Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Is it any wonder that we are the envy of the world in terms of our artists and the creativity of our young people? I will endeavour to have this debate take place before the Christmas recess. Senator O'Toole knows I am doing my best in this regard.

I join with Senator Hannigan in welcoming the signing by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform of the convention banning cluster bombs. Members on all sides of the House made a contribution in this regard. I acknowledge the concerns expressed by Senators Hannigan and Walsh regarding gift vouchers and will convey them to the Minister. I suggest that Senator Hannigan seek to have his concerns regarding planning in south County Louth accepted as a matter for debate on the Adjournment. The Cathaoirleach will consider his request. We have legislation to deal with on every sitting day until the Friday before Christmas.

Senator Keaveney raised concerns regarding domestic violence. We will commence our Second Stage consideration of the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill next Tuesday. I will undertake to allocate additional time for that debate so that the issue raised by the Senator may be addressed.

Senator Healy Eames called for a debate on the proposed takeover by Ryanair of Aer Lingus. I will endeavour to accede to her proposal but the time is extremely tight. The Senator also called for a debate, to be attended by the Minister for Transport, on major infrastructural projects. A transformation has taken place in the road infrastructure.