Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

It would not be possible to give due consideration to any Bill at that time. We have much work to do this week and I am conscious not alone of the calls upon spokesmen in the House but also of the pressures on the staff.

The Senator raised an important point about the march in Drumcree and I also congratulate the PSNI. We all heaved a sigh of relief when we saw 500 marchers and protesters instead of the 30,000 that was the norm in the very bad times. I agree that Sinn Féin should sign up to the policing arrangements. The election is over and it would send a powerful signal.

Senator Brian Hayes also raised competitiveness in the tourism industry and pointed out that some goods are 12% more expensive than the EU norm. Tourists will stop coming if that continues.

In response to Senator O'Toole, I congratulate the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell, because he said in a debate here in reply to points made by Senators O'Toole, Ross and Scanlon that he would arrange a root and branch review of the auctioneering business. I made many requests to the Minister. I told him it was one of those issues about which I could not face the Seanad unless he told us when he was going to do it and, true to form, the Minister did it. Senator Ross was also true to form this morning. It is a significant issue which is exercising the minds of almost everyone in the land. It arose in this House and was presented to the Minister. He thought it was a good idea and he took action. I thank all those who contributed. It was good to hear Senator Ross say that it emanated from this House during the passage of a Bill.

Senator O'Toole referred to the Personal Injuries Assessment Board and noted that it is ahead of schedule. On the question of the State Airports Bill, the House has a packed agenda this week. I do not intend to stir from the House this week as there is so much that could go wrong. Like the shoemaker, we must stick to our last and complete our programme of work.

A debate on privatisation, particularly with respect to Aer Lingus, was requested. I hope all Members will contribute to the debates on the important legislation in the House this week. I heard about the commentator on the politics programme to which Senator O'Meara referred. The House is not a rubber-stamping Chamber; it is a thoughtful and reflective Chamber. This House does not just consider a Bill and send it on its way. I have come to the conclusion that this Chamber should not merely railroad through Bills. I know that commentator and I intend to tackle him.

I am informed by the Deputy Leader that the report on economic policy has been published but it has not been debated in the House. It is important to debate the matter in the House. It could be called the O'Donovan report.

Senator Leyden raised Aer Lingus. There will be time on another day to discuss that issue. Aer Lingus needs finance and the Government cannot give it. Following 11 September 2001, Loyola de Palacio, the EU Transport Commissioner, would not allow a single euro to be given to state airlines. That was part of the difficulty. We all beseeched her and other countries gave funding under some other guise, but Ireland did not do so. True to form, the workers and management of Aer Lingus were powerful. By the end of 2001, they had agreed to a huge number of redundancies and to sharpen their approach and work practices. Its turnaround was a great success story. The company now requires new aircraft and investment. The matter must be dealt with one way or another. The Government cannot provide funding but I believe there will be a fair consideration of the matter during the summer. It is an urgent issue for the company over the next few months. I thank the Senator for raising the matter.

Senator Ulick Burke asked about the weighted model. I have received representations on this matter. There must be some way of judging the number of special needs teachers required in particular schools. While the waiting period may seem unfair, it is judged on age and background; the Senator will be aware of the procedure involved. There must be some way found to do it. Committee Stage of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Bill 2003 will be taken in the House today. I hope many Members will contribute to the debate.

Senator Mooney spoke about the growing disrespect for the tricolour, the national flag, and I fully agree with him. The first time I was aware of its use was in the main Dublin counting centre during the European elections. The tricolour belongs to all of us. Everybody in this Chamber and every citizen has a right to it and it should not be wrapped around members of a particular party in a triumphalist manner. To use the Senator's words, it is being besmirched through its wanton use by one party. The Senator's suggestion that a module be introduced in civics lessons to promote respect for the flag is a good idea.

Senator Norris referred to the service provided by Aer Lingus. As a very charming person, the Senator would receive good service. We are all charming and appreciate the good service we receive. He congratulated other Members of the Independent group on their work on the issue of auctioneering. Alan McCarthy, who heads the working group on the issue, is a fine person. I know him from the days of An Bord Trachtála and he will do a very good job. As regards the Senator's call for a debate on developments in the Middle East, I understand a section of the wall must be re-routed. As Senators will be aware, we will not have time to debate the matter this week, although I wish we could.

Senator Browne referred to the difference in treatment of a boys' school and a girls' school. This begs the question as to why the schools do not amalgamate. It is odd that girls receive a different weighting from boys to allow for special needs, particularly as there would be siblings in each of the schools. I hope the Senator will contribute to the Committee Stage debates on the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Bill this evening and the Equality Bill tomorrow.

Senator McCarthy called for a review of the use of Oireachtas envelopes. I expect that is a matter for the Committee on Procedures and Privileges of both Houses.