Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I am sure it will be a very illuminating debate and that Members on both sides will have much to say on it. I am, therefore, very grateful to the leader of Fianna Fáil in the House for arranging that motion during Private Members' Business next week.

Senator Ó Murchú raised the issue of job creation. This House has played a very responsible role in terms of ideas for job creation. When the Minister, Deputy Bruton, came into the House on Tuesday he mentioned that a number of the ideas suggested in the jobs ideas debate we had here were incorporated in the jobs action plan. This House should be complimented as a result of that, as should all the Members who contributed to that debate. I am glad the Minister acknowledged that when he was here on Tuesday.

Senator Quinn asked for a debate on the environment and spoke about the threat to our bird population. Regardless of whatever Minister is involved, the Minister, Deputy Deenihan, has introduced a bounty to cull the mink population to protect our many birds species. That is to be welcomed but perhaps we should have a debate at some stage on that entire area. I compliment Senator Quinn for raising that matter.

Senator Conway raised a question on banking and the role of the public interest directors. That is an issue that can be discussed in the debate.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh spoke about the turf cutters. I agree with him that the Minister, Deputy Deenihan, should be complimented on his efforts in that regard. It is to be welcomed that the Government is prepared to engage with organisations to solve those problems. That will be accepted by most people.

Senator White rightly raised again the plight of the people affected by thalidomide, which happened here many years ago, and praised the people involved. I agree with the Senator in that regard. I am glad Senator White has achieved her presidency at last and I compliment her on that.

Senator Moran raised the question of private health insurance, people getting what they are entitled to and making sure the buyer beware principle is examined at all times. The Senator might raise the case in question as an Adjournment matter where she can get more information on that.

I note Senator Sheahan's point about making the Shannon Energy project happen. We will bring it to the attention of the Minister, Deputy Rabbitte.

I note Senator Walsh's views on the use of the TV licence fee. I am sure he raised that matter with the Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, when he was in the House some weeks ago. We will certainly bring it to his attention if it was not raised at that time.

Senator Moloney raised the issue of third level grants and rightly suggested that people should apply for them now. I said yesterday on the Order of Business that the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Quinn, will be in the House on 19 April for a wide-ranging debate on education and any Member who wishes to raise those points with him can do so on 19 April.

I will try to find out for Deputy Darragh O'Brien the position on the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill. I express my gratitude that Fianna Fáil will debate the progress the Government has made in the past year in its Private Members' motion.