Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Bradford seconded Senator Brian Hayes's motion in favour of a debate on the health services, as did several others. We will have the Estimates this week, so we will see what moneys are going to the health services, although I understand this does not solve the immediate difficulties with accident and emergency facilities. Senator Coghlan supported Senator Hayes and also supported Senator O'Toole's point about freedom of information. Senator Terry referred to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the revolving door prison system. It was thought that the revolving door had been closed and she wondered whether it was now to reopen. I was interested in what Senator Terry had to say about her son receiving notification of a Guinness promotion in the local pub. That matter should be reported to the local Garda as promotions are now outlawed. Although she said her son was over age, the idea that pubs are still involved in the promotion business struck her as incorrect and any parent would be of the same opinion.

Senator Hanafin referred to the process of neutrality and called for a debate on how we can assist in maintaining freedom and peace.

Senator Feighan referred to the Connacht Rangers in Boyle and when he spoke I remembered clearly what had been written about that. In 1986, the then Taoiseach and leader of the Senator's party was the first person to raise that issue. A ceremony was held that year and it has continued every year since.