Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Terry raised the issue of crime levels. Yesterday, there were calls in this House, as there were in the other House, concerning action by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell, who took Private Notice Questions in the Dáil. I attended the launch of Senator O'Toole's book and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform was still answering those questions. I hope to make contact with him today to ask him to attend this House because there is general concern about these matters. I feel that he would be keen to accept our invitation. He spoke about the general increase in burglaries, which rose by 18% and 25% throughout the country.

Senator Minihan echoed the call for a debate on the arts. That would be very useful and it is amazing that we have not had one to date. We had a Bill on tourism from the Department. The Government will be glad to hear the kind words of Senator Ross on the Exchequer returns. The Senator also expressed concern at the way banks are operating lending policies.