Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

To be venerable is very good.

Senator Ormonde raised the new framework of qualifications and a seeming dispute between the Departments of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Education and Science. We understand a European framework of qualifications is to be adopted by all colleges, including apprenticeships and all such gradings. The sooner that comes out, the better.

Senator Finucane asked about one-off housing, local authority planning permissions and if the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government could come to the House to explain his thoughts on that matter. That would be useful.

Senator Mansergh said the DUP has laid down conditions for entering into Government with Sinn Féin and referred to eligibility to be in Government. All parties go before the electorate from which they get their democratic mandates.

Senator Ross raised the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority's failure to detect errors made by financial institutions. An independent audit discovered the recent error. The Senator called for a debate on that matter.

Senator Ó Murchú said a debate on Northern Ireland would be helpful. We have made inquiries in that regard.

Senator McHugh referred to alleged malpractice in the fishing industry in Donegal and called for a speedy intervention by the Minister. The Minister of State, Deputy Gallagher, has responsibility for the marine and we will request that he comes to the House.

Senator Mooney referred to overseas development aid which has cross-party support. He stated that while we do not do war, we do human rights and do them well and must, in turn, make sure we fulfil our ODA requirements.

Senator McCarthy seconded Senator Ryan's amendment to the Order of Business. I think he proposed we would have a debate at 2 p.m.——