Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

They will not represent the Book of Exodus or Nemesis á la a letter to The Irish Times today.

Senator Coonan raised the post office dispute, which he also raised yesterday, and I made a telephone call in this regard. I was informed, as was reported in the news earlier, that Mr. Phil Flynn has agreed to meet the parties involved next Wednesday. There will be an intervention, as the Senator desired, next week and I hope it will work.

Senator Norris called for a much more wide ranging debate on transport. I included related matters in the statements so that they would be all embracing. While the Senator has a general interest in transport issues, there are specific difficulties regarding rail freight and proposed line closures, which are major issues in rural Ireland. No. 1 was tabled last week in response to these issues, which were topical then. We should take the opportunity to debate these issues later because they could raise their heads again in a few weeks. I take the Senator's point regarding the need for a general debate on transport.

Senator Bannon stated local authorities should be informed as quickly as possible about their budgets. This is necessary so that county and urban councils can plan their agendas for future years.

Senator Finucane raised the issue of radiotherapy services. In trying to be helpful, I suggest that would be a good motion to table on the Adjournment. Such motions tend to be precise and if he tables a motion on the issue, it might well generate a definite reply for him.

On behalf of all Senators, I recently invited the Taoiseach to the House. I received an immediate reply and he has agreed to come to the Seanad next Wednesday between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., on the eve of the round table talks on Northern Ireland, which will hopefully rejuvenate spirits and minds. I am sure all Senators will be glad that he will be present to discuss Northern Ireland issues.