Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I have already made a commitment to the House on this worthwhile request.

Senator Quinn highlighted the successful two companies which won the tenders for food contracts for the Department of Defence. It is good to see competition between North and South. It is the only way we will get to grips with competitiveness, as has been pointed out repeatedly in the House. I wish these companies well and it is an eye-opener for what we have to do in the South to stay competitive. Wages are a serious challenge and I have no doubt that wages played an important factor in the winning tenders.

Senator Quinn also pointed out the good example set by Willie Walsh, leading by example by not taking his bonus at British Airways. I know everyone will have to do this because the money will not be there for bonuses. The private sector is doing it and I know an bord snip nua will have to seriously deliberate on this for our consideration regarding the challenges in the other areas that have to be addressed.

Senator Quinn also highlighted the WHO has taken the swine flu alert to level 6. We will have an update on this, every week if necessary, from the Minister for Health and Children. I look forward to hearing the views of Senator Twomey and other Members with experience in medical care on how to bring the matter to the attention of the public.

Senators Mary White and Buttimer called for the Minister for Health and Children to debate the report on suicide published yesterday by the Oireachtas health sub-committee on suicide levels. Up to 500 lives are lost every year through suicide. The Seanad will do everything it can in tackling this challenge and I have no problem having a debate on the matter.

Senator Regan requested the Minister for Social and Family Affairs attend a debate on social welfare fraud. He outlined his experience in this matter and pointed out the many savings being made in tackling it.

Senators Hanafin and MacSharry again called for a two-day debate on costed proposals from all parties regarding their views on our direction as a Government, an economy and a nation for the next three years. I will discuss this proposal with the leaders of the groups at our meeting next Tuesday and I have no difficulty in supporting this call.

As for the matters outlined to the House this morning by Senators McCarthy and MacSharry, I will deal with them and will respond to them next Tuesday. Senators Buttimer, McCarthy and others outlined their serious concerns regarding fixed rated mortgages. I understand this affects approximately 20% of mortgage holders. There is a serious gap at present and I hope the Minister will address this matter when he comes before the House. Senator Butler also outlined a proposal and he should elaborate further on his suggestion as to how the issue can be addressed in the coming weeks.

Senator MacSharry again called for a debate on the HSE in the presence of the Minister regarding cancer services in the north west and on the adjustment to be made in services in that part of the country. I agreed to this and a debate took place, but I have no difficulty in such a debate taking place once again.

Senator Callely sought a briefing in respect of the Garda Síochána and the possession of European warrants, and referred to the bitter experience about which all Members read in the newspapers this morning. I certainly will contact the Garda Commissioner in this regard to ascertain what is the up-to-date position on the serving of such warrants.

Senator Ryan expressed his concern regarding taking all Stages of the Aviation (Preclearance) Bill today. If it is helpful to the Senator, Members can take a sos between Committee and Report Stages to allow him, as is usual, to table whatever amendments are necessary. I always have tried to facilitate every political party's tabling of amendments during the passage of Bills. As this Bill was initiated in this House, I hope to get agreement with the spokespersons on this portfolio this morning and we can have a short sos between Stages. If Members request that I so do, I will propose an amendment to the Order of Business at a later stage to allow this to happen.

Senator McFadden raised the issue of HSE services in the context of the centre of excellence in Galway and the proposed shortfall in funding. Everyone simply must make the best of their budgets and work as hard as they can to give the best possible services. We can only wish them all well in this regard.

Senator McFadden requested that congratulations be extended to all past and present members of Westmeath County Council on the opening of the new council offices today. I am pleased to have been a member of the council before the Senator became a member. However, her father was a member and joined us on the Fianna Fáil-led council that initiated this wonderful project. Moreover, a Fianna Fáil-led Government supplied the funding and I am delighted it is happening today-----