Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

She is not back yet in any event. I would like clarity on what will happen to the prisoners because the final outcome is not clear.

The gentleman outside the gates of Leinster House, Tom Sweeney, is protesting about the redress board and he is on hunger strike. Senator Tuffy requested that the Minister speak to him to see if the matter can be addressed.

Senator Leyden referred to the large multiples. All these stores are open on Sunday regardless of whether we like it. However "special days" such as St. Patrick's Day, Christmas Day or other days is a separate matter. These days should be kept sacred, not in a religious sense but sacred in terms of non-opening.

Senator Finucane referred to the "Prime Time" programme, which I did not see. However, I have heard much comment about it. I am aware of a particular case in a particular town which involves some legal matters. As Senator Terry said, these people are doing difficult work our citizens do not wish to do. They are entitled to proper working conditions like everyone else. We should consider what happened in the UK when 19 Chinese cockle pickers died. Just because people come from another country does not mean they should be paid less. The labourer is worthy of his hire at whatever the rate of pay is for the work to be done.