Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I thank Senator Brian Hayes and many other Senators for their praise of Garda Finnerty and Garda O'Donoghue who rescued four people late on Saturday evening in Cork and Dublin. The Senator rightly said we like to condemn but seldom like to praise. In this instance the young gardaí concerned acted with great bravery and courage. The Senator also raised the issue of electronic voting, which Senator Henry and I discussed yesterday.

Senator O'Toole said developments affecting the fishing industry were unacceptable. The decision by the European Commission is perverse and out of kilter with the times. The Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and his Department are doing everything possible to seek a change of mind by the Commission. I hope they succeed.

Senator O'Meara also referred to electronic voting and the need for clarification on the future direction of the national health strategy. I do not wish to make a political point when I remind the House that health funding has doubled over the past five years. The Senator also called for a debate on the fishing industry.

Senator Dardis also expressed concern about recent developments regarding electronic voting, for which he remains an enthusiast. I hope the problems identified will be addressed.

Senator Finucane expressed concern about the fishing industry. He also raised concerns about electronic voting, for which he also remains an enthusiast. He questioned the reason the Department of the Environment and Local Government ordered a report which it then appeared to rubbish.

Senator Brady rightly referred to the efficacy of the penalty points system and the link between the system and the welcome reduction in the death rate on the roads. One is always afraid to say that and we cross our fingers in the hope that the trend will continue.