Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

-----whether they are in Opposition or in Government, agree. I invite and encourage every Senator who is available to do so to make a contribution to tomorrow's debate in regard to the great opportunity available to us to do something of a positive nature.

Senator Cannon mentioned the interest on our repayments. That issue is crucial to the negotiators representing us in the Department. We have some of the finest people who could represent any country negotiating for us at present. I understand that no matter what is negotiated in the Department Members of both Houses will have an opportunity to have a say on the final outcome in terms of whether we accept or reject the proposals from the negotiators. I could stand corrected but if we have not such a say, we should have it. As has been said by many colleagues in the House in recent days, the issue is too serious.

Senator McCarthy spoke about participation in parliamentary democracy and the major role for both Houses. I fully agree that this House has an important role to play, on behalf of the taxpayer, in regard to holding everyone accountable. Whether they are in Departments or in the Dáil, this is the House that has a role in holding them all accountable. I welcome for the second time the Senator's positive comments on the future of Seanad Éireann.

Senator Healy Eames called for a debate on education and other issues. I invite the Senator to reiterate those this afternoon when we debate the recovery plan in the House. A great deal of legislation will come before the House before Christmas which, along with the recovery plan and all the other issues, must be discussed.

Senators Mullen and Ó Murchú, and also Senator Ormonde, raised the issue of overseas aid. Ireland was never found wanting in regard to overseas aid and what we have done, and how generous the Irish people have been on very many occasions is exemplary. I know the Government will not be found wanting in that regard and that it will do its level best to give as much as it possibly can give, even in the difficult times in which we find ourselves.

Senator Ó Brolcháin called for systemic change in political systems. I note that and will pass on his views to the Minister.

Senator Keaveney spoke about TV signalling, digital services and all of that technology in her native county of Donegal. I will examine that issue for Private Members' time with a view to seeing what we can do to help the Senator in highlighting that issue even further.

Senator Callely spoke about all-party proposals being costed by Department officials and for them to make their views and concerns known regarding all of those proposals before final decisions are taken. That is a worthwhile proposal and I will pass it on to the Minister. Senator Callely also raised issues concerning mental health. We fully support his call in that regard. The Minister of State, Deputy Moloney, has never been found wanting in coming to this House to help us in debates on mental health during his time in charge of that portfolio.

Senator Hanafin called again for a debate on the media and raised serious concerns regarding the various issues that have been highlighted, particularly in regard to mortgage default. As he said, a 97% success rate in that regard in these very difficult times is an achievement. He also spoke about the media being responsible in general. I agreed some weeks ago that we will have a further debate on the media, and I have no difficulty in having that at the earliest possible time.