Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

It is because of the very good partnership arrangement between the parties. Of course it is not a cut and dried, Cinderella or happy ever after scenario. How could it be with the varying aspirations and ambitions of the different parties involved? Nonetheless, social partnership is strong, steady and must be maintained as such. I cannot speak strongly enough in its defence and I fully adhere to its principles and we are lucky that, under various Governments, its tenets have been preserved.

I am glad the issue of speaking to which Senator Terry referred has been settled. She also spoke about the concert which was to take place on 1 May and asked if it was cancelled because so many gardaí would be occupied guarding visiting heads of state. She asked if there was a need for extra Garda resources for this purpose.

Senator Maurice Hayes referred to the three young sports people who died at the pinnacle of their prowess and asked if the Sports Council would institute an inquiry and if the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism would come before the House to speak on the matter. It would be an appropriate tribute to the young people to have such a debate.

Senator Coghlan has a very interesting Private Members' Bill — the Housing (Stage Payments) Bill — before the House. I am prepared to allow Government time for that debate and I will revert to the Senator on the matter.