Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

——facing our country. A real effort is being made by everyone, including the European Union, on this matter.

Senators O'Toole, Glynn and Mullen expressed their horror and shock at the reporting of a court case we have all heard in recent days involving the torture of a young man. I hope whatever can be done in future will be done and that we can learn from this very sad experience. The issues that have been highlighted are of enormous concern. I agree with Senator O'Toole. I will allow time for this debate after the St. Patrick's Day recess.

Senator Mooney called for a debate on tourism and referred to the serious challenges faced by the industry which Senator Mary White has outlined to the House on numerous occasions. We all heard the comments made at the Irish Hotels Federation conference in recent days. I have a vested interest in the matter, as every Senator knows. I take the challenges and difficulties being experienced very seriously. The tourism industry is a considerable employer and one of the three planks on which the recovery of the economy will depend. I propose an amendment to the Order of Business on Thursday to allow for a special debate on this subject, for the whole afternoon, if necessary. During the debate we can determine how we can really assist the Minister and Department in addressing the serious challenges facing the industry, particularly the hotels sector. Senator Mooney welcomed the Taoiseach's announcement, made in Galway yesterday, that he would give free rail travel to EU golden years customers. This could be extended to include bus travel, particularly in areas such as County Donegal which, as Senator Mooney outlined, has no rail facility.

Senator Alex White called for a debate on the proposed election of a new mayor of Dublin. I have committed to allowing time to discuss this issue in the House in the presence of the relevant Minister. It is opportune that the debate take place.

Senators Ó Murchú, Harris, Hanafin and O'Reilly congratulated the Minister for Foreign Affairs on his visit to Gaza and called for the provision of support for the poor people of Gaza, considering the appalling circumstances in which they must survive. The European Union and the civilised world must support Ireland in addressing the plight of those living in Gaza. I congratulate the Government, in particular the Minister and the Taoiseach, on its stance and efforts in Gaza.

Senators Harris, Feeney, Hanafin, O'Reilly, Ó Brolcháin and John Paul Phelan called for a debate on old age pensions and having a longer working life. I refer to those who have enormous work experience and appreciate the value of a job. Considering that so many are unemployed, I fully support Senator Harris's call for a debate and will allow time for it.

On the issue of pensions for farmers' wives, I strongly suggest it be raised on Second Stage of the Finance Bill in the presence of the Minister for Finance. I will allow a longer time for all colleagues to make their views known on Second Stage.

Senators Feeney, Glynn, McFadden and Callely congratulated the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy John Moloney, on his hard work and total commitment to A Vision for Change. I expect he will be in the House next week when we can discuss and tease out all the challenges facing the mental health sector and the measures he is trying to implement to help. I want to see what alternatives will be put in place at St. Loman's Hospital, Mullingar, which has a marvellous facility. It could be Mullingar's gain if an arm of a third level institute were to be located there with a view to helping the people of the area. St. Loman's Hospital has been a huge employer in the town for a long time.

Senator Feeney referred to sports events. I understand television plays a major role in the determination of when and where they are to take place. While we are all disappointed tonight's match between Ireland and Brazil will not be played in Croke Park, television rights must be considered. I understand a similar issue will arise on Good Friday. I will pass on the Senator's strong views to the Minister after the Order of Business.

Senator Prendergast referred to type 1 diabetes and outlined the reduction in the number of hours of service of an SNA from 32 to 20 for a particular patient. I will pass on her views to the Minister.

Senator Leyden asked for a special debate on the protocols for the national broadcaster, RTE. I will have no difficulty in allowing time for it to take place.

Senator Mary White outlined her strong and serious concerns regarding the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland's levy increase from €5 million to €7.6 million. As all businesses are experiencing a downturn of 30%, an increase in any levy may be totally unacceptable, especially for local radio which is doing so much for communities and voluntarism and keeping local communities alive. We certainly want to debate the issue in the presence of the Minister to determine how we can fully support Senator White's call. If there is to be an increase, perhaps it can be deferred until the economy returns to buoyancy. It certainly should not be levied at this time, if at all possible.

Senators Coghlan, Walsh, Glynn and Hanafin called for an early debate on the public service. This is a matter of great concern. We all know about the great work that has been done for generations by all staff in the public service. We do not want to see any part of the service becoming political under any circumstances. Its credibility has always been above reproach. Every sector is under pressure but should desist from becoming political. Staff should offer a service to all political party members, be they in government or opposition.