Senator Manning and many other Senators made various points on the Social Welfare Bill and the Appropriation Bill. As Members will see, there is an early signature motion on the Order Paper in regard to the Appropriation Bill and I understood I had an agreement with the Leader of the main Opposition party to review progress at 6.30 p.m., if that is agreeable to the House.
Senators Manning and Coghlan raised the question of a single financial regulator. Those points can be made to the Minister when he comes to the House to deal with the Appropriation Bill.
Senators Manning, Costello and Dardis called for a debate on waste, particularly soil waste and waste from building sites, with the Minister for the Environment and Local Government present. We are all concerned about the plight of those people who felt so strongly about this issue that they had to deliver a letter personally to the Department. Everyone was pleased with the way the Garda handled the situation today and that traffic in Dublin was not disrupted. I am glad that a common sense agreement was reached.
Senators O'Toole, Norris, Keogh and Jim Walsh called for a debate on the Supreme Court decision on children with special needs. I welcome the 93 places now available and the 41 new places to be made available next year. I will request the Minister of State, Deputy Hanafin, to come into the House early in the next session for a lengthy debate on that issue.
I agree with Senator Costello's call for a debate on banking. Senator Coogan called for a debate on wheelchair accessible taxis, with my colleague, the Minister for Public Enterprise, present. I will do everything possible to facilitate such a debate and I avail of this opportunity, on behalf of all Members of the House, to send best wishes to the Minister on her unfortunate accident.
Senators O'Donovan, Chambers and Bonner offered their congratulations to the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources on the difficult negotiations which took place at the highest level during a marathon session of the Council. Senator O'Donovan mentioned the ten thousands jobs. Those of us who know how important the fishing industry is certainly breathed a sigh of relief when we heard the outcome today. I will allow time for this issue to be debated in the House after the Christmas recess.
Senators Norris and Ross again called for a debate on Sellafield. All sides of the House are in total agreement on this issue and I have no difficulty leaving time for a debate. On the matter Senator Ross requested, I understood all these publications were in the Library. If they are not, the Senator can let me know after the Order of Business and I will endeavour to have the Library staff address the Senator's requirements. Senator Lanigan called for a debate on the role of the Security Council and particularly developments overseas. I have already given a commitment to have a debate in the House.
Senator Taylor-Quinn and other Senators referred to the recent murders. The appalling circumstances in which people have met their deaths are mind-boggling. It is hard to imagine this is happening in our country and I can only congratulate the Garda on being so attentive and alert. The extreme circumstances in which these incidents have taken place are very difficult, especially coming up to Christmas.
Senator Taylor-Quinn called for a debate on the aviation industry and I have no difficulty leaving time for a debate. Senators Farrell, Coghlan and Rory Kiely called for a debate on the insurance industry. I have already said I intend to have an all day debate on this issue at the earliest opportunity after the Christmas recess. I also take on board Senator Farrell's call in relation to alcohol abuse. It is a timely time of the year to raise this issue. No matter how little one drinks, I would advocate that one should not drive.
I will certainly pass on Senator Quinn's views on the statement by the deputy leader of Europol and on counterfeiting to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and to the Minister for Finance as well. I understand from the Central Bank that the coming into force of the euro currency on 1 January 2002 lessens the potential for counterfeiting. I will certainly take on board the points the Senator has made and will pass them on to the Ministers. It would be timely to have a debate on how the changeover is progressing, perhaps during the second week of February after the 9 February deadline.
Senator Ormonde called for a debate on education matters, including teachers and the shortage of science teachers, in particular. I have no difficulty leaving time for a debate. Senators Ó Murchú and Bonner called for a debate on the ombudsman's report. I have agreed that this will take place at the earliest opportunity. Senator Chambers called for a debate on broadband investment. That could be raised on the Appropriation Bill, 2001, as it is a financial matter. The Senator may be able to update us on the present position in relation to this matter. Senator Mooney called for a debate with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on asylum seekers and the concept of neutrality. I have no difficulty leaving time for such a debate.
On No. 1, the Appropriation Bill, 2001, it is customary that we pass all Stages of that Bill. I assure Senators that in the first week back after the Christmas recess, I will allocate time for Senators who wish to make a contribution on this issue.