Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

It is difficult to follow that. Senator Brian Hayes asked about e-voting. There will be a meeting of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges next week. It is an urgent matter, which we must get right. The Senator also asked about the State Airports Bill. I understand Report and Final Stages will be taken on Tuesday. We have a full agenda next week but I do not see how we can take Bills at 10 p.m. I do not intend to operate that type of regime. We have worked very hard this term so we will see how the matter develops.

Given what Senators said about Sinn Féin, it appears to have been a right put down, and rightly so. Well done to the Minister, Deputy Cowen. In Sinn Féin's mind, the proposed EU constitution would allegedly copperfasten democratic deficits. That representative will learn some difficult lessons when she travels across the water. The question was answered amply by the Deputy Leader. It is good to air the matter because, the more it is aired, the more shallow the argument appears.

Senator O'Toole asked about the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Bill. I understand an education council is being set up to deal with the issue of children with special needs. The Bill is a fine one. I understand 700 amendments were tabled and the Bill is completely different from when Second Stage was taken in the Dáil. The Minister has done a fine job on the Bill. He asked the Seanad to deal with it so that the children, particularly those with clear needs, will have their needs addressed in September. I spoke to all the leaders on the matter because I regard it as very urgent legislation.

The Senator asked about the State Airports Bill. I cannot see how we can fit it into our schedule for next week. However, the matter will evolve and we will see what the outcome will be. As of now, the schedule is as it stands. We will take the Barron report and the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Bill next week, which must be dealt with urgently. Committee and Final Stages of approximately seven other Bills must be taken. We will have a very busy week, beginning on Tuesday morning and sitting late in the evening. As I stated, the matter will evolve but, as of now, the schedule is set.

Senator Dardis spoke capably on the subject of the Forum for Europe. With regard to Senator Bannon's comments on the nitrates directive, I could not provide as good an answer as that provided by Senator Scanlon.