Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

Senator Darragh O'Brien raised the review of the community employment, CE, scheme and the pyrite report. I will find out when the CE review report will be available and will revert to the Senator. I have been constantly asking about the pyrite report. I am told it is imminent but we were told that a few weeks ago. I assure the Senator that I will pursue the matter and report back to him, but I understand that it might be available in the next week or so.

On the High Court challenge by Sinn Féin, I do not propose to intervene in an argument between Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin. However, it is great to see that Sinn Féin now recognises the courts. It is not long ago that it failed to recognise them so it is great the party is taking cases to court. Senator O'Brien also sought a debate on the referendum, as did other Members. I am agreeable to that proposal and will schedule it for Thursday afternoon next week. There will possibly be no Minister present but I will schedule it for that afternoon.

Senators Bacik, Moran, van Turnhout and others wished our students well at the start of their examinations. We all agree with those wishes. They also welcomed the Olympic torch to Dublin. It was great that it came to this country. It again highlights the links between Great Britain and ourselves that the torch came to Ireland, and it was great to see so many people on the streets of Dublin and elsewhere to welcome it.

I will try to arrange a debate on the establishment of a constitutional convention.

Senator van Turnhout raised the issue of the missing children hotline. The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, has welcomed the allocation of €150,000 by the EU Daphne programme to the ISPCC for setting up the initial operation of the 116000 missing children hotline in Ireland. Last year, the Minister established a project team to oversee the establishment of the hotline, something she announced in the course of a debate in the Seanad, which was very welcome. I understand that the ISPCC has advised that it will make an application to the Government for funding for the balance of the set-up costs. The Minister, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, will consider any funding application in conjunction with the Department's agencies involved in the project team and she hopes that any additional funding requirements can be met. That is to be welcomed. It is a matter that has been highlighted by Senators van Turnhout, Conway and others on numerous occasions.

Senator van Turnhout also welcomed the activities of the Garda and the PSNI on Operation Quest. We all welcome that activity. The Senator also asked about the report on child deaths and when it would be published. I will revert to the Senator on that matter.

Senator Norris called for a debate on homophobia and suicide. The joint committee on justice discussed this and I understand that the Deputy Leader, in my absence a week or so ago, referred to this in the House. I assure the Senator that we can and will arrange such a debate at an early date.

Senator Clune raised the Pfizer job losses and the future of the pharmaceutical industry. We all regret that 177 jobs have been lost in Pfizer and our thoughts are with the workers and their families. All the supports of the State will be made available to the workers. As the Senator correctly pointed out, products coming off patent is a reality of the pharmaceutical industry and one that all companies throughout the world must face. However, I will try to arrange a debate with the Minister on that matter.

Senator Leyden sought a debate on health. I am working with the office of the Minister for Health, Deputy James Reilly, to arrange a debate and question and answer session-----