Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

The Leader of the Opposition, Senator Brian Hayes, asked what developments there had been on the breach of courtesy over a week ago. I wrote to the Taoiseach as I felt that was the best way to record the matter. While there was a delay yesterday, Senator Hayes acknowledged that it was nothing like as long as the one a week ago. I am very conscious that Private Members' time is a very useful mechanism for all sides in the House and the debates which have been held during it have been excellent. Yesterday's debate was particularly fine with useful contributions from across the House. It is proper that Ministers scheduled to attend such debates arrive punctually.

Senator Brian Hayes also requested that time be made available for a debate on the Luas and a Dublin metro. Transport seemed to be this morning's theme and we will seek to facilitate a debate.

Senator O'Toole was a little previous in saying Trinity College would accommodate the Luas line. I did not read that the college said it would, though we would like to think so.