Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I am glad to hear everyone in great voice. Senator Brian Hayes kindly wished good luck to new Ministers as well as to the new EU Commissioner, former Minister, Deputy McCreevy, and to Deputy John Bruton. The latter's appointment as EU ambassador to Washington is a signal honour for him and for this country and I have no doubt he will do a good and thorough job. Senator Brian Hayes also raised the need for a debate on the penalty points system.

I met Senator O'Toole regularly during the summer. Most senators were attending committees and other business in the House except perhaps during August. Senator O'Toole spoke about roads being officially opened by Ministers before they are ready for use. However, when certain events are looming, one does one's best to show oneself off and there is nothing intrinsically bad about that.