Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senator Fitzgerald called for debate on the national children's hospital. I gave a commitment on this yesterday and I have no difficulty with it taking place.

Senator O'Toole referred to social partnership and its leaders. I was in the Houses at the time social partnership was born and I always gave the credit to the late Taoiseach, Mr. Charles J. Haughey, and Mr. Michael Mullen, who were the pioneers of that partnership. They were courageous and far-seeing, and laid the foundation stone, as we have all said, for the Celtic tiger part 1 and part 2. I wish everyone well in this regard. As Senator O'Toole said, 1.8 million people go to work every day, which is the big difference from the last recession 30 years ago in that almost 800,000 more people are working today than at that time.

Senators Bacik, Leyden and Healy Eames called for a debate on education, with Senator Bacik focusing on third level education. Senator Leyden and Healy Eames called for a debate in regard to the VECs and the proposed reduction from 33 to 16. The Minister will have a broad consultation with both Houses in this regard. I have no difficulty in allowing a long time for colleagues to make their points with the Minister present.

Senators Boyle, Keaveney, O'Sullivan and Hanafin raised the issue of the rating agencies and the recent comments of Standard & Poor's on Ireland returning to growth and how it is perceived from outside as a nation. There is a serious responsibility both on Deputies and Senators and on the media to tell the story as it really is, and not to overstate it, particularly when it is overstated in a negative way. In saying that, I am not referring to Oireachtas colleagues.

Senator Twomey referred to the success story that is Google which, as we know, has its headquarters in Ireland and makes a massive contribution to the Exchequer. I understand the concern relates to a language skill problem in Ireland, rather than anything else. It is an issue we must address urgently in the context of developing employment in the future. In regard to second and third languages being taught in our schools, I understand we have one of the lowest levels in Europe at present.

Senator Quinn noted the possible savings in regard to the use of paper and the amount this costs the Exchequer. I will pass on his views following the Order of Business.

Senator Keaveney raised the issue of road safety. I fully agree with her point, particularly as the autumn evenings close in. I wish her and her Oireachtas colleagues well in their participation in the Dublin marathon. They are to be wholeheartedly congratulated as they are courageous people who are making a huge commitment. We want to support them in all their fund-raising activities in this regard. If a further debate on road safety is needed, we will have no problem with it taking place. As I said, the decisions taken by the Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, which I chaired when I was a Deputy, have contributed to the huge reduction in deaths and the number being maimed for life on our roads that has taken place in recent years, as well as to the reductions on the insurance side.

Senator O'Reilly expressed his serious concerns about Cavan General Hospital. The HSE has said that the curtailments in services are necessary to allow the hospital return to what it described as a safe level of activity. It said that the cancellation of non-emergency services will continue until the end of this week. The number of patients presenting at the hospital's emergency department or needing treatment in the medical units has risen by a whopping 50% in the past week, putting the hospital and staff under huge strain. As a result, the HSE put in place a range of measures to reduce activity. It is hoped this will be addressed by the end of this week. An increase of 50% in the demand for services speaks for itself.

Senator O'Sullivan raised the issue of the gas terminal in Ballylongford, County Kerry, and the delay in the creation of up to 500 jobs. I will create a precedent in this House by allowing this issue to be discussed for one hour after the Order of Business tomorrow. I will seek the co-operation of the leaders of the groups in the House to arrange this. If someone or something is delaying the creation of 500 jobs, this House should lead on the issue. I will endeavour to have this debate take place for one hour after the Order of Business tomorrow to find out who is responsible and establish the up-to-date position in this regard.

Senator Deary and Senator Cummins congratulated the Garda Síochána on the arms find in Togher woods in County Louth. I wish to be associated with their remarks on the good work and vigilance of the Garda. Senator Deary pointed out the hardship being endured by families that are being plagued by the continuation of this type of activity. The Garda is to be commended.

Senator Bacik, Senator Harris and Senator Norris congratulated the President of Chile, the minister with responsibility for mining, the engineering staff and everyone associated with the happy return of the miners. It was compulsive television viewing and I congratulate Sky television on the massive coverage it is giving the operation. It is an uplifting experience. I stayed up late last night and was up early this morning to watch the coverage. It is an event we will never forget. What has taken place is an incredible achievement of engineering skills. The main thing that impressed me through all the broadcasts and in the words of the first miners to be brought up from the mining shaft after their 70-day ordeal was their great and strong faith. They believed in their faith. It is a shining example of how people who have a strong faith really believe in the art of the possible. It is wonderful to see the achievements that have taken place.

Senator Cannon, Senator Mooney and Senator Coghlan called for a debate on tourism. I have agreed to hold such a debate and it will take place in the next two to three weeks. They referred to proposals regarding the removal of tax, the provision of incentives and the challenge laid down by Michael O'Leary to the Government. We welcome those who can do anything to create employment and bring money into the economy. I have often congratulated Michael O'Leary on his achievements. He is one of the greatest Irishmen of all time, and what he has done for tourism has transformed Ireland as a tourist destination. Dublin is now the lowest cost city to fly into and in which to stay. It has a huge amount to offer. The new conference centre, the new stadium which has accommodated crowds of 50,000 for concerts and international soccer matches, and the new theatre have all opened the past 12 months. Major infrastructural investment is taking place in the capital city and throughout the country. Nothing should stop it. Senator Cannon put forward some innovative ideas while Senator Mooney referred to the planning for his constituency.

Another innovative idea is having our own television channel on Sky and broadcasting it across Europe. When the television programme "Dallas" was first broadcast, tourism to Dallas the following year increased fourfold while when "Hawaii Five-O" was broadcast, tourism to Hawaii increased by 11 times. There is huge potential for our tourism industry, which is one of the three fundamental planks for our return to growth. The industry is also a major employer; the hotels of Ireland employ almost 300,000 people. I have no difficulty in responding favourably to the Senators' request for a special debate on the issue. Our new dynamic Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture, Deputy Mary Hanafin, can update the House on the plans for the coming two years. As the Senators said, this industry needs support and assistance, and Members of the House certainly will not be found wanting in terms of having debates when they are necessary.

Senator Mary White spoke about choice in retirement age, positive ageing and keeping the brain active. That certainly will enhance the quality of life for people who have reached that age. As I have said previously, I fully support the Senator's great work in this area and I have no difficulty with doing what we can to help and assist her, be it by holding another debate or whatever else is necessary.