Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

No, it is not. It is a long time ago. Anyway, there were no dishwashers and I washed and washed, but got paid. I have sympathy with students who want to earn some money. Of course one does not want it to cut across their studies. I recall my father saying he did not care how late I stayed out and that he knew I would behave myself. Little did he know. He insisted, however, that I should be in the kitchen in the morning at 7.30 a.m., and I was. It is a good incentive to young people to get out and do it.

Senator Leyden spoke about the oil price. I take his point that extra revenue gained goes into the coffers. He said there should be a stabilisation of that so the extra revenue gained could be offset against the taxation of oil. That would make sense. There is a meeting today of the OPEC ministers. Hopefully, something will emerge from that in terms of extra production. Senator Maurice Hayes talked about the washing of diesel.

Senator Terry referred to remarks made by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. One would have to read the entire script. I just read the newspaper as well in which it was reported. The difficulty often is that remarks can seem alarming, but set against the context of the full speech it can be a different matter. It would be helpful to get the full speech. I think it was Senator Ross who said society often wants somebody who will be provocative so a debate can emerge on a particular issue. That is no bad thing. Deputy McDowell is able to give such provocation and to take it as well, which is a fair point in a Minister. However, we will endeavour to get him to address the whole issue of equality and inequality in this House.

Senator Maurice Hayes spoke on autism. We are all agreed on that matter. We have a resumed debate on No. 12 on the Order Paper, a rolling debate on autism. The Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy O'Malley, has been good at coming to the House, listening, taking notes and thinking about the issue. Again, when the House returns, we should seek to have another debate on that. Extra money is needed and it could be linked to the debate on the economy. He also spoke about the laundering of diesel. He made the practical point that it was bad for one's engine, as well as being wrong.

Senator Henry spoke about food safety and asked that the Minister for Agriculture and Food should synchronise with the excellent work being done by the Commissioner in Brussels. Senator Walsh referred to oil and also spoke about sustainability and equality. Some interesting topics have been raised this morning. We wish everyone was equal, but that is impossible. When one starts off in political life one thinks if only everybody had a house, and a decent education, a principle to which I always hold, everybody would be better off but people are always striving which is not in itself a bad thing.

Senator Coghlan spoke about the break-up of Aer Rianta. I see he has left but we will ask the Minister to come here and explain the situation. He also mentioned the need for more medical cards which is a matter for the Minister for Health and Children.

Senator Ormonde mentioned the programmes for the elderly which have been laid down across various Departments, such as Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Social and Family Affairs, and Health and Children. She wants to know where the crossover happens and how the programmes can be contained and structured.

Senator Ross spoke about autism. We are all at one in wanting improvements in that area and there is a significant degree of cohesion in the Chamber on this matter which we should use to good effect. I suggest that we have the debate on the economy, which the Senator requested, and link it with a debate on one issue to which we want money diverted, namely, autism. I have dealt with the Senator's remarks about the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell.

Senator Feighan spoke about the need to recruit the extra gardaí and reminded us that Sunday is the 60th anniversary of D-Day. There are marvellous programmes on BBC, and one on RTE tonight to mark the event. We will all have other commitments on Sunday but it is good to acknowledge that memory for the free world. I hope to be in Croke Park on Sunday and I hope Westmeath will win.