Seanad debates

Wednesday, 26 May 2004

11:00 am

Photo of Mary O'RourkeMary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator McDowell mentioned the constitutional implications of whatever legislation will come before us. I hope we will be able to tease out this a little more this evening at 4.30 p.m.

The Senator also referred to Trinity College. The college's decision provides a marvellous injection of hope for young people. Trinity College, which could have been regarded in some misguided way as elitist, but not any more, has a strong tradition on the access programme for young people from disadvantaged areas. It is really putting its money where its mouth is and doing something very strong in this area. This morning, the representative of the college made it very clear that the college's proposal will become a protocol with which it will continue. It is a very positive move for education.

Senator Mansergh alluded to the appropriate fiscal response to rising oil prices. If one adopts a lax or interventionist response, this sends its own message. Therefore, I hope this matter will rectify itself.

The Senator also congratulated the Minister for Transport on the Mallow-Cork-Midleton line. The go-ahead for this project had been given before I left office as Minister for Public Enterprise. However, when one is gone, one is gone, and one cannot——

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