Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

It is never the wrong time to do the right thing. We should seriously consider Senator Quinn's proposal.

Senator Coghlan called for a debate on overcharging by the banks. This issue could be dealt with during the debate on the Finance Bill. I will discuss with the leaders next week the time to be allowed for each Senator to make a contribution on the Bill to enable them to include all of the issues they want to address.

Senator Glynn highlighted the dangers posed by head shops. I know Ministers are taking this issue very seriously and I hope they will deal with it speedily. We have discussed the issue in the House during the past two weeks. I fully support the Senator's call that it be brought to a speedy conclusion and dealt with in legislation in the next few weeks.

Senator Healy Eames has informed the House that 175 jobs are to go at Boston Scientific. The company currently employs 3,000 workers and is a wonderful employer. I hope those who will lose their jobs will be retrained and that there will be jobs for them in the future.

Senator O'Reilly called for a debate on green energy opportunities, including the development of wind and river turbines. Such a debate would be worthwhile. The Senator might talk to his leader about bringing forward a motion on the matter the next time Fine Gael has an opportunity to avail of Private Members' time. Consideration of this matter would be worthwhile.

Senator Burke called for a debate on regional planning guidelines and the upgrading of the regional authorities. We can have a debate on this matter.

Senator Mullen abhors the fact that Raidió na Gaeltachta is to stop broadcasting Sunday mass. With this change, we have hit a new low in broadcasting in Ireland. This is shameful and appalling. As we were all taught at school, the most important hour of the week is the hour spent in church on a Sunday. Considering that the station broadcasts for 167 hours, it has hit a really low pitch in deciding that it will not broadcast Sunday mass. This will impact on those who are not able to move from their homes and for whom Sunday mass is part and parcel of their lives. It is probably the most important hour in their week's activities.