Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

The Leader of the Opposition, Senator Brian Hayes, raised the question of waiting periods for young children who are scheduled for psychological assessment. He said they are currently waiting for six to eight months, while two months was supposed to be the limit. I will make inquiries about that matter. I have read about it and I know of some such cases myself. As Senator O'Toole said, it used to be the situation that parents of such children could arrange assessments privately, and there was no negative feeling about that. I do not know whether there is an abundance of young people awaiting psychological assessments, but I will endeavour to find out the position.

Yesterday, I happened to have the monitor on in my office and saw the Tánaiste speaking about the referendum on polling day. She made it clear, however, that the Government had not made a decision on having the referendum on polling day. In answering Deputy Rabbitte and others, she was absolutely clear that there had not been a decision on the matter. That is the position I outlined here two weeks ago because I was aware that no decision had been made. Personally, I do not think it is a good idea to have such a referendum on polling day for the local and European elections. With the best will in the world, if everybody acted in a restrained manner, ambitions to get themselves elected would overrule whatever their finer feelings might be. In some cases, one could have a descent into racism on the issue, so I hope it does not happen like that.

Senator Ryan said we had eloquent speeches on this side of the House, which makes a change from what he said about us two weeks ago. He asked about the protocols concerning 57 national heritage area orders. They have been outlined but I will not decipher them for the Senator. A debate on national heritage would perhaps elucidate the matter.

Senator Ryan also made an interesting point concerning the 23% increase in births in Dublin. He proposed the formation of a special committee to determine whether the increase was due to the excellent arrangements in Dublin maternity hospitals, or to the increase in asylum seekers giving birth in the capital. That issue is tied in with the referendum.

Senator Ryan also asked about diplomatic immunity for President Bush's entourage, and the same point occurred to me. If the people coming here with President Bush have diplomatic immunity, with the best will in the world, the Garda Commissioner, Mr. Conroy, could not touch them. From reading about this matter and from what I have heard in the House, I understand the presidential bodyguards have never had to fire a shot on any overseas visit when protecting President Bush or any of his predecessors. I will inquire about what type of passports they will be travelling under, however.

Senator Hanafin asked about the level of tribunal fees but I have no remit in that area. The Dáil and Seanad jointly established the tribunals — it was a mutual arrangement. The Minister for Finance, Deputy McCreevy, has ideas about how they will be held in future, should they be needed.

As regards Senator Terry's point, I saw the picture in The Irish Times showing the signing the proclamation. It is a good idea for all the parties to come together so that racism will not be an issue during the local elections.

The Senator also referred to An Bord Pleanála. The Cathaoirleach clarified this issue earlier. The board is an independent body and, therefore, we cannot tell it what it should or should not agree. That is how the board was set up under legislation. The Senator referred to the 300 units agreed by Fingal County Council near the Phoenix Park.

Senator Glynn raised the issue of the bogus certification of births, about which I do not know.