Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators Fitzgerald, O'Toole, Alex White, Boyle, MacSharry, Healy Eames, John Paul Phelan, Callely and Coghlan all expressed serious concerns about mortgage holders who are in difficulty with their repayments. On many occasions, all sides of the House have called on the Government to deal with this matter. I am pleased that the Government is going to implement the MacSharry proposals, including the strong views expressed in this House. This action is urgently needed and I hope it will be for a two-year period. In most cases, it will take young couples that length of time to get re-employed. I compliment Senator Butler on the good work he has done with his group that advised the parliamentary party on what could be done in this regard. That committee comprised professionals and colleagues from both sides of the House.

Senators Fitzgerald, O'Toole, McFadden, Leyden, Ormonde, Corrigan, Bacik, O'Reilly, Mullen, Coghlan and Buttimer referred to issues concerning the portfolio of the Minister of State, Deputy Moloney. Last week, I announced that the Minister of State would attend the House for a lengthy debate on his proposals. He is one of the few Ministers who has received an extra allocation of €43 million in the budget. In addition, he is totally committed to his brief. It is a tribute that so many colleagues believe he will make a substantial change to his portfolio. Senator Corrigan said that he has been championing the cause. His background, including membership of the Midland Health Board for many years, stands to him in dealing with this challenging portfolio. I look forward to his attendance in the House and I have arranged for this to occur within the next two weeks.

Senators Alex White and Boyle referred to consultations that are taking place concerning the banks. I look forward to the Seanad making a contribution to the pending inquiry. I have been fully supportive of this and have been quoted on it in the national press.

Senator Norris asked about the privacy Bill, which I understand will be taken this session. He also referred to human rights and the case of a five year old girl, and I will certainly pass on his strong views to the Minister in this regard.

Senator Leyden said that industrial action could affect the assistance rendered to Members of the Oireachtas by efficient and dedicated public servants on behalf of constituents who, for one reason or another, needed a passport within a day or two. I am sorry to see that this service has been withdrawn because the general public is being punished by this, not the Government or other Members of the Oireachtas. We are disturbed by this action. Naturally enough we want to help our constituents, but they must realise that this is not our decision. Our doors are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to constituents. We are not changing because we have taken a wage cut; we will still give the same service.

Senator Leyden also referred to so-called head shops and this debate will be on tomorrow, starting at 2.30 p.m. In the event that more time is required, I intend to roll over the debate in the coming weeks to give every Senator an opportunity to express their views.

Senators Bradford and Coghlan referred to the Office of the Ombudsman and losses at sea. I have no difficulty in having such a debate, and I will pass on the Senators' strong views to the Minister. Senator Bradford also called for another debate on nursing home schemes and care for the elderly. I will have no difficulty in allowing time for such a debate.

Senator Hanafin called for a debate on Northern Ireland, including devolved policing. I intend to have a debate on Northern Ireland as soon as the talks have been concluded. I want to take this opportunity to congratulate all the party leaders, including the Taoiseach, the British Prime Minister, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Micheál Martin, and the Northern Secretary, Shaun Woodward, for the determined efforts they are making. Irish men and women, both at home and abroad, appreciate these efforts to get the deliberations across the line and bring the talks to a successful conclusion. God knows, it would be wonderful to see such good news coming in such difficult times, given the global downturn.

Senators Healy Eames and Hannigan expressed serious concerns about CAO applications for college places. I fully agree with their sentiments and will pass their views on to the Minister. I have already said that the Minister for Education and Science has agreed to attend the House during the next two weeks to discuss matters pertaining to his portfolio.

Senators Ó Brolcháin and Harris called on the Government to consider St. Brigid's Day as a public holiday. My own mother was called Brigid and I would of course be fully supportive of that proposal, which should be examined. It is an innovative idea. As Senator Harris said, it is the first day of spring. I have already given a commitment to the House, to Senator McDonald in particular, concerning national women's day. I intend to have that debate, as it is something we want to promote. We want to support and encourage women, especially young women, to get involved in public life.

Senator Ó Brolcháin noted that the Green Party has now served in Government longer than Fine Gael has since 1987. We note that situation and congratulate them. We look forward to continuing the successful partnership of the Green Party and Fianna Fáil in Government.