Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Cathaoirleach. We are comrades in Europe with the Spanish and we have, in historical terms, been comrades with them for many years. We are also comrades with them in peace. This was a terrible atrocity.

Senator Brian Hayes also referred to ETA and the visitors rights accorded to its representatives when they attend the Ard-Fheis of a particular party. That is very wrong. This matter, among others, has led to a change in the way in which that party is viewed in this country. That is no harm.

The Senator also raised the matter of a referendum on children born to asylum seekers who are present in the country but who do not hold legal status. He asked that it be decoupled from the local elections and, given that it is now mid-March, that there should be a full and open debate on it before we proceed. In his radio interview this morning, the Minister, Deputy McDowell, did not appear to say that the referendum would definitely be coupled with the local and European election. He referred to the expense involved in holding the poll on another day but he did not say that the referendum would be held on 11 June. I would not like it to become an issue coupled with local and European elections because despite all the warnings we may give, it will become just that. That is a bigger issue than the expense of another day at the polls.

Senator O'Toole offered his condolences to the Spanish people and raised the issue of Guantanamo Bay. It is terrible that prisoners could be put in cages and left there for two years without seeing family or any other visitors. It is only now that they are getting attention, although we have debated the issue here. A debate on the report published by the Marine Casualty Investigation Board would be interesting for everybody, and especially the many people from coastal regions in this House.

Senator Ryan spoke about the ETA connection at a political Ard-Fheis here. I have already dealt with the referendum issue which he raised. He has moved a motion which deals with the task force on elderly Irish emigrants, particularly in the UK. He has also spoken about the money not being provided. That matter has been raised by Deputy Gay Mitchell and I supported him. The Committee on Foreign Affairs intends to go to London, Birmingham and Manchester quite soon to meet with them. That is another day's work. He also stated that the House should seek a copy of the paper on the working time directive. I thought of that when I read it this morning because we need to know the changes that are being brought in on the directive. He also alleges the Environmental Protection Agency gave a rather weak response to the issue of disposing waste abroad.

Senator Minihan supported condolences to the Spanish people and also called for a debate on the report of the Marine Casualty Investigation Board. He made a passionate appeal not to use the proposed referendum on citizenship to play the race card, if the referendum was coupled with the local and European elections. However, that would be blown on the wind if the referendum was held because people would be inflamed with their ambitions for being elected. This issue would be best served on another occasion although that is a personal opinion.

Senator Finucane spoke about the Irish abroad and the proposed strike. As Senator O'Toole said yesterday, I hope the transport strike will not take place on 18 March and that sense will prevail. Senator Leyden conveyed sympathy to the Spanish people as did everyone who spoke. I understand the Taoiseach spoke by telephone to Spanish Prime Minister Aznar to convey our country's condolences. I intend to call the Spanish Upper House to convey our sympathies when I return to my office.

Senator Leyden stated we should not have a referendum on 11 June. He mentioned someone's name which the Cathaoirleach ruled out of order so I will not mention him again. He was an observer at the Ard-Fheis.