Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

It is a respectful decision taken by everyone concerned and it allows everyone to vote under the same conditions for the 15 hours allowed for voting on voting day. This is a respect which the media, in fairness to them, have always shown and the convention should be continued.

Senator Hanafin also asked for a two-day debate to allow all parties to make their policies known to the people and suggested use of the Seanad as the forum for this debate. I am looking forward immensely to this debate taking place in the House. I have requested the leaders of the groups to meet me after the Order of Business on Thursday morning so that we can plan and discuss the next three weeks' sittings of the House in a way that will allow some of these urgent debates to take place as well as dealing with the legislation which needs to be passed by the House before the summer recess.

Senator Healy Eames referred to the allocation for special needs classes. More than €600 million has been allocated through the capital programme this year. This is a significant sum in difficult, hard times and is coupled with a total of 7,000 teachers employed over the past number of years. However, I take the point made by the Senator and I will pass on her strong views to the Minister after the Order of Business.

Senators Callely and Corrigan wished everyone well in this week which included World Elder Abuse Day, which has been an outstanding success. They referred to the Department's policy with regard to elder abuse. Senator Corrigan correctly stated that there was an in-depth debate on this subject in the House this year. I will pass on the views of both Senators to the Minister and I support the points they raised today.

Senator Bacik asked whether the climate change Bill and the civil partnership Bill will be introduced before the end of the term. She asked for the timeframe for these Bills.

I will pass on Senator Hannigan's strong views to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Martin, regarding the Burmese Government. Senator Buttimer raised the issue of co-location of hospitals and the role of An Bord Pleanála and he asked about the current Government policy on this issue. I hope to have the Minister for Health and Children in the House to deal with all issues pertaining to the health portfolio. Senator Coghlan asked about Killarney Park. I responded on this matter last week. I suggest the Senator raise this on the Adjournment of the House because it is an issue that would ideally suit an instant response from the Minister.