Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Kitt called for a debate on the NRA. It would be useful to take in his and Senator Ryan's points of view.

Senator Terry must have had an interesting visit to the women's prison in Mountjoy and she wants a statement on prison policy, as does Senator Henry with regard to the Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum.

Senator Paddy Burke spoke about the pollution of lakes. He raised it yesterday in the House during the debate on the inland waterways when he mentioned jet skis. Today he claimed that Carrowmore Lake is being heavily polluted by, the felling of trees and agricultural effluent. The old questions and the ways of dealing with them still remain. Lakes are still being polluted by effluent and the over-zealous felling of trees. I know that from my own area. The same Department deals with forestry and lakes and rivers.

Senator Bradford supported a debate on the proposed EU constitution, as well as an Oireachtas debate on decentralisation and on Northern Ireland.

Senator Fergal Browne spoke about the parents of special needs children. I had two visits this morning from local parents whose children had been getting special needs provision, yet now seem to be off the list. We need to get clarification on this matter. It is a huge issue for parents. It is summer time now, yet September looms for every parent. Once the holiday period comes, parents have to get ready for September. I will endeavour to get a statement from the Minister for Education and Science on special needs next week.