Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

The Senator also referred to due process and to names being published in newspapers when cases have not been heard. One would be damned if this happened because people would say there was no smoke without fire.

Senator Bohan referred to the significant increase in toll charges. While many say we must simply put up with this, we should not. It is a Joe Duffy issue if ever there was one. The Minister should not accept the increase. While I am not sure whether the Minister for Transport or the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is responsible, I will find out. I thank the Senator for raising the matter.

Senator Terry referred to the non-national parents of Irish-born children. Such children do not see their parents going to work as they see their friends' parents going to work, coming home with a wage packet and carrying out other normal family activities. A huge segment of their lives is cut off. As we all know, unemployment which extends to a subsequent generation becomes inbred. The Senator referred to the CSO survey results which are graphically portrayed in The Irish Times today. It states that women are the carers and are the lowest paid. I am not being paranoid about the matter — it is a fact. It would be a good idea for the House to debate the results of the CSO survey.

A debate was also sought on child care. A month ago, I gave a commitment to Senator O'Meara to have such a debate early in the new year.

Senator Ormonde also sought a debate on the CSO statistics and referred to the Westlink toll charges. She is correct in stating that some drivers are dodging tolls by driving through suburban estates. This leads to an increase of traffic in built up areas and is very dangerous. Talk about rip-off Ireland — Fine Gael should take that one up as a major example.