Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Everybody is entitled to his or her opinion.

Senator Bannon asked about cutbacks in the home help service. There have been cutbacks but individual cases are being looked at and help provided.

Senator Brennan wants the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government, Deputy Noel Ahern, to come to the House to debate the issue of serviced land and its release by county councils for much needed housing while Senator Tuffy said the PAYE sector would be most hit by the reintroduction of tuition fees because its earnings are upfront.

Senator Ó Murchú asked for debate on tourism. He also supported the call for a debate on post-war Iraq which I will try to arrange for the week after next.

Senator Hanafin, displaying the varied views within the party, spoke about the review of third level fees. He also supported the proposals made regarding land banks, an issue which will be embraced. I asked yesterday about the constitutional review and was told the issue of land banks would be embraced in the study. Senator Feighan raised the matter of a waste management plan.

We will all receive notice of what is on the agenda for next week. Many Senators have asked about the debate on decentralisation. It will take place next week.