Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

Senator Paul Bradford asked for as many Ministers as possible to attend the House to debate the issue of the scourge of unemployment, given that more than 450,000 people are unemployed. Senator Mark Daly made the same point. The policies pursued in recent years led to these appalling figures. We will arrange a debate on the issue.

Senator Daly also asked about mobile phones and legislation to prevent disasters. It is a pity there was no legislation in place to prevent the economic disaster of recent years.

I will take Senator Jimmy Harte up on the interesting reading he suggested for the summer months, that is, Lustrum. I agree with his comments and those of Cicero on the brevity of statements in this House and the Roman Senate, respectively. It is important that Members keep their remarks brief. The Committee on Procedure and Privileges will meet to set down the length of time Members can speak on the Order of Business. It was two minutes in the previous Seanad, a time limit which I hope will be retained by the new committee.

We will consider the possibility of meeting elsewhere, but we must be mindful of the costs involved. Bringing the Seanad to County Donegal or anywhere else would be expensive. Not only must we consider Members, we must also consider the many other costs attached to the running of the House.

As he has often done, Senator Feargal Quinn referred to the Daylight Saving Bill in the United Kingdom. I will raise the issue with the Minister.

Senator Labhras Ó Murchú discussed relations between Ireland and the United Kingdom and the Dublin-Monaghan bombings. The Taoiseach raised the latter matter with the British Prime Minister. I will inquire as to the progress made on the issue.

Senator Denis Landy called for a debate on water and household charges, the importance of local government and the democratic duties taken so seriously by local councillors in the recent Seanad election. Senators Trevor Ó Clochartaigh and Brian Ó Domhnaill asked about the Irish language strategy, on which we can arrange a debate. I am mindful of the fact that Cumann na Gaeilge is meeting in Buswell's Hotel until 8 p.m. today.

Senator Terry Leyden referred to his Registration of Wills Bill 2011. I welcome the introduction of the Bill which could be appropriately dealt with during Fianna Fáil's Private Members' time next week. I am sure the Senator will raise the matter with his party.

Senators Susan O'Keeffe and Marc MacSharry raised health matters, in particular, cancer services and the configuration of hospitals. The Minister for Health could be in the Seanad for days in the light of the number of requests made today. We will do our best to invite him to debate a number of these subjects.

I am glad to note Fianna Fáil Members will introduce a court orders Bill. I welcome it when Senators introduce Bills. The Bill mentioned can be debated during Private Members' time.

Senator Martin Conway discussed the rights of people with disabilities, a cause I am sure he will champion. We will do our best to have the Minister attend to discuss the matter.

Senator Paschal Mooney raised the issues of Seanad reform and the Irish Diaspora. The number of committees will be reduced from 23 to 14. I welcome these necessary reforms, including the reduction in committee numbers. The reduction is right. Every Senator will be a member of at least one committee, allowing him or her to make an input.