Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I thank Senator Mooney for clarifying that matter. I am quite happy living in Waterford, I assure him. I am not aware of that fund-raising event but he has clarified the matter. He mentioned €850 but I believe that is the cost for a table of ten. The vast majority of funding from my party - 90% - comes from €80 tickets sold to members and supporters the length and breadth of the country.

Senator Bacik mentioned the debate that took place in the other House on abortion and Senators Norris and Bradford raised this also. I indicated yesterday that an expert group chaired by Mr. Justice Sean Ryan will report back to the Government on this issue in July. The Government believes this is the appropriate forum in which to examine this complex and sensitive matter. I am sure we will have an opportunity to discuss the subject when the report has been published.

Senator Norris also raised the possibility of rolling debates on the economy. We will certainly try to arrange that. He also mentioned the eviction of people from their home in Killiney. It is sad to see any person evicted from his or her home in this day and age. With regard to the clearance of cheques, I know the Senator raised the matter last night with the Minister for Finance. He went straight to the horse's mouth on that matter.

Senator Mullins spoke about the recent job announcement in Inverin, County Galway, as did Senator Mooney. It is great to hear that young people now feel they can stay at home and work in their own parishes and communities as a result of these job announcements. It was good to hear from Senator Leyden that he was rushing off to Boyle, where there is a further announcement of jobs this afternoon. I hope the tide is turning in that regard. The Senator also mentioned the report of the commission on credit unions. We can and should arrange a debate on that report as soon as possible.

Senator Leyden also raised the question of below-cost selling of alcohol. The Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Shortall, has indicated that she will attend and speak to the House on this subject, which is close to her own heart. I am sure she will make progress soon. Senator Moloney spoke about advances in the treatment of breast cancer and prostate cancer in Britain. We can arrange a debate on that with the Minister for Health. It is encouraging to see these new advances in the treatment of all kinds of cancer, which give hope to so many people in the country who suffer from cancer.

Senator Cullinane mentioned the provision of child care. The Minister for Social Protection will be in the House all day and until late at night next Thursday dealing with the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill. She will also be here on Friday next. The House will be sitting, as I indicated, from Monday to Friday next week to deal with quite an amount of business. Senator Bradford spoke about political funding. I am sure that if there are any amendments to the Electoral (Amendment) (Political Funding) Bill, it will come back to us in due course. Senator Daly can raise the points he made about child poverty when the Minister is here on Thursday and Friday of next week.

Senator O'Keeffe spoke about the cuts in RTE, which were also mentioned by Senator Conway. I agree with the Senator that it is important that RTE retain its core values with regard to coverage and an emphasis on the regions, which is an important part of its remit. Senator Coghlan spoke about the duopoly of the two pillar banks, which does not augur well for competition. We can include that in our debate on the economy, which is to take place soon. Senators O'Sullivan and Conway spoke about the Irish horse racing industry and the development of the horse breeding and racing industry in China. This is of great benefit to the horse breeders and everybody involved in the thoroughbred industry in this country. I compliment the Senator for raising that matter.

Senator Burke raised the issue of interns and junior doctors leaving within 12 months of graduation, and the fact that only 31% of those in training had a knowledge of record-keeping. This is a disturbing report, and I agree with the Senator that we should arrange a debate on this matter as soon as possible.