Ivor Callely (Independent)

I support the remarks of my colleague, Senator O'Donovan, in acknowledgment and praise of Senator Coffey and the Fine Gael group. It is important that he made those remarks and I always have tried to acknowledge the contribution of others. Moreover, it normally is in the best interest of best legislation to so do. It is the manner in which Members should be seen to conduct their business, rather than contributing some political baggage for the sake of it. I greatly welcome and support the sentiments and remarks expressed by my colleagues, Senators O'Donovan and Mullen.

Although approximately 5,000 people die each year in Ireland from sudden cardiac arrest. Everyone can help to reduce this number by being aware of what to do in the case of a person suddenly collapsing. To this end, I congratulate the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council on its Citizen CPR initiative, which is a nationwide public awareness campaign to promote bystanders' CPR. Will the Leader consider allocating time to debate the issues surrounding CPR? I note that many appliances have been installed in Leinster House but I am unsure whether either Members or staff are fully aware of the procedures that would apply, should they need to be used. Therefore, I seek a debate on this issue. Anyone who consults search engines such as Google about CPR will learn of the benefits that have accrued in places such as the United States with its mass population, where this has been greatly promoted over the past 25 or 30 years. It is a highly important issue.

Yesterday, I asked the Leader whether he could arrange to have the business plan of NAMA and the progress thereon brought to Members' attention. I was aware that NAMA had submitted its business plan last October. On my return to my office yesterday having raised the issue, I became aware that NAMA submitted a new business plan to the Department of Finance only yesterday. May Members see the new business plan submitted by NAMA?

I support Senator Alex White's call on the matter pertaining to European affairs. I am pleased to note there has been agreement regarding the setting aside of one Thursday in a month for debate on such matters. I have asked for a considerable period that a time in the month also be set aside for a debate on financially-related matters and the economy.