Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

The Senator asked about the critical infrastructure Bill which is currently being prepared in the Department and also about the Finance Bill. I have bad news in respect of the latter for the entire House. It appears we may have to be back in the House on 22 and 23 March to debate the Finance Bill. That is Holy Week, so Members will have their penance done in advance of Easter. This has yet to be confirmed but it looks as if the House will be sitting on those dates. Members will be able to say they heard it here first. We should know by the end of the week.

I agree with the comments made by Senator Ó Murchú and I believe I have echoed what he has said. We have to move forward and bring everyone with us. The challenge is to match the way in which the Taoiseach spoke yesterday in the Dáil with a continuation of the peace process. Senator Quinn spoke about the tsunami disaster. We thank him for his comment and note that there is to be a debate on this matter next week, as it was raised yesterday. As regards road deaths, I will investigate that matter.

Senator McHugh wants more work done through the various North-South and east-west agencies. Senator Browne dealt with the schools building programme and asked that the Minister come to the House. As regards the Minister for Transport, Deputy Cullen, it is natural that he should talk about the south east. While he is a Minister, he is also a Deputy for that constituency and he has brought up the matter of a university for the south east.