Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

A call for a debate on the Constitution can be raised and we can arrange that.

Senator D'Arcy asked for the Minister for Education and Skills to attend the Chamber. The Minister will be dealing with legislation in this Chamber in the next week or two. He will also be here on 8 November for a series of questions and answers on education. I do not have an answer to the question regarding Haggardstown that Senator D'Arcy raised.

Last week I told both acting leaders of the Opposition, Senator Ó Domhnaill and Senator MacSharry, that the Minister for Health will attend the Chamber on 27 October. The Minister has given that assurance and I am sure we will have a number of questions available for him. It would be appreciated if Senators provide the questions to my office in advance so that they can get a proper answer. I ask that these questions be given in advance so that people are not complaining about not getting a comprehensive answer to them.

Senator Moloney can raise the matter of the centralisation of medical card processing. Any delays that cause hardship to vulnerable people must be addressed as a matter of urgency. Senator Mary Ann O'Brien's point on medical cards for children with disabilities will have to be addressed. I will raise it with the Minister beforehand but it can also be raised at the debate organised for 27 October.

Senator Colm Burke raised the matter of voluntary organisations, which are playing an important role in communities throughout the country. Regarding his call for no cutbacks for voluntary organisations, all Ministers have been charged with making severe cuts in all Departments. No commitments can be given on cutbacks in any particular areas.