Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

If so, that is a matter that should be considered.

Senator Quinn said we are being tardy in regard to the implementation of the insurance directive. We hope to have the Minister for Transport, Deputy Brennan, come before the House next week to debate the penalty points system and car insurance, for which he is responsible. I have made a request to have him present for the debate on Private Members' Business.

Senator Mooney spoke about the enforcement of drink sanctions. He also decried what the watchdog body in the United State was saying or doing about the International Fund for Ireland.

Senator Finucane referred to the crime issue. I take issue with his remarks about the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. It was the Minister's son who was involved in the incident and what happens one's child is a very private matter. Any father or mother would wish to safeguard his or her children. I felt this strongly when I read about the matter.

Senator Mansergh said different religions need pockets of life in which they could preserve a distinct ethos. There is nothing wrong with that point of view, which was echoed in the House and is very interesting. We are hoping to have a debate on benchmarking next week.

Senator Coghlan also mentioned the abuse of alcohol. The Redundancy Payments Bill will be debated next week while Committee Stage of the Companies (Auditing and Accounting) Bill will be debated the following week.