Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Coghlan asked what is to happen to the hotels and I will inquire.

Senator Lydon spoke about the issue of female genital mutilation and said there should be worldwide legislation against it. Some countries are already bringing in such legislation. The UK has a population of many different races and we are approaching that in Ireland.

Regarding Senator Terry's point, on Monday I received a letter from Senators O'Toole, Dardis, Brian Hayes and Ryan requesting an all-party debate on the report of the strategic task force on alcohol, which has just been released. The Senators would like such a debate to be placed on the agenda of the House as an all-party motion and I will do so. Hopefully, it will address some of the points Senator Terry raised.

There will be a short Bill before the House next week concerning a loophole in the law. It does not address the issue of adolescents accompanied by their parents but the holding of discos in a hotel or bar at which no alcohol is served. Apparently, such events can still be challenged and the Bill will close this loophole. However, I will arrange an all-party debate on the task force report.

Senator Maurice Hayes raised a matter concerning 30 school children from Drogheda and the need to issue guidelines for children on school trips. I am aware that guidelines are in place in the North and the United Kingdom but not here. The Senator also raised the issue of medical cards, particularly the position of people with incomes marginally above the eligibility threshold. Income limits need to be raised and the issue of margins must also be addressed.

Senator Henry called for a debate on a matter she raised with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform in June. She also referred to ships transporting plutonium to France and a Bill the House passed three years ago which remains on the Order Paper.

Senator Wilson called for a debate on women in sport, which provided a good opportunity to mention the fine person he wished to praise.