The acting Leader of the Opposition, Senator Marc MacSharry, believes everything he reads in the newspapers, which is a dangerous thing to do.

Hear, hear.

I am glad Senator David Norris agrees with me. The Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Ruairí Quinn, stated yesterday that he had full confidence in the Minister for Health, Deputy James Reilly. Those are the Minister's own words. Senator Marc MacSharry need not go to the newspapers to find out anything. The Minister will tell him straight out.

Many soccer managers receive the same vote of confidence.

He said the same about Harry Whelehan at one time.

Both Fine Gael and the Labour Party view the coalition Government as more than a temporary little agreement or arrangement. We debate things rationally in government and make decisions. We do not think of it as a temporary arrangement before we start.

The Leader should tell that to Deputy Róisín Shortall.

What about Deputy Willie Penrose?

Senator Ivana Bacik called for a debate on the focus of the taxation system. Perhaps we might do this early in the new year.

Senator Rónán Mullen commented on the debate on the report of the expert group, to which several Senators have alluded. We will have a two and a half hour debate on the issue this week and if further Senators are offering, we will make more time available at a later stage to continue the debate on the matter. Senator Rónán Mullen commented on the Galway case and the unfortunate death of Ms Savita Halappanavar, but I would prefer to await the results of the investigation before making any comment on it.

Senator Colm Burke raised the question of the focus on safety. He has noted that defective toys are being sold in some outlets and said we should buy from reputable retail outlets. He has pointed to EU law on defective toys.

Senators Ned O'Sullivan, Sean D. Barrett, Martin Conway, Terry Leyden and Feargal Quinn spoke about the restructuring of Shannon Airport. The decision will grant the airport long-awaited freedom to determine its future in its best interests and those of the Shannon region. The decision is to separate the airport from the Dublin Airport Authority, merge it with a new entity which will also include a restructured Shannon Development and its extensive landbank. It represents a new beginning for the Shannon region and involves a drive to develop a world class aviation industry and a restructuring of the tourism and enterprise support agencies in the region to support this goal. Shannon Airport will be made independent of the Dublin Airport Authority and merged with Shannon Development. With the support of the national enterprise, investment and tourism agencies and a new focus on the development of aviation services, it will have a long overdue new beginning. The decision has been welcomed by many. There is no question of not having a level playing field for Ireland West Airport Knock. It is recognised that the decision will result in increased competition among Irish airports, including Knock. However, the aim is to increase the overall number of passengers into the country through increased efficiencies and the attraction of new aviation business which could have a beneficial impact nationally. The decoupling of Shannon Airport from the Dublin Airport Authority will be the subject of a motion in the House next week, most likely on Wednesday.

There will be an opportunity to discuss the matter at that point.

Senator Harte referred to the property tax and the need for a breakdown of where the tax was going and where the money was spent. I imagine that is being examined by local authorities throughout the country. Certainly, I know it is being examined in Waterford.

Senator Norris commented on the Leveson inquiry. We have held debates on the media in the House but perhaps in the new year, as a result of the Leveson inquiry, we could have a further debate on their role. The Senator also made several other points which can be raised in the statements on the budget tomorrow evening. There will be a two hour debate on the issue.

What about the 1816 commemoration?

Anything the Senator wants to say, he can say it then.

Senator Mullins sought an update on the Lunacy Regulation (Ireland) Act 1871. Every Member agrees that this is something which should be updated and that legislation should be introduced to update that Bill as soon as possible. I will make representations to the Government Chief Whip on the matter.

Senator Cullinane raised the concerns of the Committee for the Forgotten. We all support its efforts. I understand it is meeting a representative of the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Shatter, later today to discuss the matter.

Senator Cullinane also referred to Mr. Jim Power's report on the economic consequences of the break-up of the south-east hospital network. I have read the report, which is excellent. I hope we will not be discussing a break-up of the south-east hospital network and that it will remain intact.

Senator Healy Eames called for a further debate on the expert group's report. As I stated, two and a half hours have been allocated on Thursday and I will provide further time if more speakers are offering. The Joint Committee on Health and Children will meet on 8, 9 and 10 January to accept submissions on the expert group's report. There will be no rushing or lack of debate; there will be plenty of debate in the House. The Joint Committee on Health and Children will debate the issue and action will be taken by the Government as soon as we have all the information before us.

Senator Healy Eames also spoke about the use of pension funds invested abroad. That is another matter which she could raise with the Minister during statements on the budget tomorrow evening.

Senators Wilson, Michael D'Arcy, Ó Domhnaill and others raised the difficulties of constituents with regard to financial institutions. One Member highlighted that there was damage to property in order to gain access. If there was damage to property, that is an offence and it should be investigated by the Garda, but I do not have full knowledge of it. Senator Michael D'Arcy also spoke about introducing legislation in the House. It is the prerogative of any Member to introduce legislation and we must examine any legislation based on its content. I can understand the anger of Members with regard to the activities of some financial institutions and the manner in which they are trying to get money back. I fully understand the feelings of Members. Banks say they are operating within the law. That has to be challenged and if they are operating within the law, obviously, by doing what they are purported to have done in Wexford and Cavan, we will have to do something to address it.

Senator Barrett raised the issue of Shannon Airport, on which I have already commented. We will have the opportunity to discuss it again next week.

Senator Mooney raised the possible need for a referendum on abortion. We will debate the expert group's report first. The Senator suggested the Supreme Court's judgment was flawed.

I question the making of such statements in the House.

On development companies operating under the umbrella of local authorities, for many years people have been calling for a one-stop shop. The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government is due to come to the House on 22 January to discuss the issue of local government reform, as requested by Senator Diarmuid Wilson and others, and the matter can be raised during that discussion.

In response to the point made by Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú, the budget will be announced tomorrow and whether it is fair will be up for discussion. Some will probably think it is, while others will have a different opinion, as is the case with all budgets.

I have addressed the matters raised by Senators Brian Ó Domhnaill and Michael D'Arcy.