Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

We all welcome Steve Redmond's achievement in terms of the Ocean's Seven challenge, on which we compliment him. Senator Coghlan raised the issue of the Dublin interbank rate and called for greater transparency in view of experiences in the UK. The Minister for Finance was in the House a couple of weeks ago. However, there is a need for ongoing debate on the economy and banking. I will endeavour to arrange such debate early in the new term.

Senator Cullinane called for a debate on poverty. We took two social welfare Bills in the House and we had a comprehensive debate on the question of poverty. The Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Burton, will come to the House for a two and a half hour debate on social protection on 11 October. This will be a comprehensive debate on all matters coming under her remit. Several of those matters have been raised by Senators, including sick pay and poverty.

Senators Whelan and Kelly spoke about EirGrid, high voltage pylons and the jobs that can be created through wind energy. Some people in the midlands have objected to wind turbines. The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Rabbitte, will come to the House early in the new term. I note Senator Leyden's comments on Castlerea Prison. Senators Mullins and Higgins spoke about the stimulus project for the N17 and N18 highways in Galway. We all hope the Galway city bypass will also proceed. There is good news for Galway in this project.