Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

There is never the wrong time to do the right thing. The right thing to do here is that I will ensure we have a debate on this matter in the next two weeks.

Senator Glynn called for another debate on diabetes services. I have no difficulty in allocating time for such a debate. I join the Senator in welcoming the good news in the Midland Regional Hospital Mullingar in which a dermatology unit is now up and running.

Senators O'Sullivan and Phelan raised the position of Irish banking officials whose jobs are on the line and who have suffered losses in terms of shares they were given as bonuses. Front-line people in general across the State are experiencing difficulties they have not experienced previously because everyone is hurting. Everyone is experiencing difficulty in one line or other in terms of their family members at present.

Senator Bacik spoke about the need for the Government to come forward with Bills. I hope to announce the list of proposed legislation for the current session in the House tomorrow.

Senator Coffey mentioned the issue of cystic fibrosis. He also highlighted the case of four young children who were admitted to an institution over the weekend. No one can condone what happened. I will endeavour to have the Minister come to the House to update Members on that incident and to speak about the health portfolio in general.

Senator Ó Brolcháin spoke about the governance of this country. I have given a commitment to have a discussion on the Croke Park agreement in the House next week. I will pass on to the Minister Senator Norris's strong views on the recent introduction by the HSE of a 50 cent per item charge on prescriptions for medical card holders.

Senator Ormonde asked me to invite the Minister of State, Deputy Peter Power, to the House to give Senators an update on Ireland's commitment to overseas development aid. I understand that for a nation of its size, Ireland gives the seventh best support in the world to overseas aid. I do not have any difficulty with such a debate taking place.

Senator Phelan suggested that the Minister of State, Deputy Haughey, should address the House on the proposal to revise the school transport boundaries. As I have fully supported the calls for school transport boundaries to be changed, I would have no difficulty in arranging such a debate. I am sure the Minister of State will be agreeable to coming to the House. I will ensure such a debate takes place in the next few weeks.

Senator Mary White spoke about positive ageing week. The Senator is doing great work in leading the way with and sponsoring the all-Ireland inspirational life awards. Her efforts to encourage a positive attitude to ageing offer a huge ray of hope to senior citizens. I have no difficulty supporting the call made by the Senator.

Senator Donohoe spoke about a proposal with regard to fines, which will be considered at a ministerial meeting that will take place this month. That can be discussed during the debate on the economy that will take place after the Order of Business in the presence of the Minister.

Senator Hanafin outlined his strong views, which we welcome, on the need for balance in the media. I have given a commitment to arrange a debate on balance in the media, which is urgently needed, during this session. The media has a responsibility to report on both sides of the difficulties and both sides of the successes. I do not know whether that is happening in the print, radio and television media. It does not appear to be and it is our duty to ensure there is balance in all sectors of the media. That is why they got their licences. They have to tell the truth of the news rather than transmit the image of continuous bad news that is coming all the time. As I said in my local newspapers this week, this country does not want three general elections. We need one election in a five-year period. If this Government has done anything, it has established a five-year cycle of government.