Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Henry rightly mentioned the detention of prisoners at Guantanamo Bay and she also spoke about other illegal detentions. I have requested a debate on the matter and it is being examined.

Senator McDowell was not too hasty when he spoke about the adjournment of the House for a week. I will not say any more on that matter because one is not allowed to draw attention to the absence of other Members. He also mentioned the need for confidence-building measures in Northern Ireland. He argued that the quantity of arms being decommissioned should be made known to the various leaders in the North but, given that I said yesterday that I thought the House was treating the matter in a serious and grown-up fashion, perhaps we should not make such demands. He also called on the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism to come to the House. Such a request has been made in respect of a fine tourism report that has been published and that we want to debate.

Senator Finucane mentioned the difficulties that were encountered in acquiring the required number of jurors for a court case in Limerick. I am sure all Senators have noted this problem. This reluctance to participate in jury duty is a telling sign of people's fear of those involved in criminal activity. We cannot allow it to continue. The Senator asked for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform's attendance in this House.

Senator Kitt said he is glad that additional aid is being sent to Iraq. Senator Norris asked why we should send aid to Iraq, given that the US has made a "mess" there. I am aware that a donors' conference is taking place today in Madrid. The United States wants other countries to contribute to clearing up the area. The Senator also acknowledged the importance of the Irish film industry.

Senator Bannon wants the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to come to the House to talk about price increases, or "stealth taxes", as he referred to them. I will request the Tánaiste's presence.

Senator Ó Murchú called for a debate on Iraq. I hope that such a debate will take place the week after next. I have asked that the Minister of State, Deputy Kitt, come to the House to discuss the matter.

Senator Coghlan mentioned the proposed office of environmental enforcement. He wants to know if the new office will be established by means of legislation or by ministerial arrangement. I do not know the answer to that question, but I will find out for the Senator.