Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

——for all they are doing. Hundreds of lives have been saved on our roads but thousands of people have been saved from serious injury as a result of the various changes introduced ranging from penalty points to random breath testing and speed cameras will also be introduced. All these measures are assisting in making our roads much safer.

Senators Hanafin and Senator John Paul Phelan raised the issue of broadcasting, the broadcast media and broadcasting the affairs of this House. I fully support anything that could happen to make this possible. The broadcasting of our affairs, perhaps the Order of Business, for one hour each week initially would be a step in the right direction. We are endeavouring to examine the possibility of this happening.

All the other matters that were asked of me are in regard to calls for a pre-budget debate. As I said, this will take place on 1 December.

Senator Regan outlined his serious concern regarding the IFSC, in regard to which I very much agree with him. This sector faces a serious challenge. This area of industry, which brings in €1 billion in revenue a year, makes a significant contribution to the Exchequer. It is of the utmost importance for it to maintain its competitiveness. I know that the Government and the Minister for Finance will take this into account in the forthcoming budget.

Senator Mullen outlined to the House the benefit of electronic white boards and the availability of broadband. I have covered this area already. I welcome all the advances that have been made in our schools in the area of technology.