Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I acknowledge the presence in the Gallery of our councillor, Mr. Shane P. O'Reilly, and congratulate him on his family's recent success. Senators Twomey, O'Toole, Hannigan, Mooney, Coghlan and Hanafin called for an urgent debate on banking. The Finance Bill will be before the House on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 24-26 March. As we all know, Committee Stage in the Dáil is being deliberated. A timeframe has been allocated.

Senator Mooney suggested that a devaluation of the euro could be considered. Whatever the possibility of that occurring, I understand the euro's strongest point is that it keeps interest rates down. Given the fact that we are a small nation, I hate to think what interest rates we would be charged were we not in the euro. They would be mind-boggling.

Senators Mooney, Norris, Ó Brolcháin, Hanafin and Donohoe called for a special debate on jobs. It will be held next Wednesday. Many colleagues are anxious that we discuss the subject, so I will consult party leaders at our meeting on Tuesday. I will continue it the following week if necessary. All of next Wednesday afternoon will be devoted to a special debate on everything to do with the creation of jobs.

Senator Liam Twomey called for a debate on the public sector. That may be tied in with the jobs debate if leaders agree. I would have no difficulty with that. Senator Twomey also referred to health services and a new medical council Bill. I will do everything I can to facilitate his request. Senators Dominic Hannigan, Shane Ross and Jerry Buttimer spoke about the student support Bill. This has not been published but I will make inquiries as to when that might happen.

Senator Diarmuid Wilson made a strong point in support of his native Cavan and neighbouring County Monaghan. As a Senator who lives on the Ulster border I fully agree, as does Senator Joe O'Reilly, with Senator Wilson's serious concerns at the huge interference suffered by the people of Mullagh, Cootehill and Ballybay, which was well represented in the House for many years. Bailieborough and Ballina are also seriously affected. When the ESB placed pylons across the country I remember that our car radios were affected when we drove under them. Now that Cavan and Monaghan have come into the 21st century we have digital services and the area has been opened up. Others are now discovering this "hidden Ireland" which we have known for some time. We now have the same opportunities as other places. Those of us who attended the recent meeting of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly saw the effect of the huge investment in tourism in Cavan, particularly the magnificent four and five star hotels which have been built there. It is fantastic to see this happening and we fully support the people of Cavan, through Senator Wilson's representations here. I know that all colleagues will join the Government Whip in his request.

Senator Maurice Cummins called for the Minister to come to the House to speak about law and order and gangland crime. On Tuesday next, the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Bill 2009 will be debated in the House and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, who always attends when his Bills are being debated, will be present. I know Senator Cummins is a champion in this area. I ask colleagues to bring these matters to light when speaking in the debate on Second Stage. If Senators of various parties and groups wish to have additional time for Second Stage of this Bill I will discuss that with the leaders on Tuesday. Whatever time is required will be provided so Senators can make their strong views known to the Minister during the debate on Second Stage.