Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

No. Senator Ryan called for a debate on the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General. He made a point about welfare fraud vis-À-vis what I will call "posh" fraud. The situation is staggering. Those engaging in welfare fraud are talked about, although no one condones any type of fraud in any way. Senator Ryan called for a debate on inequality. I have been sent six copies of a new report on inequality by Combat Poverty and I hope we can soon have a debate on the subject.

Senator Ryan also noted the report of the task force on alcohol and, if I may use a pun without meaning to be smart, it makes sobering reading. The subject is well worth debating. The excessive use of alcohol rather than its moderate use is highlighted. The Senator also wondered about the discrepancy between the number of prosecutions for under age drinking offences in Dublin pubs compared to those in the rest of the country.

Even in the short debate we have had, the two sides of the argument have been put regarding the public private partnership company, Jarvis plc, and its construction of schools. I met someone involved with one of the schools mentioned by Senator Ulick Burke and that person is entirely pleased with the workmanship on the school. However, the Comptroller and Auditor General has highlighted the issue and it would be useful to debate his full report.

Senator Mooney queried the direction being taken by Aer Lingus, particularly regarding its name. The airline has emphatically denied it is changing its name and has stated it will continue to be called Aer Lingus. However, I understand the Senator's disquiet and will use my office to see what is the position.

Senator Finucane also raised the matter of the report by the Comptroller and Auditor General as well as the penalty points system and other matters.

Senator White supported the point made by Senator Ryan on the study on alcoholism. She referred to important statistics in the report as well as raising the issue of the comments of the director of the Crisis Pregnancy Agency, Ms Olive Braiden, on the connection between drunkenness and unplanned pregnancy.

Senator Coghlan called for a debate on the preferred location for the wax museum but as he then ran away, I cannot answer him.

Senator Mansergh quoted the lovely words of Thomas Francis Meagher, or "Meagher of the sword"— I wonder how he knew of the Seanad as he spoke two centuries ago. Nevertheless, he said the prosperity of a nation requires the protection of a senate. I am sure the House agrees and likes what he said. The Senator also referred to economic matters and I approve of his comments.

Senator Ulick Burke referred to the issue of public private partnerships involving schools and other matters he deemed to highlight Government mishandling of various issues. Senator Ó Murchú raised the plight of the Irish abroad, on which there is a good, up-to-date report which deals with the human stories involved.

Senator Bannon called for a debate about St. Catherine's College of Education for Home Economics at Sion Hill. I do not know who will be the Minister with responsibility in this regard but when new Ministers are duly authorised, we will proceed to arrange a satisfactory stream of them to the House.

Senator Dooley raised the issue of cargo handling at Aer Lingus which in some cases concerns the repatriation of deceased persons to be buried in their home countries, with which we would all agree. The Senator referred to the huge uncertainty at Shannon Airport. This is not new and dates from the last term and from other issues. However, I take the Senator's point. If a new Minister with responsibility in this area is appointed, I hope we will have that Minister in the House to discuss the issue. As the Senator stated, one can travel from Shannon to Dublin at 7 a.m. but the latest one can return is at 1 p.m., which is madness as one would not complete one's work in that time.

Senator Feighan raised the issue of vicious assaults on the streets, including on non-nationals. While an assault on anybody is terrible, those perpetrated on non-nationals are particularly vile and vicious. I take the Senator's clearly made point.

Senator Scanlon had good news regarding the school built by Jarvis plc at Tubbercurry, with which local people are very happy. However, the Comptroller and Auditor General saw fit to discuss the matter in his report and we will have an opportunity to discuss it.

Senator Terry reminded the House that it is national child care week. I also was delighted to hear the good news about Senator Tuffy. She worked in the House until the end of the last session, dealing with several Bills, and I hope all is well with her.

Senator Ormonde congratulated the Government on sending succour and support to Ken Bigley, with whom are all of our good wishes. I also include Deputy Michael D. Higgins, who is nothing if not forthright and who also played a lead role in this support, as well as the Taoiseach and others.

Senator Bradford referred to St. Catherine's College of Education for Home Economics at Sion Hill and also spoke of the position of Senator Higgins. Perhaps Senator Higgins should come to the House to tell us of his plans. We have not seen him for a very long while.