Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

Senator Jim D'Arcy asked about trade with the Middle East and other areas. The Senator has raised this issue on previous occasions and in particular with regard to Libya. The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade agreed to attend to that matter. He may provide an update for the Senator in the next month or so.

Senator Pat O'Neill asked about TB controls in place since January. I am advised that the new policy was introduced this year by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, following consultation with the farming organisations. Under the new policy, owners of herds which are neighbouring a herd experiencing a high-risk breakdown, are prevented from selling cattle on the open market but not to slaughter, until the herd is tested to demonstrate it is not infected by TB. The objective of the policy is to prevent farmers with a holding adjacent to a farm where there is TB from selling potentially infected animals to other farmers. Experience has shown that many animals from these herds are sold to other farmers and subsequently bring down the other herds with TB. The policy is designed to protect farmers from buying infected animals. Farmers whose herds are restricted under this policy are free to sell cattle to the meat factories and can have the restriction lifted at an early date simply by having their herds tested.

I note Senator Ó Clochartaigh's points about having a lá lán-Ghaelach sa Teach seo. We can try to arrange it. We had a debate recently which was conducted in Irish for the most part and there were wonderful contributions from all sides of the House. I am sure this can be repeated in a future debate. On the same subject, Senator Keane asked about bringing organisations involved in the Irish language together under Aontas Phobal na Gaeilge. I will bring this matter to the attention of the Minister of State, Deputy McGinley and it may be possible to have a debate in the House.

Senator Mullins asked about the centenary celebrations and the committee under the chairmanship of Dr. Maurice Manning. A number of celebrations will be held over the coming years. One of those celebrations, on the third Home Rule Bill, will be held in Waterford on 11 April and I look forward to it.

Senator O'Donnell asked for a debate on the charity sector and the mandatory system of regulation for bodies in that area. We can raise this matter which was also raised on the Order of Business yesterday by Senators Conway and Noone. The issue of salaries was discussed. The House passed a Charities Bill some years ago. I do not know if these issues are covered in that legislation but if not we can return to the subject and arrange a debate.

D'iarr Senator Landy go dtiocfadh an t-Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna go dtí an Teach. I informed the House yesterday that the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Quinn, will attend the House for an all-embracing debate on education on 19 April.

I cannot agree with Senator White about the visit to the House yesterday of the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Bruton. He gave an excellent presentation to the House, as was acknowledged by many Members. He even answered Members who were not present, those who had asked questions but did not remain to listen to his answers. I assure the House the Government is totally committed to bringing the banks to heel in addressing the question of credit for small businesses.