Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators Twomey, O'Toole, Hannigan, MacSharry, O'Reilly, Healy Eames, Coghlan, Buttimer, Donohoe, Butler and McCarthy welcomed this morning's pledge by Pat Farrell, a former Member, and the Irish Banking Federation to allow six to 12 months' grace to allow people tackle their mortgage arrears. The House has called for such a common sense approach many times. The House can encourage every single mortgage holder who is finding it difficult to make their repayments to contact their broker or lender immediately to make their case. It will give them peace of mind which in these difficult items is essential.

It is important people are given a chance, especially when through no fault of their own they have lost employment but had been making repayments on the button every month. I have no difficulty with the House debating this. I have already committed the House to an all-day pre-budget debate. As soon as the NAMA legislation is concluded in both Houses, we will endeavour to have this debate take place during which all these issues can be raised and we can assist Ministers with the difficult, and in some cases unprecedented, challenges they face.

Senator Twomey called for debates on VHI premium charges and the challenges facing the Department of Health and Children. I have no difficulty in setting time aside for such debates. I have already spoken to the Minister for Health and Children about finding dates in her diary to attend the House. While she is out of the country this week, I hope to have these debates in the next two weeks.

I welcome the European Commission's announcement that it will extend by one year the Government's deadline to restore the deficit target. However, as Senator Boyle said, this does not change the challenges with tax revenues facing the Government. The economic challenges are even more difficult than we first thought four months ago. All Members will agree that if we do not take control of our destiny, unfortunately someone else might. I have no difficulty in having time left aside for a debate on this.

A tiered child benefit system is being considered by the Department of Social and Family Affairs. We certainly want to encourage Ministers to have a tiered system to make savings. On the other hand, it must be understood that women in particular need child benefit and as much of it as is available. They also have to be helped during these tough difficult times.

I will pass Senator Hannigan's views on Venezuela and Colombia to the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Senators Bacik, Coghlan and Regan called for a debate on banking. As Members know, NAMA will be debated in the House today and tomorrow. I have no difficulty in having a debate on banking as I have already committed this to the House for any particular week but so long as it is needed. We are all reviewing the changing times weekly.

Senators Bradford and Hanafin called for a debate on bio-fuels and the challenges facing the consumer with the high costs of energy. I agree with the Senators on the opportunities that could present themselves in alternative farming. I have no difficulty in having time left aside for such a debate.

Senators O'Toole, MacSharry, Donohoe, Regan and Boyle called for a debate with representatives of the five pillars of the social partnership process in the House. I will discuss this with the Cathaoirleach after the Order of Business.

Senator Hanafin called for the affairs of the Seanad to be streamlined in the national media by having live television coverage of the proceedings. I have supported this call many times and it is a matter the Committee on Procedure and Privileges can discuss with the Joint Administration Committee to make it a reality.

Senators Bacik and Norris called for a debate on the challenges facing Aer Lingus and the aviation industry. Senator Norris raised the issue of an Aer Lingus worker, ten weeks short of a full pension and who had been employed by it for 45 years, discovering his pension had been reduced by 50%. That is an alarming example of a lack of common sense and someone sticking rigidly to an agenda. If that worker made contributions for ten weeks, he should receive his full pension, which is crucial to someone who has served for 45 years. I fully support Senator Norris on that issue and will pass on his strong views, which I support, to the Minister for Transport following the Order of Business.

Senators O'Reilly, Ó Murchú and O'Brien called for a debate on unemployment, job creation and asked if the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment would come to the House for it. Senator O'Brien outlined forcefully the current position throughout the country. I will have no difficulty in making time available for such a debate.

The Senators also raised the question of job opportunities in respect of the schools building programme. I agree with their views. Senator O'Reilly, Senator Wilson and I represent neighbouring counties and Senator O'Reilly will be pleased to know that over €20 million was spent on school projects in his native Cavan in recent years. As he is aware, one new school has been opened already by the Minister, Deputy Smith, with four other major extensions. In regard to the two he mentioned, I am aware that the Minister, Deputy Smith, has them in hand. I am delighted to be able to agree with the two Senators and it is lovely to be able to work so closely with them in neighbouring counties.