Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Brian Hayes suggested having a debate on Private Members' motion No. 33. That would be suitable and I am amenable to it. I hope the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Cullen, can come here next week to debate it. I just need to get confirmation. The Senator also asked for a debate on Northern Ireland before we finish. We are moving on this. He also requested the reconvening of the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation, which is chaired by one of our distinguished Senators. While we can see if that would be an option, I will recommend a debate on Northern Ireland before we finish.

Senator O'Toole spoke about the CAP reform talks and in more general terms how rural life is affected by depopulation and other related issues. I agree with the request of Senator Dardis for a debate at the earliest possible opportunity on the outcome of the CAP reform talks.

Senator McCarthy spoke about the financing of long-term care for the elderly and the two reports issued yesterday. I read that the number availing of nursing home subvention has grown from 3,000 to 8,000 in just a few years. This will be important in years to come. While we still have the youngest population in Europe, its ageing has crept up on us almost unnoticed until now. The Senator also spoke about the abolition of the means-test for carers, a matter on which I know the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Callely, is working.

Senator Higgins called for a review of the Equal Status Act following the incident highlighted in a pub in County Mayo. This would be suitable. Acts are often appropriate to needs at the time they are introduced. Systems, views and attitudes can change and progress is made. It may be time to look at it the other way around.