Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Of course.

Senator Comiskey spoke about the advantages and disadvantages of wind farms. He highlighted the benefits for local communities in his area, where more than 100 jobs have been created. Senator Barrett asked for a debate on bank regulation or the lack of it. He referred to the position of officials in the Department of Finance and the need for a change in attitudes. I listened to last night's debate. I agree that some of the amendments proposed by Senator Barrett, particularly that which proposed to replace "may" with "shall", should have been accepted. However, that is a decision for the Government. I note Senator Barrett's point. I do not propose to accept Senator Ó Domhnaill's amendment to the Order of Business. He tabled a matter on the Adjournment and perhaps he may need to table a further matter if the response was not satisfactory.

Senator Paul Coghlan called for the chairmen and chief executive officers of the non-Irish-owned banks to be brought before the finance committee. I am sure the committee will arrange such a meeting. I agree with Senator Coghlan that banks must suffer some of the pain that mortgage holders and people in arrears are suffering and that banks should be brought to book at the finance committee. Senator Quinn made an excellent suggestion about the defibrillator Bill and transition year students being taught how to use defibrillators. I will bring that matter to the attention of the Minister for Education and Skills.

The question of presumed consent for organ donation was raised in the House by Senator Quinn. This has been lying to one side for a number of years. Similar legislation has been passed in Wales this week. I have inquired of the Department its intentions with regard to such legislation. I will revert to the Senator when I know when the Department intends to publish legislation. Senator Landy spoke about the pre-budget submission from the Carers' Association. I agree with Senator Landy that we should all praise the excellent work of carers all over the country. Senator Ó Clochartaigh spoke on pre-budget submissions to the Department of Social Protection. The Minister for Social Protection has agreed to come to the House when we return in September. Senator Conway praised Aer Lingus on its winter and summer services from Shannon to Chicago and New York. This is welcomed by everyone in the mid-west in particular.

There has been negative publicity in some countries as a result of the Anglo Irish Bank tapes debacle, which I am confident the Government is attempting to redress. Senator Wilson asked for a debate on youth unemployment and the €6 billion fund. Experts have said there is a need for €25 billion. In my view, €6 billion is a good start and perhaps that sum can be increased in the future. Senator Hayden called for a debate on banking. I have addressed that matter. I have asked the Minister to come to the House but I have not received a positive response in that regard. She also called for a debate on maternity services. I will ask the Minister for Health to come to the House for a debate on that subject. In reply to Senator Mullen, I have stated on many occasions that ample time for debate will be afforded to the House. As with the arrangements for the Seanad referendum Bill, I propose that ten minutes be allocated to every Senator on Second Stage and that ample time be afforded on Committee and Report Stages. I hope the debate will be conducted in a very dignified manner and that points will be made once and not rehashed a hundred times. I hope we will not have a filibuster on the Bill. I can assure the House that adequate time will be afforded to all Members to make their points. I hope that making a point once will be sufficient for everyone.