Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators O'Toole, Glynn, Ó Murchú, Doherty and Mullen expressed their sincere disappointment at the discontinuation of the Irish language newspaper, and I join them. I have given a commitment that we will hold a debate on the Irish language in this session, as we always have before the summer recess, with the Minister present.

Senators Glynn, Coghlan and Buttimer pointed out the inaccuracies in the register of electors, particularly the present registers that we found to be out of touch. I have no difficulty in making available time to discuss the committee's report on this matter.

Unfortunately, I am not in a position to accept that we have all-party agreement on Senator Norris's motion.

Senators McCarthy, Buttimer and Bradford called for an urgent debate on the fishing industry. I gave a commitment to Senator O'Donovan to give the longest time required for a debate in this session on the urgent issues and challenges facing the fishing industry and I will endeavour to have this take place within the next two to three weeks.

Senators Twomey and Coghlan called for a debate on the Lisbon treaty and asked that the leaders of all the parties get together to see how we can progress the proposal for the referendum on the treaty. This is a very worthwhile suggestion which I will pass on to the Taoiseach after the Order of Business. I have no difficulty in making available time in this session to debate that issue.

On the matters outlined by Senator Healy Eames with which Senator Hanafin disagreed, we will have debates on the banks and the financial challenges facing the country-----