Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Chair for his protection. Senator Ó Domhnaill called for a debate on the residential banking sector report. I can agree to such a debate, which would be very timely.

I am sure all Members will agree that it was very big of Senator Buttimer to offer his congratulations to the Kerry football team. He also called for a debate on Ireland. I would have no difficulty with such a debate, which would be timely as we approach the budget. He emphasised the importance of the retention of the sport portfolio within the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism. We all know from last weekend that sport and tourism are worth €11.8 billion to the Irish economy each year. One of the uplifting features of the Farmleigh discussions was the importance placed on Irish culture. Successful Irish people throughout the world can be great ambassadors for our tourism industry and for every other facet of life in Ireland. I will arrange for a debate on the matter to take place.

Senator Corrigan called on the Minister of State with responsibility for children to come to the Seanad to update Members on the procedures that apply to the adoption of Vietnamese children. One of last weekend's newspapers drew my attention to a publication on this matter. The Senator also asked me to invite the Minister of State, Deputy Moloney, to inform the House of what is being done to address the ongoing serious challenge of suicide and to assist the unfortunate people who are affected by it.

Senator McFadden suggested that the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, should be asked to address this House on the subject of the challenges being faced in this country's health sector. The Senator was also keen to get information on what will happen in the health portfolio in the lead-up to the budget. I will make a request so that such a debate can be facilitated.