Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

With regard to the Irish diaspora, I have already given a commitment to the House to have a debate on this as soon as possible.

Senator Alex White also mentioned the Finance Bill, for which we will have Second Stage on Wednesday, 24 March. On Thursday, 25 March we will have Committee Stage, and any remaining Stages can be taken on the Friday if that is what the party leaders request of me. I propose that spokespersons will speak for 20 minutes and all other colleagues will have 15 minutes to make their contributions. If this is not enough, we will discuss it at the leaders' meeting next Tuesday. I am flexible in this regard.

Senators Leyden and Callely called for a full debate on taxis. I have no difficulty in having time left aside for this. Senator Coffey also asked for a lengthy debate on competitiveness.

I have already said this should be taken when the Minister for Finance is present for the Finance Bill and I hope this can be done. Almost all of our business up to the Easter recess consists of legislation.

Senator Wilson made a proposal about head shops which I will discuss with the leaders at our meeting next Tuesday. The proposal is an innovative one and I have no difficulty in agreeing to it in principle. I also have no objection to the proposal that the working group be chaired by Senator O'Toole.

Senator Wilson also mentioned the sponsorship of programmes on the national broadcaster, RTE, by banking organisations which are out repossessing property and other items. This is something that can be considered, perhaps by the Joint Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.

Senator Walsh mentioned the fact that 226 consultants have been found not to be working to the terms of their contracts. This is a serious problem. I hope the Committee on Public Accounts, which has been doing extremely good work for many years and during many Administrations, will investigate this and ensure these consultants comply fully with the terms of their contracts.

Senator Prendergast spoke about many issues in the area of health. These can be discussed with the Minister in the House before the Easter recess.

Senator Ó Murchú asked how we could assist in creating employment and mentioned cash flow from the banks and the part that can be played by the Revenue Commissioners, including the introduction of a moratorium on taxes for small businesses. He spoke of bringing stability to employment and not going down a cul-de-sac, and mentioned the various taxes, including PAYE, income tax and VAT, which the Revenue Commissioners are obliged to collect. This is something we should discuss, and I hope we can have a lengthy debate after the Easter recess. Colleagues can also bring this issue to the Minister's attention when we are discussing the Finance Bill.

Senator Norris spoke about abuse of copyright. In Ireland we pride ourselves on the intellectual property rights Bill we introduced. It was one of the best in the world when approved by both Houses.

I will pass on the views of the Senator on the abuses he outlined to the House. He also outlined the remarkable connection between Michael Foot and Jonathan Swift. It is extraordinary how close they were in the context of what is happening.

Senator Bacik mentioned the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill. If there are 700 amendments to be considered in the Dáil, it will be a considerable period before it comes to this House. However, I will make inquiries about the matter.

The Senator also asked for a debate on the criminal justice system and mentioned an individual named in the Murphy report. I will pass on her views to the Minister and we can have a debate on the matter. There are many justice Bills being discussed in the House and the Minister will be present. He has always been forthcoming in that regard when Bills from his Department are before us for consideration.

Senator Hannigan spoke about the innovation task force which we can certainly debate in the House. I take the points made on the teaching of maths and science as being of the utmost importance.

Senator Mullen asked how our political system was working and said it should be reviewed. I have no difficulty in having such a debate at any time and will try to schedule it for before the summer recess.