Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

No. The Senator asked for a debate when the motion comes back from committee. He also mentioned the Ark children's centre in Dublin. This is an innovative project and young people and teachers have taken to it with great gusto. I will ask the Minister for Education and Science about the cutbacks, but perhaps someone could put the matter down for discussion on the Adjournment because it would be a suitable subject.

Senator McCarthy mentioned the protests that took place at the visit of the American President, Mr. Bush, which were peaceful and, it appeared, democratic and happy. He also asked about the register of electors. This matter was mentioned last week by Senator Browne, who raised it again today. Every person in this House has examples of people being taken off the register. When we discussed this before, we took several examples of people who had been removed from the register and traced the process of their removal. There should be a more structured way of dealing with the problem, however. The Senator also mentioned forged signatures. This is a serious matter and should be the subject of further investigation.

Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú mentioned the tension among Travelling communities and sought to use this Chamber as a reconciliation forum. He cited Travellers' love for traditional music and mentioned all they have done for it. There is an all-party committee on Travellers, of which I am a member, which is doing very good work. The Senator may join it if he wishes. I take the Senator's point regarding reconciliation. Senator Michael Finucane raised the issue of large numbers of people driving around the countryside and deciding to go into an area and cause trouble. There are rights all around which must be observed.

Senator Dooley asked for a debate on the motion regarding abattoirs. The Minister for Agriculture and Food has made it mandatory that the country of origin of beef be declared. I am sure the Argentineans have their opinions about their beef but those who eat beef believe beef of Irish origin is better.

Senator Ross agreed with the comments made by Senators McCarthy and Dooley. He raised the matter of the young woman who conducted an interview with the President of the United States. I thought she was stunning and proper and professional. Clearly the man is not used to being asked a question because every time the interviewer asked a question she was knocked back and treated almost as if she were a little girl. I thought she was very professional and stunning in doing her job.

Regarding the Aer Rianta Bill, we cannot deal with it until we get it. I have been asked whether it will be lodged in the doldrums of the Lower House. It is still being debated there. We have been approached about it, but we do not have firm dates. We have a wad of legislation for this week and next week which has already been put to us and to which we have agreed. It is anticipated that the Dáil will adjourn for the summer recess on 8 July and that the Seanad will adjourn on the following day, given that we have kept more or less to the same schedule as the Dáil. I gave an assurance to Senator Tuffy that that Bill, no less than any other Bill, will not be rushed through this House.

Senator White raised the issue of Travellers. She mentioned that she has friends within the Travelling community, which is good. The Senator also congratulated the Taoiseach, Ministers and senior civil servants who conducted their business so well during the visit of President Bush. She mentioned what President Bush was wearing. However, that is President Bush's own business. I cannot understand why people got upset about it.

Senator Terry referred to the proposals of the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Deputy Mary Coughlan, regarding pensions. The Senator has raised the issue on about six occasions. Each week we have asked for the Minister to attend but we have not been able to fit this in. Perhaps we will be able to make time available next week to deal with this. I congratulate the Senator on her initiative within her party regarding forthcoming legislation. I was delighted to read about it last Friday.

Senator Ormonde joined in congratulating everybody involved in the six-month Irish Presidency of the European Union. She also raised the Traveller issue.

Senator Henry wanted to know whether I could ascertain the true meaning of the UN stipulation regarding the transport of untried prisoners through Shannon. She was unclear what the Taoiseach said in answer to a question about that. We will endeavour to find out.

Senator Bradford referred to the tenth anniversary of the 1994 IRA ceasefire and suggested that we should debate the outstanding issues. He also mentioned Iraq. We have done enough giving out on the matter here. We welcome the setting up of an interim government and will be watching it carefully.

Senator O'Meara raised the issue of the protests. She said she was the only one here who was on the other side.