Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

A heavy legislative programme will be conducted in this session. All Senators have seen the list. I will do my best to ensure ample time is made available for debate. Nevertheless, on some occasions it will be necessary to pass legislation by certain dates. I must facilitate the schedule of business of the House at times. However, ample time will be provided to discuss legislation at every possible opportunity. I have explained the need for the Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2011 to be dealt with speedily. Ample time has been set aside for the discussion on it today.

Senator Darragh O'Brien also asked about the possibility of having a debate on the three-year fiscal plan. The Government intends to publish a pre-budget outlook document by the end of October, following the completion of the comprehensive review of expenditure. The Minister for Finance who will be in the Chamber today has agreed to be present again in the early weeks of October for a discussion on financial matters. I am sure that we will have ample time for debate on the myriad of subjects that Senators have raised under the financial brief. The Minister has committed and he will be in here by the middle of October to discuss financial matters.

Senator Bacik gave reassurances on the merger of the Irish Human Rights Commission and the Equality Authority which was raised on the Order of Business yesterday.

Senator Quinn raised the subject matter of the large amount of food wasted because of labelling. It is certainly a matter that we can consider. I note yesterday he mentioned food matters with the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. I can try to ascertain the intentions of Government on the introduction of legislation, if necessary, on that labelling issue.

On the welfare of horses, my first was that it is the responsibility of the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, but I will certainly try to find out. Senator Quinn might pass on the information he has. I would be interested to know whether it related to the number of racehorses dying on the course or elsewhere. I look forward to seeing that correspondence and I will pass it on to the relevant Minister.

Senators Healy Eames, Conway, Barrett and Keane each made good points on an issue that was raised yesterday, project maths. The Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Quinn, will be in next week dealing with legislation, but he will be in by the end of the October to deal with education matters and we can have statements and questions on that matter at that time.

Senator Harte raised the football game in Andorra. As the Cathaoirleach pointed out, it is probably more appropriate for an Adjournment matter to the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport. It was a bad decision by UEFA to have the match in Andorra when so many people had initially thought that the game would be held in Barcelona and had bought tickets. It is a bad day for Irish fans. Let us hope we can beat Armenia and Andorra and we will qualify for greater things in the European Championship.