Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

The Senator should watch out. He will be broken with stones.

I thank Senators Dardis and Norris and others for raising the US hijacking of the Iraq dossier. It seems the US has already made up its mind that it wants war and that is what it will get, which is frightening.

Senator O'Meara referred to RTÉ and the increase in the licence fee. Our understanding is that the increase was passed at Cabinet but there are some caveats and matters to be investigated. Everyone wants to discuss what RTÉ will do with the increase when it is introduced.

Senator Norris called for the upcoming legislation on human rights to be debated. That would be a good matter for the House to debate.

Senator Finucane referred the Convention on the Future of Europe and asked what Deputy John Bruton, the Minister of State, Deputy Roche, and Fianna Fáil are doing about it. I am not seeking to castigate the Senator, but this matter was raised on the Order of Business and I suggested that Deputy John Bruton, the Minister of State, Deputy Roche, and Proinsias De Rossa MEP come before the House with Valéry Giscard d'Estaing for a debate on the matter. That suggestion remains for the Cathaoirleach to consider at our Committee on Procedure and Privileges meeting. Senator Finucane may not have been here, but he is correct in raising the matter.