Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I am sure the Senator's leader can tell him the precise date because he has it in his diary. I know he is consulting him on a daily basis on these matters.

Senator Norris also raised the matter of energy costs, which I will deal with later. On his motion, I will look into it immediately after the Order of Business this morning, but in the meantime we have a one-hour debate today to enable colleagues to express their views on the House. I have no difficulty in dealing with an all-party motion if I am given instructions by the Government Chief Whip, to whom I am answerable.

Senators Callely and O'Reilly raised the matter of the new home energy plan in which many thousands of people will participate. I know that four weeks may be a long time for many people, but it is extremely important to get it right. I will pass on the Senators' views to the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Ryan, but he can rest assured that the €4,000 as well as the other packages contained in this wonderful energy plan will be a godsend for many people throughout the country.

Senator Callely had strong views on the taxi issue and I certainly will pass those on to the Minister after the Order of Business.

I wish the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Micheál Martin, well on his historic visit to Cuba — Senator Hannigan raised this matter. We congratulate him on being there. We saw him on television last night relaying the up-to-date position to the people of the world on how the young, new dynamic Ireland that the people have admired for a number of years will deal with the challenges that face Ireland as well as all other countries at present.

I welcome the news this morning about Bord Gáis entering the energy electricity market as a supplier, with a guarantee to customers that its prices will be at least 10% lower than those of the ESB for the next three years. This double digit guarantee will remain in place, regardless of any cuts the ESB may introduce. I welcome the Taoiseach's announcement in Mullingar last Friday that he directed the energy regulator to bring forward a cut in electricity costs of up to 15% within the next month or two. This was a very well attended function, organised by my colleague, Senator Camillus Glynn. The announcement by the Taoiseach is very welcome because if it happens——