Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator O'Toole also requested a debate on building societies because of the growing belief that large changes will take place in that area. He put forward an interesting point of view on the agriculture debate, namely, that we should adopt proper procedures for conducting it. If he can publish that guidebook, he is made.

Senator O'Meara agreed with Senators Brian Hayes and O'Toole about the strategy to beat inflation and requested to see the report of the group when it is published. I understand that the group in question is only being established.

The Senator also asked about the European constitution. Senator Brian Hayes asked me yesterday – outside the House – when we would proceed in this regard because the suggestion was made by several speakers some time ago. I am glad to inform Senators Hayes, O'Meara and all other Members that we have two dates and three speakers. On 4 March, the Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach, Deputy Roche, will be in attendance and, on 12 March, Deputy John Bruton will be in attendance. We have also received an enthusiastic e-mail from Proinsias De Rossa, MEP, and it is a matter of arranging a date for him to appear. I am sure they will be very interesting and informative.

Senator Ó Murchú asked for a debate on human rights and said interesting debates on the same subject had been held in the past. I am sure that was the case. A Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs sub-committee on human rights has been established. Human rights are a noble cause but they incorporate many other matters, as the Senator knows well. If we are to have such a debate, I hope it will be broad-ranging and not take in what might seem the most obvious or currently striking matters but the full ambit of human rights.

Senator Bannon spoke about the Freedom of Information Act, a section of which calls for a review within five years. That is happening. There has been a report by civil servants. The Senator is right in saying that it appears from what is contained in the newspapers the Ombudsman is not included but he will be included in the process of updating the legislation. I made a telephone call to verify this. The Senator also asked if the €20 fee for making a submission on planning applications, which has been found to be illegal, would be paid back. We do not know but if the European Union has judged it to be illegal, the Senator can be sure that is the way it will eventually come out.