Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I spoke not of Senators but of public representatives. That was the wording I used. However, they are fellows of the Senator.

Senator Ó Murchú wished to discuss the new planning guidelines. He has asked for a debate on them previously and we will seek to have the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Roche, attend the House. Senator Browne raised the home education grant to children who, for one reason or another, cannot attend a general educational facility. We could invite the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Hanafin. It would be a good matter for debate on the Adjournment, if the Senator does not mind my saying so.

Senator Bradford called for a debate on Sudan. As soon as next week's business has been completed, we will seek to hold one on Darfur. Senator Kitt raised the western rail line, as did Senator O'Toole and others last week. I believe that the report is to be published shortly, and as soon as we receive it, we will debate it.

Senator Paddy Burke called for a report on Aer Lingus. I might point out that the matter is not with the Minister. The Bill was to come before the House tomorrow morning. However, so many amendments have been tabled to the Criminal Law (Insanity) Bill 2002 that the Civil Service was unable to assemble it all for tomorrow morning, when it was to be dealt with. I have no difficulty in getting Ministers to attend the House. I do not mean that they are falling over themselves to do so, but I pursue them in the correct manner, as does my office.

Senator Feighan raised the issue of Aer Lingus and children taken into care. He seems to have a particular case in mind. Such matters, I have found from personal experience, make for very sensitive and delicate cases. When one considers it in the round and takes all the facts into account, there is no "one size fits all" solution. Individual cases have individual circumstances. I know the Senator will understand that point. They are very delicate and, while I know that the Senator would not do so, they do not warrant the immediate taking of sides. It is often the case that many matters are involved.

The Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2005 is of course on Committee Stage, so there are no set times for speaking. I mistakenly said that, but one speaks on an amendment.