Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Finucane raised the issue of St John's wort, about which there was a huge furore when it was decided that it would only be available on prescription. It developed into a big campaign. Legislation is needed to deal with the cowboys who are operating in the pseudo-medical system. He also referred to an episode in Killaloe.

Senator Ormonde spoke about semi-professional people who are posing as professionals and adopting titles they have not gained through study, training or the acquisition of degrees. The number of counsellors is mushrooming, as the Senator said. She also spoke about alternative health. There is a clear case for alternative therapies, which are recognised if practised correctly. We should be concerned about the incorrect practice of alternative therapy. Senator Glynn spoke about the legislative void in that regard.

Senator Bannon spoke about law and order and the payment of VAT by charities.

Senator Kitt said that the recent events in financial institutions are "disturbing". He mentioned that many banks have withdrawn from small towns. I recall attending many public meetings on the matter, in Kilbeggan and other areas. When we forced the pace, the banks said they would retain limited services on certain days. There is an arrogance in the banks' lack of a public service ethic. They do not consider that they have a duty to serve their customers. The Cathaoirleach will recall that if one went to see one's bank manager many years ago, one did so in trepidation. One wondered what he might say, but now he wonders what one might say to him. It is a useful reversal.

Senator Ulick Burke asked whether the Minister for Education and Science will be coming to the House to discuss the NCCA. I have heard about the alternative methods of assessment, which the Senator favours. I established the NCCA, which is a great body. It sometimes has wild notions and pushes out the frontiers so that perhaps lesser measures are accepted. It is proper in that it leads us to think about educational issues. However, there is no way out of examinations because they are the best test of people and how they perform. Senator Ulick Burke also asked about the meetings, 15 out of 17 of which I understand the Minister for Education and Science attended at which he sat at the back rather than disport himself at the top table. I was not present at any of the meetings but a friend was and told me he came in quietly and sat at the back. The CSO figures indicate a rising number of primary school teachers in the system, which is good news.

Senator Hanafin requested a debate on the financial institutions and spoke about greed. I agree with Senator Bradford that polling stations should be open until 10 p.m. If one leaves Dublin at 7 p.m., one will not reach Athlone by 9 p.m. The fact that polling stations are open at 7 a.m. is of no use if one works in Dublin and must get back down the country by 9 p.m. The issue was raised with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government at the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party meeting but the times had already been set. I acknowledge that returning officers and staff will be at their stations for 14 hours but they are well fed and watered during the course of the day. An extension of the polling time to 10 p.m. would mean that people travelling home from Dublin at 7 p.m. would be able to cast their vote.

Senator Glynn referred to the legislative void, which is an exact description, in regard to alternative medicine. Alternative medicine will have to be made subject to regulation, notwithstanding the fact that much of it is good. Senator Paddy Burke asked about the Western Health Board. I find it odd that Senators take the trouble to raise a matter and I take the trouble to listen and answer but some Senators have vanished by the time I do so. It is rude. I am not referring just to Senator Paddy Burke, but also to Senators on this side of the House.