John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

We look forward to the budget later this year to see how the Minister will distribute the funds available to him. I am sure that a debate on the issue would be helpful. I do not disagree with such a proposal. I will try to organise such a debate.

I share Senator McCarthy's sentiments in respect of the welcome statement from the Sisters of Mercy. It gave victims the reassurance they require. It was gratifying to see the reaction of the victims to the statement. This probably needs to be done on a broader basis.

Senators McCarthy, Finucane, Mooney, Norris and Jim Walsh raised the issue of speed limits. I heard the comments of the Minister, Deputy Brennan. I do not doubt that there is a huge inconsistency about the manner in which speed limits are operated on national roads. The Minister or the local authorities need to do something to add coherence to the overall policy. The Minister and Mr. Conor Faughnan of the AA said that these problems are undermining the enforcement of speed limits and the penalty points system. People get frustrated when driving on certain sections of road on which it is possible to drive safely at a greater speed than the speed limits allow. This matter needs to be dealt with.

Senator Leyden raised the issue of Mr. Tom Sweeney's hunger strike. From a humanitarian point of view, one would wish to see it resolved as quickly as possible. I know the Minister for Education and Science, along with a deputation from the Department, met the four Deputies who represent Mr. Tom Sweeney. My only hope is that it will be concluded successfully and quickly and that anything to promote this will be done.

I know Senator Finucane's views on salaries in the private sector, particularly in banking. With regard to RTE, it is annoying that Members are subjected to vilification for what they earn, while there was total silence on what was earned by high profile people in the national station. I do not disagree that good broadcasters should earn high salaries as do good footballers. However, it is important the public knows what these people earn.

I am not interested in what Senator Mooney earns but if he wishes to tell me afterwards, I would be grateful. I note the Senator's comments on the National Youth Council of Ireland report. I heard the report this morning that one in two young people could name their local Dáil Deputy and nine out of ten could not name one single MEP. However, when we were that age, none of us had an idea who our local Deputy was and some may not even have known who was the Taoiseach. It is a characteristic of young people that they are not interested in these matters.