Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

We are all bidden to the Shelbourne Hotel today to talk about non-smoking and I think we should attend.

Senator Ryan asked if any Minister is in charge of competitiveness and he talked about the non-cost element of competitiveness. I understand the Tánaiste is responsible for this area and I will put in a request for her to attend the Seanad. She is in Canada at present seeking to bring new industries to Ireland.

Senators Daly and Finucane raised the question of fish farming. The "Prime Time" programme on this subject was frightening. I will ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to come and talk about the matter.

Senator Finucane also referred to the national car test. When the national car test was introduced it was stated that the test would become stricter as time went on. That is what appears to be happening and 60% of cars now fail the test compared with 40% when it started. The purpose of the test is to ensure safety on the roads and having cars in good condition.

Senator Henry spoke about the Criminal Law (Insanity) Bill and the Maternity Protection (Amendment) Bill. I have asked about those Bills because both have passed Second Stage. There appears to be grave difficulty with proceeding with the Criminal Law (Insanity) Bill. I know that Senator Henry and others have submitted several amendments to the Bills and I will endeavour to have an answer regarding both of them by tomorrow.

I have not heard of Mr. John Appleby's observation that many public servants are also directors of companies. Could Senator Coghlan tell me where he read about this so I can investigate it?

Senator O'Meara asked about the status of the Hanly report. I asked about the matter yesterday and I understand the report is before Cabinet but has not yet been cleared by it. The quicker this happens the better. All will then be out in the open and we can discuss the many issues arising out of the report.

Senator Mooney requested a debate on a UN role in Iraq. He referred to the Taoiseach's speech to the General Assembly of the United Nations when he spoke about the triple lock mechanism and what it might mean for our troops if that ensued.

We had a debate on Iraq and the UN at the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, but a debate in the House would be very useful.