Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

With regard to the other points raised by Senator Norris, I will get back to the Senator directly this afternoon when I find out what is the position.

Senators Ó Murchú, John Paul Phelan and Buttimer made very valid proposals for celebrating the 90th anniversary of the First Dáil. Senator Ó Murchú suggested that schools, employers and community activists should all become involved in the celebrations of this wonderful 90 years which will be taking place on 20 and 21 January 2009. I look forward to everyone participating in this event such as the national broadcaster. I hope we will have an opportunity to have a debate in the House on its return after the Christmas recess on the subject of the transformation in our country in the 90 years. Senator Ó Murchú also referred to the lighting of the candle and the uplifting of the spirits of our people. I will pass on the Senator's views to the Minister after the Order of Business.

Senator John Paul Phelan asked for a debate on education. I have given my word that we will have such a debate. This week is completely taken up with legislation but the Minister has agreed to come to the House at the earliest possible opportunity when his diary permits. This will be in the first or second week after the Christmas recess. This morning Senator John Paul Phelan and I attended the Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business which was meeting the farming community. We will have to inquire into the statement made by Mr. Padraig Walshe, the president of the farming organisation about the local inspectorate for local authorities which has been appointed and which is duplicating the work of the inspectorate of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. This is an area where savings could be made in these hard-pressed times and I will make inquiries on the matter.