Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I refer to a debate on the ECB rate cut and on the appointment to the European Court of Auditors. I have given the position clearly in regard to the rate cut.

Several Senators called for the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to attend the House for a debate on the situation in Gaza. Deportation orders have been made against all 14 Irish citizens and arrangements are being made by the Department this morning to secure flights home for all of them. That should be in place within hours. The Irish ambassador and the deputy head of mission are in daily contact with all 14 Irish citizens. Their welfare and safe return home is a priority for the Department. I will endeavour to have the Minister come to the House as soon as possible for a broad-ranging debate on foreign affairs, as requested by several Members.

Various Senators called for a debate on local government with the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. The latter will be in the House after the Order of Business for statements on the community and voluntary sector. I hope all the Members who called for that particular debate will contribute to it. The Minister has come to the House on several occasions and has been very co-operative in his dealings with us. I am sure he will be willing to facilitate Senators in their calls for a debate on local government.

In regard to septic tank inspections, I stated yesterday that there will be a debate next week. Some Members speak about facilitating debates. We will have a debate on the Bill next week and I assure Senators I will give as much time as they require for that debate. We will have an open-ended Second Stage debate. I hope all the wind that is blowing here will blow again next week when the debate take place. Senators will have plenty of time to discuss the matter.