Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators Hannigan and Mooney have called for a debate on where Ireland is going in the next ten or 20 years. Such a debate is timely. A debate was also called for on the Irish Diaspora. I have said we will have a debate on the Irish language in the House next week with the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. It is timely, given that St. Patrick's Day is approaching.

Senators Ó Brolcháin and John Paul Phelan called for a debate on information technology. I am pleased to hear the proceedings of the House are being relayed live throughout the world using technology. I hope colleagues bear this in mind when making their contributions at certain times in the House. I will have no difficulty with the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Eamon Ryan, coming to the House to debate the fact that every area should be given a fair chance, through broadband or any other available technology.

Senator Bacik asked when the debate on women in politics would take place. I will revert to her on the matter during the Order of Business tomorrow morning. The Senator also referred to funding for the Arts Council, a very important issue which can be brought to the attention of the Minister for Finance in two weeks when considering the Finance Bill.

Senator Donohoe called for a debate on emigration which presents a very serious challenge, given that 427,000 people are unemployed. I will discuss with the leaders at our meeting next Tuesday how we can have a long debate on the issue. I will have no difficulty in having the debate at the earliest possible time.