Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Bannon put forward the idea we would have a general election. I do not agree. He also raised the issue of radon gas. We laughed at that because of the combination of squabbling and gas. The air is full of it.

Senator Ulick Burke raised some timely points regarding third level funding, the special needs teachers announced at the recent education conference, league tables and other matters. I will endeavour to bring the Minister for Education and Science to the House. We will specify the issues raised by the Senator as they will all come into play as the planning for September develops.

Senator Moylan raised an apt point regarding the electoral register. During the election campaign, it was found that many people were making pilgrimages to Lourdes and other places — I am glad they are getting very holy — and going on holidays. While there is a risk postal voting could be abused, perhaps it would be possible to develop a system whereby people could vote while holidaying abroad.