Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Mansergh spoke about the social partnership agreement and the undoubted benefit it has brought to the country over many years. Senator Browne wants the Minister for the Environment and Local Government to come to the House to explain the reason the allocation for roads was based on the 1996 census figures. Senator Hanafin called for a debate on Iraq and is also in favour of the current partnership talks. Senator Ulick Burke wants the Minister for Education and Science to come to the House to explain the allocation for primary schools. He also, quite properly, raised the matter of the IRFU.

Senator Cummins brought up the issue of the lack of resources for the Garda and the need for the Government to implement its proposal to recruit 2,000 extra gardaí. He also spoke of the need for the Minister for Health and Children to come and discuss the outlook for people with disabilities.