Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators Fitzgerald, O'Toole, Alex White, Quinn, Dearey, Regan, John Paul Phelan and McFadden expressed serious concerns about health issues. In regard to the high standards of care, I can state first-hand that the care a family member of mine experienced in Mullingar hospital over the past two weeks was of the highest standard and I compliment all those concerned.

Senator McFadden raised the relevance of politicians and the Minister to the HSE. This is an urgent matter which must be dealt with. I will look at the diary of the House in the coming days and will come back to it at the earliest possible time. I certainly agree to such a debate because there are issues, concerns, understandings and misunderstandings in every county and it is time the situation was clarified and that the Minister came to the House to do so for all Members who are the representatives of the people. We are not faceless representatives; we are public representatives representing the people and the taxpayers. I will give a commitment that such a debate will take place.

I refer to the call for a debate on the Brussels package and the eurozone decisions. I welcome the upturn in the markets yesterday which reassured the world in regard to how the European Union conducts itself. Ireland is being looked at as a shining example in terms of how it dealt courageously with the difficulties the Government faced and how the trade union movement and a number of members of the Opposition supported the call in the national interest. In these very difficult two weeks, members of trade unions are making up their minds about the Croke Park deal and are putting the country before their families and political affiliations. The people can feel proud of the undertakings of those in authority representing the trade union movement. I look forward to them helping the people and the Government in the serious decisions they must make in regard to the challenges that lie ahead for our country over the next two or three years.

Senators Wilson, O'Toole, Glynn, Leyden, Buttimer, Feeney, Ormonde, McFadden and Cummins raised the issue of head shops and congratulated Senator Wilson on his steadfast determination that this House would be to the fore in raising the plague of head shops. I join colleagues and thank Senator Wilson and all Members who raised this issue. I also thank the Minister, Deputy Harney, for bringing the issue to Brussels and for getting such an early decision in this regard. I understand that this morning the Minister for Justice and Law Reform brought details of a Bill on this matter to Cabinet. Legislation will be brought before the House for its consideration at the earliest time.

Senators Fitzgerald, O'Toole, Twomey, Coghlan, Norris, Hanafin, Buttimer, Feeney, Mullen and Ormonde called for further consideration of the Ryan and Murphy reports in the House. I refer to the views of Bishop Willie Walsh, which I heard today, and the statements Archbishop Martin made yesterday in regard to the serious concerns he has that not enough is being done. We want to support him in every way we can. If crimes are being hidden, as Senator O'Toole said, no one can condone that. As Senator Hanafin said, everyone must comply with the laws of the State. I will review the situation with the leaders every week. If time is required to debate this issue, I will be very supportive.

Senators Alex White, Ó Brolcháin, John Paul Phelan and Mooney raised the issue of the bank guarantee. On Thursday, 20 May the House will have a day long debate on legislation related to the situation in Greece which will be debated in the Dáil on Wednesday week. The Minister will be present for the debate in the House, at which time Senators may raise concerns and issues related to the European Union. I have listened to the views of colleagues on EU protection for Irish sovereignty, the Lisbon treaty and other issues. These matters can be discussed during the debate.

Senator Mooney welcomed the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport's meeting with representatives of the tourism industry yesterday. He also noted the serious challenges facing the sector and the opportunities arising from the current difficulties with air travel. Given that our constituents must holiday somewhere, there is no better time to support the domestic tourism industry. I will liaise with the Minister to find a suitable time for a lengthy debate on how we can address the problems being experienced in this, one of the most difficult years for a long time.

Senators Twomey, Coghlan and John Paul Phelan called for a further debate on Anglo Irish Bank. I do not have a difficulty with holding such a debate. Senator Coghlan who raised the issue of a good bank will be aware that in 1934 the late great Seán Lemass who later became Taoiseach established ICC Bank which became the backbone of small and medium enterprises. I hope progress can be made in this area again, possibly using an arm of Anglo Irish Bank. Its incoming chairman, former Minister for Finance, Mr. Alan Dukes, is disposed to this proposal.

I fully concur with the sentiments expressed on the challenges facing small and medium-sized enterprises on an hourly rather than daily basis. I have never seen anything like the current position on the availability of funding from the banks. Money must be made available and if the banks are not prepared to do so, the Government has a duty to ensure access to funding.

Senator Glynn called for a full debate on types 1 and 2 diabetes. It was unfortunate that the previous debate was short. This was due to the need to take pressing legislation. I will not have a difficulty in allowing the longest possible time for such a debate.

Senator Leyden called for a debate on the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland and the need for balance in the national broadcaster. I have agreed to provide time for such a debate. The national broadcaster has a duty under the Broadcasting Acts to ensure balance. To the vast majority this does not appear to be the case, which is a great shame. Ireland and its people have achieved a great deal. This should be recognised. I, therefore, call on the national broadcaster to show balance because it is destroying confidence among those who are providing employment. All of those involved in the broadcasting sector have a responsibility to guide people through this difficult time, rather than taking a whingeing attitude, as they are doing. They must accept their responsibility in this regard and exercise it in the best interests of the people and Ireland plc.

Senator Norris referred to motion No. 15 which calls for the establishment of a special committee of the Seanad to examine the origins, backgrounds and policies of the international rating agencies, with particular reference to their impact on the State. I will examine the issue later and revert to the House tomorrow. The Senator also indicated that the State should be interested in acquiring certain items to be sold at auction.

Senator Hanafin expressed serious concerns about outside influences on the economy, in particular hedge funds. The company to which he referred spent a vast sum on a gamble. The Senator also referred to major abuses in financial services. The House can show its worth by debating the issue. I will see what I can do to provide time for such a debate.

Senator Cannon asked that the Minister for Health and Children come before the House to discuss children with disabilities, the challenges facing their parents, especially those on low incomes, and other matters. He speaks on the basis of his experience of the representations made by his constituents. I have agreed to have the Minister come to the House for a lengthy debate and the matters he raises may be discussed at that point.

Senator Mary White referred to the compulsory retirement age in the public service and noted that older people had much to contribute in terms of their energy and experience. The Government will examine the matter which can be debated in the House in the future.

Senators Mullen and Ormonde referred to the leaving certificate examination and the assistance that could be provided for students who were making up their minds on whether to take honours or pass papers. Their proposal to have the Minister for Education and Skills come before the House to discuss the matter is worthwhile and I will try to arrange such a debate. Senator Ormonde also raised concerns about consultants. I will convey her views to the Minister.

Senator Cummins referred to the legislation on the National Asset Management Agency. All legislation passed by the Oireachtas must be amended from time to time. This is especially true of the NAMA legislation because it relates to an area of high risk. I look forward to assisting the Government in ensuring NAMA proceeds in the most efficient and effective manner possible.

Senator McFadden called for a debate on the relevance of politics, with particular emphasis on the role of the Health Service Executive. I will not a have a difficulty in arranging such a debate.