Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

——was very positive this morning and gave a very instructive commentary on the whole matter.

I agree with Senator O'Toole who asked for a debate on the western rail corridor when the report is published. He said the recommendations should be implemented quickly as it is in the BMW region and it has North-South implications. He also referred to the national pensions reserve fund and said that he listened to what the Taoiseach said. The fund, which has been up and running for a few years, is worthy of debate. We need to get an up-to-date picture of the fund and a likely estimate for the future.

Senator McCarthy referred to the double social welfare payments. The sum of €10 for 40,000 people is a fair amount of money. I got a letter yesterday on the issue. I will make inquiries on the matter and get back to the Senator. He also referred to the report on the McCabe murder and Castlerea Prison. The Taoiseach answered that query yesterday in the other House. He was adamant about the matter. The Senator also referred to a man and an airline about which we cannot speak.