Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

The Bill is in this House today and again next week. The idea that it has been passed already is arrogance of the highest order.

Senator Ryan also spoke about the hysteria generated regarding tomorrow's events. People do not know what will happen. We want people to join in the fun but we do not want trouble. That is natural and Senator Mansergh made an interesting comment on it. If we do not make arrangements to offset the possibility of violence there would be calls for the head of the Garda Commissioner.

Senator Leyden spoke about the hunger strike by Mr. Tom Sweeney outside Leinster House. I spoke to Christina Buckley who was with him two days ago. She asked me to call an ambulance for him which I did. He refused to get into the ambulance even though the paramedic on the scene felt he should do so. I will see if anything can be done following the Archbishop's intervention.

Senator Terry raised the concerns with electronic voting, about which she has serious reservations. I could not believe the huge discrepancies which were apparent in the information provided under the Freedom of Information Act. We had all been oblivious to this. We will know soon if the commission will recommend electronic voting. The Senator also raised the issue of pensions. I saw it on "Prime Time" last night. It is right to be making arrangements for future pensions. We hope to get the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Mary Coughlan, in for that debate.

Labhrás Ó Murchú spoke about Iraq. It gives those of us who were totally against the American invasion no satisfaction to know that we were right. How could one get satisfaction from suffering? The treatment of Iraqi prisoners by American soldiers would not occur in the most uncivilised society. Yet there was only a mild rebuke by the official spokesperson for American soldiers. I do not see that the Iraqis are any better now than they were under Saddam. The predatory path the Americans wish to explore further around the world will bring every country into trouble. There should be a properly structured debate on the current situation.

Senator Coghlan wants an amendment to the law to allow children access to bars in hotels with their parents. Children are already allowed in lounges. People who are in a bar will not welcome pitter-patter around the floor all the time. I think the law is very sensible. One can sit in a hotel lounge, have a drink and if one wants one's darlings around, that is all right. I do not think I would like children running around and sensible arrangements have been made.

Senator Mansergh agreed with our views on the half-page advertisement. He regrets that it is necessary to make arrangements to safeguard people.

Senator O'Meara referred to Iraq. She spoke about the centre of Warsaw and what happened. Nobody turned up because it was massively wire proofed or whatever and everyone was afraid. I have heard plenty of people saying they are leaving Dublin for the weekend just in case. It is such a joyful day that we should be able to walk about and do whatever we want. I hope we will be able to do so.

Senator Hanafin's honesty was great because he said he was one of the people who supported the Americans going into Iraq. What is happening is deeply disturbing.

Senator Browne called for a debate on An Post. It is on our list for the future.

Senator Ulick Burke spoke about health insurance and the fact the other health insurers would have to prop up the VHI.

Senator Bannon has a great interest in the independent candidates. There might be a day when they would be useful.