Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am glad that Senator MacSharry also will be attending that Yeats Day event in Sligo.

Senator Wilson raised the issue of the G8 Summit and sang the praises of the tourism product available in the north west.

Regarding the Seanad referendum, I can assure the Senator, as I have assured other Senators, that there will be no time bar in regard to debates on that subject, particularly on Committee and Report Stages. We will have a comprehensive debate on it. I understand Second Stage of that Bill will come into the Lower House on Thursday and will probably be with us in about three weeks' time.

Senator Mullins raised the issue of the impact of the VAT rates on spending, and also called for a debate on the Action Plan for Jobs. I have asked the Minister, Deputy Bruton, to come into the House and address that problem and to outline to us the success of the Action Plan for Jobs.

I remind Senators the House debated for a number of hours ideas on job creation which fed into the Action Plan for Jobs. Quite a number of the ideas which came from the House were included. Others may choose to forget this but it is worth recalling this was the situation.

Senator MacSharry called for a debate on men's health. I reject totally the disgraceful comments regarding the Taoiseach.