Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

On the matter raised by Senator Hanafin, the success of those involved in farming, following a 34% increase in the past year, is long overdue.

I welcome it and congratulate everyone associated with it. Also, this must be taken into account in regard to climate change proposals, which are before the House for consideration and Second Stage of that Bill will be taken in the House tomorrow.

Senator Keaveney asked about the Road Traffic Bill. That Bill will be before the House at 2.30 p.m. tomorrow and the Minister, Deputy Dempsey, will be in the House to take it.

Senator Keaveney also called for a debate on the North, in particular on the importance of issues related to the north west. I fully agree with the Senator, who is a champion in this House in highlighting the difficulties and the very many issues about which she is concerned regarding her native county of Donegal and the plight of those living in the north west. I will support her in any way that I possibly can in her call for such a debate.

Senator Ormonde called for the issue of health literacy to be addressed and for a programme to be put in place and she asked what the HSE strategy in this regard will be. Perhaps this matter could be raised with the Minister for Health and Children when she will be in the House to deal with the VHI issue and all other issues related to health. Senator Ormonde's request for such a debate is a serious one that must be addressed.

Senator Ó Murchú raised the matter of the centenary celebrations of the men and women of 1916, quite a number of whom gave their lives for this country. Those people have given us the Ireland we have of today. The Senator raised in particular the preservation of the buildings in Moore Street in regard to Dublin City Council and I note all the issues he outlined. I have no difficulty in allocating time for such a debate and if I cannot find time to arrange for it having regard to all the Bills that are to come before the House, I will arrange for the debate to take place in the next Fianna Fáil Private Members' time.

Senator Callely raised the matter of Seanad reform. All the submissions on it from the various groupings and parties of the House are with the Minister responsible. The Minister promised a White Paper on this matter, the publication of which we await. I announced last week the programme of Bills to be published and that were listed for our consideration, one of which is the Finance Bill which will be taken in February. Another Bill that has been published is the Dublin Lord Mayor Bill, the progress of which we await. If time permits, that Bill will also be taken

Senator Quinn raised a matter regarding an information agency that has been a useful tool for small businesses. I fully agree with him on this matter and I will make inquiries about it.