Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I agree. I have mixed feelings about one bean an tí but that was a long time ago. Senator Ó Murchú requested the attendance of the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs to debate the issue. There is an ongoing debate in this area and I hope we can consider the matter in that context.

Senator Finucane requested a question and answer session on crime. I agree that would be the best way for the House to address the crime epidemic and I am seeking to arrange it but the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform is busy presenting three Bills to both Houses.

Senator Maurice Hayes supported the call for a debate on suicide. He also questioned the current status of the human rights legislation promised as part of the Good Friday Agreement.

Senator Coghlan referred to the Companies (Auditing and Accounting) Bill. Senator O'Toole played a great role as chairman of the accountancy review group. The Bill was to have been debated tomorrow but has been deferred. It will be taken first in this House. The House is initiating many new Bills. Two further ones will be debated next week.

Senator Mansergh also called for a debate on the bean an tí and pointed out that the foreign policy we were executing was being carried out in a very proper and comprehensive manner. He stated foreign policy must always take account of what is happening elsewhere in the world and not be tied down.

Senator McHugh suggested linking the debate on suicide with that on mental health, which was a good idea. Senator Terry raised the issue of equal pay for women. It sounds so odd that, 30 years after the then Commissioner Paddy Hillery dealt with the relevant European directive, there are still some areas of life in which this is still an issue. I think we are all paid the same amount in the Seanad.