Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Brian Hayes raised this matter and I know he will call for a vote under a particular Standing Order, which is his right. I understand his viewpoint and that of Fine Gael. Senator Brian Hayes has a right to express his views in this forum and he did so with great passion.

Senator O'Toole asked why the Government's trump card has been put on the table at this stage. Senator McCarthy spoke on the same matter. He also asked if full rights for people with disabilities would be granted by the disability Bill. I think it has been made clear that rights as defined do not appear to be, but we have not seen the Bill. Senator McCarthy asked if the Bill would be published before the European and local elections. I will inquire about that and I hope to have an answer tomorrow. Report Stage of the Education for Persons with Disabilities Bill will be debated this week in the Dáil. I hope we will debate the Bill in the Seanad next week.

Senator Mansergh drew attention to the statement of Archbishop Brady, which was, indeed, very fine. He also spoke of his respect for the views of Detective Garda Ben O'Sullivan, the colleague of Garda McCabe.

Senator Finucane asked for clarity. I believe the statement I have read gave that clarity, in so far as there can be clarity about such matters. That is where the difficulty lies.

It is a feature of the Seanad that we can have different viewpoints depending on where we come from. In that context, Senator Maurice Hayes spoke of the remarkable generosity of the widows and families of murdered RUC men and the sacrifices they made.

Senator Norris referred to the response of Mr. Ian Paisley Junior to Archbishop Brady and also to the situation in Iraq. There will be a debate tomorrow on Africa and development co-operation. I hope there will be a debate on Iraq next week if the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Kitt, is available. The Senator asked that the Taoiseach raise these issues with President Bush when he visits Ireland. I hope he will.