Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators Fitzgerald, O'Toole, Alex White, O'Donovan, Buttimer, Ó Brolcháin, Harris, Leyden, Ryan, Keaveney, Healy Eames, Callely, Donohue, Doherty, Mary White, Twomey, Walsh, Norris, Bacik, Hanafin, Mullen and Glynn — 22 Senators — welcomed the Saville report. Yesterday was a historic day, and thank God we all lived to see it. It was one of the most important days for anyone to be a Member of either House of the Oireachtas. I think of very sad days, and I congratulate RTE for its tremendous live coverage which allowed the people of Ireland see that justice was done for the 14 innocent people who were murdered, their families and all the victims, as mentioned by Senator Harris and many other colleagues, and the minute's silence that took place to remember all of them.

I recall being in Derry ten days after Bloody Sunday and being taken out on the bridge, left with my hands up over my head for an hour and a half in pouring rain. That is the sort of torture that went on for the people of the North of Ireland in those times. It was hell on earth for anyone trying to make a living or run a business in that part of the country. I feel proud and privileged to be here today and to look back on that time. The events that took place were wrong, and we must remember all those of all political persuasions who put their lives on the line, the almost 100,000 innocent families who were maimed and also the 3,000 who died in that terrible period of 30 years or more.

Yesterday was a splendid day and I wish everyone well. I am aware the Taoiseach is meeting the relatives today. The church leaders will have met them by now to congratulate them on their determination and hard work over the 38 long years they waited to see the events that happened in Derry yesterday. I will allow the longest time for a debate. I will consult with the leaders after the Order of Business to see how we will allow every Member of this House to welcome the news and the Saville report.

Lord Saville was a man of courage. I agree with the sentiments expressed here today. The British Prime Minister made the utterances we all wanted to hear on television yesterday. I want to mention all taoisigh of our country including the former Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern. Tony Blair played a huge role also. Our current Taoiseach and all past taoisigh and Ministers for Foreign Affairs played a major role in ensuring this day would happen. I congratulate everyone concerned on all sides. As I said, we will allow the longest time possible to ensure all Members of this House can make a contribution in regard to welcoming the report for which we all waited so long.

Senators Fitzgerald, Ryan, Twomey and Bacik called for an urgent debate on mental health and referred to the three institutions that were unfit for purpose and about which we heard on our radio stations this morning following the publication of the Mental Health Commission report yesterday. I have no difficulty in asking the Minister of State, Deputy Moloney, to come back to the House. The Minister has been very generous with his time. He has come to the House on every occasion he was asked to do so. As we are all aware, he got a reasonable allocation in the budget despite the fact that resources were very scarce. I welcome the new 55 bedroom unit, the foundation stone for which he laid in Mullingar last Monday week. Under his remit of mental health he is endeavouring to do his utmost in regard to improving the standards in that area. He deserves all our support and I have no difficulty in the House having this issue discussed before the summer recess, on which Senator Fitzgerald asked for a commitment. I have no difficulty with such a debate taking place.

Senator Buttimer pointed out that on this day 33 years ago in 1977 a good Corkman, Mr. Jack Lynch, took the position of Taoiseach, an event of which we are all so proud. It is extraordinary how time flies.

Senator Walsh has also offered his congratulations to Mr. Billy Walsh and the five young men who brought back medals from the European boxing championships. I have already welcomed this and congratulated everyone involved on the Order of Business yesterday.

Senators O'Toole and Ó Brolcháin have raised the matter of the Land Registry's proposal to destroy its hard copy records once it has computerised them, records which cover our history and heritage for generations. This is a matter we in the Seanad should take to our hearts and on which we should get the Minister to attend a debate. I accept that to gain speed and efficiency documents in the registry must be computerised. Under no circumstances, however, should its records dating back 300 years be damaged. They are a great advantage to the country in terms of tourism. We all saw the huge interest in the 1911 census when the returns were published on-line. I will have a debate on the matter in the next few weeks.

Senators O'Donovan and Buttimer referred to the Dog Breeding Establishments Bill which will be debated in the House today and tomorrow, if Senators so wish. I assure Senator O'Donovan and the House that the Bill will not be rushed. I will do anything I can to assist colleagues in their serious concerns about the legislation and ensure its passage. Many Members on all sides of the House made contributions on the legislation in good faith. We are trying to assist in making it acceptable to the people we represent in the House.

Senators Healy Eames and Ó Brolcháin called for a debate and an update from the Minister on the issue of schools' patronage and provision for special educational needs. Senator Healy Eames also raised her serious concerns regarding education. I have no difficulty with having such a debate at the earliest possible time.

Senator Callely sought briefing documents for the forthcoming statements on health services. As Leader of the House, I have one job and another as leader of the Fianna Fáil group. Senator Alex White wanted an update on how I assisted colleagues on the Fianna Fáil side. I always do my best for any Senator who seeks a personal verbal or written briefing. If any other party leader wishes to avail of the assistance that colleagues need in the House from time to time, I strongly advise them to do so.