Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

After the Order of Business. Senator Leyden's motion was seconded by Senator Norris.

Senator Coghlan referred to the income threshold limits for medical card eligibility. I will talk to the Senator later about our little holiday.

Senator Ó Murchú raised the question of a missing persons bureau, which he felt should be set up in a formal structure and that an Oireachtas committee might debate it in the autumn. That would be very useful. I do not know if he is talking about a particular case but we could have a word about it.

Senator Bradford also agreed with taking the motion No. 18 without debate.

I picked up on the point raised by Senator Mooney and I thought it was the epitomisation of what he raised here a week ago. I will draft a letter to the Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism encouraging him to be vocal in his approval of an all-island soccer league or whatever they want to call it, which would be very useful.

He also referred to the generous Limerick man. We could all do with such a patron.

Senator Browne said that 50% of the population drive to work and very few people walk to work. I walked here this morning but that was more a matter of clearing my head. It is very useful to do so and perhaps we should have a debate on that issue. He also pointed out the miles of rail 100 years ago vis-À-vis the current position.

I thank you, a Chathaoirligh, for your forbearance and the good business relationship you and I enjoy. In particular I thank the Senators on all sides of the House. This Chamber has been very productive and useful.

In regard to the staff who service this Chamber, when we go into the office they make us very welcome in a free and easy way. They work flat out, particularly when there are many amendments, reports and so on to be dealt with. We are very conscious of the work record of the staff in this House and as Senator Dardis recorded, the Clerk undertakes many duties, and that has a fall-back effect on the rest of the staff and the workings of the House. That is something of which we all must be conscious. I wish everybody a happy holiday.