Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I hope all matters regarding banks, bond markets, home owners in difficulty with mortgages, passwords at Anglo Irish bank, the major offer by Siemens that may create 1,000 jobs, as referred to by Senator O'Toole, and metro north, which may create 4,000 to 6,000 jobs, will all be included in the stimulus package in the budget. I have given an assurance to the House that as soon as the detail of the masterplan for four budgets is available, we will have at least one all-day sitting with the Ministers present in the House. The four budgets are strategic in respect of the recovery plan for our country. I am waiting because there is a deluge of legislation for consideration and next week there are two or three Bills, including the postal Bill, on which we will deliberate. I will liaise with the leaders of various parties and groups in the House to see how we can arrange this for the consideration of Members at the appropriate time over the next few weeks.

Senators Mullen, Ó Brolcháin, Ó Murchú, Alex White, Leyden, O'Reilly, Walsh and Bacik mentioned the ways we can honour the men and women of the First World War and also the men and women who gave their lives in 1916 for the freedom of our country. These proposals, some of which I support, should go to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges where they can be discussed, deliberated upon and debated. I have no difficulty in this taking place.

Senators O'Toole, Bacik and Mullen commented on the motion passed last week about graduates having the right to vote in Seanad elections. It is one of the high priorities of Fianna Fáil in the House that this would take place. From the point of view of the university panel, it is crucial we increase the turnout of the vote from 30% on one panel and 34% on the other panel.