Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Brian Hayes, the Leader of the Opposition, raised the theme of the day, the US presidential election. I expect the announcement of a result to be made shortly. The Senator asked that Americans re-engage with the world and do what they used to do well, for example after the Second World War. He hoped that that sense of reinvigoration and the need to do good could be roused within them.

The Senator also asked about the Committee Stage of the Garda Bill. By chance this morning I met the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell, and I asked him about the matter. The Bill is with the Attorney General and the Minister hopes Committee Stage can be held within a week.

Senator O'Toole raised the deteriorating relationship with the Islamic world, saying that the US should seek to improve its relations with the area, and suggested that the Minister for Foreign Affairs should come into the House to discuss this issue. He said that the situation for many Muslims is akin to how the Irish were treated in Britain when bombings were taking place.

Senator O'Toole also renewed his call for the Minister for Finance to come to the House to discuss public private partnerships. I met the Minister by chance and he recalled his conversation with the Senator and said he would come in to debate the matter. The Senator praised the previous Minister for Finance for his husbandry of the money with which the new Minister will deal, saying it should be spent on health and education. No one would disagree but it would not be appropriate for the Minister for Finance to come here prior to the budget and state how he will spend money. I cannot see that happening but knowing the Minister, he will mind the money well and spend it wisely.

Senator Ryan, paraphrasing the nursery rhyme, stated that when the US is good, it is very, very good, and when it is bad, it is awful, and he is right. He requested that the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources come into the House. I will try to arrange such a visit as there are many issues in these areas to be discussed. The Senator also renewed his call for the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to come into the House to discuss competition and I will try to arrange a debate on that issue.

Senator Dardis wished the US President well. He asked what the world could do together for peace, reminding us that might is not always right. That has consistently been the view of this House.

Senator Finucane pointed out that exit polls indicated that morality was uppermost in US voters' minds and questioned the moral values RTE uses as a guide. I note the channel issued an apology on Monday for a recent guest on "The Late Late Show". Senator Kerry, who was an alter boy, said he had the same moral values as the voters but President Bush was better able to capitalise on his convictions.

Senator Glynn asked about the control of fireworks. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform made a statement on the issue but I will ask him to come into the House to tell us about his plans to deal with this problem.

Senator Quinn called for a debate on the idea of adopting central European time. The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has responsibility in that area. Senator Quinn also told us that Newcastle, County Down, cannot receive RTE and I will raise this matter with the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.

Senator Morrissey suggested that articulated trucks should be fitted with extra mirrors and I will ask the Minister for Transport to look into that issue.

Senator Coghlan asked about the Great Southern Hotel in Parknasilla. The Taoiseach openly stated that he does not want the Great Southern Hotels Group to be sold. The Senator asked if the hotels in the group would be sold collectively or individually. If the hotels were sold together, they would not raise the amount they should raise. They should be sold separately.

Senator Ó Murchú asked about Mr. Christopher McGrath, who is currently in prison. I commend the Senator on visiting him yesterday. A petition relating to his case has been signed by 50 MPs. The Senator told us that he was treated courteously during his visit, which we are glad to hear.

Senator O'Meara called for a debate on maternity services. In a recent radio interview, the previous master spoke as if a woman could decide when to have a baby by using an on-off switch. It was a very male view. Senator O'Meara stated that journeys from Galway to Dublin would be necessary if the plan for Portiuncula goes ahead. The Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children said she does not intend to close anything but we will ask her to come into the House to discuss the issue.

Senator Mooney referred to the post-election situation in the US and the reform of the United Nations. He also agreed with Senator Finucane about the lowering of standards in RTE, particularly in respect of a debate he heard on "Five Seven Live". "Five Seven Live" is a good show. If one listens to it, bits and pieces will come up which one does not like and if there are children present, one can turn if off. One always has that option.

Senator Bannon cavilled about Adjournment debates but it is very healthy that all sides avail of the facility to table Adjournment matters. It is a great idea.