Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators Donohoe and Walsh called for the Minister for Transport to come to the House to discuss proceedings at the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport yesterday. Some alarming statistics emerged from that meeting. I will allow all the time that is necessary to debate this report. I know it will return to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport again.

Senator Glynn called on me last week and I had already committed to have a debate on updating the register of electors. I am endeavouring to have this debate take place. He pointed out that under the Derelict Sites Act local authorities have a responsibility in this area, as do the citizens in general. I have no difficulty in having a debate on the matter take place.

Senators Glynn and Cummins also called for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to prioritise those vulnerable people who are living alone. Unfortunately, we see the tragedies that are taking place. It is a serious new challenge for the Minister and the Department. Some very close friends of the Senators have lost their lives. Senator Cummins spoke of people in the Waterford area. I am also good a friend of the Barry family. Senator Glynn spoke about the death of the 92 year old man, as reported on television yesterday. This is a serious challenge. We must welcome the fair deal nursing homes Bill that came into being yesterday. It might encourage people if they wish to be in their own area during the day and live in the residential long-stay homes at night time. We never thought we would see the day. I support all the calls to have the Minister update the House on what he will do regarding the challenges facing his Department.

Senators Twomey and McDonald called on the Minister for Health and Children to come to the House. I propose to invite her to do so next week to address the serious challenges arising from the swine flu pandemic, as outlined to the House by Senators Twomey and McDonald. When Senator Twomey addresses the House on this issue we should all take note of what he says because he is a professional in this field.

I welcome the worthwhile proposals by Senators Twomey, Walsh and Buttimer to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the declaration of the Irish republic. I will do all I can to ensure we celebrate this achievement by way of a meaningful debate that will remind people of what was done 60 years ago.

In regard to the calls by Senators Mary White and Doherty for a debate on employment, I have committed to inviting the Tánaiste to the House for that purpose. Senator Regan called on the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to explain how he proposes to deal with the trade in contraband cigarettes - I made a commitment to facilitate that discussion. Senator Ellis's proposal for a debate on a proposed carbon tax can be accommodated within our pre-budget debates.

I have already referred to the issue of cross-Border shopping, as raised by Senator O'Reilly. The Senator also referred to the problems arising for Protestant schools in rural areas as a result of the proposed reduction in funding. I fully supported the points made by Senators in this regard last week. Senator Wilson and I are both aware of the issues confronted by Protestant schools in Border areas. Brisha and Finea in my constituency are on the Border and the Protestant schools there have made an immense contribution in our area over the years. Given the small amount of money involved, I hope this issue can be addressed, recognised and acknowledged. Wherever the difficulty arises, the contribution the Department has made in the past 40 years has been very much appreciated by the Protestant community. I hope it will continue.

Senator O'Reilly spoke about the closure of courthouses in small towns and their transfer to larger towns. I understand this is happening throughout the State, and Cavan is no different from Westmeath in this regard, where this change was introduced some time ago. Nevertheless, I fully acknowledge that revenue may potentially be lost to small rural towns as a result.

I support Senator John Paul Phelan's call for an updating of the catchment areas for the school transport service. Such an update is long overdue as the existing catchments were devised in 1963 or 1964, since when there have been great changes and shifts in population. The Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science, Deputy Haughey, is currently addressing this issue.

I have no difficulty in agreeing to Senator McDonald's call for a debate on domestic violence. We all support the call for the safe return of Fr. Sinnott and sympathise with the plight of the Sinnott family at this difficult time.