Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator McHugh raised the issues of one-off rural housing and job creation in the BMW region, and he asked for a debate on the status of the Irish language. The Senator's party took the first step in debating the issue of recognition of Irish as an official language of the EU and other parties joined with it. Many Members signed the petition that appeared in The Irish Times on Saturday. We will invite the Minister, Deputy Ó Cuív, to the House to debate the issue.

Senator Kitt raised the unofficial postal dispute. This would make a good Adjournment debate matter. Unofficial disputes are difficult to manage. Senator Norris spoke about the FARC guerrillas in Colombia. He also sought a debate on traffic management, including issues such as calming measures and the inconsistency in speed limits. The Senator also asked that debate on the Middle East be renewed.

Senator Maurice Hayes raised the issue of Northern Ireland. While he was not being critical, he also wondered why the bus drivers involved in Saturday's accident could not be interviewed by gardaí without permission from counsellors. We do not know enough about this incident and it is difficult for us to take a stand. We utterly regret the carnage and injuries caused, and the heartbreak for the families of those involved. We may have a full debate on this when the reports are published.

Senator Bannon raised the issue of rural development in the BMW region. While I have discussed this with the Minister, we have not been able to schedule a debate on it. Senator Ormonde sought a debate on transport, with particular reference to road safety and co-ordination. Senator McCarthy raised the issue of AIDS. As Senator Henry said, while it may be late, debate on the issue is certainly worthwhile. Having seen the number of countries that have sent delegates to Dublin for the conference, it is evident that people are really wakening up to the issue. The Department of Foreign Affairs should be congratulated for holding this conference. It will be one of the highlights of our Presidency.

Senator Mansergh raised the issue of human rights and sought a debate on it, incorporating Northern Ireland. Senator Ó Murchú raised the issue of the Irish language and seeks a debate with the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. As transport spokesperson, Senator Dooley expressed sympathy on behalf of Fianna Fáil Members to all those involved in the accident on Saturday. Joe Duffy is running a show on RTE Radio One about the incident. I suppose it is an interesting thing to do. However, we cannot jump to conclusions until we find the result of the reports.

Senator Coghlan raised the issue of electronic voting. We await developments on this. Senator Hanafin called for a debate on road traffic. Senator Quinn raised the applied leaving certificate syllabus. I would be sorry if this syllabus faltered as it is a terrific course that has given great leverage to students. I did not know that charges for assessment were applied.

Senator Feighan has pointed out the severe shortage of radiographers and is seeking a debate with the Minister for Health and Children. This would be a useful Adjournment debate matter. Senator John Paul Phelan raised the nitrates directive. However, this issue falls between two stools. While it relates to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the Department of Agriculture and Food has a huge input into it. We are seeking to have someone take up this issue and debate it in the House.

Senator Cummins raised the 110% increase in the price of passports. We had a little subterranean comment among ourselves. It is not exactly a human rights issue, since if one is fit to go abroad, one is fit to pay for one's passport.