Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators Keaveney, Hannigan and Dearey congratulated Mr. Owen Paterson on his appointment as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and I agree fully with the sentiment. Members of this House are full members of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly which helps us no end. I look forward to working with Mr. Paterson in the coming years and wish him all good luck in regard to the serious challenges that his Government must face now, challenges we have been facing up to as a nation for the past 18 months.

Senator Norris congratulated Senator Feargal Quinn on his O2 ability award and I wish to be associated with that. It is a proud day for the Senator and his family and for Seanad Éireann that his achievements are so recognised. I have always sung the Senator's praises in this House for the many thousands of jobs he and his family have created in their lifework and endeavour.

Senator Coffey called for a debate on the challenges facing small and medium-sized businesses and the difficulties being experienced by those who have mortgages and loans and are finding it difficult to make their repayments. As Senators know, next week the House will debate the Bill on the financial matters of Greece and we could take the other matter then. I promised the House that the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe, would be present to discuss his new portfolio regarding the challenges currently facing the country.

I welcome the announcement of the extra number of jobs in recent days, about which Senator Butler informed the House today. These include e-Bay, which offered 150 jobs, IBM, 200, Warner, 200, Hertz,100, Network Paypal, 100, and Abtran in Cork offered 300 jobs. I am sure Senator Buttimer is delighted to hear that. Pro-Tech in Dundalk promised 70 jobs. These all come at a very difficult time and I congratulate IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland which worked hard to bring them about. I thank Senator Butler for updating me today with this information regarding the challenges that faced these two bodies. We must spread the good news. It is our duty to let the people know the positive things that are happening.

Senator Norris called for a debate on the ratings agencies. I already gave a commitment this will take place.

Senator Leyden spoke about local government members and their concerns regarding councillors having to pay PRSI and the pension levy when no social welfare entitlements or pensions are available to them. We will pass on this issue to the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Ó Cuív, for his views and it will return to the House later. There are very many issues concerning councillors at present. They want to improve their position because they are making an immeasurable contribution, as they always have done over many years. We need only look to see the great work done by council and local authority members, on VEC boards and, in particular, on health boards, and the openness and transparency that existed over generations. Very many colleagues in the House were members of health boards and their families before them made an immeasurable contribution in this regard.

Senator Leyden mentioned No. 19 on the Order Paper, a Bill to amend the Seanad electoral panel membership. I shall discuss this with the Clerk of the Seanad after the Order of Business and update the House on the matter at a later date. There is no doubt that colleagues will keenly await the response.

Senator Harris spoke about moving on and leading our people. It is a sensible call to the House regarding Ireland and its future, and we should encourage colleagues not to look back in this very special debate. We have been a leader in the world in our success and achievements, particularly over the past 15 years.

Senator Butler informed the House of the figures and potential for growth in the next six months of 1%. If everything keeps going as it is, next year it is possible we could have a growth rate of up to 3%, which would be double the EU average. I hope everything stays on track and that everything possible is being done to meet the challenge. I welcome those figures from Senator Butler.

Senators Cannon and Hanafin spoke on the vision for public transport and called for a debate on it. The Dublin bicycle scheme has been an outstanding success and many young people are using it on a daily and even hourly basis.