Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senator Prendergast called for a debate on the HSE with regard to St. Luke's and funding for mental health. I have given a commitment to hold such a debate. The Minister of State, Deputy John Moloney, is very supportive and is willing to come to the House when invited to debate any matter related to his portfolio.

Senator Martin Brady and Senator John Hanafin brought to the attention of the House the cost of estate management fees, which are certainly exorbitant. I will convey the Senators' strong views to the Minister after the Order of Business. They also asked that the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Coughlan, be invited to the House to discuss the many challenges facing business enterprises. I have put that request to the Minister and am awaiting a date for it to take place.

Senator Terry Leyden asked for a debate on landlords and tenants, particularly the 128,000 persons who have tenancies. It is timely to have such a debate and I will allocate time for it.

Senator Feargal Quinn and Senator Marc MacSharry spoke about the waste of paper and the report of the Irish film organisation which was produced on DVD. This is very welcome. Many organisations are moving to do something on this issue. I thank the Senators for drawing it to the attention of the House and I will convey their strong views to the Minister. Senator Quinn also raised the poisoning of birds and the damage being caused to the environment. There is a wonderful radio programme each afternoon, "Mooney Goes Wild", which has been particularly good in the past few weeks. It brings a huge amount of attention to wildlife and everything associated with it. It is timely for Senator Quinn to bring the issue to our attention. Senator MacSharry called for a debate on Standing Orders and matters pertaining to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. I have no problem with ensuring this takes place.

Senator David Norris expressed his strong views on the Shell to Sea campaign and the many challenges and difficulties being experienced in Mayo. I will allocate time for that debate. He also raised prison sentencing for people in Tibet. That issue could probably be dealt with by way of Private Members' business. If not, I will facilitate the Senator by organising a debate when legislation is not available. With so much legislation being produced, it will be difficult to find time to discuss many matters but I will try to prioritise them in the best way possible with the assistance of the other leaders.

Senator Denis O'Donovan outlined the serious plight of the fishing industry. It appears there are regulations for the Irish fishing industry that do not seem to be in place for neighbouring states that fish in Irish waters. If that is the case, it is unfair and I have no problem with bringing it to the attention of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and having it debated in the House before the end of the session.

Senator Fidelma Healy Eames outlined her serious concerns about local authority libraries and the situation in Galway. She called for a debate on the matter and I will give the request serious consideration.

Senator Mary White, Senator Geraldine Feeney, Senator Jim Walsh and Senator Liam Twomey expressed their strong concerns about the Monageer report and the tragedy that took place. As Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú and many others said, it was a tragedy. Our hearts go out to the families concerned. I will try to have the matter debated in the House in the presence of the Minister at a future date.

Senator Maurice Cummins and Senator Ó Murchú congratulated the people and the mayor of Limerick and the family who called on the people of Limerick to march in large numbers last Sunday to let the rest of the country know that they seek respect and protection of the law. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform is due to bring very strong legislation before the House to deal with this issue. I, too, congratulate the people who participated last Sunday in such large numbers to let the country know their strong views. As Senator Ó Murchú said, they must be congratulated on their courage.

Senator Geraldine Feeney sought a debate on the Simon Community. I congratulate the organisation on its fortieth anniversary. I will allocate time for that debate. The Senator also called for a debate on mortgages and small and medium-sized businesses. I would add the issue of fixed mortgages. A substantial percentage of couples is caught in the trap of fixed mortgages. It is time the banks confronted the difficulty in which young people find themselves, particularly young couples where the breadwinner has been made unemployed. Something must be done in this area. I have no difficulty with allocating time for that debate.

Senator Rónán Mullen called for a debate on the spirit of Ireland, energy independence and how we can take advantage of our geographical location in Europe in terms of being a supplier of energy to Europe in years to come. This is a very worthwhile request and I will allocate time for it. The Senator also sought a debate on overseas development and where funding will be made available in the coming years of scarce resources. Ireland has been one of the top six or seven nations in the world in its contributions per capita to overseas development. I will allocate time for this debate.

Senator Liam Twomey asked me to convey his strong views about the children's hospital in Crumlin and funding for that hospital. It is a serious concern. Senator Frances Fitzgerald also raised this issue previously. I will convey my colleagues' strong views to the Minister. If a debate is required, it can be arranged.

Senator Ivor Callely sought a debate on Ireland's competitiveness. As I have said frequently on the Order of Business, our biggest challenge is our competitiveness. We can organise a debate on the matter with the Minister for Finance in the next two or three weeks.