Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators Fitzgerald, O'Toole, Alex White, Boyle, Hanafin, Norris, Callely, Coghlan, Dearey, Wilson, Bacik, Mary White, Healy Eames, Keaveney, Mullen, Buttimer, Harris and O'Reilly called for a special debate on the Saville report. The horrific events of 38 years ago, the 14 lives lost among those making a peaceful protest, has left an indelible mark on our memories and those of the families who lost their loved ones. I look forward to it coming to the House and allowing the longest time possible for debate.

On the call in regard to banking issues, we will have that debate later this evening for three hours. It is my intention that we will debate it as long and as often as required and requested.

Regarding the trail of decision making referred to earlier in the House, it is of the utmost importance that all decisions are available to be seen in written form and on film and to discuss the Ministers and Secretaries Act 1924 in terms of the way it fits in with the requirements of this 21st century. We will see how the debate on the banking report progresses this evening and then determine what further time is required, particularly in regard to the comments made by Michael Somers and others since the reports were published.

Senators Fitzgerald, Callely, Donohoe, Healy Eames and O'Reilly called for a special debate on our maternity hospitals. I have no difficulty in allowing time for that debate to take place. There is an urgency about this issue, and it is certainly timely. One's heart would go out to some of the mothers in the stories told, and the lovely young boys and girls we saw on our television screens, in regard to the trauma they had to go through.

On Senator O'Toole's question about Seanad reform, I will make an inquiry again of the Minister's office and come back to the House later in the week to see how that legislation is progressing.

Senators Cummins, Norris and Buttimer raised the matter of sittings last week. As we are all aware, the Seanad sessions diary was published in the first week in March. All the party leaders, including Senator Bacik, called for a diary of the sitting days and it was in that endeavour that I published it on that date. I said on publishing it that it should be noted that Seanad dates are indicative and may be subject to change. We did not change one day on it. Last week the Dáil was not due to sit. We were not due to sit. There was a change of mind and the Dáil sat. The leaders asked me if we could sit. I asked my Whip the position in regard to pairs and he came back to me and told me the difficulty we were in on the Government side because our colleagues had gone for medical check-ups and had various other arrangements made, which was understandable.

The confusion regarding the number of pairs needed arose when I returned home on Tuesday morning and I responded to a comment Senator Cummins had made. I have always had nothing but the height of respect for all colleagues in the House — the leaders and the Whips. The Whips' job in particular is a very difficult one. I would like to compliment Senator Cummins, our own Whips, Senator Wilson and Senator Glynn, and all the Whips on the excellent work they are carrying out in the House. I have learned from the experience.

Regarding the diary, if there is anything about which I have a regret it is that I did not put it before the House for the approval of the House. Be that as it may, if it is necessary to sit extra days, weeks or whatever to do the business that has been ordered by Government and requested by Senators in terms of statements or whatever else, I would like to think I am an accommodating Leader of the House who works very well with the leaders. I am grateful for the assistance from the Cathaoirleach, the Leas-Chathaoirleach, the clerks and everyone associated with this House. I am honoured and privileged to be Leader of the House. I have always viewed my role as such. My activities at the weekend, whether when I played hurling or now golf, do not interfere in any shape or form with the House. It was only a four day visit which took place on a weekend. I was back on Tuesday morning and if the House was sitting I was ready and available to sit.

I would like to think that all of us have a sporting outlet whether it is walking, talking or whatever because it is something that will extend the quality of our lives, keep us fit, alert and outdoors. God knows we are entitled to a little recreation every weekend after the work of the House and helping our constituents as we all do our very best, irrespective of the party of which we are a member. We are representatives of our people for a short time and we do our best for the time we are here. I thank everyone for what they have done to help and assist me in the years I have been a Member of this House.

Senator Norris asked that his very strong views be passed on to the Minister for Foreign Affairs regarding visiting foreign dignitaries. I will certainly do that.

Senator Callely raised the issue of the approval of a consultant and the need to contact the Minister for Health and Children. The Minister for Health and Children will be in the House tomorrow. The Senator's request is timely and we will possibly get the answer from the Minister here tomorrow.

Senator Coghlan expressed serious concerns regarding the opening times of the Iarnród Éireann ticket office in Killarney, especially during this high season in the country's No. 1 tourist attraction. I will pass on his views to the Minister.

Senator Dearey welcomed the vote by IMPACT and SIPTU on bringing about changes that are badly needed in our country at the present time. I join with Senator Dearey in wholeheartedly welcoming the outcome of the vote by IMPACT and SIPTU, which shows the responsible leaders and the responsible membership in those organisations. Never was that more wanted, and any of us who have met our colleagues from parliaments in other destinations are aware that they are all talking about the way Ireland is managing to meet the challenges and bring in corrective measures, hand in hand with the trade union movement and with the workers of our country.

Senator Bacik called for a debate on Senator Healy Eames's report. I will consider that later today.

Senator Mullen spoke about Natasha McShane and the great progress she is making. He complimented the people of Chicago for their fund-raising activities which raised $250,000 for this beautiful girl from Camlough, which is not far from where those of us along the Border counties live. What happened to her was a tragedy but it is lovely to see that progress is being made.

Senator Mullen called for a debate on hospice care. I fully support the call. We have already had debates here on the good work hospices are doing in every parish and townland. I have no difficulty in the House having a further debate on that issue.

Senator Regan outlined points to the House. The Cathaoirleach correctly made his views known in regard to the committee sittings in that regard.

Senator Quinn raised the issue of the €35 million being claimed by welfare tourists. That should be investigated as a matter of urgency. The huge amount of money — €35 million — in regard to this activity is totally unacceptable.