Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

The Senator said something of great interest when commenting on the Detective Garda McCabe murder. He said that no party should ever hand over the title of republican to quasi-republicans. The Senator also asked for a debate on overseas development aid and condemned the fact that it will not be until next year's budget that the super-rich will be nabbed.

Senator Brennan recounted his deep feelings regarding the murder of Detective Garda McCabe, particularly given that the Senator was chairman of Limerick County Council at the time it happened. Senator Ulick Burke asked what were the Taoiseach's priorities. I intend to speak to the Taoiseach today, if possible, to inform him of the views of this House. I accept the Senator withdrew what he said because everybody knows the Taoiseach's words were heartfelt but very difficult for him. Senator Mansergh stated that he, as do we all, abhors the murder of Detective Garda McCabe and the attempted murder of Detective Garda Ben O'Sullivan. He stated that there are acts of completion in which we, in our various roles, have a part to play.

Senator Norris asked for a debate on Northern Ireland. I will inquire. However, until there is an announcement or no announcement, or an announcement that there will be no announcement, we would not add to the fount of knowledge on the North. He referred to what the US Senator said in Trinity College. I too noted that.

Senator Leyden raised the issue of the budget. As the Cathaoirleach said, the Senator had an opportunity to speak on it yesterday. He expressed his gratitude for the provision for the national centre for the Irish Wheelchair Association. Donamon is a very fine centre for wheelchair activity.

Senator Coonan asked whether, regarding the murder of Detective Garda McCabe, I would make the views of the House known to Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. I will do that. We are scheduled to have the Minister in attendance tomorrow, but I will try to see him before then. Senator Maurice Hayes stated that while he abhors and deplores murder, we cannot have a different moral standard in one part of the country than in another. We are all in agreement with that.

Senator O'Meara asked for a debate on the care and education of pre-school children. That is a debate we must have, given that the report of the National Competitiveness Council states that children who benefit from pre-school care, be it Montessori or another, do better and do not drop out of school as much as others.

Senator Hanafin agreed with Senator Maurice Hayes on the Detective Garda McCabe murder. Senator Coghlan asked that the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform be invited to the House to debate the issue of the increase in gangs of criminals on the streets.

Senator White raised the issue of child care. She suggested that since the issue of disability was addressed this year the child care issue might be addressed next year.

Senator Cummins also raised the issue of the Taoiseach's statement on the proposed release of the killers of Detective Garda McCabe and asked that the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform come to the House to discuss it. I found it difficult to hear what Senator Bannon said. He spoke on local government and the need for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to come to the House. Senator Browne also raised the issue of the murder of Detective Garda McCabe.