Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Brian Hayes, Leader of the Opposition, referred to people's eligibility to vote on the EU constitution. We notified the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Roche, about that matter. The people to whom the Senator referred could only vote if some new procedure was brought forward and it would require a change to the Constitution. I have left the matter in the hands of the Minister. This is an important issue because people in other countries will all be able to vote on what is a fundamental right.

The Senator also inquired if the matter of the amendment of the terms of reference of the Mahon tribunal would come before the House. The matter will have to be debated by both Houses. When the additional judges were appointed, the House dealt with the matter. I imagine that we will not only have to deal with the amendment of the terms of reference but Judge Mahon will also be obliged to announce the matters he does not intend to proceed with, otherwise the matter would be deemed incorrect. We will be dealing with the amendment in this House, hopefully next week or the week after. We sought clarification on the matter before the Order of Business but we were not able to locate the person to whom I wished to speak. I will be able to give details to the House tomorrow.

I agree with Senator O'Toole when he states he sees nothing wrong with tax breaks nor with the residency matter to do with living abroad. However, everybody should pay some tax and I agree with the Senator's point that there should be a limit. I do not believe anybody would have any gripe about that. Everyone in the PAYE sector and all those who pay tax must have their noses out of joint when they read about the number of people who are getting away with paying no tax. They use legitimate tax breaks to plead their case. The Senator's point is that they should not be allowed relief on their total income in that manner.

Senator Ryan spoke about the firm moving to Cork Airport. He asked for the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to come to the House to deal with the matter. He also raised the question of the brutal assault on Falluja and asked for a debate on the Middle East. That debate has been requested and I hope it can be held next week.

Senator Dardis is in agreement with Senator Brian Hayes's general proposition on voting rights but is of the opinion there would be a need for constitutional change. He asked for a debate on the Middle East and Palestine.

Senator Finucane referred to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell, accusing Fine Gael of anti-Garda propaganda and he asked that the Minister come to the House. Senator Ó Murchú asked for a debate on Iraq. He referred to the retired dean of Kildare, the Reverend Matthew Byrne, who was the Church of Ireland chaplain to the Defence Forces. The Senator referred to an article written by Reverend Byrne. As always when Senator Ó Murchú speaks on these matters, he has the gift of allowing the integrity of the person shine through. The Senator made excellent points.

Senator Norris asked for a debate on Iraq and referred to the gloating words used. He also supports the call for a debate on Palestine and the parlous health of President Arafat. That debate is well due and it may be held next week. Senator Mooney asked for a debate on the Middle East. He asked that the families of the dead and injured soldiers be given some consideration. I was unable to hear Senator Bannon's first point because of the rí rá in the Chamber.