Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I am seeking a longer period for the debate. I agree with the Senator that the matter requires debate. Senator O'Toole called for a debate on health. Such a debate is not taking place in the Dáil tomorrow, but rather tomorrow week. The Minister is coming to the House for the debate before the recess. The Senator asked also about the Maternity Protection (Amendment) Bill 2003 and why it is languishing on Committee Stage. I shall find out for him.

Senator Ryan asked about the Criminal Law (Insanity) Bill. We will not have it back in the House before we break up. He asked also about the speed with which the Intoxicating Liquor Bill is being debated. It is a good Bill and the Minister has said it is part of a process. Committee Stage of the Bill will be debated this afternoon. He also mentioned the Rail Procurement Agency and said it should get the boot. I sound a note of caution. While the figures today look good – and I would be delighted if that was how the project proceeded – sometimes the promise of such reductions is not fulfilled. The learned professor said it was done in Madrid. We need legislation to deal with matters relating to the depth under the ground, who owns what and so on. There will be no system of appeals or tribunals in these cases. Whether Ireland is ready for the swift changeover is another matter. Any reduction in costs would be welcome. We are all full of courage about the Rail Procurement Agency today but we may not be on another occasion.

Senator Brady asked if the Minister for Transport could come before the House to discuss the incidence of accidents involving the death of motorcyclists. The number of such deaths has increased. It appears that the careful driving by motorists is not reflected in the behaviour of motorcyclists. That matter is worthy of debate.