Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators O'Toole, Coghlan, Mooney, Donohoe, Butler, Hannigan, Ó Murchú, Buttimer, Ó Brolcháin, McCarthy, Ormonde, Healy Eames, Twomey and Hanafin expressed a welcome for Her Majesty's visit Ireland and the historic occasion it will be. As was correctly stated, it is another step forward in the peace process that is so precious to us all. I wholeheartedly welcome it and look forward to her visit.

With regard to calls for a debate on issues relating to the budget I will certainly endeavour to see how this can be facilitated in the timeframe of the diary of the House. Senator Ann Ormonde called for a debate on planning guidelines and I understand a Bill may be before the House for its consideration prior to the summer recess.

I welcome the tone and expression of Senators Norris and Ó Murchú, both long-standing and very well respected Senators. Senator Mooney called for an urgent debate on the large amounts charged by Ticketmaster. This is a very timely call for a debate of this nature and I have no difficulty in agreeing to its taking place.

Senator Donohoe called for a debate on respite care and I have no difficulty with this. The Minister will be in the House next week to discuss the HSE and the health portfolio. The Senator could raise his concerns on that occasion.

Senator Larry Butler welcomed the announcement of the 500 new jobs at the new terminal at Dublin Airport. I wholeheartedly join him in this and I have a vested interest. Senator Butler also called for a debate on the energy industry and on wind power. We could become exporters of energy in the long term. I will have no difficulty in having a debate on this after the summer recess.

Senator Hannigan called for the publication of the Bill on the election of a Dublin mayor. I will come to the House next Tuesday with the timeframe.

Senator Quinn outlined to the House the good procedures followed in the United States of America, whereby any expenditure figure over $25,000 is published and the cost is met by Government agencies. It is a very good proposal which I will pass on to the Minister for Finance.

Senator Callely called for an urgent debate on carers. I gave a commitment on the matter in the House eight or nine weeks ago and will endeavour to arrange a debate on it before the summer recess. I fully support the Senator in his call. There was also a call for a debate on domestic violence. I have made a commitment on the matter and the debate will take place on the earliest possible date.

Senator Healy Eames called for a debate on the Defence Forces. I will have no difficulty in arranging such a debate.

Senator Ellis welcomed the Taoiseach's announcement that €6 billion was to be expended on infrastructural projects. This should be welcomed wholeheartedly, as it is one of the highest levels of expenditure in any state in Europe.