Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senator Quinn called for a debate on the matter of human body organs and he also noted the case last week where organs had to go the UK for transplants. I have no difficulty in having time allocated for this debate.

Senator Leyden made one of the most worthwhile suggestions I have heard in a long time in the House this morning. I hope colleagues will support the advice of the long-serving former Minister of State and Deputy in regard to the national bond. Years ago, our forefathers invested their life savings to help the nation in its hour of need. This is a very worthwhile proposal and I hope many colleagues will tease it out with the Minister for Finance when the Finance Bill comes to the House. As Senator Leyden said, billions of euro could be raised by our own people to help the nation at this time.

Senators Buttimer, Callely, Prendergast and McCarthy welcomed former Senator Kathleen O'Meara and her Irish Cancer Society team. I thank those Senators who thanked me for ensuring it would be on the agenda for Ash Wednesday. It is 31 years since I kicked the smoking habit. I sincerely hope many people will avail of the opportunity provided by Ash Wednesday and desist from the habit. Quality of life completely changes when one stops smoking. It is to the great credit of the Irish Cancer Society that it is doing so much in the fight against the plague of cancer. I welcome the Irish Cancer Society to the House.

Senator Callely called for a debate on the aviation industry. The high quality staff involved are, as the Senator said today and yesterday, a huge asset in regard to what is happening at Dublin Airport. There is a trained staff of 1,000 people, no matter where Michael O'Leary wants to go. I have always saluted Mr. O'Leary's endeavour and what he has done for Ireland and for tourism. He is a world leader and one of the most successful men in the world. At the same time, the biggest plus from the Government point of view, from Ryanair's point of view and from all other points of view, including those of the IDA and Enterprise Ireland, must be the skilled staff of 1,000 people. It would take seven or eight years to bring those skills to the level they are at, and that is the big attraction at Dublin Airport.

I sincerely hope common sense will prevail. The IDA and Enterprise Ireland will do all they can, as will the Tánaiste and the Government, because they are totally committed. As was said by colleagues today, perhaps now we can get away from the media side and find whether common sense can prevail. It would be a huge plus for the aviation industry because the potential is enormous. The number of planes Ryanair has, some 300, means these would be sustainable jobs. It would be a dream come true to have this happen. I know everyone concerned is doing whatever they can to ensure this can be facilitated.

Senator Coghlan called for a debate on the banks. I hope the Senator can leave this matter until the Finance Bill is dealt with in two weeks' time. We can certainly find out the up-to-date position in this regard.

Senator Prendergast referred to hospital services in the south east, in particular the hospital in Clonmel. The Senator is very interested to know the up-to-date position. I have no difficulty in having the Minister come to the House for a wide-ranging discussion on health matters. The Senator can deal with this matter on that occasion.

Senator McCarthy again called for the Minister to reconsider the system whereby all medical cards are dealt with at one centre in Dublin. We all know this is not working - we cannot even get an answer on the telephone. As there is a huge amount of legislation to deal with and I have acceded to the request to have the debate on the report next week, with the Finance Bill before us the following week, I ask that the leaders would facilitate us in Private Members' time on the question of medical cards. It is a huge issue for our senior citizens and those on the margins at this very difficult time.