Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I cannot get out to chase up anyone. Senator McCarthy also inquired when the 2,000 gardaí promised in the Fianna Fáil manifesto would be provided. As I understand it, that measure will be put forward by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform in the Estimates procedure.

Senator Maurice Hayes supported the call for debates on Northern Ireland and the road at Tara. He quoted what Thomas Davis said about a road at Tara. I agree such a debate would be useful. We have all begun to receive letters about the matter and would benefit from clarification thereon.

Senator Norris also called for a debate on ODA. He said we must live up to our commitment to 0.7% of GNP. He stated he would have no difficulty with Sinn Féin if it gave up its arms, which appears to be the general consensus here. He called for a debate on the Middle East, particularly as news emerges of what is being done to children as they go to school and so on.

Senator Cox wants a debate on equal rights and human rights for women, a subject on which she recently submitted a report to us.

Senator Coghlan referred to the Kerry Parents and Friends Association and IFSRA. Everybody knows this worthwhile charity and what it does. We would all agree with the point he made. He also concurred with Senator Finucane's comment on one-off housing.

Senator Kitt called for debates on Northern Ireland and ODA. Senator Henry made the point that when we were looking for a seat on the UN Security Council we paraded our commitment to 0.7% of GNP for overseas development aid and she reiterated the call for a debate on this matter.

Senator Browne wants the Estimate for the Commission for Communications Regulation to be examined. He also raised the issue of antennae. A recent Act addressed the matter of the height to which antennae could be erected.

Senator Quinn referred to the Barnardos report on road safety for children. I have not seen it but I will attempt to get it.

Senator John Phelan referred to the promised 2,000 extra gardaí, which I already mentioned. He wants the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to come to the House regarding community employment and rural employment schemes. He alleged that less than 300 jobs have been taken up under the rural employment scheme. Perhaps that is evidence of the current high level of employment.

Senator Ulick Burke welcomed the waiving of legal costs in the particular case to which the Minister for Education and Science referred this morning. We were all glad to hear that. She did not say the costs of litigation would come out of the budget for children with disabilities. She said money is tight, which it is in every area, and she does not want to see money wasted on litigation which could be more usefully deployed into the budget for children with disabilities. That is a very worthwhile aim which we would all favour. I thought the point of view she expressed on radio was extremely clear.