Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I am responding to the genuine sincerity with which the request was made. Politics is the art of the possible. This debate will take place when it is humanly possible and within the next number of days. I will allow an all-day debate on the topic. In many years, I have never seen family businesses and small and medium sized enterprises facing such challenges as they do at present.

I refer to the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly which various Members representing their parties attended in County Cavan. It was an outstanding success and I congratulate Deputy Niall Blaney, who is one of the co-chairs, on the 40th anniversary of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly which started 20 years ago. It was an incredible experience to be there and to see how the North of Ireland has been transformed and how peace on the island of Ireland has been achieved. Of course, we were all sick to hear about the bomb last night. As the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Garda Commissioner, Fachtna Murphy, said the determination exists among the political class, the PSNI and the Garda Síochána. A small number of people are keeping the violence going. Please God, it will not be too long before it ceases completely.

I say to all those involved in the 20th anniversary celebrations, which took place in County Cavan yesterday, that one was proud to be Irish and doubly proud to be a Member of the Houses of the Oireachtas, whether the Dáil or the Seanad. I wholeheartedly congratulate everyone involved, including the clerk, Paul Kelly, and his staff, who did so much to fly the flag of Ireland among our counterparts from the British Isles, whether England, Wales, Scotland, the Isle Man or Jersey. It was a proud day to be Irish.

Senator MacSharry referred to the difficulties being experienced as a result of the huge loss of the world rally championship. I will bring this to the attention of the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism immediately after the Order of Business to see what can done at this late stage.

Senator Quinn referred 100% container scanning which may be coming in from July of next year in the US. This is a serious issue and I will bring it to the attention of the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

Senator Ormonde referred to the ESRI study on family formation and called for a debate at an opportune time. I will arrange for this to take place.

Senators Healy Eames and Walsh called for an urgent debate on education and the challenges as a result of the decision taken on middle management duties. I will bear in mind the Senators' views, especially those of Senator Walsh in regard to students. Last week the Minister for Education and Science announced a massive allocation of almost €600 million for 52 new school projects. I have no difficulty in agreeing to the request for a debate.

Senator O'Donovan referred to the separation of powers,which we will have to discuss as a matter of urgency. He also called for a debate on the fishing industry. A debate was to take place the week Senator Peter Callanan died. I will definitely arrange such a debate because, as Senator O'Donovan said, there is huge potential for job creation in the mariculture and fishing industry.

Senator Hannigan referred to SR Technics. I will endeavour to get the information requested and I will come back to the Senator directly.

Senators Regan and Buttimer called for an update on the Dublin Docklands Development Authority report. I understand the report is with the Attorney General and I will endeavour to find out how it is progressing. Everyone wants it published at the earliest opportunity once the Attorney General has given his advice.

Senator Leyden referred to the differences in petrol prices in County Cavan which he saw on his way to the House today. We have noted them. Senator Ó Brolcháin called for a debate on the arts.