Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators Fitzgerald, O'Toole, Hannigan, Boyle, Walsh, O'Donovan, Twomey, Regan, Callely, Quinn, Bradford and Ross expressed various views and concerns on the Order of Business. I join Senators in congratulating "Morning Ireland" on 25 years of excellent broadcasting. I congratulate, in particular, those pioneers David Hanley and David Davin-Power who helped to launch the programme. I also congratulate Tomás Sabhaois, Tom Savage, who reviewed the newspapers every morning and, as David Hanley said this morning, made a significant contribution. I congratulate all those currently involved in the programme. It was refreshing to hear the Taoiseach and former Taoiseach Dr. Garret FitzGerald discuss the problems that have had to be faced in the past 25 years. They have both advised that the current crisis must be addressed immediately. When asked what he would have done differently, Dr. FitzGerald replied he would have taken action earlier. I remember the time when David Hanley interviewed me about what action we planned to take on insurance reform. The people came in behind us on what could be done to lower the high insurance premiums being charged at the time.

I refer to the points raised about the OECD, McCarthy and Commission on Taxation reports. They can all be raised in the House next week when we will sit for 55 hours over three days to deal with the NAMA Bill.

With regard to the swine flu epidemic, the Minister for Health and Children is about to finalise a date on which she will come to the House. She will be out of the country next week. I understand there will be a press release placed in our pigeon holes after the Order of Business this morning on a briefing for Members on the up-to-date position next Tuesday.

Senators O'Toole and Boyle referred to the partnership talks. I agree with all the sentiments expressed and will pass on their views to the Minister. Senators Coffey, Walsh, Ó Murchú, Buttimer, Regan and Burke referred to the plight of An Bord Pleanála. The word "trust" has been used here this morning. There have been some excellent contributions on this topic and of course we will have a debate on the fall out and aspects of the court decision as soon as possible before the Christmas recess. Senators Walsh and Norris called for a debate on paedophilia and I have no difficulty leaving aside time for this. Senators Norris and Mary White referred to the children's detention centre and I will pass the strong views of the Senators to the Minister. Senators de Búrca and Twomey referred to the possible appointment of John Bruton. He would be an excellent choice. He has served this country well and he has served Europe well in Washington and we all join in wishing him well. It will not be for the want of trying on the part of the Taoiseach and the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Everyone well connected in Europe will do everything they can to have John Bruton seriously considered and, hopefully, appointed. He would be an excellent person to represent Europe anywhere in the world and we could be very proud of him as the person in that role.

Senator Ryan proposed an amendment to the Order of Business. I accept the amendment to No. 22 and I agree to take the matter after the Order of Business. Senators Buttimer and Hanafin referred to job creation and the matter can be covered next week in the NAMA debate. Senators Harris, Regan and Callely expressed various strong views which they outlined and placed before the House for consideration. The matters to which they referred can be taken before the debate on NAMA next week. I will hold a pre-budget debate and I will endeavour to get time and to arrange this with the leaders at our weekly meetings. All of these issues can be made known to the Ministers, including the Minister for Finance, in the House in the coming two weeks.

Senator Bacik referred to the report on women's participation in politics. I congratulate her and everyone involved. The more women we can get involved in politics, the better it will be for society. Senator Mullen referred to No. 34, motion No. 26, and called for a debate on this matter. The NAMA debate will be before the House next week and the following week we will have the budget. We will afford every opportunity to debate the matter, although I did not know this was coming about here today.