Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senator Norris called for a debate on the research which was published yesterday regarding mental health among young gay people. I have no difficulty in allowing this to take place.

The Senator also spoke about the Yeats house in Sligo. I will convey his views to the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. "Ben Bulben of Sligo majestic you stand to welcome me back from my travels" — what a contribution Yeats has made. He is respected throughout the world.

Senator Hanafin spoke about his and other Members' strongly held views on the church's teaching and the contribution of the church. I join him in those remarks and will convey his views to the Minister after the Order of Business.

Senator Prendergast sought an urgent debate on the Health Service Executive's current proposals and plans for maternity services. I have no difficulty with arranging for a debate on this issue.

I will convey Senator Coghlan's views on the matter he raised regarding Eircom telephone boxes for the people in Kerry. Perhaps the Senator should speak to his leader about using Fine Gael's Private Members' time to discuss that issue.

Senator O'Reilly and Senator Butler called for a debate on the positive steps that can be taken for job creation in the context of green issues. Senator Butler has outlined a lengthy proposal to the House for the creation of between 25,000 and 30,000 jobs. It would not cost the State anything but it could gain a great deal from it. I congratulate the Senator. I heard the proposal aired on the "Today with Pat Kenny" show this morning. It shows that a good proposal from a Member of the Oireachtas that is put before their parliamentary party and particularly before the Houses can be very meaningful. Senator Butler's proposal has great merit and deserves congratulations. I hope the Government takes it on board and makes it a reality.

Senator Cummins and Senator John Paul Phelan outlined the dreadful plight of the Waterford Crystal workers. I doubt that any other Irish company, aside from perhaps Baileys and Guinness, has made such an impact by becoming a world renowned brand. In many of the prestigious events in the sporting world, for example, the trophy awarded is generally by Waterford Crystal.

If someone pays their contributions over a lifetime, it is immoral if they are not entitled to have those contributions honoured. I will certainly allocate as much time as necessary next week to have this issue and the plight of the people who paid their pension contributions discussed. The workers have been paying these contributions over generations. As Senator Cummins said, one of the workers has been paying his contributions for more than 40 years and has been told that he might not be able to enjoy the benefits of those contributions. That is not good enough. I will consult the Senator after the Order of Business to arrange how we can make this debate happen next week.