Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I have heard no reports of thefts. Senator Mansergh is worried about disappearing road signs in Tipperary. Senator Cummins referred to the Garda activity in west Dublin and asked that the strategy be extended. He also called for guidelines for young people under the age of 12 using mobile phones.

Senator MacSharry made a passionate case on behalf of the BMW region and also spoke of the national spatial strategy. Next week's agenda is almost full but the following week we will try to arrange that debate. Senator Feighan asked how organised crime developed in the north west and referred to the loss of the Customs and Excise boat. Senator Dooley called for a transport debate to focus on areas outside Dublin as well as for a Shannon rail link. Sign posts are disappearing in his area too. It is very significant. Senator Hanafin also called for a debate on transport. He spoke of the opening of the Midleton line and the need for a direct rail link from Cork to Belfast. It is clear there is a need for a debate on transport and on other matters. I hope the sign post thieves do not head for Mayo.