Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

While he is an excellent writer when he puts his mind to it, there is no doubt Senator O'Toole and I will be bedevilled and castigated in a future article. We should not let such an article go by, however, without commenting on it. Can Senators imagine its effect on a child of an age to know and have it read to him or her? I advise Members to read it, although the hair will stand up on their heads. As Mr. Myers uses equally heinous epithets to describe those who disagree with him, I will watch out. Senator O'Toole was right to raise the matter and I thank him for doing so.

Senator McDowell referred to worrying developments in the health service. We all agree with his statement that hospital consultants should not abuse their powers. The Senator also referred to positive signs of hope in the Middle East. Dr. Condoleezza Rice made a great start and cut a better dash than her predecessor who resigned.

Senator Morrissey requested that the Minister for Transport come to the House to discuss the M50 upgrade project. He admired the Taoiseach's comments on traffic congestion and spoke of the need for an outer ring road. Senator Morrissey also spoke about changes to the driving test, saying root and branch reform was needed rather than simply requiring people to be able to use a dipstick. I do not want to be caught needing to know how those things work.

Senator Finucane referred to the Broadcasting (Funding) Act 2003 and suggested the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Noel Dempsey, should come to the House to discuss the matter as a long time has passed since its enactment. It has been almost a year and a half. I will certainly ask the Minister to come as we would all welcome his attendance.

Senator Ormonde also referred to driver testing and supported local policing as set out in the report of the Lord Mayor's commission. Senator Henry asked about the 2003 mental health report, which we are seeking to acquire. We are also seeking to have a Minister attend to discuss it. Senator Henry asked if moneys generated by the sale of the Central Mental Hospital lands at Dundrum would be ring-fenced to provide a replacement facility or invested in the whole prison complex in north Dublin. Hopefully, we can debate the matter when the Minister of State with responsibility for this area, Deputy Tim O'Malley, comes to the House to discuss the 2003 mental health report.

Senator Minihan spoke about the Britannia Airways charter whose beleaguered passengers eventually got going. The Commission for Aviation Regulation should note that the fines were too small to deter anyone. As the same tour operator has taken bookings for the Munster game at Biarritz, Senator Minihan asked that the Minister should examine the matter.

Senator Coghlan spoke about the importance of savings. There will be a great spree when SSIA accounts mature. The Senator asked about the second annual report of the Inspector of Prisons. It is not yet in the Oireachtas Library.