Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I extend good wishes to all candidates in Dublin South, a constituency anyone would be proud to represent and one which has been fortunate to benefit from massive infrastructural investment. I look forward to assisting colleagues in the area.

Senator Norris also congratulated the 1,735 young enterprising boys and girls who entered the Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition. These young people are the future of the country and I join the Senator in congratulating all those who participated in the event, especially those who won awards. The exhibition is an outstanding success. Every January it is uplifting to see what the young brains of the country are achieving at a young age.

I concur with Senator Norris on the lack of investment in the inner city of Dublin. The former Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern, is a champion of the inner city who will be sadly missed now that he has decided he will no longer represent the area. His decision will leave Senator Norris and the constituency's Deputies with a challenge on their hands. As the Senator noted, funding for Fitzgibbon Street Garda station is crucial and must continue, if possible.

Senator Alex White referred to the forthcoming referendum on children's rights, an issue about which I asked a question last week. I will inquire as to the timeframe for the referendum and inform the Senator of the up to date position tomorrow morning.

Senator Leyden celebrated and rejoiced, with the Minister of State, Deputy Finneran, in the opening of decentralised offices in Roscommon, his local town. This development provides a major boost for the town, the west and rural Ireland in general. I congratulate the Senator and the Minister of State on their achievements in this regard. I hope, however, that the Senator is wrong regarding the possibility that a new Government will reverse policy and relocate 30,000 public sector workers to Dublin. I hope a new Government will support rural areas. The population of the west, from Senator Keaveney's constituency in County Donegal along the coast to County Waterford, is declining. In the light of considerable reductions in the cost of staff and property and the construction of new dual carriageways and motorways between Dublin and Waterford, Limerick, Cork and Galway, companies have an ideal opportunity to invest on the western seaboard.

Senator Healy Eames referred to job creation and recent public comments. As Senators as aware, more than 600,000 jobs were created under various Governments led by Fianna Fáil and more than 1.5 million people are still at work. All parties, whether Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, the Labour Party, the Green Party or Sinn Féin, must prioritise job creation for the 250,000 people who have lost their jobs. It is clear what will happen at the polls to any political party which fails to do this. No other party has a more successful record on job creation than Fianna Fáil.

Senators Norris, Walsh, Buttimer, Hanafin, Ó Murchú and Quinn referred to the payment of bank bonuses. That incorrect information was provided for the Minister for Finance is unacceptable and the matter must be investigated urgently. We fully support the Minister in his efforts and I will have no difficulty in setting aside time to discuss the matter. The example given by us in public life and in the public sector through everyone taking a reduction in wages, as have bank staff, means the bonus structure must be discontinued in these difficult times.

President Sarkozy has outlined various matters regarding the 12.5% corporation tax rate which is in the hands of the Irish people who have a veto. The message to the world is: hands off our 12.5% corporation tax rate. This is an island nation. As such, everything must be brought in by air or sea and we must have an opportunity to play a leading role in the European Union. President Sarkozy's comments demonstrate sheer greed. Why should such a powerful nation like France deny a little island nation like Ireland which has a population of 4.5 million people the opportunity to survive and its people a chance to make a living and rear their families, as they are doing so successfully and well? I fully support all of the comments made regarding our 12.5% corporation tax rate.

Senator Walsh called for a debate on the Croke Park agreement. I will schedule the next debate on the agreement for early next week. I have taken note of his comment that there are those who get 11 weeks holidays. I presume this figure includes sick days and the 22 or 23 days some sections of the workforce receive. It is unacceptable and unsustainable that one should have 56 days leave.

Senator Mullen referred to the funding of Operation Anvil and I support his call. The Minister for Justice and Law Reform faces very difficult decisions in how he handles his budget. I send him our best wishes following his operation last Friday. Let us hope he makes a full recovery. He was in pain for some considerable time when he taking Bills in this House and we wish him well.

Senator Mullen referred to future legislation on prostitution. I am awaiting a response and will revert to the House when I receive it.

Senator Wilson sought a special debate on the Quinn Group and its difficulties. A number of interested parties have made proposals and it is unacceptable that they have not all been examined and considered. I have thought about this since the request was made and will allow time next week for statements. The Minister or Minister of State at the Department of Finance will be present in the Chamber to hear the serious concerns brought to the attention of the House by Senator Wilson and others.

Senator Buttimer asked for the Minister for Health and Children to attend the Chamber to discuss the subject of VHI charges. I will endeavour to have a date included in the diary, but the difficulty is——