Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Brian Hayes, Leader of the Opposition, raised the issue of the alarming situation yesterday where documents referring to movements of Oireachtas Members were discovered. I agree with his suggestion that this matter be discussed at the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. He asked about the chairman of Aer Rianta and the watches and what happened the Mercedes car. I do not know what happened it; I was never the recipient of such generosity.

The Senator also referred to the review of Seanad reform. The Taoiseach has informed me that the new Minister has now received the letter instructing him to set up the committee. We have suggested a procedure whereby candidates for public office could enter into a scrutiny process and I hope this suggestion may be proceeded with.

Senator Hayes also asked about the potential accession of Turkey to the European Union. I understand the debate on the potential accession of Turkey is being held in the European Parliament today. It would be useful to have a debate in this House.

Senator Norris welcomed Ms Jody Blake, Clerk Assistant to Seanad Éireann, back to full participation in the work of the House, as do all of us. He referred to the debate about Aer Rianta and asked for a debate on the situation in the Middle East and Gaza. The Senator referred to the practice of Members leaving the Chamber to attend meetings of joint committees. Senator Norris and I were in agreement not to attend meetings of joint committees when they clashed with the Order of Business in this House. Another Senator did not agree with our decision, thinking it high-handed. I thought it was quite a proper procedure. One cannot have a joint committee without Members from both Houses of the Oireachtas and meetings should not clash with the Order of Business in this House. I will make another request to the committees.

Senator Ryan stated that the number of people without medical cards has risen by 100,000 since 1997. While this is true, it is also true that there are far more people in employment. However, this does not take away from the fact that there are people on the margins of eligibility who, by reason of a few euro, do not qualify for a medical card.

I am sure the new Minister for Health and Children intends to address this matter. It is all very well to say so many more people are in employment, and thankfully they are, but the eligibility limits for a medical card are far too low. Every Member of this House comes across one or two such cases each week. It is difficult for people on low incomes to manage a visit to the doctor and then to get their prescription. I hope the budget this December will alleviate this problem for many of them.

Senator Ryan also asked about the legal basis on which Irish people will be photographed and fingerprinted in this country. What they do in the US is their own business. We must get answers to this and I will seek them. I will also seek a debate on inequality.

Senator Leyden requested that we ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Dermot Ahern, about the situation in Gaza. He also raised the situation of the undocumented Irish in the US. At the Senator's behest, we sent a letter to the Taoiseach who replied that he had informally discussed the matter with President Bush, but nothing has come of it. We should have an all-party debate on the matter.

Senator Finucane supported Senator Ryan in terms of what rights the Americans have over Shannon. They have put in place a series of restrictions which are allegedly causing discomfort for all.

Senator Cox spoke about BreastCheck. The Minister for Health and Children has extended this programme countrywide, but it will be two years before it is fully in place. Senator Cox was not here when you made your ruling earlier, a Chathaoirligh.