Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

We should fully support and congratulate Senator Ó Murchú on all he has done as a Senator for this House. He is a shining example of all that is good in public life.

Senators Norris and MacSharry called for an update on taxi regulation, in particular NCT tested vehicles over ten years old which are no longer acceptable as taxis. Again, common sense must prevail given the downturn in the economy. The people trying to make a living driving taxis should be supported by all sides of both Houses of the Oireachtas at this difficult time. I will do all that I can to assist the view that a vehicle used as a taxi which is NCT tested and in perfect running be allowed to continue operating. There is not much money to be made in the taxi business any longer. Those of us who drive in by Heuston Station every morning will be aware of the queues of taxi drivers, men and women, waiting there for a fare. Often a taxi driver will get only one fare in a four hour period. We must support taxi drivers who are providing 24/7 a tremendous, dedicated service for their customers, constituents which we represent. It is our duty to support them.

Senators MacSharry, Daly and Healy-Eames called for a debate on matters pertaining to the budget. The budget is six months away. We must wait to see what incomes will accrue to the Exchequer. We can debate the figures released from time to time in monthly or quarterly reports. However, conclusion of the Croke Park agreement will enable urgently needed savings for the Exchequer to be achieved. I will accede to requests from colleagues for a debate on the budget but it is still six months away. The matter will be discussed next week by the leaders of the groups.

Senator Callely called for a debate on the Pensions Board report. I have no difficulty in such a debate taking place. However, I do not believe it will be possible to have one prior to the summer recess as a large volume of legislation is expected to come before us and this must take precedence. I can give a commitment that the Pensions Board report will be debated at a future date.

Senators Callely and McFadden raised the issue of carers. I outlined earlier our total commitment to carers. The Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, will be in the House in the next two weeks to conclude and respond to colleague's queries in regard to the health portfolio. I suggest colleagues avail of that opportunity to make their points on carers.

Senator Bacik called for a debate on domestic violence, in particular the technology assisted crimes taking place. This will take place following the summer recess. The Senator, with Senator O'Malley, also called for a debate on missing persons. As I indicated yesterday to Senator Ó Murchú on the Order of Business, I fully support the House having a debate on the issue.

Senator O'Malley also asked that the Minister for Education and Skills be invited to the House to debate what type of education system Ireland requires and needs for future generations. This is a timely call for that debate and I have no difficulty in it taking place following the summer recess. The Minister for Education and Skills was in the House only three weeks ago and gave a full account of her portfolio. I support Senator O'Malley's request for a debate and will provide time for an all-day debate on education on the issue.

Senator Regan expressed his strong views on the banking reports and welcomed the review announced by the Minister for Finance, Deputy Brian Lenihan. He also made statements with which I do not agree. Professor Honohan has made clear that there was no political interference in this area. There is much comment stemming from the banking sector reports, some of which suggest not everyone has read all of the reports. Any fair minded person would agree that Professor Honohan has been exemplary in terms of his views. We all acknowledge the great work being done to correct and tighten up bank structures here and across the world. I agree with the suggestions made by Senator Hanafin in regard to the need for further regulation in this area.

Senator Quinn informed the House that, according to EUROSTAT, Ireland's GDP was the second highest last year. There have been many reports in regard to the corrective decisions taken by Ireland and how they are affecting our performance on a worldwide basis.

Senator Quinn also spoke of the reinstatement of the Senate in New Zealand. There must be a watchdog of principal parliament. We are privileged to be the watchdog of Dáil Éireann. Every Bill that comes before this House is scrutinised section by section and line by line. I confirm to the electorate and anyone interested in the positive work being done in Seanad Éireann that the debate on no Bill is guillotined in this House. That is the difference between Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann. This House provides value for the taxpayer in terms of the meaningful work it does.

Senator McFadden spoke of the possibility, through the involvement of China, of a world trade centre in Athlone. She also congratulated our county manager, Mr. Dan McLoughlin, one of the best managers in the country. I look forward to this development taking place. It will change the entire landscape of the midlands, whether one comes from Westmeath, Longford, Offaly or Roscommon. With representatives of the institute, including Professor Ó Catháin, I visited China as part of a trade mission. This development is bearing fruit thanks to the hard work and endeavour of everyone in Westmeath County Council during the past three to four years.

Senator Healy-Eames raised the unavailability of home insurance for people whose dwellings are located areas prone to flooding. This is a serious concern. I will pass on the Senator's views to the Minister. Senator McCarthy also spoke about flooding issues in his area and stated that one State agency was preventing another from carrying out corrective measures to ensure there was no further flooding. It behoves all of us, given our experiences in terms of the flooding last year, much of which was man made, to do all we can to ensure this does not happen again.

Senator O'Sullivan called for a debate on the report on the horse racing industry. I support the Senator who has been a great supporter of the industry and ambassador for the country.