Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I have no intention of going back on last night's debate. The exchanges were more than robust on occasion and did very little for the decorum of this House. Senators O'Keeffe and Quinn spoke about the achievements of Glanbia, Kerry Group and Dawn Meats. We all laud the achievements of the companies and outline the opportunities for similar industries, especially with milk quotas being phased out in 2015. Opportunities exist for value added goods after 2015.

Senator Quinn referred to the investors scheme on the Internet. The Microenterprise Loan Fund Bill will be in the House today and the Minister will be present. I hope these valid points will be made to the Minister when discussing the Bill.

Senator O'Keeffe referred to the Irish Thalidomide Association and I will make representations to the Minister for Health on that point.

A number of Senators raised the question of the increase to 525 in the incidence of death by suicide. They called for a debate in this House involving several Ministers. In January, the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, attended the House for an excellent debate on suicide. More time is needed and I will try to arrange such a debate early in the new term. The number of people who die by suicide is a national tragedy. There is a need for joined-up thinking and, if a debate in this House can help, we will arrange it as soon as we come back in the autumn.

Senator Barrett made a brief point about Ulster Bank and the abolition of chequebooks. That would be a retrograde step. I am old-fashioned in that regard and we should retain a paper trail.

Senators Clune and Gilroy referred to flooding in Cork and the problems with insurance companies, with excess being added to insurance policies. Many people in distress are having difficulties with their insurance companies. We will call for a progress report on flooding damage from the Minister of State, Deputy Hayes, and the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Hogan. It occurred not only in Cork but also in several other areas.

Senator Norris referred to the Order of Business and it was my understanding that the group leaders had agreed that, when we have a Friday sitting, we will not have an Order of Business. That is my understanding but Senator Norris has difficulty with it. I understand others also have difficulty with it. I have business ordered and Ministers in place for next Friday. I will do something similar next Friday but I would like to get the opinions of Members who feel we should have an Order of Business. If the leaders cannot speak for their groups-----