Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators Cummins, O'Toole, Walsh, Buttimer, Regan, Hannigan, Donohoe, McDonald, Bradford and Bacik called for a debate on the Garda Síochána and the recently published report of the Garda inspectorate. Contrary to a claim by a colleague on the other side of the House, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has one of the best attendance records in this House. When Bills pertaining to his Department are brought before us, he takes every Stage in person. He has been fully supportive on every issue I have ever raised with him as Leader. I commend him on his determination to co-operate with Senators.

More than 800 gardaí took early retirement last year. These officers put their lives on the line every day they went to work. It is now the case, however, that 40% of gardaí joined in the last five years, which is a major advantage because they have lots of energy and enthusiasm and are totally committed. In regard to the filling of vacancies as a result of retirements, I understand the Minister has received approval from the Department of Finance to promote 170 officers, including 117 to sergeant rank. The Minister's determination is demonstrated by the fact that at a time when funding is tight, he has included in his budget a sum of €4.1 million for a state-of-the-art DNA technology centre in Kildare. Today's Order Paper lists two new justice Bills which will be initiated in the Seanad. I will have no difficulty in arranging a debate on the report of the Garda inspectorate.

In regard to the talks in Northern Ireland, I acknowledge the commitment of the Taoiseach, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the British Prime Minister, the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister in the Northern Ireland Executive. Hope will remain as long as they continue to negotiate. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Martin, and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Mr. Shaun Woodward, are currently chairing meetings to avail of the 48 hour window of opportunity. I hope and pray that common sense will prevail. Everyone in the North and South wants peace. The days of the gun and bullet are long past, thanks be to God.

Senator O'Toole raised the issue of special needs and the legal rights of children. The Minister of State in the Office of the Minister for Children, Deputy Barry Andrews, has agreed to attend a debate in the Seanad and our personal secretaries are liaising to find a suitable date.

Senators Alex White and Bacik paid tribute to the late Mr. Patrick MacKernan who made an outstanding contribution as Secretary General of the Department of Foreign Affairs and ambassador in a range of missions. On behalf of the House, I extend my sympathy to the wife and family of this great Irishman.

Senators Ó Murchú and Glynn called for a debate on the cost of maintaining roads and the shortfalls which local authorities will face because of flooding and frost damage. Westmeath County Council alone faces a budget shortfall of €2.6 million. The Senators made a worthwhile proposal in regard to using highly skilled unemployed persons who could make a contribution on a one-off basis under the supervision of local authority staff. I will pass on their proposal to the relevant Ministers.

Senators Burke and Coghlan called for a debate on regional planning guidelines. I will have no difficulty in arranging such a debate.

Senators Walsh, Coghlan, MacSharry, Bradford, Buttimer, Callely and Butler sought a debate on the proposed increase in interest rates. Although permanent TSB does not come within the terms of the bank guarantee scheme, we do not want to see an increase in interest rates at a time when there are high unemployment levels. Everything the Government can do should be done in this regard. Financial institutions have to act responsibly, while the Government has a duty to help the thousands of unemployed young people who are unable to pay interest on their mortgages, at least for the next six months. It is no use if a forbearance merely increases the payments due on a loan. It must be added at the end of the loan period. Senator Butler and his colleagues have spent considerable time in preparing proposals in this regard. The Finance Bill 2010 will be brought before the Oireachtas next week, which will give us an opportunity to debate these issues.

Senators Quinn and Donohoe made proposals on a tax amnesty and referred to the success of an amnesty in Italy. Who better to represent our captains of industry than Senator Quinn? Their proposal is worthy of consideration. Tax amnesties were successfully implemented by Governments which comprised parties on both sides of the House. Everything should be done to collect revenue. I will raise the proposal with the Minister for Finance. I wish to inform the House that the initial debate and statements on head shops will take place next Wednesday afternoon. I have no difficulty in allowing the debate to roll over if there is sufficient interest and if Senators wish to express their serious concerns regarding this challenge facing all of us.

Senators Glynn and McDonald called for a debate on crime. Two new Bills will be initiated in the House and have been published today. This subject can be discussed along with the inspector's report and I have no difficulty in allowing time for such a debate.

Senator Norris asked me to raise the issue of the plastering course in the Dublin Institute of Technology, which is also available in Athlone and Cork. I will pass his views to the Minister for Education and Science.

Senators Norris and Hannigan expressed their concerns about the Beckett Bridge and I will pass their concerns to the Minister for Transport.

Senator Regan asked about the NAMA scheme. The Senator will be aware that 64 solicitors' firms were appointed to assist NAMA and this information was published in the newspapers yesterday. While progress may not be as speedy as some might wish, it is moving along pretty quickly. I will update the House on a weekly basis as soon as I know what is happening. This matter could be discussed when the Finance Bill comes to the House.

Senators McDonald, Bacik, Corrigan and Glynn asked for a debate on domestic violence. I had planned to have this debate in the week that the late Senator Callanan died and I have no difficulty in trying to rearrange the debate for next week. It would be a timely debate as the Civil Partnership Bill will be before the House. I wish to facilitate this long-standing request for a debate on the subject.

Senator Cannon asked for a debate on the future of community volunteerism. He complimented the former Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern, one of the great community activists of all time, it has to be said.