Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I heard him quite clearly. He did not grunt.

Senator Norris referred to the silence fromFalluja and the humanitarian needs there. Senator Ó Murchú spoke about the public nature of people's grief and expressed admiration for all those in the peace process. Progress and closure are not synonymous. Apart from Northern Ireland, when matters affect people, there is never closure. One would wish one could turn a key and close a box but it is not possible.

Senator Coghlan agreed with Senator Brian Hayes and asked about the North. We are due to sit four days the week after next but we are endeavouring not to sit on the Friday unless something is sprung on us or something takes longer than we thought to debate. That is our plan. No Bill will be debated which has not been published.

Senator Hanafin called for a debate on An Post and declared his interest. He was correct to tell us he was nominated by it. I will try to see if we can fit in a debate even if it means an earlier start some day. Senator Henry asked who was making the demands on the Government. It is plain who is making the demands but behind that, I suppose there are many other layers of activity.

Senator Cox spoke with feeling about all those killed in Northern Ireland and referred to the compendium which details each person killed there. Behind each person, there is a story and an extended family and friends whose lives will never be the same again. Senator Cummins referred to the status of the other two killers of Detective Garda McCabe who went on the run. I do not know where they are or what they are doing, but I will endeavour to find out.