Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Brian Hayes, Leader of the Opposition, asked correctly what other legislation will come before the House before Christmas. As I said last week, amendments to the Maternity Protection (Amendment) Bill 2003 will be circulated today and we hope to speak on Committee Stage of that Bill next week. There have been almost 200 submissions on the Criminal Law (Insanity) Bill 2003. I cannot say when that Bill will emerge as the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform is currently processing the submissions. We have been informed that the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Powers and Functions) Bill 2003 will be on Report Stage in the Dáil this week. It will come to this House next week when I hope we will be able to take it.

Senator Bannon asked about the Residential Tenancies Bill 2003. The Dáil referred this to the select committee on Friday last. The committee will discuss it before it returns to the Dáil and then to this House. I understand the State Airports Bill 2003 will go to the Dáil and then come here before Christmas. Those are the only Bills of which we have notification so far. The Maternity Protection (Amendment) Bill and the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Powers and Functions) Bill 2003 should be before the House next week.

Following the sad death of an 18 month old child from the Fujian strain of influenza A, people with young children are very worried because they did not envisage young children being so susceptible. It would be very useful if the Minister for Health and Children could come here and speak about it. We will submit that request.