Senator Marc MacSharry also raised the issue of the closure of barracks in Cavan in the context of the G8 summit in Fermanagh, which we all welcome because it will be a great boost for the region, not just north of the Border but also in the immediate vicinity south of the Border. I am sure security arrangements are in hand for the summit.

The Senator also raised the issue of visas, particularly in respect of the Russian and Chinese delegations to the summit. I had not been aware of a particular difficulty, but it would be good for us to debate unnecessary visa restrictions in a more general sense because in the year of The Gathering we do not want to put unnecessary obstacles in the way of people who wish to come here.

Senator Paul Coghlan also raised the issue of the Garda and complimented the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine on his proposals for the microchipping of dogs. It is a welcome proposal from the point of view of animal welfare. Senator Michael Comiskey raised the more serious issue of the horrific mauling to death of a 14 year old girl in England. Microchipping offers safeguards for people in general because it makes dog owners more accountable and will have positive implications in rural areas where sheep worrying is an issue and in urban areas where it will have an impact on dogs fouling pavements, a less serious matter but annoying nonetheless. This move will make dog owners more accountable and be of benefit to animal welfare. I also welcome the Minister's announcement that he will work with veterinary practitioners to ensure dogs can be microchipped for as close to cost as possible.

Senator Mark Daly raised the issue of the IBRC and the liquidator and called, as did Senator Hayden, for the Minister for Finance to come to address it. Senator Mark Daly also called for a debate on the visa issue. I have asked for this to be arranged.

Senator Sean D. Barrett mentioned the proposal of the Minister for Education and Skills on the reform of the points system, on which he said he was impatient but not reckless, which the Senator sees as a good combination. I complement the Senator on the excellent reception and debate at the Hist which Senator Norris chaired and at which I spoke. It was an outing for the Trinity College Senators to the oldest debating society in Ireland and a great evening was had by all.