Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

The question "whither Abbotstown?" seems to ebb and flow like the tide. We read about it from time to time but we do not know what is the intention. It would be useful to have somebody in to discuss it. The Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism, Deputy O'Donoghue, will be back next week. We will approach him about the arts plan and we can also raise this matter.

Senator Quinn mentioned that we have a light agenda today. I disagree with him. This Bill, technical though it is, is a wonderful expression of the European project and of the dream which set up Europe, the very dream of the people in the middle of the last century who wanted to create a united Europe. It is a wonderful opportunity for all of the countries involved, in which people will read debates on the matter involving civil servants and politicians. This is a chance for us to strongly affirm our welcome. I know the Senator feels the same way. Small as it is, it is a Bill full of dreams, which I hope will be recognised and applauded.

Senator Quinn also raised the issue of the competitiveness league. Ireland is in 30th position. The Senator also asked whether there was a danger of an electricity blackout here such as occurred in other countries, notably Italy and the US. We could have a useful debate on that. Senator Quinn suggested a link between traffic accidents and road rage. I suppose we all have to contain our rage sometimes. The Senator also raised the north-south Dublin city divide with respect to the response times for traffic lights.