Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Perhaps the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party will discuss how progress can be made in that regard. There is a huge responsibility on everyone, particularly the leaders I have mentioned, to make progress with social partnership. I will allow the longest possible time for a debate on the matter. I will also consider Senator Hanafin's proposal that the various parties should have an opportunity to give the nation the benefit of the wisdom of their latest policies as we fight the challenges with which we are confronted. I have already informed Senators that the House will sit until 10 July. Perhaps we will have to sit for one or two days the following week to allow time for these urgent and serious issues to be debated in the House, a matter I am considering.

I fully agree with Senators O'Toole, Norris and Bacik who have called for a debate on Iran. It is appalling that a 26 year old woman lost her life, unfortunately, in front of the cameras. We all saw the footage on our television screens. I will have no difficulty in setting time aside for a debate on the matter.

I will pass on Senator McCarthy's views on the increase in fuel prices to the Minister. He is aware that such prices are controlled by global forces.

Senators MacSharry and Hannigan brought our attention to the report on the need to encourage entrepreneurship. One of our colleagues has been closely involved in that process. However, everyone should be involved in generating and incentivising innovation, creativity and intellectual property. In the last ten or 11 years Ireland has been a shining example to the world in this regard. It is now time to reflect on the issue in order that new ideas can be fostered. We need to meet the challenges being posed by countries such as Singapore which are looking for the same business as Ireland. We can refer to issues such as upskilling during our debate on the economy. Perhaps more than one Minister will be present for the discussion. It may be possible for three Ministers - the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Education and Science - to contribute to the debate. Such a debate is necessary if we are really serious about making a contribution before the summer recess.

I assure Senator Healy Eames that I intend to invite the Minister of State, Deputy Barry Andrews, to the House to update Senators on the efforts he is making to resolve the issue with Vietnam that she mentioned. However, I do not want anyone to form the impression that a preconceived deal is imminent. The Minister of State intends to spend a week in Vietnam as part of his genuine efforts to do whatever is humanly possible to address the issue that is the reason for his visit. I intend to ask him to come to the House before the summer recess, if possible, to update Members on the matter.

Senator Healy Eames and others spoke about the study of early school leavers that is taking place. It is very welcome and I am keen to be kept up to date on the matter. When it has been completed, I will allow time for it to be discussed in the House.

Senator O'Donovan spoke about the serious challenges facing the fishing industry. A serious job needs to be done by everyone concerned, including the social partners, during the discussions on the Common Fisheries Policy. I have every confidence in the fishing industry and have already given a commitment to provide time for a debate on it in the House, if possible before the summer recess.

Senators O'Donovan and Glynn called for an urgent debate on the condition of the electoral register. Yesterday I gave Senator Glynn a commitment to discuss the issue after the summer recess. I have often said the men and women of the postal service would be the best people to compile the register, as they are the first people in every parish and street in the country to know when someone moves to a new address. They know who is living in every house. I think we should consider asking them to compile the register on a pilot basis.