Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

While this is not alarming, the general level of indebtedness has increased. He asked for an increase in the number of employment inspectors.

Senator Maurice Hayes agreed with various comments about the North and also agreed with Senator Ormonde's request for an awareness campaign on the European constitution and for this Chamber to be used. We are ideally sited with the right background. We will try to establish an agenda for such work.

Senator Ulick Burke spoke about the primary school principals. I found that to be a very defeatist survey. While clearly it was correct, if they are all exhausted and feel hopeless I would wonder about the children under their care. Principals are held in great respect and I do not know why they should feel so hopeless and exhausted. At the same time I can understand the difficulty of running a big primary school bursting with children who have loads of energy. I found the survey very defeatist when I read the report of it.

Senator Leyden asked for a debate on health issues with the focus on the mixture of public and private facilities in hospitals and what one must pay in a public hospital. He also referred to the advice he gave a constituent. Senator Bannon spoke about the rural renewal scheme. The Finance Bill will be published today. The Senator indicated that some small villages were unable to avail of the scheme, which has been a great success. Much has been spoken and written about the matter. We will see what the Finance Bill produces.

Senator Ó Murchú spoke about the current state of the peace process, which is badly damaged but not beyond repair. He expressed the wish that everybody would sit down and talk.

Senator Hanafin called for a debate on the mobile telephone market, which he has asked for on several occasions. We will endeavour to hold such a debate shortly.

Senator Dooley asked for a debate on the delivery of health services. He said we should move away from using handles or names such as the "Hanly" report, etc. That is a sensible comment. He would like a good debate in the House on the matter.