Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Ryan also raised the issue of privatisation, citing a west Kerry guesthouse which did not receive approval because different people had different ideas and the privatised agency responsible for inspections does not operate a standard. I confess to a private interest in this issue as my second son was involved when Bord Fáilte inspected hotels and guesthouses. I used to receive constant calls from people complaining about decisions but always told callers that the matter had nothing to do with me and they should take it up with my son. He is no longer with the organisation and inspections are now in the hands of a private firm.

As regards Senator Ryan's request for a debate on equality, the matter was raised in the House about two weeks ago when we had a lively discussion of the topic on the Order of Business, with Senators taking different views on it.