Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senator Norris referred to the Land Registry and the National Archives. He is concerned about important historical documents. I would like to see a full debate on the matter which is of great importance and which I will discuss with him after the Order of Business.

Senator Norris also referred to No. 36, motion No. 21, on the Order Paper concerning so-called "head shops", a debate on which I hope will take place in the next two weeks. It is an all-party motion. I will arrange a full debate, with the Minister present, on this terrible plague which presents a huge challenge. I will have no difficulty in discussing the matter with colleagues after the Order of Business.

Senator Leyden called for the Minister for Education and Science to attend the House for a debate on the future of VEC schools before a final decision is made on the matter he raised. I have no difficulty with this and have already made a commitment that such a debate will take place as soon as possible.

Senator Buttimer expressed serious concerns about job creation. As he knows, in a few minutes' time, the Tánaiste will be in the House for statements on employment and competitiveness, No. 1 on today's Order Paper. I look forward to many colleagues participating in that debate.

Senators Cummins and Keaveney referred to gangland crime. I will have no difficulty in arranging a debate on that subject with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform present. To say the least, events in recent weeks have been alarming. We must ensure the Garda Síochána has everything necessary to face this terrible challenge. The change in society, both in towns and cities, is mind-boggling, whether it concerns shootings or knife crime. As Senator Cummins outlined, this is an urgent matter. I will speak with the Minister this afternoon, if possible, to see if he can make time available to discuss it at the earliest opportunity.

Senator Hanafin sought a debate on social partnership, a timely request. I will endeavour to have such a debate take place. The Senator also called for a debate on the electoral system, another timely request. One of the events being discussed to mark the 91st anniversary of the First Dáil involves the former Taoiseach, Dr. Garret FitzGerald, who will speak about the need for change in the electoral system and the preferred options. It will be interesting to see what he has to say about the matter. We can have a good debate on the issue here in order to examine what we can do about it.

Senator McFadden welcomed the role played by the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, in saving the State millions in funding the cancer programme. I spoke with the Minister last night about the contributions made yesterday and invited her to return to the House to update us on all aspects of the cancer programme. She will have no difficulty in allowing such a debate to take place.

I join Senators Keaveney and Cummins in sending our best wishes to Peadar Heffron. We should all look forward to enjoying the continued peace resulting from the Good Friday Agreement. We must do everything we possibly can to enhance and assist that process. I will have no difficulty in arranging for the Taoiseach to attend the House, as he will do at least once a year, to discuss matters of concern regarding Northern Ireland, including the Good Friday Agreement, and all areas within his remit.