Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Brian Hayes, the Leader of the Opposition, spoke about the previous Disability Bill, withdrawn at the end of the last Dáil session. A campaign has started regarding the new Disability Bill. He correctly stated that it should not become a party political issue. Today, I read a report that former Senator, Maurice Manning, is the head of a body that has started a public debate on the issue. The Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Fahey, who is responsible for the Bill, stated he would consider any submissions. Meetings with interested parties were undertaken when the Bill was being fashioned. While it may need further refinement, I am sure the Government is keen to speak to anyone wishing to put forward a case on the Bill. Fundamental differences may be beginning to emerge. The Government laid out its stall with various statements last October when it presented the Bill. However, there is room for further consultation.

Senator Brian Hayes also welcomed Prime Minister Tony Blair's forthcoming formal apology and hoped that Annie Maguire will be included in it. He also welcomed, as do I, the input of the SDLP in the matter. It was one of those cases it took up and stayed with throughout the years.

Senator O'Toole has constantly spoken about the need for the east-west dimension to be highlighted in the peace process . He also referred to Scoil Eoin in Kilbarrack which has made out an excellent agenda for work with other schools along these lines. There are a large number of activities going on that we do not know about but are indicative of what ordinary people are endeavouring to do. There must be some way this can be highlighted to get over the current impasse and get the process back on an even keel. Work in this area is also being done by local authorities and others. The Senator's remarks about Dean Swift were apt. A proper satirist uses extreme examples so that one knows he or she does not mean it but instead one is taken by the language. This was different from yesterday's article in The Irish Times. No doubt there will be more anon about that.

Senator Ryan stated that great satirical writing is normally directed against the powerful in society. Yesterday's column in The Irish Times was not. He referred to an article written by a political journalist in the Houses but I have not read the article. The Senator referred to the domestic refuse collection in Cork city being in disarray resulting in the city becoming a tip. A debate has begun about refuse collection. I believe the system of waste collection should be more uniform. In Westmeath, we have a sensible system where one pays each time one puts a bin out for collection. It seems to be the most sensible system as it caters for small families who may not need to put a bin out very often. I agree we should debate waste management with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Senator Ó Murchú welcomed the forthcoming apology to the Conlon family. A debt of gratitude is owed to campaigners, such as Gareth Pierce and Niall Andrews, for advocating the right of due process. However, many other outstanding cases remain. The Senator hoped this would lead to all parties and groups coming together again but it will require patience and perseverance. I share the Senator's admiration when one thinks of the patience and the perseverance of the people representing these groups displayed in the pursuit of their cases.

Senator Finucane supported Senator Brian Hayes's comments on the Disability Bill. However, we cannot have a debate on this as it is still before the Lower House. He also perceived the refuse collection system to be unjust. If there were a more equitable nationwide system, there would be greater regard for it.

Senator Hanafin called for a debate on Iraq which Senator Bradford raised yesterday. I commented then that the results of the election have not yet been declared. It would be a more informed debate were we to have the results.

Senator Norris agreed with Senator Ó Murchú and spoke about the definition of criminality. He called for a debate on both Israel and Iraq. I agree we should debate these matters when the time is right, hopefully by next week when the results will be known.

Senator Brennan raised the issue of caps on funding for group water schemes and asked that the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government inform the House about the available grants for the schemes.

Senator Coghlan inquired about the relaxation of planning guidelines regarding IKEA and asked whether there would be clusters of stores in every gateway town. We will endeavour to have the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government attend the House to answer these questions.

Senator Glynn called for a debate on road safety and motor tax and insurance, matters which were raised yesterday by Senator Moylan. The Driver Testing and Standards Authority Bill is on Second Stage in the Dáil and it will soon be before this House. It will cover the debate being sought.

Senator Quinn spoke of how authorities in the UK are investing in more speed cameras. He also brought to our attention an early warning system for premature births that may later lead, sadly, to cot deaths. He also claimed that doctors should be paid for keeping patients well. I agree but much of keeping well is due to the individual and how he or she copes with ill health. Considering the difficulties with medical people, I do not know if they would take kindly to his proposals.

Senator Mooney noted that the Knesset reads out daily the names of people killed in traffic accidents. He also mentioned the matter of apologies to the Conlon family and we must also remember the courageous people who have lobbied and worked hard on their behalf over the years, including Chris Mullin, Alistair Logan, Michael Mansfield and many other names we would know of from listening to the radio and reading their articles. Those who took up such causes were unsupported at the time yet what they said has all been proved correct since then.

We all received the document mentioned by Senator Ulick Burke. It was very interesting and we all turned to see what was being made available to our own counties. He noted that the special educational needs system, because of the nature of the strategy, currently discriminates against rural national schools and that this should be addressed.

Senator Minihan called for a debate on waste management, which we should have. He too welcomed the apologies to be made to the Conlon family and I hope to Annie Maguire's family. Senator Ross queried the system of committees sitting in private and he has a point. The Leas-Chathaoirleach correctly informed him that the Committee on Procedure and Privileges always sat in private, but he wants to know why.