Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Leyden asked about development charges. He was in fine form, if a little noisy. Senator Bannon asked about benchmarking and the whole issue of planning and development charges. We will have to arrange a debate on that, as it is too big a topic for an Adjournment debate. Senator McCarthy asked about a disability Bill. The Education for Persons with Disabilities Bill is on Second Stage in the Dáil. We have asked about the major disability Bill on several occasions, but have no idea when it is coming or what it will contain. I know from people who have taken part in the process that consultations involving those who will be affected by the Bill are ongoing. I do not know if it contains what the Senator referred to, but there was a debate this morning. Professor Brian Nolan has come out with a report, but I am not clear from it whether he is in favour of rights. The report seems to go half way towards that stance. The Senator went on to talk about the Minister for Defence, Deputy Michael Smith.

Senator Terry spoke about the naked crime on the streets. There is truth in that. I have spoken to people who feel they are no longer safe. I suppose that some of us always have that feeling, but it is particularly prevalent now. The Minister informed me that he wishes to come into the House to discuss the issue. However, society has a role too. Senator Terry also spoke about benchmarking. The Estimates are due to be published this week. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has said that his Estimates will show a fair increase in funding for Garda activities. We look forward to that.