Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I thank all the spokespersons of the various parties who have agreed the timeframe for dealing with the Redundancy Payments Bill. Senator Brian Hayes spoke about the amendment which his colleague, Senator Coghlan, has tabled, which I note and have read. I am sure Senator Coghlan will make a spirited espousal of the amendment during the debate.

Senator Brian Hayes also expressed his personal view, as I accept he has every right to do, that the President should refer the Local Government Bill to the Supreme Court. Interestingly, this morning I was reading a 1959 review of the Seanad in which it was stated – a point later taken up by Senator Norris – that two thirds of the Members of this House had the right to request the President to undertake a particular course of action. I have no doubt that the President has the ability and acumen to be able to deal with matters as they come to her or to him.

Senator Brian Hayes also brought up the extension of the special allowance payable to teachers in the Gaeltacht area to teachers working in disadvantaged areas. I think this came up at the INTO conference over Easter. Senator Fitzgerald also brought up the matter. It is a very good point.

Senator Henry mentioned that the fish-kill season was upon us. She also talked about the nitrate directive and other harmful chemicals which in overabundance can lead to dramatic fish-kills. It is very a fair point.

Senator Ryan mentioned the atrocities in Riyadh which made awful and tragic viewing. There is no doubt that violence breeds violence. While that has always been the case, it is horrific the way violence occurs with such regularity. We should endeavour to organise a debate on foreign affairs in the light of what is happening and will clearly continue to happen in the area.