Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

This person wishes to top up his policy and has been asked to undertake a medical with regard to HIV. The Deputy Leader advises me that someone taking out a very large insurance policy waives the right to privacy in such matters. While I do not know, this seems to be the case.

Senator Kitt wants a debate on waste management and I will ask to have one. He also asked whether the western rail line will be reopened. Senator Finucane called for the Minister for Finance to play an interventionist role in easing the fuel price hike affecting road haulage business. Senator Fitzgerald called for a debate on whole school assessment. The Senator's interest in and knowledge of such matters is considerable. He also spoke about the funding of Trinity College. The funding of universities is hugely important given that they now seem much more willing to expand and to have both a commercial role and a role of care for the disadvantaged in society.

Senator Terry asked for a debate on pensions, which we will have before the summer recess. Senator John Paul Phelan spoke about the nitrates directive. Those of us who have been canvassing in rural areas have heard this topic being raised loudly. As the Senator knows, responsibility for this directive falls between two Ministers.

Senator Maurice Hayes pointed out the North-South oil price differential that could arise were a particular line taken. He also spoke of his concerns about the pending compellability legislation, which we share. I am strongly of the view that we do not want to rush legislation. We have a fairly decent record of not doing so. However, circumstances have arisen in which both the Copyright and Related Rights (Amendment) Bill and the amendment to the Committees of the Houses of the Oireachtas (Compellability, Privileges and Immunity of Witnesses) Act 1997 must be taken in a brisk fashion. We will have to try to guard ourselves against anything untoward, which might happen.

Senator Feighan spoke about the second phase of closures of Teagasc stations. I will bring this matter to the attention of the Minister for Agriculture and Food.