Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senator Ó Murchú called for a debate on missing persons. I fully agree with him in his call. The least any Government could do is ensure the availability of a designated telephone line to help the heartbroken parents of missing children. I will certainly raise the matter with the Minister later today and update the House in coming days on the Department's position on the Senator's genuine request.

Senators Quinn, Mooney and Ó Brolcháin asked about the retention of central European time. This is very worthwhile, especially coming from Senator Ó Brolcháin. We all know the sun sets in the west where there is always a longer daylight timeframe. The proposal is very much worth our consideration and if the UK goes down this road it is correct that we should follow suit.

Regarding the Irish diaspora Senator Mooney called for the Minister for Foreign Affairs to come to the House, particularly in regard to the Farmleigh convention. All of us who were at Farmleigh must compliment every Irish man and woman who came from all over the world and hold every kind of senior position in their various countries to the motherland convention at Farmleigh. They gave of their time and expertise to make their views known at such an important event. The eye-opener for many colleagues who attended from the Oireachtas was the importance of the Irish diaspora and everything to do with our culture, proud tradition and heritage. I will ask the Minister to come and debate this subject in the House at the earliest opportunity.

Senators Prendergast, Feeney and Phelan called for a debate on the HSE and everything to do with it. All of us who were present in the House for the entire contribution of the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Mary Harney, noted her outstanding contribution on her portfolio. For approximately 25 minutes she gave an up to date detailed report on every area of that portfolio without having to consult any of the minutes or scripts provided for her. We agreed, as did the Minister, that because of the interest expressed by a number of Senators-----