Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators Butler, Norris, de Búrca, McCarthy and Donohoe expressed their strong views regarding the retention and reform of Seanad Éireann. I am pleased we are meeting next week with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Gormley, for the final discussion on meaningful Seanad reform. I very much look forward to this meeting. I hope we can show the people the good work that takes place in Seanad Éireann. I would like to see an orderly Order of Business take place for an hour one morning a week on national television, as the Dáil does, to let the people know the meaningful work that takes place in this House. Perhaps we can discuss this with the administration committee to see how we might achieve parity or near parity with our Dáil colleagues.

Senator de Búrca mentioned voting rights for persons outside the State who wish to vote in elections and requested a debate on this with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government present. I strongly suggest that Green Party colleagues should consider this as a Private Members' motion because a great deal of legislation is coming to the House in coming weeks. This is a worthwhile suggestion and the issue might be considered for Private Members' time when it is the turn of the Green Party.

Senator Mary White is doing great work for unfortunate people plagued by illness that can result in their committing suicide. As she said today, 80% of those who commit suicide reach out long beforehand. The new helpline number, 1800 247100, is welcome. That is an easy number for all of us to remember and we should assist the Senator in what she is doing in this area for people.

Senator Ellis called for a pre-budget debate on carbon tax. I have no difficulty in allowing this as there will be debates on the budget in any case.

Senator Quinn again outlined to the House all the challenges facing the cigarette industry and gave the House his views and the benefit of his experience. He also spoke on challenges facing the Irish food industry. We should do everything we can to assist that industry and I have no difficulty in setting time aside to discuss the matter.

Senators Norris and Ó Murchú called for a debate on the situation in the Middle East and I shall pass on the Senators' strong views to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Martin. The House has recently debated the situation in the Middle East but I have no difficulty in arranging another debate soon.

Senators McFadden and Ó Murchú expressed their serious concern about the behaviour of colleagues in the House with regard to decorum and everything else that has given the Upper House of Parliament its reputation. This was not a one-liner in a poem but was hard earned by the men and women who went before us, including some who became President, Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Ministers and Ministers of State. Colleagues should bear these achievements in mind when somebody says something with which they do not agree and follow with an outburst. It does not look or sound good, as Senator White said, who listened attentively to yesterday's proceedings. I ask colleagues to bear this in mind in the future. The Cathaoirleach has a difficult enough job at times. I fully support the Senators' call.

Senator Ó Murchú spoke about the plight of those currently on social welfare. Going back 50 or more years, when I was a younger person, the most important part of the budget was the social welfare section. That is unfortunately the case in 2009 with so many people unemployed. The chat around the fire at night in the 1950s was whether the Government gave one or two or three percentage points. They thanked God for what was given. I make the strong case, along with Senator Ó Murchú, that social welfare recipients need everything they get and I fully agree with his sentiments. When we have the debate on the budget we can all make our strong views known to the Minister for Finance when he comes to the House.

Senator Hannigan asked me for the up-to-date position on two Bills. Senators will know both the Multi-Unit Developments Bill 2009 and the Property Services (Regulation) Bill 2009 completed Second Stage in the Seanad before the summer recess. During these discussions very many proposals for amendments to both Bills were suggested. Consultations with relevant stakeholders have taken place in the meantime and discussion with the offices of the Attorney General and the Parliamentary Counsel are taking place with a view to preparing and drafting Committee Stage amendments. I understand that as soon as these are completed the Bills will come back to the House on Committee Stage.

Senator Hannigan also mentioned the remarks of the Minister for Finance, Deputy Lenihan. I will pass on the Senator's views to the Minister.