Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

It was a women's day. Senator McHugh asked for a debate on the economic policy between North and South. That would be interesting but the ministerial meetings are continuing. However, we could have an up to date debate and then discuss the railway line from Derry to Letterkenny which might highlight the example of the other line.

Senator McHugh also spoke about hospitals policy and said he was encouraged by what Senator Maurice Hayes said about juries. I do not know how people can listen to harrowing evidence and make their decisions.

Senator Terry spoke about gangland murders. The Minister will be in the House on Thursday. We will ask him to return on another occasion for a debate on sentencing policy and gangland murders. We will also ask him to outline his views on what can be done in courthouses when particularly emotional cases are heard.

Senator Paddy Burke spoke about the state of train carriages. The lines and signalling have been substantially upgraded. To undergo a long journey without refreshments of a most basic nature is punishment in itself. Perhaps the Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Deputy McDaid, would be keen to flaunt himself now in the north west area. It would be a good debate.