We could do them on a Friday.

I have also announced on several occasions that there will be a scarcity of Ministers to attend the House until June as Ireland holds the Presidency of the European Union for six months. Ministers have their responsibilities in that regard, as well as to the House. We have had all senior Ministers attend the Chamber when requested to deal with legislation. I will endeavour, as I always have, to have Ministers attend to hear statements. Many Ministers have co-operated, notwithstanding their busy schedules in the European Union and the other House. I agree with Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh on the Seanad - "We have not gone away, you know."

Senator Catherine Noone referred to Irish traditional music and its UNESCO programme listing. It is a matter the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Jimmy Deenihan, will probably attend the House to address. I am sure the matter is of interest to Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú who has been involved in the area for a long time. I will certainly bring the matter to the Minister's attention. I agree completely with Senator Catherine Noone on the measures the Government has taken in the context of tourism, including the 9% VAT rate. The rate has certainly borne fruit and I hope it will be continued.

Senator Terry Leyden is always a good man to look for a headline. He is probably the only person who does not agree that the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine is doing his utmost to deal with the fodder crisis.

Ask the farmers who have lost cattle.

The Senator could make hay out of anything.

Farming organisations have recognised that the Minister is working closely with them. He has put in place a scheme with a fund of €1 million to contribute to the cost of importing fodder.

We would spend it in one week in County Roscommon, for God's sake.

The scheme will reduce the cost of imported hay to farmers by approximately one third. As Senator Pat O'Neill mentioned, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is responding to queries from farmers who face animal welfare emergencies and need support. Feed is being sourced and provided for any farmer dealing with an animal welfare crisis. Farmers can contact the hotline number which the Minister mentioned at the joint committee and which has been advertised in the broadcast media. There should be no question where animal welfare is concerned about contacting the Department at 1850 211 990.

Write it down.

There is a three day waiting list.

Write it down.

Put it in the newsletter.

Rather than making accusations against the Minister, it would be beneficial for Senator Terry Leyden to go back to his constituents, give them that telephone number and ask them to avail of the measures in place.

That number will not bring back the cattle that have died.

The Leader to continue, without interruption.

I note Senator Sean D. Barrett's point on the health insurance levy, competition in the health insurance sector and the role of the Minister for Health.

The Leader does not know what is happening on the ground.

Can we hear the Leader without interruption, please?

He is making very provocative statements. The Cathaoirleach should rule him out of order.

The Leader to continue, without interruption.

Senator Terry Leyden should put the number in his newsletter.

Please, Senator.

I will bring Senator Sean D. Barrett's comments to the attention of the Minister for Health.

Senator Paschal Moloney referred to discretionary medical cards issued for serious health reasons.

It is regrettable that people granted discretionary medical cards on the basis of a serious medical illness are being asked to account for them again to the Department. I will seek clarification on the matter from the Minister of State, Deputy Alex White.

I note Senator Ned O'Sullivan's points on the plight of Parkinson's disease patients. I assure him there will be no bullying in any debate in this House on a Bill. I have the utmost confidence in the Cathaoirleach to ensure there will be no bullying in this House on any issue.

Senator Michael Mullins called for a debate with the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Joan Burton, on the delay in processing appeals for carer's and invalidity allowances. I agree with the Senator that many people are experiencing long delays, in the appeals process in particular. There is a need for dialogue between staff in the appeals office and applicants whose applications for carer's and invalidity allowance appeals, in terms of documents submitted, are found to be deficient. This is not happening.

Senator Jim Walsh welcomed the proposed improvements to the N11 and the benefits that would accrue therefrom for Rosslare and Waterford ports. Senator Cáit Keane also welcomed the N7 proposals. I note her point on the disaster in Bangladesh, which was dreadful. I also note her points on companies using what can only be described as slave labour in places such as Bangladesh and so on. I have already spoken to the UN Commissioner, Ms Margareta Wahlström, who deals with disaster relief. I am hopeful the Commissioner who is second in command to Ban Ki-moon will be in a position to address this House in the future. I believe everybody would welcome that debate which would do well for the stature of the House.

Senators David Cullinane and Pat O'Neill welcomed the announcement of the 1,600 jobs being created through the Glanbia project in Kilkenny-----

It is the biggest job announcement ever by a Sinn Féin member.

-----and adjacent to Waterford Port which is based in Kilkenny. Irrespective of borders and counties, this is a wonderful announcement for Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford and the south east.

Hear, hear.

It shows the Government's commitment to the area.

It is the constituency of the Minister, Deputy Brendan Howlin.

The Leader to continue without interruption, please.

The south east is a blackspot for jobs and has been proved so in the past few years. These jobs will go some way towards addressing its jobs deficit.

What about Roscommon?

Be quiet.

The Leader to continue without interruption, please.

These jobs are in addition to the 200 announced by Nypro only a couple of weeks ago. It is welcome that so many jobs have been announced for the south east. It needs many more jobs, as do other counties throughout the country. The Government is working towards the creation of jobs. It is currently creating 1,000 jobs a month and hopes to increase this figure significantly in the coming years.

Senator Pat O'Neill also raised the issue of animal welfare. I refer him to the telephone number I provided for Senator Terry Leyden when he raised the same matter.

Senator Martin Conway referred to the benefits of independence for Shannon Airport and noted the great co-operation between the airport company and the community in the fodder crisis.

Senator Tom Sheahan called for the extension of the fuel allowance.