Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

A debate on transport would be useful. There should be no surprise about the actions of the Department of Finance, whose job has always been to say "No" to Ministers whose job is to say "Please". Although wires often get crossed in the process, both Ministers in question know the score.

Senator Bannon raised Sellafield, an issue on which several of his constituents have approached him, and noted it is the top target of terrorists. I am sure he is correct. Senator Leyden called for a motion on Israel and Palestine. It would be useful if he were to circulate the text of a motion and place it on the Order Paper.

Senator Terry raised the war in Iraq, in particular the suffering of the children there. She also raised the cost of keeping prisoners in custody. This issue could be addressed when the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Michael McDowell, comes to the House on Thursday.

Senator Minihan raised the absurdity of the triple-lock mechanism which hinders us from taking part in the European Union mission in Macedonia and stated most people here favour participation in peacekeeping missions of this kind.

Senator Ross raised the war in Iraq and another matter which I do not propose to discuss as the Cathaoirleach has ruled it out of order.