Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

It is crucial that those responsible for implementation of the Croke Park agreement are held accountable and that is what this House will do.

Senators Cummins, O'Toole, Norris, Keaveney, Healy Eames and Mullen are correct to call for a debate on the 60,000 outstanding applications for student grants that are urgently needed. I will do all I can to highlight this issue with the Minister for Education and Skills following the Order of Business and, if possible, will invite her to the House to update us in this regard. Some good ideas were proposed. Senator O'Toole proposed a one-stop-shop, while Senator Keaveney who has a great deal of expertise in this area said everybody should have his or her application made in good time and that all of the preparatory work could be done months ahead of making the application.

Senator Keaveney called for a debate on domestic violence. I will consider this request, particularly in the context of our Private Members' time. She also referred to the digital changeover, an issue I covered yesterday. I fully support her in everything she is trying to achieve in this regard, particularly on behalf of people living in County Donegal. It was only when we were fighting the by-election campaign that we fully understood the importance of this issue. As she said, the people mentioned are as entitled to receive a quality television signal as anyone else in the country and we must make sure this happens.

Senators Cannon and Ó Brolcháin called for a debate on enterprise. When filling in as Acting Leader, Senator Ó Brolcháin responded thoroughly to Senator Cannon on this issue. He outlined to the House an uplifting list of achievements, but I will have no difficulty in having such a debate in the House, if time permits, before Christmas.

Senator Quinn referred to his Construction Contracts Bill 2010. I am doing everything I can and would like to have a word with him following the Order of Business to see how I can progress it. The legislation committee, chaired by the Government Chief Whip, met last Thursday and I pushed strongly to have the Bill advanced. It is my intention to have all Stages of the Bill concluded in the House within the next two weeks. What is happening to honest, decent, hard working families who for generations have provided employment and manufactured the highest quality products is completely unacceptable, particularly when we realise that one company ones money to 1,620 other companies and families. It is outrageous and should not be allowed to continue. Unfortunately, I understand three or four further serious announcements are imminent. It is absolutely shocking when one sees companies in my area with their vans and trucks trying to protest and bring to the attention of the people their serious plight. They often employ more than ten or 15 people. Shane Murtagh and Floods employed between 400 and 600 people only two years ago, all of whom are caught up in the collapse and the liquidation. I assure Senator Quinn that, following our meeting after the Order of Business, I will seek an urgent meeting with the Minister for Finance to see how we can progress the Bill and ensure it will be passed by both Houses and enacted before Christmas.

Senator Coghlan called for an update on the planning regulations and the court case and announcement made yesterday. I will arrange this debate in early part of the spring session.

Like Senator Callely, I extend our condolences to the families of the two young men who were shot dead on Tuesday night. It is appalling and horrific. I will have no difficulty in holding a debate on gun crime, policing and the challenges facing the Garda. The Senator also called for our full support for carers. He referred, in particular, to the heroic work done by young carers. There are 160,000 carers, most of whom deserve a gold medal because they are the unsung heroes of our society. I agree with the Senator that we should give total support to them. I will pass on his comments to the Minister for Health and Children.

Senator Dearey referred to the list system. I recognise that such a system would allow parties to appoint experts to help them and will arrange a debate on the issue. Perhaps we can discuss it the next time his party raises an issue during Private Member's time. He also referred to the reform of local government. Local government will face a serious challenge under the four year plan. Therefore, the call for a debate is timely. We will have it early in the spring session also.

Senators Mooney and Mullen stated we needed to keep our dignity as a nation. I fully share their sentiments.

Senator Carroll, our youngest Member, suggested students should not be expected to give Christmas presents to their teachers, particularly in this very difficult economic time. It is a sensible proposal which I support and will pass on to the Minister for Education and Skills.