Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Yes, this Thursday. I offer the hand of co-operation to party leaders and Whips. They may wish to continue the taking of statements on the budget on Wednesday evening, which practice I initiated in 1997 and had it very successfully carried along by Senator Ross and other Independent Senators. However, because of the untimely death of one of our colleagues we lost one week in our rota. When I was devising the rota for the autumn-winter session, I allowed for the Independent Senators to debate, as usual, on the evening of the budget. It is not the Leader's fault on this occasion. Party leaders and Whips know they are pushing an open door in this House regarding anything the Leader can do. Consensus has been the order of the day in my leadership and I am proud of it.

Regarding the issue of social welfare fraud, I, too, compliment "Prime Time Investigates" on its magnificent programme. It may not have been correct in all details, as some Senators noted. The House will have an opportune time next week to discuss what is taking place in social welfare and the difficulties social welfare officers are experiencing. We will debate social welfare in the House on two days next week with regard to the forthcoming Social Welfare Bill. I invite all who called for this debate today, who had very good suggestions on PPS identity cards and other matters, to bring these points up on Second Stage of the Bill next week. Regarding points made by Senators Quinn, Boyle and Donohoe, I have already outlined the issues regarding statements on the budget.

Senators Quinn, Ó Murchú and Phelan complimented the Garda Síochána and its high standing in our community. A figure of 83% is a very successful percentage and I join the Senators in their view. The State owes a serious debt of gratitude to the Garda Síochána for the wonderful work it has carried out since the foundation of the State. I call on everybody responsible to look seriously at the challenges facing our country and consider the leadership required. I ask them to get around the table with everybody concerned. Nobody wishes to go on strike or out on the streets. I hope this does not take place. I would like to be associated with the call that everyone should rethink his or her position and value the contribution made by the Garda Síochána since the foundation of the State.

Senator Quinn referred to the talks taking place at the Copenhagen summit. We will have a debate on climate change in the House on Thursday.

Senator O'Sullivan raised the issue of the taxi regulations and the nine year rule. I will pass on the Senator's views to the Minister. The Senator highlighted his experience in the capital last Friday night and I will endeavour to have the Minister meet him in regard to his strong views on the issue.

Senator Norris referred to the Commission of Investigation into the Catholic Archdiocese of Dublin. That issue will receive further consideration in the House on Thursday from 11.30 a.m. until 1.30 p.m. On the Bill about which the Senator inquired, I understand it will be brought back to the House in March.

Regarding Senator Coghlan's views on the National Asset Management Agency and property values, I will make inquiries of the Minister on that matter also.

Senator Ormonde called for a debate on the National Education Welfare Board. I will have no difficulty in allowing time for a debate to take place. It is a worthy call and is made at an opportune time.

Senator Bacik called for a debate on domestic violence. I have already agreed with Senator Corrigan that there should be a debate on the issue. Senator Bacik also expressed strong views on the experiences of the unfortunate women who experience rape. I will have no difficulty in allocating time for a debate on this issue also.

The Civil Partnership Bill is before the Dáil and when it concludes all Stages, it will be taken in the Seanad.

Senators Glynn and Feeley called for a debate on the incidence of diabetes. I, too, heard the personality mentioned speak on the radio as I travelled here this morning. It was uplifting to hear him in such high spirits again because he has given us all a laugh from time to time over many years and I wish him well. I will have no difficulty in agreeing to a debate on the issue in the early spring session. As Senator Glynn said, it is one of the greatest challenges facing most of us. It is also a lifestyle issue. The Senator also raised the issue of mortgage debt management, a topic on which Senator Larry Butler has produced a worthy document. The House should debate the potential solutions. Therefore, I will have no difficulty in allowing time for a debate to take place.

Senator Callely looked for an update on the decentralisation programme. I will have inquiries made in that regard.

Senator Feeley outlined her serious concerns about bullying in schools and called for a debate on mental health. I will have no difficulty in allowing time for a debate to take place.

Senator Hanafin called for a debate on benchmarking and referred to the upward only rent review clause in legislation. I understand the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has signed an order which will come into operation in February to change this law by eliminating this clause. I will have no difficulty in allowing Members to debate the issue.

Senator Buttimer called on the Minister for Finance to come to the House to discuss social partnership. The Minister took Committee and Report Stages of the last finance Bill that was before the House for our consideration on the banking sector and the setting up of NAMA. I will have no difficulty in making that call to the Minister. Any time he has been asked to come to the House he has done so, if available. As we all know, he will be in the Dáil most of the day tomorrow.

Senators Daly and Bradford called for a debate on the situation in Gaza with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Micheál Martin, present. I will have no difficulty in allowing such a debate to take place.

Senator Coffey called for a debate on the Common Fisheries Policy and the fishing industry in general. I have already given a commitment to Senator O'Donovan that this debate will take place. It did not take place due to the untimely death of Senator Peter Callinan. The issue was due to be debated on the Wednesday he was laid to rest. I will have no difficulty in allowing a long debate to take place because it is such a serious serious for the country. The potential for growth is huge and I want to allow as much time as possible for the debate to ensure colleagues can make a contribution with the Minister present.