Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senator MacSharry called again for a debate on the economy - there was a good debate in the House yesterday evening - and also on the various reports that have been published. These are for our consideration as legislators. When we have discussed them and made our views known to the Government, it will then assess the views of colleagues from all sides of both Houses and then make up its mind. The Minister for Finance and the Government will let the people know on budget day when it will start to look at parts of those reports. As I stated in the House yesterday, I do not see the closing of Garda stations to save €1 million as a serious and common-sense proposal. I do not expect that will happen. I hope it will not happen because, as we all stated yesterday, the people deserve security in their homes. The proposal on €11 million for the rural transport scheme does not seem to make sense given the great and important good the scheme is doing right across the entire nation. However, there are good proposals that will assist Government. Every Minister can have his or her individual opinion and then collectively sit down as a Government and make decisions. We all represent constituencies individually, no matter what office we hold in either House. It would be a poor day if individual Members coming to these Houses to represent their constituents could not be allowed express their opinions on behalf of their constituents and then collectively make their decision as members of Government.

Senator Cannon spoke of the unemployed and voluntary employment. His is a worthwhile suggestion. I say to the Government it is about time whoever is in charge would cover the insurance of tidy towns committees or town development committees for individuals and groups of young people. If young people want to work voluntarily in areas identified by those experts who are advising these committees, insurance should not be the problem to stop them from doing the good work and improving the environment in the place where they were born and are living. I certainly will allow a debate on this take place at the earliest time because there is nothing more soul destroying than getting out of bed in the morning with nothing to do all day. Money has nothing to do with this. This is a social contribution and it can bring in significant dividends, whether in constructing walls, improving cemeteries or doing whatever in the local parish. We all see the power of the local parish in Croke Park on St. Patrick's Day. It moves mountains and does tremendous work. We, as legislators, should ensure this determination by our young people is not interfered with because they have no insurance cover. I thank Senator Cannon for bringing the matter to the attention of the House this morning.

Senator Quinn raised tobacco smuggling and the resulting loss to the Exchequer. Most important of all, however, the Senator brought to the attention of the House the high tar content in such cigarettes which is so dangerous to the health of those smoking them. I certainly will past his view on to the Minister. He also raised the postal code system and said that it will cost so much. It is my intention to have the Minister present to update the House on his proposals for the 1.8 million addresses that must be re-coded according to his proposal.

Senators Twomey and O'Reilly called on the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, to come to the House to discuss health services. I already gave my commitment to this yesterday and I am endeavouring to get a date in the Minister's diary so that this can happen.

Senator Twomey highlighted an issue with night classes in Wexford. As a former member of a VEC for four decades, I can say this is the function of the board of management in the first instance or the VEC in the second instance. A small contribution is needed by mature students attending in the evening. What was most uplifting in the 40 years I was a member of the VEC was the huge contribution to adult education, particularly in evening classes. If a small contribution of €5 or €10 is needed to allow this to continue, I do not believe the people, students in particular, will stop this from taking place. However, to suggest schools will close down every night of the week in a proud county like Wexford is unacceptable. I ask Senator Twomey and all Oireachtas Members from County Wexford to go back to the VEC to make their strong views known. If this is the case, it should not be allowed to continue.

Senators Hanafin and Regan expressed their strong views on the banks. In particular, Senator Hanafin said the people and the Government should know the percentages for mortgages, business and export-related growth, respectively. This is a commonsense proposal. When the Minister comes to the House to discuss the finance portfolio, we can make this proposal to him. This is where NAMA will be really effective once the percentages are agreed and all concerned, including the Government and the banks, are happy that this is what the plan will be. It is the national plan for recovery, which is as it should be. Once the taxpayer sees that the money will go to those who will generate growth and first-time house buyers, we will all know it is going to the productive end and will not be abused on this occasion.

Senator Buttimer again called for a debate on Ireland of the future. I agreed yesterday to have such a debate.

Senator O'Malley called for a debate on future education policy. I have already given such a commitment and believe it is a very good idea.

Senator Coffey has expressed serious concerns about those aged between 25 and 45 years who are under financial and emotional pressure. I agree with him in this regard. This is the section of society now most at risk and experiencing pressure never experienced before. The financial institutions need to play a serious part in this regard. If couples cannot make repayments through no fault of their own and they have a previously good track record, there is no reason they should not be allowed to pay interest only for a period of, perhaps, two years, or roll it over for a year at the end of the loan. If they have a good track record, the financial institutions and the Government need to take into account the difficulties couples aged between 25 and 45 years are experiencing.

Senator Coffey also called for a debate on the National Roads Authority and the designation of many miles of national roads as motorways. Local authority members have made strong proposals in this regard. In our area the road from McNeads Bridge to Kinnegad and from Kinnegad to Athlone has been a dual carriageway for some years. It has been tried and trusted and, thank God, very few accidents have occurred, with no accidents on some stretches. While the research has been done, I have no problemn in having a debate on the National Roads Authority and where we go from here.

Senator Bradford called for a debate on the rights of the elderly. I can certainly agree to have a debate on the matter. He also spoke about the €100 million spent on renting prefabricated buildings. This is an enormous amount of money. This is the time to get value for money - more for less, we are told. Builders would be delighted to undertake small schools projects such as this if it was the best that was to happen in the long term. I do not have any difficulty in having a debate on that matter also.