Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Bannon also requested that the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government come before the House for a debate on incineration.

Senator Leyden referred to the plight of the undocumented Irish in the US. In light of President Bush's recent initiative and the history of the Donnelly and Morrison visas, which were of great value to Irish people, we will have a debate on that matter.

Senator Ross requested that the Minister for Transport come before the House. I do not know whether the Minister could shed much light on the situation because the talks are ongoing. However, a general debate on the proposed break-up would be useful. On foot of the Senator's request, I will inquire about the proposed commission to investigate the activities of auctioneers.

Senator Minihan referred to planning. The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is to issue guidelines in the near future. I will inquire about the exact date for the publication. The Senator also stated that the CAB is independent. Senator Finucane also raised this matter in the context that the Minister made a statement about it or commented on it in an interview. Senator Bradford agreed with the remarks of Senator Leyden and also requested a debate on agriculture.

Senator Jim Walsh requested a debate to deal with issues such as benchmarking etc., and decried the concept that people could hold down jobs forever. The Senator echoed calls for a debate on the Irish in Britain and also sought debates on the ESB and RTE.

Senator Ulick Burke spoke about the Minister for Education and Science, who is seeking contributions to his vision debate on education. It is a good idea. Everyone should contribute to a debate on education, particularly one that has the word "vision" in its title and which involves looking to the future. I understand the Senator's feelings about the other matter but it is also part of benchmarking. That is what the Minister was upholding.

Senator Mansergh supported Senator Higgins's call for a debate on inflation and spoke about seeking consensus on Aer Rianta. Senator Browne asked about the CSO figures on the south-east and wanted to know the identity of these transport experts who are now deciding there will be extra lanes on the M50. Senator Hanafin sought a debate on emigration and on documenting how much emigrants contributed to this country as a result of their work.