Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I will inquire and report back to him. He asked about next week's business and that will take its due course.

Senator Norris asked about Burma and foreign affairs policy in general. We will endeavour to get answers. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Cowen, was here but every time one wakes up he is in another country. He is extremely busy. I will inquire whether the Minister of State in the Department of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Kitt, can address the House.

Senator Daly supports Senator O'Toole on the subject of the big three. Whatever they meant to achieve, the underlying theme coming across to people is, in effect: "We are the big boys. We are going to be in a two-speed Europe."

Senator Bannon spoke about farmers. The nitrates directive is a matter for the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, not the Department of Agriculture and Food. He asked when Report Stage of the European Parliament Elections (Amendment) Bill 2003 will be taken. I said at the start that we would monitor what was happening on Committee Stage and if the leaders thought Report Stage could be dealt with adequately, we would then take it. I will monitor the situation.