Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators Fitzgerald, O'Toole, Prendergast, Boyle, Coghlan, Coffey, Callely, Buttimer, Regan, Ó Murchú, Ormonde and Hanafin welcomed the possibility that the national strike will be called off next Monday. I had the opportunity to inform the House yesterday that the Taoiseach had called on everyone concerned back to talks about the economic plan. Some colleagues might not have realised that that took place in the House, but with committee meetings also taking place, it is not easy to be everywhere. The initiative taken by the Taoiseach will hopefully bear fruit. Everyone responsible has said how important it is for the image of Ireland throughout the world that this strike does not take place, and, please God, it will not take place.

Senators O'Toole, Norris and Ormonde called for a debate on third level fees. I have no difficulty in making time available for this. Senators Prendergast and McFadden called for all public persons, including Members in this House, to be trained in CPR. I congratulate all organisations, particularly voluntary organisations, including sporting organisations, that have done great work to fund raise for equipment and training in this whole area.

Senators Bradford and Callely called for a debate on carers. I know carers are in town today. Senator Bradford pointed out that there are 160,000 people working directly in that service. The former Minister for Social and Family Affairs, the late Séamus Brennan, made an indelible mark in helping carers. I have no difficulty in making time available for such a debate. When the Minister is in the House tomorrow, I urge Senators to make their case about means testing for carers. The worth of the work done by carers cannot be repaid in monetary terms alone.

Senator Mullen spoke about motion 37 on the Order Paper in his name and that of Senator Shane Ross, which is related to calling off the strike. I hope that events have overtaken that. I gave the Senator my word on the phone yesterday that I would visit this after the Order of Business today. Maybe we should leave it until Private Members' time at 5 p.m. and see what progress takes place during the day. I have no difficulty in taking the debate tomorrow after the pre-budget statements if progress has not been made. There is nothing more important to this country than calling off that strike. I thank the Senator for putting down the motion. He also brought to the attention of the House the fact that private and public buildings across Ireland will be among those 1,000 locations in the world that will be pitched into darkness next Saturday at 8.30 p.m. for Earth Hour. I welcome that call, but we have a dilemma in Mullingar because I understand that the Labour Party conference, which will take place there at the weekend, will be broadcast live on television at that time. I must discuss that issue with colleagues to see if we can bring forward the broadcast time.