The acting Leader of the Opposition, Senator Terry Leyden, raised a question about the procedure for Commencement debates. That is certainly an issue for consideration by the next Seanad.

I would agree to reverting to the former arrangement whereby we had Adjournment rather than Commencement debates, but that is something for the next Seanad to consider. Perhaps some of us might be back, but that is in the lap of the gods.

Senator Terry Ledyen also mentioned, as did Senators Diarmuid Walsh and Ivana Bacik, the review of GSOC's access to telephone records. There is genuine concern about the balance in the law between the important freedom of journalists to pursue legitimate matters of public interest and the basic right of persons not to have their personal information improperly disclosed. While bodies investigating crime need to have the appropriate statutory powers available to them to carry out their duties, we need to examine the balance struck in respect of the integrity or the legitimacy of the journalistic activity being carried out in the public interest. Like all other Senators, Senator Terry Leyden welcomed the appointment of the judge to look into this matter and carry out a review. It needs to be reviewed and I hope the judge will have sufficient time to come back with a report that will be acceptable to all.

Senator Ivana Bacik mentioned the motion on cystic fibrosis to be tabled next week, I hope with the support of all parties. That is the right way to deal with the issue.

Hear, hear.

The Senator also welcomed the announcement of a statute law revision Bill. We have had a number of such Bills during the years. Always, when we deal with a statute law revision Bill, we come across legislation dating back hundreds of years.

Yes.

It is very interesting to look back on such Acts. The Bill will, therefore, be welcomed.

Senators Gerard P. Craughwell and Paul Coghlan alluded to non-Government motions Nos. 7 and 10 on the Order Paper. As the Senators know, the all-party committee has had several meetings with the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Alan Kelly, and other Ministers on the pay and conditions of councillors, but progress has been very slow. If I believe it is necessary - possibly, it is now - we will try to arrange a debate on the issue next week, if at all possible, and to get the Minister to attend.

That would be much appreciated.

There is no question that the extra duties councillors undertake, with the larger constituencies and so on, have not been recognised by the Government. This is a matter that needs to be addressed.

Absolutely.

Well said.

Senators Terry Brennan and Paul Coghlan raised the issue of gateway funding for cities and towns. It was raised by a number of Senators on the Order of Business yesterday when they welcomed the allocations made. I certainly welcome the €4 million allocated from the fund for my city of Waterford.

Senator Jiillian van Turnhout mentioned the drinks industry and the Drinkaware campaign. She welcomed the decision made by the Minister for Education and Skills to refuse access for Drinkaware to schools. The Senator pointed out that there was no room for the drinks industry in schools, particularly when it came to the issue of road safety.

Senator Paschal Mooney mentioned the narrowing of the tax base. Of course, we look at what the European institutions advise, but it is the Government's policy to create more and better jobs. The more people we have at work, the more money we will have for the services about which the Senator talked and for all public services. There is no question that the recovery is fragile, as the Senator said. In this regard, we need stability to make progress, rather than instability and chaos, which is what we would have if some parties were in power. In this context, I note what the Senator said about the tax base.

Senator Aideen Hayden referred to the need to provide accommodation for homeless persons. She outlined many relevant facts and commended the Dublin Region Homeless Executive for its excellent work in this regard.

Senator Jim Walsh who is not present called for a new Government. That is a decision for the people to make and will happen soon. I remind the Senator that his party is still a party of high taxes and spending. The people will decide on whether they should return the Government to power or have a new one, as he suggests they should.

Senator Mary Moran mentioned the report on special needs assistants. We look forward to reading it and the recommendations made in it. I do not know whether it will be possible to have a debate on the issue before the end of term, but I recommend that everyone read the report when it is published.

Senator Michael Mullins called for a debate on the Action Plan for Jobs and welcomed the new funding of €150 million for research and development.

There have been requests for a number of debates to be held in the House. As we will have a full legislative schedule next week, it will be difficult to slot in statements on various issues, but I will do my best to see how we can facilitate the requests made.

Senator Feargal Quinn mentioned the possibility of having a fixed date for Easter. It is an issue about which I have read and it was raised by the Archbishop of Canterbury. It is right that discussions should be initiated in Europe on it. I will bring it to the attention of the relevant Minister.

The Senator also mentioned the use in toothpaste and soap of microbeads, which have recently been banned in America, particularly because of their effects on wildlife. The Senator has raised the matter at an opportune time because later today we will debate the Heritage Bill, during which debate he will have an opportunity to mention the issue to the Minister.

I thank the Leader.

Senator Jim D'Arcy referred to the difficulties at a halting site at Woodland Park in Dundalk. He expressed his confidence in the ability of Louth County Council to resolve the issue. I am unaware of the local issues involved. However, I note the point he made about people using them to seek photo opportunities. One will have this, irrespective of where a problem arises. Obviously, such opportunists are not welcome so far as Senator Jim D'Arcy and other Senators from County Louth are concerned.

Earlier I stated the debate on the Heritage Bill would conclude at 5 p.m., but I wish to change that proposal to state it will be adjourned at 5 p.m., if not previously concluded.

What Stage of the Competition (Amendment) Bill is being taken today?

Second Stage.