Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

The Leader of the Opposition, Senator Brian Hayes, called for a debate on Northern Ireland. While everyone would welcome rather than object to a debate, it may be obviated by two matters. If there were clarity one way or another it would be very useful, but there is not. The other problem is a lack of time. If Members think this week's agenda is packed, they will consider the same to be true next week. It would, however, be helpful to hold a debate on Northern Ireland in the kind of atmosphere we have in the House. Watching the comings and goings of the various dramatis personae, particularly Dr. Paisley coming out of Downing Street last night, who would have thought he would quote Shakespeare? I knew he had all the biblical references but I would not have thought he had access to Shakespeare's words which were, for him, very appropriate. I was very taken by it. I imagine he plans these encounters and what he will say.

The Senator asked if I had found out whether there would be an amnesty for the two IRA men who escaped, one to South Africa and the other to Portugal. The answer is "No" because when I spoke to the Taoiseach last week I occupied my time talking about the general issue and did not go into that matter. I will do so, however, and when I get that information I will put it on the record. The Senator said there should be no humiliation for anybody concerned, particularly for Mrs. McCabe, and we would all wish for that.

The Senator raised the matter of the TUI and called for a commission on discipline. He referred also to second level teachers who are subject to bullying and sexual innuendo and said they are entitled to a safe environment in which to ply their profession. I agree with the Senator.

Senator O'Toole raised the issue of the late Detective Garda McCabe and said that if, despite everything, a complete and comprehensive demilitarisation were effected he would be prepared to accept it, but asked about the position of the other groups and how they would be treated. He said there should be no triumphalism, regardless of the outcome.

The Senator also mentioned the OECD report, about which we were all pleased. We hear the detractors and then we hear about a positive report like this, which I thought was excellent. It is a long overdue accolade to teachers. The foundations have to be laid at primary level, followed by second level and it is clear that the recognition by the OECD is very important for this country. We would wish to have time to debate that report but there will not be time to do so. If we can fit in a debate on Northern Ireland with the other circumstances of which I spoke, we will endeavour to do so.

Senator McCarthy asked about a matter referred to yesterday by the Minister of State, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe, namely the major default on litter fines. He asked that the Minister of State be invited to the House to debate that issue. He also called for a debate on depression. We will request such a debate. The Senator also asked about the time for the sos. I may have given the wrong time. There is only a half an hour sos from 6.30 p.m. to 7 p.m. I may have said 6.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. earlier because I am used to announcing a sos of an hour. The debate following the sos begins at 7 p.m.

That brings me to Senator Norris's question about the 2 p.m. start. It is not greatly discommoding to ask the House to sit half an hour earlier. I cannot understand how it would upset anybody's diary. Senator Norris's must be a very exciting diary——