Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

He asked whether there would be time for an emergency debate on An Post. He described the disruption of postal services at this time of year as industrial suicide. Senators Ross and Hanafin asked for a debate on An Post last week and the week before. We postponed having a debate. However, we should now try to have one because none of us knows now whether there is any point in posting Christmas cards. I will, therefore, endeavour to see whether a debate on the issue can be accommodated.

Senator Bannon asked that the Minister for Foreign Affairs be invited to the House to explain the new EU directive on the storing of biometric information on passports. Senator Kitt has on a number of occasions called for a debate on the railways. I will endeavour to facilitate such a debate. He referred to the new routes Iarnród Éireann is putting in place. He also agreed on the need for a debate on the NRA.

Senator Norris questioned the material I gave him. I will speak to him afterwards with a view to furthering the matter. Senator Cox referred to the publication of the annual report of BreastCheck and the need for the Minister to intervene, given that it would be early 2007 before screening facilities would be in place, even though the money has already been granted. Senator O'Meara told us it takes 22 months to roll out the entire BreastCheck programme.

Senator Ulick Burke raised the regulations regarding residential child care centres and the vetting of appointees by the Garda Síochána. The chief inspector with responsibility for children's residential homes stated on radio this morning that vetting occurs post-appointment. That is worrying. I will therefore ask the relevant Minister to come to the House to debate the matter.

Senator Fitzgerald asked whether the Minister for Education and Science could come to the House to give us more details regarding the new education body, Education Ireland, which was also raised by Senator Tuffy.

Senator O'Meara stated it took 22 months to roll out the BreastCheck programme. She also called for a debate on Northern Ireland, which I had thought of myself. Given the prevarication and pushing back of the date for possible agreement, I am not sure such a debate will be possible but I will make the request. We are all following developments on the issue.

While Senator Cummins stated Garda vehicles are exempt from the national car test, I am not sure this is so.