Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Finucane, the acting leader of the Opposition, raised the issue of avian flu and the lack of country of origin labels on poultry and other foods. Senator Dardis made the point that legislation pertaining to Bord Bia, which has responsibility for food, is due before the House tomorrow. This will provide an opportunity to discuss this important issue, which is a source of great worry.

While grocery shopping at the weekend it was obvious that people were peering more closely at things and I overheard remarks to the effect that there was no indication of country of origin. Media images of avian flu are distressing and the fact that the virus is transferring to humans is of the utmost concern.

Senator Finucane also referred to violence on the streets, which is something about which we are all concerned. Senator Ormonde's point in this regard was apposite. As Senator Dooley said, the young people at Cratloe were aged approximately 14 and 15, although one was older. Such incidents indicate a complete lack of parental control.

Senator Dooley asked for an extra Garda presence on the streets. However, I do not think an increased Garda presence would affect such matters. A crime wave is apparent among young people in every town at weekends, which is most frightening. I will ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to come to the House for a general discussion on these matters.

Senator O'Toole also raised the issue of meat being imported from countries such as Brazil where the same high standards as apply in the EU do not pertain. He also raised the lack of INTO representation on the national disability advisory board. I am also concerned about this issue. I will send a letter to the Minister for Education and Science asking him why this is the case and if he will reconsider. Senator O'Toole also raised a matter concerning his colleagues in regard to benchmarking. He can have that out with them.

Senator Tuffy raised the issue of the number of people presenting at accident and emergency services who have tried to injure themselves. The report on this matter has been published and we will seek a debate on it. She also sought a debate on Palestine and Israel.

Senator Dardis also raised the matter of country of origin labelling as well as the important issue of hormones and antibiotics in meat that is imported. He suggested discussing this during our debate on the An Bord Bia (Amendment) Bill.

Senator Ulick Burke raised the issue of attacks on women and called for a debate on crime, which we will organise. The closure of prisons arises from an industrial relations matter and the Minister is dealing with it.

Senator Leyden called on the new telecommunications regulator, John Doherty, the former IDA representative in the midlands, to stop the proposed increase in charges for landlines. For 15 months there was an increase of between 10% and 20% in the value of Telecom Éireann shares and I cannot understand why the Senator did not sell his shares then.