Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I am not speaking about the Senator's contribution in particular; I am responding to many other Senators as well. There has been a 10% reduction in all expenses other than travel available to Members of the Dáil and Seanad. That must be put into the public domain. As I have stated, there have been reductions in Minister's salaries, travel expenses and all other expenses. We are working on the issue and action has been taken.

There will be a level-headed debate in this House with participation from people who have invested all their lives in giving the best possible service as Members of the Oireachtas. I know many Senators are concerned about this. The current problems relating to transparency must be addressed but this process will save the taxpayer nothing; in my opinion it will cost the taxpayer much more. That is from somebody with much experience of serving with many Members in this House on various committees, including those dealing with Members interests and the Committee on Procedures and Privilege, which deal with operations of the House. I will propose such a debate within the next two weeks.

Senators Hannigan, Norris, Twomey, Bacik, Keaveney, Buttimer and Walsh congratulated UCD and Trinity on their world ranking.

With regard to expenditure in the Department of Education and Science, the value for money which is being found by the Department and the Minister in the schools building programme is second to none. There have been reductions of between 20% and 30% in the costs of the buildings, and the Minister is getting enormous value for money in this regard. We wish him well on that. Senator Walsh requested a debate on development in education with the Minister present in the House. I have no difficulty in leaving time aside for that to take place.

Senator O'Donovan again called for an urgent debate on the fishing industry. I indicated prior to the recess that such a debate would take place. I am pleased to inform the House that the debate will be held on Wednesday next. I look forward to the Minister coming before the House to discuss the serious challenges the fishing industry faces in the context of the Common Fisheries Policy, annual quotas etc.

I will communicate to the relevant Minister the views and concerns of Senator Coghlan in respect of issues relating to Killarney House, the national parks in Kerry and the town of Killarney.

Senator Leyden referred to the Council of Europe and the three Senators who represent the House so well on that body. I agree with everything the Senator stated. As an independent nation, Ireland should continue to be represented by the three Members to whom I refer. I congratulate all concerned. Senator Keaveney outlined what she has achieved at the Council, particularly with regard to the reports with which she has been associated and the support she has received worldwide in respect of those reports.

Senator Leyden also referred to the Lisbon treaty and the implications of last Friday's vote. I am pleased to inform the House that a debate on this matter will take place next week.

Senator Glynn requested that the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment come before the House for an urgent debate on recent staggering and unsustainable increases in insurance premiums. As stated yesterday, I will make time available for such a debate at the earliest possible opportunity. I will also communicate to the Minister for Finance the Senator's strong views regarding the introduction of a scrappage scheme for the motor trade, which is experiencing major difficulties at present.

Senator Quinn referred to the difficulties farmers in this jurisdiction might face if their herds were exposed to cattle from Northern Ireland infected with TB which are stolen and transported across the Border. The Senator highlighted the great battle that has been fought over many years to eradicate the blight of this disease. I will communicate his views in this regard to the Minister.

Senator Quinn also referred to the question of life expectancy and what Ireland can do to help the underprivileged nations of the world. In these countries, some 2 million children under the age of five lose their lives each year on foot of a lack of medicines and medical care. The Senator's request for a debate in this regard is worthwhile. Perhaps he might outline his views to the Minister for Foreign Affairs when he makes his regular monthly visit to the House to discuss Europe and Northern Ireland. Such an occasion would present the ideal opportunity to discuss the matter in order to discover what might be done.

Senator Hanafin called for a debate on the world economy, long-term unemployment, the challenges faced by FÁS in the areas of upskilling and training and the action that might be taken to assist the retail sector, which is under siege at present.

I was asked to provide details of the Bills that are due to be published during the current session. There are 20 such Bills, namely: from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the Foreshore (Amendment) Bill; from the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, the Inland Fisheries Bill, the Minerals Development Bill, the National Oil Reserves Agency (Amendment) and Biofuel Obligation Bill and the Petroleum Exploration and Extraction (Safety) Bill; from the Department of Education and Science, the Education (Patronage) Bill and the George Mitchell Scholarship Fund Act 1998 amendment Bill; from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the Labour Services (Amendment) Bill; from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the Control of Dogs (Amendment) Bill, the Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, the Environmental Liability Bill and the Noise Nuisance Bill; from the Department of Finance, the Appropriation Bill and the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission (Amendment) Bill; from the Department of Health and Children, the Nurses and Midwives Bill; from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, the Criminal Justice (Forensic Sampling and Evidence) Bill, the Criminal Justice (Public Order)(Amendment) Bill and the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act 2006 amendment Bill; from the Department of Social and Family Affairs, the Social Welfare Bill; and from the Department of Transport, the Road Traffic Bill. It is hoped these Bills will be published during the current session and will come before the House for consideration either prior to Christmas or early in the next session.