Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Minihan agreed that there should be a debate on property. I am reminded that the all-party committee on the Constitution will advertise shortly for public comment and submissions on the issue. I hope all those who are interested will express their views. The Senator also correctly said we should be careful to separate the person from the position held, in this case, the position of President of the United States.

Senator Finucane referred to the television shot, which I also saw, in which somebody put a child into President Bush's arms yesterday evening, on which we would all have had our thoughts. The Senator also referred to the arson attack on a house in Limerick which I thought was awful. The mother and children are in three separate hospitals. One can imagine the trauma they are suffering.

Senator McHugh spoke about the national spatial strategy. He also called for a debate on the strategic rail review and said the people of County Donegal were entitled to rail tracks just like the rest of the country, which I thought was a fair point.

Senator Henry said people in the United States did not have the same balanced knowledge of what is happening in Iraq from television and radio. She also seconded Senator Norris's amendment.

Senator Daly asked that the Minister for Health and Children outline the measures being taken to combat or forestall severe acute respiratory syndrome virus, with particular reference to our international airports.

I wish to inform Members that the House will sit next Tuesday and Wednesday, 15 and 16 April, but not Thursday, 17 April.