Ivana Bacik (Independent)

On the issue of "Oireachtas Report" not being broadcast by RTE when the Seanad alone is sitting, I understand the Leader has already raised that issue in writing with RTE and I will see if we can take it up again.

I have dealt with the issue raised by Senator Keane, who spoke about the referendum. Senator Daly sought a debate on social welfare payments and we will have the Minister for Social Protection in the House on Friday and Monday.

Senators Mullins, Mooney and Conway also raised the issue of the referendum, with which I have dealt. Senator O'Keeffe called for a debate on State boards, with which I have dealt. Senator Healy Eames dealt with the referendum and the issue of growth, which I agree is an important issue which we must stress in the campaign.

Senator Moran raised the issue of Seanad coverage, with which I have dealt, and asked for a debate on the Irish Prison Service in light of the immediate news that there have been further escapes from Loughan House. We had a debate on that issue in the justice committee when we called in the head of the Irish Prison Service in the context of the most recent escape. It would be useful to have a fuller debate in the House on these issues.

Senator Mary Ann O'Brien called for a debate on the domiciliary care allowance. I was concerned to hear of the delays of which she spoke and the difficulties recipients have experienced. It is an issue on which we might have a debate. Equally, it might be worth raising as a matter on the Adjournment directly with the Ministers concerned. As the Senator said, the issue cuts across a number of Departments but might be appropriate to the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh raised the issue of the referendum, with which I have dealt. Senator Sheahan called for a debate on tourism and I point out we had a debate recently in the House on that issue. I have already responded to Senator White. Senator Harte raised an issue within Donegal County Council which, again, might be raised as a matter on the Adjournment.

Senator Power raised the issue of Priory Hall, which she has raised in the House on many occasions. I was glad to hear of the resolution process. I believe we would all agree we want to see a coherent and co-ordinated response to the dreadful position of the residents.

Senator Bradford raised the issue of the referendum. Senator D'Arcy raised the issue of small schools, although he did not call for a debate.

Senator Darragh O'Brien called for an amendment on the issue of water charges, to which a number of Senators referred. I am not willing to accede to that. We have raised this on the Order of Business on a number of days.