Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I myself shop on Sundays. It is an enjoyable way of meeting people and getting one's business done. I do not see any harm in it although I exempt special days.

Senator Hanafin also said that we should keep our céad míle fáilte when we are discussing the Twenty-seventh Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2004 on Friday. In case the House thinks I am imbued with a demanding disposition, the Bill will not be finished in the Dáil until Thursday which is why we must sit on Friday.

Senator Ulick Burke requested the Minister for Education and Science to come before the House and raised the issue of archaeological sites at Ardsallagh, Tara and the Boyne Valley. I am told that the old road near Tara was in a worse position in respect of its proximity to the historic site, although I do not know the details. A female archaeologist with the NRA spoke about the matter on "Morning Ireland" this morning.

Senator Kitt welcomed the verdict in the case of the Colombia Three and expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Cowen, and Senator White. Senator Terry raised the recent "Prime Time" programme about immigrants. I agree with her that it is a poignant issue because these people are far from home, are not able to access their rights and do not know what to do or if people will talk, listen or pay any attention to them. There is a real case for the proper regulation of immigrants who are working here.

Senator Fitzgerald requested the Minister for Education and Science to come before the House to explain the issues clearly and people will see there is nothing nefarious in what he is attempting to do through his proposals. He also referred to a politicised unit some time ago in, I believe, the Department of Social and Family Affairs. Senator Browne asked when the redress board Bill would come before the House and I will ascertain this information. The Senator also told us about the commercial Travellers who descended in numbers on Carlow and I am sure mayhem ensued although I do not know the details.

Senator John Paul Phelan asked whether other Ministers are doing the same as the Minister for Education and Science. Departments are great nowadays — when one calls them, the information one requires is sent out. One can also access websites for other information, therefore, I am not sure this is as devious as we are being led to believe. We will debate the first report of the Ombudsman, Ms O'Reilly, as we debated the creation of her office.

Senator Feighan spoke about the superstores versus the smaller shops, which is an old argument. The Senators asked who would protect the small stores but one cannot do that because it is a free market. In times past, I would have bemoaned the issue too but shoppers will go where the prices are lower, of that there is no doubt. The Senator also said that insurance premiums raise the cost of everything.