Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators Fitzgerald, O'Toole, Bacik, Ó Murchú, Mullen, Leyden, Keaveney, Norris, Daly, Ellis, Coghlan, Walsh, Hannigan, Hanafin, McDonald, Regan, Callely and Burke all welcomed the great news that Fr. Michael Sinnott has returned after having been in captivity. Many people all around the world were praying for his safe return. Thanks be to God he has returned after 32 days in captivity. It was a joy to listen to him on the radio this morning and note he was so strong after having been in captivity for such a long time.

As I often said on the Order of Business, it is only when we visit foreign countries on trade missions promoting our country and its produce that we realise the massive contribution our missionaries have made. The title "island of saints and scholars" is not a one-liner in a poem or song; it was a hard-earned over hundreds of years by men and women who went all over the world giving of themselves as missionaries. The ultimate sacrifice is to give one's life for the cause of humanity.

I congratulate everyone concerned in the release of Fr. Michael Sinnott, including the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Micheál Martin. Everyone in his Department has been exemplary once again. Ms Sharon Commins and her family had nothing but praise for them on her release.

The National Asset Management Agency Bill, which was passed in the House, was debated over the past three days. There were more than 40 hours of debate and the contributions of colleagues on all sides of the House were outstanding. I was delighted with these great contributions and the tone of the debate. Senators made an incredible contribution with regard to the amendments tabled and accepted. I have been informed there may be an additional amendment on NAMA coming from the Dáil and I may need to make an amendment to the Order of Business that the House be recalled at approximately 4 p.m. to deal with this matter. I will know in approximately one hour how the Seanad amendments are progressing in the Dáil. I have only just received notice from the Government Whip in this regard.

On Members' inquiries yesterday and on other occasions in regard to pre-budget statements, I propose this item be taken in the House on Tuesday, 1 December 2009. Provision is being made for an all day debate to allow Members to make contributions that may assist the Minister and Government in respect of the serious challenge they face.

Senators Fitzgerald, Daly and others called for a debate on competitiveness and job creation and stated we must do all we can to ensure existing jobs are supported. This issue is dealt with by Senator Daly in his report on job creation. Second Stage of the Foreshore Bill will be taken in the House next Wednesday. This matter is being treated with the urgency requested by Senator Daly this morning.

Senator O'Toole correctly pointed out that the proceedings of the House can be accessed on www.oireachtas.ie and by telephone on 6184001. I support his comments in regard to the BBC's coverage of the UK Parliaments. This is an issue the Joint Administration Committee is anxious to address. The proceedings of this House during the past three days are an absolute credit to every elected Member of this House and, in particular, the Minister for Finance, Deputy Brian Lenihan, and his ministerial colleagues who assisted him in allowing Members of this House to tease out their concerns in regard to the NAMA Bill, section by section and line by line.

Senators O'Toole, Boyle, Buttimer and Ellis called for a debate on lobbyists. I have no difficulty in allowing time for such a debate. Senators Bacik, Boyle, Mullen, Keaveney and McDonald called for a debate on climate change prior to the budget. I ask Members to debate the proposals being mooted in regard to special taxes in this area during pre-budget statements. There are only five weeks remaining to the Christmas recess and we have quite a lot of legislation to deal with. Members will be aware legislation takes precedence and this House will deal with legislation every day it meets with the exception of Tuesday, 1 December, which has been set aside for pre-budget statements.

Senators McDonald and Bacik called for a debate on mental health. I have already given a commitment to allow time for such a debate. The Senators also called for a debate on the conduct of debate in the Oireachtas. I have no difficulty in allowing time for such a debate at the earliest possible opportunity. Senator Buttimer expressed his strong views in regard to the elections. I understand there are conventions starting around the country tonight and I wish everyone well. Democracy is the essence of freedom of speech and allowing everyone to take part.