Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Brian Hayes sought a debate on Iraq but said the presence of a Minister was not imperative. However, if we have such a debate it would be important to have a Minister present or else we would end up snarling at each other. I tried to organise such a debate last week and will try again this week. There might be an opportunity tomorrow as one of the scheduled debates may not go on as long as anticipated. I will revert to the party leaders before then.

Senator Brian Hayes also wants a debate on school refurbishment, but the Minister for Education and Science has issued a comprehensive book outlining where each school stands in that regard. Harking back to the last election is fine if the Senator wants to make a political point, but that will not help us to help the schools. It is more important to concentrate on what has been laid out by the Minister. Senator Hayes praised Senator Minihan's point on Macedonia and a debate on neutrality might be useful.

Senator O'Toole also sought a debate on Iraq and suggested an all-party delegation should travel to that country. Many Members put forward their names in an act of great courage. I will make inquiries but it is a war zone and I understand the Department of Foreign Affairs will not issue travel permits.

Senator O'Meara also mentioned the war in Iraq and in particular the fact that we cannot get the right story. That is the most appalling aspect of this conflict. If one turns on one station a certain event is highlighted but on another station that event is not even mentioned. If journalists are embedded on one side, to use that daft term, then they are clearly on that side and embedded journalists seem to have forsworn or given up their integrity. Senator O'Meara called for a debate on the economy and referred to what the Small Firms Association said about the need for jobs. That organisation is itself involved in job creation, as we were reminded by another speaker. Such a debate would be helpful.

Senator Dardis mentioned a dissenting journalist in Iraq being removed from centre stage. He also referred to the Law Reform Commission and a review of tribunals. Bearing in mind that the Dáil and Seanad set them up, we should be sufficiently emboldened to seek a debate.

Senator Finucane raised the issue of radiotherapy services and asked when the report of the expert group on radiotherapy, appointed by the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Martin, or his predecessor, would be published. We are all pleased the BreastCheck programme is to be extended countrywide as we all know people, whether in our extended families or in our circle of friends, who are suffering from cancer. I welcome the Minister's decision to extend the programme.