Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Cox asked for a debate on competitiveness and the minimum wage. When I heard the amount mentioned this morning, I thought it was quite small. However, I understand how people in business must feel if they have to pay extra wages. The Senator asked that the Tánaiste come to the House. I will try to advance that matter.

Senator Browne said the length of time the tribunals were taking was absurd. We do not know if the minimum wage applies to students. However, we should inquire about that.

Senator Maurice Hayes mentioned the Special Olympics and asked if we could debate the issue of disability in a civilised manner. That should be possible. The games have generated a positive spirit. We are all enhanced by them. It is great to read about them, to look at them, to hear the commentators' comments and to see the joy on everyone's faces. Perhaps that will encourage us to think about what we could do to advance the cause of people with disabilities. It would be great if the games were the springboard for that.

Senator Ulick Burke brought up the case of the child with spina bifida in Donegal who cannot access toilet facilities. I am sure the Minister and the Department are attending to that problem, but I will try to get up-to-date information on that case.

Senator Dooley asked for a debate on planning. He also mentioned Dúchas and An Taisce. I understand from what I have been told – it may be anecdotal evidence – that many people who make objections are not domiciled in this country. They have an address here which allows them to make objections. People have rights. We do not want to go so far down one path that we rule out proper objections to planning applications. That is why that debate should be properly structured and we should get all the information.