Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators John Paul Phelan, O'Toole, Hannigan, Coghlan, Walsh, O'Reilly, Buttimer, Callely, Bacik and Regan called for a debate on the various Seanad reform proposals made by Fine Gael, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the various groupings and parties in the Houses in order to ensure taxpayers obtain the best value for money. I offer Senators a commitment to have an all-day debate on the issue of Seanad reform. Last night's Private Members' business afforded inadequate time for this debate. I thank Senators for their understanding in this regard.

I agree that we must have a comprehensive debate on the issue. We must not lose sight of the achievements of this House and its importance. The entire future of democracy in this country depends on the way in which we conduct our business for the next ten, 20 and 50 years. The success of this peaceful nation depends on everybody's view being heard. This House allows that to happen. We sit late into the night, until 3 a.m., 4 a.m. or 5 a.m, in order that a full debate can take place and debates on Bills are not guillotined. Members will recall that the House sat through the night until 8.20 a.m. to debate the legislation on the guarantee for financial institutions. We are totally committed legislators. We are not involved in the argy-bargy of the political process that takes place in the Dáil.

It is absolutely essential that we conduct our affairs as effectively as possible and that we are perceived to do so by the public. We face a major challenge in seeking to ensure the proceedings of the House are brought into every home in order that the public — the constituents who have given us this responsibility — will see the massive work done in this Chamber on their behalf in scrutinising every item of legislation that comes before us. Included in this is the important task of scrutinising the vast quantity of European Union legislation which arrives not in 20-page or 40-page documents but by the half stone and stone. The House has a major responsibility in that regard.

I look forward to participating at the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, under the stewardship of the Cathaoirleach and in co-operation with the various Whips, to examine how we can take Seanad Éireann into the 21st century and make it more relevant. The House must function as the protector of democracy in respect of all the proposals received from the European Union, as well as the new and existing legislation we are required to deal with from various Departments. I will have no difficulty in allocating time for a debate on the issue.

In regard to a debate on the economy, I will discuss the issue with the leaders of the parties and groups at our next meeting. I suggest we leave it as late as we can in order that it can be taken as close as possible to budget day. I understand the Taoiseach will afford the Dáil the opportunity of having a debate on the economy before the budget is announced. It is timely and appropriate that this House should have an all-day debate, if necessary. I am prepared to set aside either a Tuesday or Thursday in order that every Member will have an opportunity to make a contribution.

Senator John Paul Phelan's request for an amendment to the Order of Business is timely. However, we are dealing today with Report Stage of an important Bill initiated in this House. Were I to concede to the amendment, colleagues could be here until 8 p.m., 9 p.m. or later. As Members know, various Ministers will travel to locations throughout the world next week as our ambassadors. We are greatly honoured that the Cathaoirleach will travel to Washington to represent this House. Senator Phelan and other Members know that I have always been forthcoming in response to any reasonable requests for time to be allocated for debates to be attended by the relevant Minister. I offer Members a commitment that they will be given an opportunity to express their views before the budget is announced on 7 April. In addition, we will have an all-day and all-night debate on the budget on Holy Thursday, 9 April. The timeframe is such that we will be required to process the Bill before the Easter recess.

I join Senator Hannigan in congratulating the Irish Congress of Trade Unions on its successful organisation of marches in the North of Ireland yesterday. I congratulate the marchers who came out in their thousands to let the world know that this was a peaceful place and that we did not condone the three murders that had taken place in recent days.

I will have no difficulty in allocating time for a debate on the construction industry, as called for by Senator O'Toole.

Senators Alex White, Walsh, Norris, MacSharry, Callely, Hannigan, Buttimer, Bacik and Mullen have congratulated the Taoiseach and everybody concerned on the establishment of the new task force which involves the coming together of two universities. Various Members asked why the other universities and the institutes of technology were not involved. I will have no difficulty in allowing a debate on the issue and education in general.

Senator Daly referred to the announcement by the President of the United States, Mr. Barack Obama, that March was to be declared Irish-American heritage month. The Senator will join the Taoiseach and the Cathaoirleach in Washington on St. Patrick's Day. I am aware that he has many contacts there at the highest level.

Senator Coghlan called for a debate on banking issues. I propose that this be accommodated within the broader debate on the economy. I take the Senator's proposals in the spirit in which they were made.

Senators Walsh and MacSharry called for a debate on the media, particularly the responsible media. The big winner seems to be the teletext service. Many of us find ourselves checking it at 7 a.m. in our search for cold, hard facts as they are emerging rather than the personal views of a particular commentator. Such a debate would be timely.

Senator Norris called for a debate on the Corrib gas field. I will have no difficulty in allocating time for this purpose. The Senator also called for a debate on the European Union which I propose should take place after the Easter recess.

Senator MacSharry called for a debate on data protection. As legislators, we will be forthcoming in providing any assistance that may be required by the Garda Síochána in this regard. The screening of "Veronica Guerin" on television last night brought home the difficulties experienced by the Garda Síochána and journalists with regard to the horrific murder of Veronica, who we all knew so well. Senator Cummins called for mandatory sentencing of anyone convicted of the crime outlined by him. We support his call.

Senator O'Reilly referred to the schools building programme, on which €640 million is being spent this year. The Senator is pleased about that and we in the midlands are pleased that Loughegar has a brand new school in these difficult times for the economy. I will pass on his views to the Minister. He expressed strong views on a bilateral agreement with the United States on the undocumented Irish there. I will pass on his views to the Taoiseach before his visit to Washington.

Senator Callely called for a debate on homelessness and I agree to this taking place. Senator Keaveney outlined her views on obesity and food options. "The Tubridy Show" was enlightening on this subject this morning and I have no difficulty including this aspect in our debate on health issues when the Minister for Health and Children comes to the House. Senator Keaveney also called for a debate on mental health and music therapy, which is very uplifting. Anyone in the world knows how uplifting music is. It lifts the spirits of everyone and I have no difficulty in including this aspect in the health debate.

Senator Bacik called for a debate on the Equality Authority and I can accede to the request. She also asked about the civil partnership Bill, which was due in this House. I am endeavouring to get the date for its publication but I understand that the priorities of draftspersons are being examined. This Bill will come to the House and I hope it will be before the summer recess.