Ivana Bacik (Independent)

I am grateful to Senator Conway for giving me some of the material, which I will read. I am very concerned to hear about this. However, if there is an issue with a particular school, it is more appropriate for the Adjournment.

Senator White raised the issue of Ms Nancy Pelosi. I did not get my photo taken with her, so I am very envious of Senator White. The Senator is correct that we should perhaps be more proactive about inviting people in. If we know somebody like Nancy Pelosi will be here, we could invite the person as a distinguished speaker to the Seanad. I understand we learned too late of her visit to do that but we should keep an eye on this in future.

I agree with Senator Mullins's welcome for the Taoiseach's launch of the Ireland Reaching Out initiative. I have responded to Senator Wilson on the issue concerning Ministers' attendance. On the issue of the plant in County Cavan, as the Cathaoirleach said, that is more a matter for the Adjournment.

Senator Brennan raised the issue of a welcome for the Minister, Deputy Shatter's extension of the short-stay visa waiver programme, which is quite right. We can debate this in the context of a debate on tourism more generally. The issue of the Dundalk office is clearly more a matter for the Adjournment.

Senator Crown also referred to the university rankings and the issue of amalgamation or possible strategic alliances. It is something the HEA is working on and has in hand. Senator Crown is right that it needs to be looked at in the context of university rankings as it clearly has a bearing on our placing in the rankings.

I wish all Senators a happy St. Patrick's Day. We will be having debates on the Finance Bill on Wednesday and Thursday of next week so we will have the Minister, Deputy Michael Noonan, and the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes, in the House on those days.