Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Brian Hayes raised the matter of transport and the arrangements for work on the DART tracks and asked that the Minister for Transport attend the House to answer questions. I will put through the request but I do not have special powers of recall, unlike the voters of California. I can only put in a request and hope that the Minister will attend. Many requests have been received, including one from Senator O'Toole, for the Minister for Transport to attend the House. I have submitted a request and I am sure either he or the Minister of State at his Department will come.

The Northern Ireland talks are at a particularly sensitive point and will be for the next ten days. We all hope the date for the election will be settled soon. When that happens it would be correct to have a debate on this matter.

Senator O'Toole also raised the question of the families in north County Mayo and asked that the relevant Minister would come to the House to debate the matter. I will endeavour to have that happen. Senator Mansergh has submitted the matter of the Sligo to Rosslare railway line for debate on the Adjournment and the Cathaoirleach has agreed that it will be taken this evening.