Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senator Keaveney expressed her views on the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission and rights on the seabed. I will pass on the Senator's strong views to the Minister.

Senator Donohoe raised certain issues and highlighted the major challenges facing our country regarding the problem of the economy. I gave an undertaking earlier on the Order of Business that we will have this debate. On almost every Order of Business in the past two weeks Senator Hanafin has called for such a debate to allow everyone the opportunity to bring forward their policies. A Senator called earlier for an independent analysis of the proposals before they come to the House, which would assist the Government in its effort to help everyone regarding the challenges facing the economy.

Senator Mary White and Senator Callely called for a debate on suicide. We must all commend Senator White who outlined to the House that 500 people die as a result of suicide every year. It is a terrible tragedy and we must do anything we can to help in that regard. This report is very welcome. I thank Senator Keaveney and other Senators who assisted the Dáil Deputies in bringing this report to our attention. The least we can do is scrutinise and discuss it in the House at the earliest opportunity.

On the issue highlighted by Senator Leyden, it is hoped the Whips will address that at their weekly meeting tomorrow to determine how they can assist colleagues who wish to attend the Council of Europe on the occasion of its 60th anniversary, particularly as our President, Mary McAleese, will give an address there next Tuesday.

Senator Coffey expressed his support for the new laws coming in governing aspects of the smoking ban. I agree with him on that.

Senator Bacik asked again for an indication of the timeframe for the two Bills she inquired of me yesterday. I can inform the House that the Civil Partnership Bill is on the Government's A list and it is hoped to publish the Bill next week. I await from the Department the timeframe on the Climate Change Bill. A timeframe is available and I will inform the House on that tomorrow morning.

Senators Ó Murchú, Hanafin and Mullen expressed their shock, horror and disappointment about the 100 immigrants in Belfast, in the North, who found themselves in what must be called a fight for their lives. I agree with the concern and views expressed by the Senators. We must show solidarity with those people because it is only 50, 60 or 70 years ago that members of our families and friends were in the same position in other countries trying to get a start in life. I look forward to supporting all of those people who are looking for a new life to get assistance. I agree with the sentiments expressed earlier in that regard.

Senator Prendergast called on the Minister for Health and Children to come to the House for a debate on the interpretation of special needs in schools, particularly in terms of those young people suffering from autism. Anything we can do to help them must be done. It is extremely important that at a very early age they are given all the assistance that can be given. It is wonderful to see the progress that takes place when that help is given to those young boys and girls. I have no difficulty in having that matter addressed in the House with the Minister present. I hope the Minister will be in the House for the debate. I am doing everything I can to discuss all matters and the up to date position in regard to the Health Service Executive before the summer recess.

Senator Prendergast also spoke about the ambulance services. The comfort of patients is of the utmost importance when they are undertaking journeys of 100 and 130 miles. It is a long journey for a patient to travel from Clonmel to Dublin. I fully agree with the sentiments expressed by the Senator about that area.

Senator Coffey and Senator Hanafin raised the issue of pricing orders North and South and called for co-operation with our ministerial colleagues in the North in regard to alcohol prices and alcohol abuse. I agree fully with the call made about that issue.

Senator Cummins called for a debate on extra spaces in our prisons. That is a worthwhile call and I am aware the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform would be only too pleased to come to the House to give us the up to date position. I am aware an extra 400 new places are being put in place this year. I will arrange for this debate to take place if at all possible.

Senator Ó Domhnaill called for the banks to make funding available for small and medium sized enterprises, particularly now that it appears local bank managers no longer have the discretion or the authority they had many years ago. Applications to all the banks now go to their central offices in Dublin. The credit control committees take over from there but they do not know the people who have been working in the various rural areas over the years making the commitments and providing employment, all of whom have credibility. I agree with the Senators on this issue. Anyone who is creating employment should be given top priority, and that should be the message from this Government. I am aware the Taoiseach and the Minister for Finance are doing everything they can-----