Senators Norris, Quill and Fitzpatrick expressed their shock and horror at the proposal to remove the Abbey Theatre from the north side of the Liffey. I will allow as much time as possible to discuss this. It would be a retrograde step and this side of the House supports the Senators' call that it should not happen. I will contact the Taoiseach this afternoon to let him know the House's displeasure at this proposal. The debate will last as long as required
As regards Senator Dino Cregan's point, there will be a debate for as long as is required. The Senator also called for a debate on Aer Rianta and I will pass this request on to the Minister's Department.
I offer the sympathy of the House to our colleague, the Minister for Public Enterprise, Deputy O'Rourke, on the sad passing last week of her husband, Enda. All our prayers go with her in this sad time of bereavement.
Senator Finneran expressed serious concern about the lack of communication with landowners in certain areas about the National Roads Authority's proposed routes for motorways and dual carriageways. The essence of success in this area is good communications, as we found with the Athlone, Mullingar and Longford bypasses in the midlands. I will certainly pass on the Senator's views to the chief executive officer of the National Roads Authority. If the Senator highlights the specific areas of concern, I will pass those on also.
I will convey Senator Glennon's views on overseas aid to the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and I will allow time for a debate on this matter in the coming weeks.
Senator Coghlan asked when Committee Stage of the Broadcasting Bill will be taken. Judging by the number of speakers who wish to contribute on this matter today, we will review progress tomorrow.
Senators Fitzpatrick and Coghlan asked about the Local Government Bill and I will make inquiries about that legislation. I can assure all local authority members, however, that when the Bill comes before the House we will give it safe passage over a period of two weeks. Many local authority members have been inquiring about the Bill and have a keen interest in it. I thank Senators for informing local authority members about it. They can further inform them that we will not be delaying the Bill any longer than two weeks, with the consent of Members and the Minister.
Senator Fitzpatrick called for an urgent debate on banking. The fact that a carer was charged £10 for changing a cheque is a disgrace. It is not acceptable and, as a matter of urgency, I will pass on the Senator's views to the Minister for Finance. Before the Christmas recess, Senator Finneran and others called for a debate on banking, and we will have such a debate at the earliest possible time.
I will pass on to the relevant Minister the concerns of Senator Ridge about the problems that exist in Clondalkin.
Senator Connor has requested me to ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when it is proposed to establish the international criminal court. I will inquire about that and will revert to the Senator with that information. The Senator also sought a debate, with the attendance of the Minister for Education and Science, on the lack of funding for the VTOS. I have no difficulty in arranging time for such a debate.
I thank Senator Farrell for his kind remarks regarding the efforts I made, with other party leaders in the House and yourself, a Chathaoirligh, to have the decor brought up to its current standard. It is absolutely magnificent. As regards the colour scheme, I hope Members of the Opposition will feel comfortable with blue because we on the Government side are doing so positively well in relation to the financial affairs of the nation. It is a matter of satisfaction to have them happy in Opposition.
Senator Farrell called for congratulations to be sent to the Minister for Finance, Deputy McCreevy, as well as our EU Commissioner, Mr. Byrne, who is European person of the year. I will certainly ensure that the Senator's wishes are passed on.
On the subject of invasion of privacy, a further debate on the establishment of a press council is long overdue. The protection of people's integrity is very important, including the integrity of deceased persons. We should debate all matters relating to the press and press standards.