Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

On that issue, colleagues must take matters to their group leaders, who will then take those matters to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, CPP. Senator Bradford's suggestion was good. Perhaps more good suggestions made during parliamentary party meetings over the next week or two could be brought before the CPP. Its Chairman, the Cathaoirleach, will have them debated in a bid to determine how to take the Seanad forward. I have no particular objection to this morning's proposals, but a collective decision by the CPP is required.

Senator Prendergast referred to the Joint Committee on Health and Children and called for a debate on sex education. I support her call and will try to arrange for that debate.

Senator Corrigan called for a change in legislation on subcontractors. This matter should be raised during Second Stage of the Financial Bill in the second week of March. I support her opinions in this regard. She also referred to the reports on recent activity in the church, including the Holy Father's meeting with the Irish bishops in Rome. Certain attitudes must change and everything that is decent and honourable must be respected. I fully support the Senator's comments and, if necessary, we can have a further debate on the matter. I hope the Holy Father accepts the invitation to attend the Eucharistic congress in 2012 and to speak to the people. I look forward to his letter, which is due in the next few weeks.

Senators O'Reilly, Buttimer and Ó Brolcháin called for an urgent debate on tourism. It is one of the three cornerstones on which we will rebuild our economy. Tens of thousands of people are employed in the sector. Like everything else, it is experiencing a difficult time, but we are at our lowest point. The figures for March, May and June are pretty good and competitive rates are being offered by hotels across the country. On a Friday or Saturday night in Cavan, Athlone, Mullingar, elsewhere in the midlands or Tullamore in the Cathaoirleach's area, hotels are experiencing growth because they are now giving value for money. We need an all-afternoon debate on tourism, which I am endeavouring to hold during the next two weeks.

Senator Ellis mentioned Mr. Kelly's appointment as the representative of the US to Northern Ireland. I agree with the Senator concerning the Border areas, but why not apply the same to the BMW region? We are discussing the hidden Ireland and the Border areas. Whatever occurs in the North, we in the BMW region feel its effects.

Senator Walsh discussed health insurance and the executive's decision, particularly where affordable insurance for the elderly was concerned. We can take this matter up with the Minister for Health and Children when she is in the House. I fully support the Senator's call.

Senator Callely asked whether customers who do not hear from the HSE can assume that they are still covered by their medical cards. I will make inquiries and revert to the Senator this afternoon.

Senator Ó Brolcháin called for a debate on the new Dublin mayor. Given the proposals and Bill being laid before the House, I have no difficulty in setting aside time to discuss the matter.

Senator Callely also asked about the progress being made by NAMA. Senator Coghlan asked what progress Brussels has made in making a decision in this regard. One Member of the House might have highlighted the issues with the decision taking longer than expected, but it is hoped that there will be an official response from Brussels during the next two weeks.

Senator Carroll, a young Member, outlined the smart economy to the House and mentioned the 10,000 proposed jobs for his native County Louth. The latter is good news and I look forward to the younger Members of the House tabling innovative ideas. I will discuss the matter with the Senator after the Order of Business. I have no difficulty in this regard, but the issue could be discussed during the debate on the Finance Bill. I fully support him in his call.

Senator Quinn discussed world development aid and the Irish contribution, which is the sixth largest in the world per head of population. He also mentioned the €10 million collected during the past seven weeks for Haiti. The Irish have been generous for decades. Missionaries have given of their lives and every fibre of their bodies to assist the underprivileged, whether through education or religion. We are an exemplary nation and should congratulate ourselves on doing something well. It is something of which we can be proud. The Government's commitment, if financially possible, will be forthcoming to allow us to do everything possible to support the poor in the developing world

Senators Mary White, Bradford and Leyden raised the matter of the Irish Thalidomide Association, the 32 survivors and the £1.1 million in compensation for the 18 survivors in the North. I will call on the Government to do whatever it can to support the 32 survivors.

Senator Regan discussed the Dublin docklands report. As I stated yesterday, the report is with the Attorney General, so we must wait.

Senator Leyden called for a debate on head shops. We had a lengthy debate on the challenges facing the Minister of State, Deputy Curran, in this regard. I understand that he is at an advanced stage of having a debate take place. After the Order of Business, I will discuss with the Senator how to keep this issue to the fore. Whatever can be done, I will support fully.

Senator Feeney called for a national eating disorder week. I have no difficulty in arranging a debate in that regard. I also support everyone involved in the organisation, which is doing so much good in trying to help those who are badly affected by eating disorders.

Senator Dearey called for a debate on the Border economy. It is a worthwhile suggestion, given the cross-Border challenges faced by many counties North and South from time to time, the VAT implications and exchange rates. I fully support the call made by the newest Member of the House, Senator Dearey, and will arrange to have the debate take place at the earliest time.