Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

The Senator also asked for a full debate on the groceries order. A common view among Senators who spoke on the issue today was the need for consumers to be alert and fight for their rights.

In relation to Senator O'Meara's query, it was not €42 million but €12 million that the Tánaiste's Department contributed to the fund to assist the disadvantaged in proceeding to third level education. Some €3 million will come from the budget of the Department of Education and Science. Next year the fund will come entirely from the latter budget. The Senator also called for a debate on the Convention on the Future of Europe and a discussion on the size of stores and retail policy.

Senator Dardis called for a debate on the Convention on the Future of Europe, which is clearly required now that its draft report has been issued. Senator Higgins said that the Minister for Agriculture and Food, Deputy Joe Walsh, and the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Dermot Ahern, are facing huge challenges. The Senator called for a debate on fisheries policy, which I think will be necessary following the return of the Minister from Brussels tomorrow. I will endeavour to arrange the debate as soon as possible.

Senator Leyden has launched a timely "name and shame" campaign in the context of empowering consumers, and he called for a debate on the Forfás report. I will seek to have that debate soon and I wish the Senator luck with his campaign, which concerns an issue raised by many other Senators.

Senator Norris supported Senator Higgins with regard to fisheries policy. I share Senator Norris's admiration for Aer Lingus, and suspect the Senator will be hearing from the particular gentleman – MOL – whose name I am not allowed to say. The Senator called for a debate on foreign affairs and the occupation of post-war Iraq. There are several matters in that regard which I am chasing up to have ready for the week after next.

Senator White called for a debate on Lissadell House. I understand that the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, Deputy Cullen, and the Minister of State responsible for the Office of Public Works, Deputy Parlon, are having Lissadell House assessed as to its suitability and future. The Senator's point was timely and I thank her for the compliment.