those on legislation to take place.

Senator Cummins made a common-sense proposal when he called for a debate on the carriage of freight to assist Irish exporters. He also mentioned the port of his native city of Waterford and called for the rail transport division of CIE to seize the opportunity if it arises. There is no reason such an opportunity should not exist, and we will have no difficulty facilitating a debate on that. I can also agree to the call by Senator Norris for a debate on the report of the Ombudsman for Children.

Senator Hanafin and others made strong proposals to avail of the downturn by focusing on job creation. The future is in training. About €4.3 billion will be spent by FÁS on retraining people between now and 2020, as 60% of today's workforce will have to be upskilled by that date. I look forward to this debate, and I know that many colleagues want to make a contribution. FÁS rallied to the cause magnificently in the 1980s, and we look forward to its participation in the challenges faced by those who are unfortunate enough to be losing their jobs at the moment. They will be able to avail of this upskilling and retraining immediately.

Senator Ó Murchú called for a debate on the Irish language, and I have no difficulty in leaving time aside for this. I welcome the students of Coláiste Treasa from Kanturk to the Visitors Gallery who are here for the conclusion of the Order of Business.