Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators Twomey, O'Toole, McCarthy and Coghlan called for debates on various subjects. Senator Twomey called for a debate on the information he supplied to the House on prison sentencing. It is alarming, to say the least, that one third of prisoners are foreign nationals. I did not know this and will have no difficulty in arranging a debate on the issue in the presence of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

Senators Twomey, Coghlan and Regan called on the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy John Gormley, to return to the House for a further debate on incineration. Senator O'Toole asked for a statement on Government policy, while Senator Coghlan referred to expenditure of €7.5 million on procurement. I will have no difficulty in allowing time for a debate on the matter in the House as soon as possible.

Senator O'Toole congratulated the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Mary Harney, on the major savings achieved in the purchase of drugs in 2010. I join the Senator and all my colleagues in the House in congratulating the Minister who has been one of the strongest supporters of coming to Seanad Éireann. She was here yesterday for the debate on head shops. I congratulate her on her full support and the huge savings she has made. She is deserving of our congratulations.

Senators O'Toole, Cannon, Ó Brolcháin, Quinn and Buttimer called for a further debate on the serious challenge of meeting the cost of water provision and waste management. They have referred to the serious challenge we all face in achieving efficiency. Senator Quinn referred to the energy metering system proposed in Spain. The debate being called for will possibly last half a day and I will have no difficulty in allowing time for it in the very near future. The challenge faced by local authorities will have to be grappled with. The funding required will possibly have to be allocated over a period of five to seven years because it is enormous.

Senator McCarthy called for a debate on bank charges and outlined his serious concerns about Permanent TSB increasing its interest rate by half a percentage point. This is a huge burden on mortgage holders at this very difficult time. The European Central Bank is reviewing its rate today and I hope it will leave it at 1%.

The cost of funds, the amount being paid for deposits and everything to do with finance can be discussed in two weeks when the Finance Bill is before the House. The serious requests being made and the nature of everyone's economic difficulties are such that I will be very forthcoming in supporting the requests of the leaders when we are agreeing on the allocation of time for the Finance Bill. Thus, everyone may have an opportunity to discuss the serious challenges associated with making mortgage repayments.

Senators Norris, Ross, Callely, Wilson, Buttimer, Bradford and Carty called for a debate on the issues highlighted in the House regarding the Central Bank. I take on board the point made that the problems should be rectified in order that we can move on, as Senator Norris said. This is Senator Ross's area of expertise and we must listen attentively to what he has to say thereon. The matter can be discussed during the debate on the Finance Bill or, if a special debate is requested, I can certainly allow time for it. However, as Senator Callely said, we should perhaps wait a little longer to learn all the facts about the issue.

Senator McCarthy called for a debate on social welfare entitlements, particularly those for farmers' wives. I listened attentively to what the Minister for Social and Family Affairs had to say yesterday in committee on this issue. With regard to certain areas, farmers' wives will certainly be able to obtain every entitlement available, but a small proportion are not covered and unable to avail of these entitlements. There could be fewer than 100 women affected. Perhaps we can examine this issue to determine what can be done. I will have no difficulty in having the Minister come to the House to discuss the issue in the near future.

Senators Ó Murchú, Mooney, Glynn and Carroll referred to the buying of Irish produce. Senator Ó Murchú correctly referred to the confusion caused in the three cases he outlined to the House. This was one of the issues raised in the report on the groceries order produced when, as a Deputy in the Dáil, I was Chairman of the Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business. It concerns the "guaranteed Irish" logo on everything manufactured and put up for sale on the island of Ireland. I listened to what Senator Mooney had to say on EU directives in this regard. If what he says is correct, then let us bring this case to the European Parliament. Our colleagues there can then insist that the "Guaranteed Irish" sign be displayed on such products. I understand that Enterprise Ireland feels strongly about this matter also. We were conscious of other products that were brought before the committee's review of the groceries order at that particular time.

Senators Keaveney, Carroll and Bradford referred to this being the tenth day of negotiations in Northern Ireland. The Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement is meeting today and I take this opportunity as Leader of the House to wish everyone well in their determination to achieve a final resolution. I congratulate all party leaders, including the Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister, for their magnificent efforts towards reaching a successful conclusion. I join with Senator Keaveney in greeting the good news that PSNI officer, Peadar Heffron, is returning to good health. We all wish him and his family well and will remember him in our prayers. We were concerned because at one stage the man was fighting for his life.

Senator Coghlan referred to the White Paper on electoral reform and asked about its publication date, which will be later this year.

Senators Callely and Donohoe sought a debate on the economy, as well as a waste charges waiver for senior citizens and medical card holders. Local authorities in Dublin are charging enough in business rates, which are at an all-time high. I do not know how they can justify it in these difficult times. If they are charging these high rates, surely old people with medical cards should be entitled to the waiver scheme for domestic waste collection. I will certainly make inquiries into this matter.

Senators Regan and Quinn mentioned the recent Lillis case and the protection of witnesses from the media, particularly those who are entitled to protection. As Senator Regan said, Ms Treacy was protected as a witness. As Senator Quinn remarked, the family of the deceased should also be protected. As regards the call for a protocol in this matter, I will pass on those strong views to the Minister.

Senators Wilson and Glynn referred to the continuing debate on head shops. I congratulate Senators on both sides of the House for their tremendous contribution to that debate yesterday.