Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

——and that was the reason. It is always interesting when one meets someone who says, "I always voted for you", but it transpires it was a No. 4 or something. Senator White requested that the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment come to the House and talk about our lack of a competitive edge. Senator Dooley called for a debate on planning and Dúchas as regards interaction with the local authorities. Senator Kitt wanted a debate on planning and mentioned the shortage of medical personnel, which echoes Senator O'Toole's comments. He praised the previous Minister for Health and Children's commitment to Portiuncula Hospital and mentioned that the current Minister is from that area as well. Indeed she is and would take an interest in it.

Senator Glynn asked when Committee Stage of the Maritime Safety Bill 2004, which was the subject of a good debate in this House, would be taken in the House. He also raised the matter of bills in restaurants and said the more one ordered, the more one paid. This is something I need to speak to him about because I need clarification on the matter of additional service charges that he mentioned.