Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Walsh mentioned the report on the Dublin and Monaghan bombings, pointing out quite properly that the loss of life on that day was equivalent in proportionate terms to the attack on the World Trade Centre on 11 September 2001. Senator McHugh welcomed the announcement of 2,500 places on the new rural social scheme, or whatever will be its title, and asked for a debate on agriculture. He also wants a full debate on the motion regarding fisheries on the Order Paper.

Senator White asked if the Minister for Health and Children could come into the House and quoted a report in The Times yesterday on teenagers facing obesity and drug abuse. She agreed with Senator Bannon about the need for a debate on competitiveness.

Senator Michael McCarthy talked about "golden Thursday" and the announcement of jobs in his area in County Cork before the last election.