Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I have always held the commission in high regard. I apologise if I misunderstood the Senator, particularly the last part of his contribution. I have no difficulty in setting time aside to discuss the issues he has brought to the attention of the House.

I will get back to Senator Coghlan regarding the Property Services (Regulation) Bill 2009. As I said, Senator Quinn made an outstanding contribution on banking issues. Senators Hannigan and Mullen referred to the views expressed by the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Peter Power, regarding overseas aid. We have been international leaders in terms of our commitment to overseas aid. I am certain the Government will do all it can in the current very difficult circumstances to ensure the greatest possible allocation is made available to assist those most in need in developing countries.

Senators Regan, Buttimer, Mullen and Coffey called on the Minister for Transport to address the bus service between Dalkey and Dublin Airport. Senator Regan outlined his experiences and I will convey his views to the Minister later. On behalf of the House, I appeal to all motorists, given the inclement weather forecast for this week. Roads are badly flooded. As I drove to Leinster House earlier, the speed to which some motorists were pushing their cars was unbelievable. I call on everyone to reduce their speed to 100 km/h at least, particularly in this bad weather, to give themselves a chance and protect everyone else using the roads. It is a difficult time and, as many colleagues said, the weather forecast for this week is appalling. I experienced difficult conditions travelling to Dublin earlier; therefore, motorists should slow down. Taking five minutes extra would still get us all to our destinations on time.

Senator Prendergast referred to the database that excludes autism sufferers. I will convey her views to the Minister for Education and Science and will have no difficulty in scheduling a debate on the issue.

Senators O'Reilly and Hanafin raised concerns about the ten new nuclear sites proposed in the United Kingdom and called on the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to come to the House for a debate. This is a good idea and a timely call for a debate.

Senators Healy Eames and Buttimer called for student grants to be made available sooner. They asked for the Minister for Education and Science to come to the House to address the difficulties being experienced by students in these tough times and the delays in making grant payments. I will convey their views to the Minister.

Senator Healy Eames referred to child benefit payments and the budget. There will be a pre-budget debate in the House on 1 December, during which I ask the Senator to bring the issue to the attention of the Minister for Finance. I will also convey her views following the Order of Business.

Senators Feeney and Bacik have called on the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Moloney, to update the House on the good work he is doing and the progress he is making on mental health issues and the issues they raised. I will have no difficulty in providing time for such a debate.

Senator Hanafin raised the issue of our role and rights within the European Union. He has stated that when we sign up, we must comply. That says it all in a nutshell. I will have no difficulty in arranging a debate on European affairs at a future date.

Senator Buttimer called on the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to come to the House for a debate on roads funding. That is a worthy call and I will ensure this happens at the earlier opportunity.

Senator Mary White has referred to the interesting debates that take place at select committee meetings. The toing and froing between Members and Ministers on Committee Stage at select committee meetings is the same as on Committee Stage in the House. I agree with her that this is the most interesting Stage in the passage of a Bill through both Houses.

Senator Glynn called for a debate on turf cutting and the National Parks and Wildlife Service. With only 10% of bogs used for turf cutting, this would be a timely debate. It is a major problem in the midlands and while turf can be cut anywhere with a sleán, other turf cutting methods, including sausage machines, are creating a difficulty. I will try to arrange a debate on the matter before Christmas, if possible.