Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senator Quinn raised the issue of Iran and I fully agree with the sentiments he expressed. Senators Boyle, O'Donohoe, Callely, Buttimer, Hanafin and Bradford called for a debate on the social partners. We can examine these proposals in early January and if we think we can make a contribution, as colleagues have already discussed with me, I will discuss them with the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. We will leave it to January for discussion because the budget is the pressing matter that is occupying everyone's thoughts and nothing is more urgent.

Senators Callely, Hanafin and O'Donohoe welcomed the international conference to be held here in 2012. This is a huge opportunity for Ireland plc and for the city of Dublin. I congratulate the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Callely and everyone on the delegation for succeeding in bringing it to Dublin in 2012.