Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

The Leader of the Opposition, Senator Brian Hayes, again brought up the topic of a debate on Northern Ireland. I thank him for the sensitive way in which he introduced the topic because the peace process has reached a very fine balancing point, about which there is no doubt. We are all afraid that the wrong word would be an intrusion into the debate. I spoke to the Taoiseach's programme manager yesterday evening because the Taoiseach had left for Athens. The Taoiseach would not wish anybody else to take the debate. However, I do see merit in talking about the topic again. I, therefore, ask the leaders of the parties to meet me in the anteroom after the Order of Business.

Senator Brian Hayes also asked that the Minister for Health and Children establish a risk assessment for the SARS virus which would give a guarantee and a sense of security to those who are travelling, as well as to those coming for the Special Olympics from certain countries. This would be well worth doing. I am making a list of Ministers whom we might invite in the first two weeks of the next session. I hope that will be one of matters discussed.

Senator Joe O'Toole again talked about auctioneers and expressed some amazement at what a particular Senator said yesterday. A useful debate must take all points of view into account.

Senator O'Meara echoed what Senator Brian Hayes had said about Northern Ireland and has extended her best wishes to the two Prime Ministers as they go about their business on the issue. She also said the issues relating to alcohol reflected huge concerns. She is quite right. It is amazing how the dangers of smoking took a long time to register, yet now everybody accepts that smoking is dangerous for one's health. We are at the cusp of the debate where we are realising the dangers of excessive alcohol. I am always cautious about saying that alcohol is bad for one's health, because medical research shows that moderate drinking is in order while excessive drinking is not. That should prove a very good debate.

Regarding the debate on tourism, the SARS virus will affect not only those arriving for the Special Olympics, but also people travelling from the representative countries. Recalling what Senator Brian Hayes said, it is important that this issue should be included in the debate on tourism.

Senator Brady correctly gave due praise to the Donegal coroner, Sean Cannon, who spoke about the very sad death of a young man there and laid the blame where he thought appropriate. Senator Brady and other Senators have also regularly highlighted the importance of parental responsibility.