Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Brian Hayes proposed, and Senator Ryan seconded the proposal, that we debate the change in the freedom of information regulations as the fee is inhibiting people from making requests under the FOI legislation. Senator Ryan questioned whether we were carrying our national enthusiasm for an Irish person too far in terms of whether we were prepared to propose somebody who was very much involved in the global debate and the marketing ploys behind it.

The Senator also raised a question on the policy regarding visas. The public has raised with Members examples of aberrations in the visa policy. I do not know if there is a policy as it seems to be hit and miss. I too have a case where a visa was not granted to a mother and father wishing to visit their daughter who is married with a family and settled in Athlone. They only want to visit her and her family and have no desire to stay in Ireland. We could put forward this issue for debate.

Senator Minihan paid tribute to the Taoiseach on his role on the world stage. Senator Coghlan concurred with those remarks. Senator Coghlan questioned when the cost implications of the break up of Aer Rianta would be known. I understand the Bill will be published this afternoon but the transfer of resources and people will be dealt with next April. I do not know the cost implications but I will try to find out.