Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators O'Toole and Keaveney asked for a debate on supports for children with special needs. As I indicated last week, I will have no difficulty in allowing such a debate to take place.

Senators Daly, Quinn and Mullen complimented the President and her dear husband on the initiative, "Your Country, Your Call", which aims to build a better future and encourage everyone who is an innovator to develop job creation proposals. It is something we fully support and we congratulate them on their efforts. We look forward to its success.

Senators Daly, Ó Murchú and Leyden expressed serious concern about the misuse of Irish passports. Many of us heard the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Michéal Martin, speak on radio today on the matter. It is a serious one, on which the Minster has called in the Israeli ambassador today. Perhaps we should leave it and review the position on the Order of Business next Tuesday.

Senators Mary M. White, Healy Eames, Ormonde and Keaveney expressed strong views on the teaching of mathematics and science. I have been a great supporter of this from the time I was Chairman of the Joint Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Small Business. It is a matter of serious concern which, as Senator White who is a champion of industry and has a proven track record in this area said, has to be dealt with head-on. Some Senators are members of the teaching fraternity. The Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe should come back to the House for a special debate on the teaching of mathematics and science and the challenges facing the country in terms of job creation, including by multinationals, all of which are linked with attracting high value jobs through the IDA and Enterprise Ireland. I will have no difficulty in arranging a debate on the matter. We should also include in it the issue of funding for third level, a matter brought to the attention of the House by a number of Senators, as well as for the arts, an issue highlighted by Senator Keaveney in the debate on Northern Ireland yesterday.

Senators Hannigan, Ryan and Phelan sought further support regarding the SR Technics proposal and for the service providers at the airport where there is a quality workforce. These people are highly skilled and available to be re-employed which is of great importance should any further jobs become available in the aviation business. I fully support the call because common sense must prevail. It is never the wrong time to do the right thing and it is right to take this action now.

Senators Quinn and Ormonde complimented the debate on Northern Ireland in the House yesterday in the presence of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Martin. It was a wonderful debate and I congratulate all Senators for their serious contributions. The Minister stayed a long time in the House for the debate. I note also the comments of Senator Quinn on anthems.

Senator Donohoe spoke of the programme for Government and we can certainly discuss this matter. The Finance Bill will be introduced to the House in two weeks at which time I will allow additional time for Senators to make their points of view on job creation. Perhaps the programme for Government can be discussed at the same time.

Senator Buttimer spoke of airport taxes. This issue should be highlighted on Second Stage of the Finance Bill. There is a good case to be made on this point and the Senator has made it. We all agree that if we can do anything to bring tourists to the country this year we should do it. Tourism is one of the three planks on which we must rebuild our economy.

Senator Norris made a very strong case for the poor people in Kosovo who are living in camps in appalling conditions. Children are dying. I will pass on his strong views for the attention of the Minister.

The report on the Department of Health and Children and related staff duties was brought to the attention of the House by Senator Coghlan. This has been commented upon on many previous occasions. We will have a full debate on health issues and can tease out the issues of this report with the Minister at that stage.

Senator Coghlan spoke also about the Cork-Swansea ferry which is a great help to tourism and to people in the south of the country. The Senator, who comes from the tourism capital, Killarney, knows this is a matter of serious concern to the people of the south and south-west. I fully support his call for any action on getting that ferry into business again.

Senator Hanafin spoke again of the possibility of the Irish Commissioner, Ms Máire Geoghegan Quinn, coming to the House and that would be my wish also. The Committee on Procedure and Privileges may have this issue on its agenda at its next meeting.

Senator Doherty spoke of a new announcement on jobs, which would be of interest also to his constituency colleague, the Tánaiste, Deputy Coughlan. I would welcome the House having a debate that might enhance this proposal.