Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Brian Hayes, the Leader of the Opposition, asked me to ensure that no legislation would be rushed through in the final two weeks of the session. Last Thursday I listed the Bills we would be taking in the House, which subsequently appeared on the Order Paper. However, I take the Senator's point. Throughout this term we have tried to put clear lines between Second, Committee and Report Stages, sometimes leading to gaps when there are not enough people present to take Committee or Report Stages. Having provided time for such debate, I would expect there to be plenty of takers. Last week, in answer to Senator Tuffy, who asked me about a certain Bill, I stated that the Bill would not be rushed through the House. I will refer to that Bill shortly because Senator Ross asked a question about it.

I was asked about the delay with the Garda Síochána Bill. I am not sure the mechanism being put in place by the Minister consists of an ombudsman, but I will inquire about the reason for the delay. I will also ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism about children in pubs and if there is to be an amendment to the relevant Bill. If so, we have not heard about it. I remain convinced that nobody wants to have a drink in a pub with children running around their legs, but that is another day's discussion.

Senator Joe O'Toole praised the ancient art of letter-writing. I am a great letter-writer myself, but it is of a more sober kind, I am afraid.