Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

Senator Whelan spoke about the use of prefabs in schools. This has been a waste of money for many years. I am glad the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Quinn, is acting on this, and I understand he will soon be addressing the issue of funding to rid many of our schools of these prefabs. I agree with Senator Whelan also in his commendation of the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Deenihan, on his efforts with regard to the important issue of turf-cutting.

Senator Barrett spoke about the €595 million spent on the railway lines despite the fact that we have 25% fewer passengers and over 60% less freight. I agree totally with him that we need more project appraisal, and I can assure him that will happen in the future. We have listened to his comments in this regard.

Senator Keane spoke about unfinished housing estates. I hope to ask the Minister of State with responsibility for housing, Deputy O'Sullivan, to come to the House soon, at which time we can raise any issues we wish.

Senator O'Donovan and many other Members spoke about the referendum on the fiscal compact treaty, and some people asked for a debate. I have said on numerous occasions that with the agreement of the leaders of the various groupings, we are arranging a debate. It will take place in the AV room on 8 March, and representatives of the Oireachtas Library and Research Service will present proposals to us and give us an outline of the fiscal compact. We are ahead of the posse. I have said it on numerous occasions since we decided it. I wonder whether the people who come in and ask for a debate on the issue have been listening to what we have been saying over the last number of weeks.