Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senator Prendergast called for the Minister of State with responsibility for older people to come to the House to discuss care for older people. I will make this request immediately after the Order of Business. Senators Ormonde and Glynn called for a debate on planning and development and called for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Gormley, to discuss planning and fire officer certificates. Senator Glynn referred to validation dates, in which there can be major discrepancies ranging from three days to seven weeks in some local authority areas. Some indication should be given, as suggested by the Senator. I have no difficulty in arranging this the week after we return from the St. Patrick's Day recess.

Senators O'Reilly and Buttimer wished our Ministers well on the St. Patrick's Day showcase. I refer to their endeavours and hard work going all over the world. I wish them well and I also wish the Cathaoirleach well. I understand he will represent this House on St. Patrick's Day in the White House. I congratulate him on representing us. It is a wonderful acknowledgement that he is doing so and we congratulate him on taking the céad míle fáilte from the Upper House of Parliament to our friends in the White House.