Senators Manning, O'Toole and others sought a list of future legislation. I will be only too pleased to inform the House in the morning of the business planned for this session. Senators O'Toole, Manning, Costello and Moylan called for a debate on the state of the nation. That is a very good idea and I will see what I can do to have it as soon as possible. Next week we will have Fianna Fáil Private Members' time and there will be a debate on the future national plan. It will give us an opportunity to review progress and to see the input we can make as a Parliament to the national plan being discussed by the Government.
I wish to be associated with Senators O'Toole's and Dardis's horror at the damning report on Lough Ree. The area involved straddles the Cathaoirleach's and my constituencies and I will be discussing this matter after the Order of Business with the Leaders of the various groups. We will see how we can have a meaningful debate on the report's findings with the Minister as soon as possible. Senator Dardis also requested a debate on fresh water, as has Senator Quill in the past.
Senator Costello called on the Minister for Foreign Affairs to make a statement to the House regarding the nuclear danger in Pakistan. I will convey the Senator's call to the Minister after the Order of Business.
Senators Dardis, Dan Kiely and Ryan expressed concern about East Timor. Any fair minded person watching the terrible tragedy in East Timor during the summer had to be shocked. It would be an understatement to say our hearts went out to those people and I will have the Minister come to the House. I discussed the matter with him last week and he has agreed to three hours of statements on the matter when his diary is free and the House can give time to it. I hope to have this debate within the next week.
Senators Dardis, Maurice Hayes and Bonner expressed their gratitude to Mo Mowlam and I wish to be associated with those thanks. She has had a lot of success since coming to Northern Ireland and it is probably a tragedy that she is going. I believe she would have liked to carry out the final stages of what we hope will be a successful Good Friday Agreement. I am sorry that she may not be in office for the conclusion of the Agreement, but it was not in her remit to decide that. I wish to acknowledge the massive contribution she has made as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. She was appreciated throughout the world for her contribution.
I also wish Peter Mandelson luck in his new task. He comes with a reputation as a man who gets things done and I look forward to his endeavours in bringing the Good Friday Agreement to a successful conclusion. I bear Senator Hayes's views in mind, as he is probably the most informed Member on Northern Ireland. He is widely respected for his views. There is a lot of work to be done and it will not be easy and I join with Senator Hayes in wishing Peter Mandelson the very best in his new position. Senator Jackman called for a debate on the various points raised in the House and I will try to have a debate on this in the near future.
Senators Ormonde and Bonner raised the publication of leaving certificate results. For the past week teachers and educational institutions have been calling on the Minister to appeal the decision under the Freedom of Information Act. I will relay Senators' concerns and wishes to the Minister.
I will make time available for a debate on the report of the Inspector of Mental Hospitals as called for by Senator Henry. The Mental Health Bill will come before the House during this session. Senator Quinn expressed views on Partnership for Peace. In the words of Paudge Brennan, "There is never the wrong time to do the right thing", but I will allow time for a debate on this issue at an early opportunity.
Senator Ó Murchú expressed concern about the treatment of Irish pilgrims to the Holy Land. I will convey the Senator's comments to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Andrews, and the Taoiseach. The contributions of Irish missionaries are known all over the world, as is our neutral stance on all matters, and it is regrettable that our pilgrims were treated in such a manner by Israeli troops. This was a retrograde step. The Israeli Government should clarify the position and apologise to the Minister for Foreign Affairs for what happened.
I will convey Senator Farrell's comments concerning RTÉ. I agree with Senator Lydon's request concerning yesterday's Seanad report on RTÉ on tributes paid to the father of the House, the late Senator McGowan. The House receives reasonable coverage on RTÉ but, perhaps, some Senators could receive better coverage. RTÉ could have done better yesterday. Whatever about its coverage of yesterday's tributes, today's Irish Independent only gives 12 lines to a man who made a contribution to this House for 28 years. I condemn such despicable coverage. It would have been better had the newspaper not covered the tributes rather than give 12 lines at the bottom of a page.
I join Senator Bonner in welcoming the Patten report. Senator Burke raised a number of environmental issues in which he is very interested. I welcome the planning Bill which will come before the House tomorrow and I thank the Minister for initiating the Bill in the House. I look forward to the contributions of Senator Burke and his Fine Gael colleagues. I hope every Member will contribute to this debate as the majority of Members represent local authorities and county councillors. This Bill will bring about enormous changes and I look forward to the contributions of Members. I will also make inquiries on when the environment Bill will come before the House.