Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

They have been wonderful ambassadors for the country and have given the image abroad that we have done so much to bring both education and religion to many parts of the world that are downtrodden and in which dictatorships have existed. It has been a pleasure in good times for Irish people to have contributed so magnificently and more per head of population in percentage terms than any other country in this regard. Unfortunately, we must now look after those at home as well as abroad. The Government is seriously concerned and will do its utmost for the underprivileged in those parts of the world referred to by colleagues.

Senators Leyden and Ó Murchú called for a full debate on banking, especially in respect of variable and fixed interest rates. There should be a once-off situation for those caught paying fixed interest rates. There is a dilemma in which the financial people find themselves at present, including the institutes, and a special offer should be made in respect of the fixed interest rates. I agree with Senator Leyden in respect of the Start Mortgages finance agency. I have heard one or two examples of the very high rates, in excess of 7%, which it is charging at present. It is really exercising its muscle in some instances and there is power play going on. I have no difficulty in setting time aside for that debate.

I will pass Senator Keaveney's views on to the Minister regarding the difference between Dublin and Belfast train stations in what they charge for the connecting train service. Senators Walsh, Buttimer, Hanafin and Glynn expressed their strong opinions on the Health Service Executive-sponsored debate in Cork on euthanasia. From time to time, Members have made their views on related matters known in the House. I have no difficulty with a debate taking place on this.

Senator Mary White called for an urgent debate on future opportunities for job creation and asked for the Tánaiste to attend the House. I have given a commitment to the House in this respect and the debate will be held in the first weeks after our return. To address the matter Senator Glynn outlined, he asked for the Minister of State with responsibility for food and horticulture, Deputy Sargent, to attend the House.

Senator Regan pointed out that he was referring to the 1994 to 1997 period yesterday. He stated that it was a Fine Gael-Labour Government, but the last time those parties got a mandate was in 1983. I recall that a Labour Party Minister for Finance was in situ between 1994 and 1997. The Senator's point clarified his comments.