Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I suggest the Senator raise the matter as an urgent issue at the Joint Committee on Finance and the Public Service.

Senator Mooney referred to the need for wider debate on various international issues. I will try to facilitate him in this regard.

Senator Norris agreed that we should look at spending throughout the public services and indicated that we should focus on the needy, rather than spreading expenditure over many areas. I agree because those in real need would benefit. The Senator also raised the issue of the inner city, St. Mary's Church and other areas which have been rededicated to booze.

Senator Ulick Burke inquired about public service numbers. He pointed out that over five years staff numbers in the public service rose by 50,000. The decrease in numbers by 5,000 will be over three years and will not have immediate effect. The reduction will be effected through natural wastage. Public service numbers, particularly in regard to health and education, will be an ongoing matter for debate.

Senator Feighan praised Senator Leyden for his humanitarian gesture. In my opinion we should all do so. The Senator travelled at his own expense to give a reference for Eamon Donnellan of Cloonfad, County Roscommon. This man was declared innocent by the High Court on 3 December and was released immediately. I congratulate Senator Leyden on his intervention.

Senator Terry inquired about barring orders and I passed on to her information I received from the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell. He intends to have this matter dealt with before Christmas, which is a particularly dangerous period in regard to the issue.