Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

Senators Cullinane, Mooney and Ó Domhnaill spoke about the Assembly in the North. I think they have differing opinions on it, but perhaps we can come back to it at a later stage for a debate. I do not think we should be discussing it right now.

Senator O'Keeffe called for a debate on the Common Agricultural Policy, CAP, proposals. The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has been very co-operative with this House. We had an excellent debate with him a couple of weeks ago. I agree that we need a debate on those proposals and we will examine the possibility of inviting the Commissioner for Agriculture and possibly our own Commissioner to address the House at a later stage.

Senator Walsh raised a point about an apartment block in Donaghmede. He rightly pointed out that there may have been a dereliction of duty on behalf of some of the architects, developers and legal people involved. If there is any wrongdoing, these people should be brought before the courts. The plight of some of the people in these apartments is appalling. They have spent every penny they have on getting a home, yet they find themselves in these difficulties.

Senator Sheahan made a point about the Fianna Fáil logo. I do not think I can comment on that or help him with it. He certainly energised the other side of the House on the matter.

Senator Leyden proposed an amendment to the Order of Business. I do not propose to accept the amendment, but I have stated that the Minister for Finance will be in the House next Wednesday.

Senator Hayden spoke about a report on homelessness by Threshold and we will have try to bring before the House those Ministers she called for. We will certainly have the Ministers for Health and Social Protection, while I am trying to arrange a debate with the Minister of State, Deputy Penrose as well.

Senator Mooney rightly pointed out that all our problems cannot be laid at the feet of Fianna Fáil, although many of them certainly can. I have addressed the point in relation to the CAP.

Senator Healy Eames spoke about proposals for savings in social protection. The Minister will be in the House on 17 November.

Senator O'Sullivan spoke about the future of regional airports. We will attempt to get the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport into the House. I do not wish to comment on his comments on appointments to the Judiciary.

Senator Colm Burke spoke about the EU proposals and the debate on the CAP. We will arrange that. Senator Wilson called on the Minister of State with responsibility for housing to have an audit of houses owned by local authorities. That probably has been done, but we will ask the Minister of State to address that matter when he comes before the House. There was also a request for a debate on funding from the national lottery. That could be raised with the Minister for Finance or any Ministers who come into House.

Senator Jim D'Arcy made a good suggestion that the people in New Beginning would give a briefing to Members. I suggest to the Senator that he invite them in to provide us such a briefing in the audio-visual room. The Senator can arrange that and notify Members. I am sure it will be well attended. I think I have also addressed the points that Senator Ó Domhnaill raised.