Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Bannon asked for a debate on competitiveness and said there was a decrease in the number of tourists coming to Ireland. Senator Kitt asked for a debate on housing and Senator McCarthy raised the matter of insurance, particularly as there appear to be developments in that whole area. It is still somewhat early, but we will make inquiries. Senator Maurice Hayes asked for the question of overseas development aid to be addressed in the House. I had anticipated such a debate after Christmas. I had also pencilled in the OECD's excellent report on education for debate, to be attended by the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Hanafin. As I said earlier, Senator Maurice Hayes gave texture to what Senator Brian Hayes said about the current Sinn Féin activity. It brought balance to the debate on the matter.

I had intended to mention world AIDS day, as raised by Senator Terry. All over the world today people should reserve some time to reflect on this. The AIDS-HIV statistics in Ireland are up by 10%, which is an enormous increase.

Senator Dooley spoke about planning and filling stations. I find it amusing that Statoil and Esso have proudly announced they have 24 petrol stations where wine may be bought. One may buy oil and wine together. If one is driving, however——