Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators Fitzgerald, O'Toole, Bacik, Twomey, Ormonde, Norris, O'Donovan, Healy Eames, Ó Murchú, Phelan, Hanafin, McFadden, O'Sullivan, Regan, MacSharry, Mullen, Keaveney, Donohoe, Walsh, Burke and Ellis expressed their shock and horror at the experiences from the flooding. We have seen this right across the country over the past week. I commend the Civil Defence, the Army, the IFA, the GAA, the Garda and all the emergency services for the great work they have done.

Many organisations did not see this coming but we heard on radio this morning the rainfall which fell in November, or even the past three or six months. It is unprecedented in the previous 150 years. As Senator Ellis, one of the longest-serving Members of the Oireachtas, has said, we must look for solutions. I have left all day aside next Friday for colleagues to come to the House to debate the matter.

I hope much will emerge over the next two or three days and that the report published at a high cost to the State in 1995 can be discussed. That report took in three previous reports so there is much hard work, experience and expertise available in the Oireachtas Library or in electronic form. I assured the House it would be available and I thank the librarian and all the staff for the hard work done over the weekend to make it available to us.

I look forward to the many contributions that will be made next Friday. Our hearts go out to the hundreds of displaced families who had to move to other accommodation. The hardship and suffering that families are experiencing is unbelievable. This is only 1 December and I hope the winter will not be as inclement as November has been. As Senators we will do anything we can to help and as Members have said, we will need substantial EU funding.

I commend the Taoiseach, his Cabinet colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Gormley, and the Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Deputy Mansergh, who visited every area as days went by. I hope we can take on board the experience of Kilkenny, where successful work has taken place. Much investment is needed in the area and it will take time. We should start the work and continue with our support.

Some €50 million has been put in by the Government this year but in the case of Cork, for example, there were difficulties which led to 80,000 people having no running water. These are unprecedented problems and there are new challenges which we must meet as an island nation. The will exists on all sides of the House and substantial funding from the EU will have to be made available.

All Senators expressed their concerns, shock and horror at the findings of the Murphy report, which will be debated in the House all afternoon and evening on Thursday. If the debate must be rolled over for another week, I have no difficulty in doing so. There will be as many debating opportunities as is required for Members to make submissions and see what can be done. I agree with Senator Ó Murchú in noting that thousands of men and women have given their lives down through the years to help in the mission fields or Ireland as priests and nuns. However, there is never a wrong time to say the right thing. A big wrong has been done and we are here to protect our children. As Senator O'Toole noted, the safeguarding of our children is paramount as far as we are concerned.

Senators Twomey, MacSharry and O'Donohoe all expressed wishes that the talks will bear fruit and the strike will be called off on Thursday. I join Senator MacSharry in hoping the proposed strike will be deferred, postponed or cancelled and that a solution can be found. It is around the table that partners must agree the formula on the €4 billion in savings and there is only one more week to go. The possibility of having a strike on Thursday should not interfere with the serious work that is needed in the long term. The issue must be tackled and efforts must bear fruit. I hope the talks will be successful and I wish them well.

Senator O'Donovan spoke on the rights of the child. He held a role as Chairman of the Joint Committee on the Constitution and excelled in that position as a Deputy. I agree with the sentiments he has expressed and there will be a debate here in the new year, if required, on the matters he raised in the House.

Senator Bacik congratulated all concerned on the opening of the Courts Service building on Parkgate Street. It is a magnificent building and I agree fully with the Senator's expressions.

Senators Leyden, Regan and MacSharry commented on the Lisbon treaty coming into effect from today. I congratulate our new Commissioner, Ms Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, on receiving a very senior portfolio dealing with innovation. Mr. Barroso has said he is looking forward to her playing the leading role that Europe needs on the cutting edge, particularly with competition from India, China and other countries. We all wish the Commissioner well.

Senator Leyden expressed serious concerns on the high insurance costs for the legal profession. I agree with the Senator's expressions and we will keep a close eye on the matter. I hope the closing date will be extended as the contribution by the legal professions in this country has been second to none.

Senator Twomey sought an urgent debate on junior doctors and I have no difficulty in having a debate on the issues outlined by him. Senator Ann Ormonde sought a debate on binge drinking and mentioned a proposal for a national alcohol policy. She commented on the challenges facing society, particularly those people under 18. As I have said before I have no difficulty with it taking place, although it will not happen until after the Christmas recess.

Senator Hanafin sought a debate on the economy and colleagues will have a chance to discuss such issues in the House this afternoon when there will be pre-budget outlook statements. I welcome all colleagues who have been so interested and have made such a contribution here on the economy over the years to participate in the debate this afternoon. Senator Hanafin has already indicated he will make his contribution on the issue today. With just eight days to go before the budget, this is an ideal opportunity to have the Minister present so Senators can make their views known before the final touches are added to the budget.

Senator O'Donovan called for a debate on the fishing industry. I agreed to that previously as a matter of urgency, but it was postponed due to the untimely death of Senator Peter Callanan as the debate was to take place during the week of his funeral. I will ensure we have that debate early in the next session. Senator McFadden expressed strong views on the emergency services and the good work done by many organisations, particularly in the Athlone area. I will pass her views on to the Minister. I agree with most of what she said.

Senator O'Sullivan welcomed the allocation and signing of the contract for speed cameras. I am pleased it was a local Kerry company that received the contract. I know this programme will save many thousands of lives and many people from injury. I thank the Senator for his kind words on my support for the speed camera programme when I was Chairman of the Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business when we were working on insurance reform.

Senator Regan seeks support from the European Council with regard to funding for the flooding problem. I have covered that issue already and agree with seeking support. Senator Keaveney brought to our attention the huge difference in costs between rail charges in Belfast and Dublin. I will pass her views on to the Minister for Transport. I am sure he will be as shocked and surprised as I am by the significant difference brought to our attention by the Senator for services from Belfast to Dublin and Dublin to Belfast.

Senator Donohoe spoke about the appointment by the Garda Commissioner of the assistant Garda commissioner to investigate the allegations made in the Murphy report. I agree with the Senator and welcome the Garda Commissioner's decision.

Senator Burke called for a debate on public private partnership. I suggest the Senator should bring this issue to the attention of the Minister today during the budget debate. It would be timely.