Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

We will try to get the relevant Minister here. Senator Kett raised the financing of voluntary bodies and asked for a debate on disability which we have not had to date. We had a debate some time ago about child disability with the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Tim O'Malley. The Education for Persons with Disabilities Bill is currently going through the Dáil. I will try to arrange a debate on the matter.

Senator Finucane raised the matter of radiotherapy services, an issue he has consistently aired. I received a letter on the matter this morning, stressing that the issue of travel and distance was not addressed adequately in that report, thereby rendering it flawed. The Minister has been very strong on the question of ghost ships carrying asbestos. I heard him speaking about it on the radio and television and they pose a great hazard.

Senator Maurice Hayes asked for a debate on public sector project management and pointed out that we jump up and down regarding the Civil Service when something goes wrong.

Senator Ross shares the view of the House that there should be a debate on embryonic stem cell research. He also raised the computer system in the House and Senator O'Toole was also very angry about that matter recently.

Senator Coghlan wants a debate on planning and Senator Ormonde confirmed that the matter is being prepared, as Senator Walsh said, in the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government at present. It is at the early stages. The Minister, Deputy Cullen, is indisposed at present and as soon as he comes back, I will ask him about that matter. Senator Coghlan also raised embryonic stem cell research.