Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

The Leader of the Opposition, Senator Brian Hayes, raised the whole school evaluation process, which is completely different from the league tables. This point was echoed by another speaker. The Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Noel Dempsey, is taking a broad view, which should be welcomed. Parents will have a greater say in the running and accountability of the school. We will seek a debate on that matter.

The Senator also raised the postal dispute. Yesterday, the Taoiseach stated clearly that the Labour Relations Commission should get involved as the arm of State in the dispute and I hope that will happen. The 1991 code of practice would have been enacted under the legislation, but I am not aware of any semi-State company that uses it to effect.

Senator O'Toole raised the issue of the €12 million due to widows. I have looked into that technical matter and Members may raise it during the debate on the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2004. I speak as a widow who is at work, but I know many others who need this money.

All Members were horrified by the assassination Sheikh Yassin. In his report Mr. Robert Fisk wrote that it sure took some courage to kill a man in a wheelchair. That is exactly what happened. A man who could not walk and defend himself was assassinated. It was an atrocious act to gun down a man who could not take cover or hide. However, when we come to the issue raised by Senator Tuffy, we will consider the other side.

Senator O'Toole also raised the issue of trains travelling from Kerry to Dublin. I think the gremlins might be stronger in Kerry than elsewhere. Certainly everything else is stronger there.