Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

The Cathaoirleach has spoken.

Senators O'Toole, Harris, Norris, O'Malley, O'Sullivan, Regan, Buttimer and Hanafin requested a debate on the difficulties being experienced as a result of challenges to law and order in Mayo and other parts of the country. On Thursday next, all Senators will be able to make statements on gangland crime during an all-day debate on the subject. I look forward to the contributions of all those who made requests for such a debate. I have made arrangements to allocate 15 minutes for the contributions of spokespersons and ten minutes for those of other Senators. This is the most serious challenge the system of democracy in this country has faced for some time. I call on all Members to make a contribution to the debate on this serious challenge to our democracy.

Senators Alex White, Coffey, Feeney and Healy Eames requested that the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, come before the House to discuss all matters - co-location, the national cancer strategy, BreastCheck etc. - relating to the operation of the health service and the challenges faced by her Department. The Minister has come to the House on many occasions and has always been forthcoming when answering questions. I look forward to her presence in the House and have no difficulty in agreeing to arrange this debate.

Senators Norris and O'Malley expressed their serious views on the interruption of the bus service in Dublin and the challenges faced by customers as a result. I look forward to a speedy conclusion of this difficulty and will leave time aside for statements next week if the dispute is not resolved. I also have no difficulty allocating time for the debate requested by Senator Norris and join him in welcoming Bram Stoker's family to the House.

Senators Coghlan and McFadden highlighted the issues of job creation and the banks. Fine Gael has tabled the motion for Private Members' business tomorrow so the Senators can express their concerns about the national assets management agency, NAMA, then.

Senator Cannon called for a debate on early childhood education initiatives he has outlined to the House. I have no difficulty with having the Minister come here to debate that in the near future. Senator O'Sullivan mentioned the report, Drive for Zero, prepared by the Joint Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security and I join him in congratulating the committee on the good work it did. I will arrange for a debate on this issue at some point in the future, time permitting.

Senator Regan asked about the business of the House. Following the changes to the Ministers of State last week, we have had to redraw the Order of Business for the week and I thank Senators for their understanding. Legislation has always taken precedence and its importance has been to the forefront of our activities. Seven changes were made in the ranks of the Ministers of State and some them are currently outside the country. I acknowledge the co-operation of the Whips and thank my colleagues for their understanding and patience. Things should be back to normal next week.

Senator Buttimer called for a debate on the Revenue Commissioners. I will fully accede to this request and look forward to the participation of Members in such a debate. The Revenue Commissioners, like everyone else, will find it difficult to collect money because businesses are finding it difficult to collect money. If credit is not made available by the banks, the Revenue Commissioners will find they are in the same situation as those in private enterprise.

Senator Ó Murchú gave the House the benefit of his views on the forthcoming referendum on the Lisbon Treaty and the challenges we face. I agree that the economic future of Ireland lies with Europe, that has never been truer. I shudder to think what would have happened to our interest rates were we not in Europe.

Senator McFadden called for a debate on agriculture as we see prices for milk fall to 1983 levels. Our hearts go out to those in the agricultural sector. Those of us from the lake county of Westmeath know what is happening daily as we meet constituents. The co-operative movement, which was set up by the grandfather of Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher, has certainly stood the test of time. Those who have read the book telling his life story will acknowledge that it was a wonderful idea which served the rural community and, indeed, every part of Ireland well through the years.