Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

He did express his wish to be Cathaoirleach on one occasion when he was bringing us into the House.

Senator Brian Hayes, the Leader of the Opposition, said that the Ombudsman, Ms O'Reilly, had stated her office should be included in the Constitution for the sake of its independence. He was equally concerned about expanding the remit of the Office of the Ombudsman. That is a matter for the Minister for Finance and I will convey the Senator's concerns to him.

Senator O'Toole stated it is the anniversary of Patrick Kavanagh about whom there were lovely programmes on RTE. Well done to those concerned. BBC2 also showed an older programme by RTE.

The Senator also raised the matter of public private partnerships. I understand that the Minister for Finance is keen to discuss this once he has read into it. The Senator said we should give our vocal support to the PIAB because it will result in cheaper insurance. It may be too early to review the work of PIAB, but it will be useful when the time is right.

Senator McCarthy raised the reality of suicide and the North-South seminar. The statistic which indicates that one third of all deaths among people between the ages of 15 and 24 are due to suicide rather than traffic accidents is a salutary one. The Senator asked for a debate on this issue. He also referred to "Liveline". I have admiration for the way Joe Duffy runs his programme. Finding spare beds was a useful exercise and fair dues to the researchers and all those who unearthed this fact. I am sure there is much more involved than just finding beds and putting people into them. There are a myriad of factors involved, but certainly yesterday's exercise was useful. The Senator also raised the issue of motor insurance for young people. I am sure the PIAB is giving the issue detailed consideration.

Senator Morrissey asked for a debate on Aer Lingus, which will be useful, but we will not discuss the people who came to the meeting. Senator Dooley also echoed that request.

Senator Finucane referred to the Tánaiste. I am sure she is preparing the ground for an initiative on the accident and emergency issue, including other matters.

Regarding Senator Scanlon's request, I did not realise that one could pay one's insurance premium by instalment. I thought one had to pay when one got the bill. Perhaps this is something the PIAB could examine.

Senator Norris referred to Patrick Kavanagh. He did not just bring fame to his native county of Monaghan, but also to Dublin. He is regarded as a Dublin poet, given that he spoke so well of the city. The Senator did not support Oliver St. John Gogarty but, as the Cathaoirleach said, we cannot speak badly of people who cannot defend themselves.