Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senator Callely spoke about telecom supports. I certainly can give him an undertaking that I will raise these matters urgently with the Minister. I thank him for bringing the issue to the attention of the House. Senator Norris raised the timeframe for speaking in the House. We already extended it to ten minutes because we know how long-winded the Senator can be from time to time. In fairness to you, a Chathaoirligh, you give the Senator latitude, but I suggest he take up the matter with the leader of his group and we can discuss it at the Committee on Procedure and Privileges.

Senator Hanafin called for a debate on organ donation. There is no difficulty in making time available for this. It is a very worthy request and all sides can support it. Senator Quinn called for a permanent move to central European time. I realise Senator Quinn has made the proposal before to leave central European time, which has been known as new time throughout the years, all year round. There could be a significant advantage in energy savings and the other areas outlined by the Senator. We can discuss the matter and I am prepared to allow time to consider it at the appropriate time when the Minister is available.

We can discuss the possibility of having another pilot scheme. I recall some years ago it was done on a pilot basis, but in rural Ireland it was not successful because it was dark until9.30 a.m., especially in December and January. There was a good deal of concern among parents because children were going to school and waiting for buses at crossroads and various other places at that time. However, Ireland has moved on considerably since then and it is never the wrong time to do the right thing. We can debate and discuss the matter to establish how we can make progress in this area.

Senator Butler called for a debate on tourism. I am pleased to inform the Senator that tourism will be discussed in the House this afternoon between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. That will be an ideal time and opportunity for anyone who wishes to make views known to the Minister in respect of the challenges in the tourism sector, which are the same as every other sector at present. We look forward to the debate with the Minister this afternoon.

Senator Regan remarked on where our interests lie. They lie in the heart of Europe. We all support our membership of the European Union. Ireland is a changed place since 1973 when the late, great Jack Lynch signed our admission to the European Economic Community. Let us consider where we would be now were we not in the monetary section of the European Union. Interest rates are at an historic low, which is the only positive thing occurring at present to give people hope for the future in respect of mortgages and in respect of investment on the other side. We will do anything we can on this side of the House and I realise almost all colleagues on the other side of the House fully support the proposed referendum on the acceptance of the Lisbon treaty.

We have made many friends and colleagues within Europe, whether from dealing with the Cohesion Fund or the Leader programme. Such funding has transformed our infrastructure, for example, roads and water and sewerage schemes. Europe has been to the fore in all the positive things that have occurred in Ireland in the past 30 to 35 years, including developments in agriculture such as the Common Agricultural Policy, CAP. We have been net beneficiaries to the extent of a ratio of 5:1 in respect of our investment, which is magnificent. We see ourselves in the future at the centre stage of the European Union. I fully agree with Senator Regan in respect of most of the views expressed regarding where we are going in the future.

I will pass on the strong views of Senator Hannigan to the Minister for Foreign Affairs regarding the delays being experienced by the four truckloads of humanitarian aid for Gaza and its poor unfortunate people.

Senator McFadden again called to have the Fine Gael proposals on Oireachtas reform discussed. I will pass her views on to the Taoiseach this afternoon. If time is required and if it is necessary, we will revisit the matter. Last week we discussed Seanad reform as part of an excellent debate. It was one of the best debates which took place in the House in respect of reform. We certainly will consider it because the Minister is due to revert to the committee by 22 April. We hope that will be one of the final deliberations on the report before us. If anyone has any further proposals or anything for consideration, the time to submit them is before 22 April.