Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator O'Toole raised the matter of social housing and the local authorities. It would be easy for us to damn all county managers or housing authorities. What has happened appears to be very patchy. Some counties have fulfilled the duties imposed upon them and some have not. It is a matter of getting the land, making the appropriate planning arrangements etc. However, it is a serious matter, with so many people on the housing list and houses laid out but not built. A gap exists and money is being provided, so I would agree there is a need for action in this regard. The Senator asked whether the House could set up a standing committee to meet the local authorities and find out what they are doing about housing. That is a matter which the leaders of the various groups in the House might talk about after the Order of Business. It would be a useful exercise.

Senator Ryan wanted to debate No. 1 on the Order Paper. I am always slightly at odds when I read out that there will not be a debate on a particular matter. I am conscious that four Members of this House serve on the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights — Senators Jim Walsh, Kitt, Terry and Tuffy. Clearly, that committee has debated the matter.

On another occasion I said I was open to a suggestion that we debate particular matters. Clearly we cannot do it now, but perhaps if there is a concerted demand for it, the House will take it on another occasion. I take the Senator's point. He spoke about Sweden and the diminished road fatality statistics there. Drivers here regularly drive and speed after drinking and, despite the enforcement of the driving regulations, do not foresee that they will be stopped. Most people have such a dread of being stopped by the Garda they are afraid to venture behind the wheel if they have consumed any alcohol.

The Senator saw what happened as regards the Sinn Féin activists as a sinister development, which indeed it is. Senator Minihan said there cannot be an À la carte approach to democracy and that it was unacceptable. He has asked if I should write to the Sinn Féin leadership, conveying the views of this House. I have no difficulty with that and will do so.

Senator Finucane also raised the matter of the Curtin report. He welcomed the good news about Shannon.