Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Finucance, acting leader of the Opposition, asked why better estimates were not available on issues which were to be settled by the taxpayer. He wondered how the PAC report has concluded that an extra €700 million has to be paid for the redress scheme than was originally estimated. That is a fair point and I do not know why it arises. It is the same with roads and other issues. I suppose the under-estimate is built on a hope that is not realised.

Senator O'Toole referred to the correlation between the rise in suicides and the rise in alcohol consumption. It is clear why that is the case. Young minds and bodies are not able for the excessive consumption of alcohol. It is a good topic for debate and we will arrange it on resumption after the break. Senator Ryan spoke about the responsibility within Departments. He asked that the EU services directive and competition policy in general be addressed in this House. It would interesting if the EU Commissioner came before the House to debate that. A Commissioner has been here before.

Senator Brennan spoke about the 24 stretches of dangerous road in Ireland and the safety implications of such roads. Senator Bannon took up that issue and listed some of those roads. The county councils have received adequate funding for such roads and the county councillors should harass their executives to ensure that the funding is spent well. Senator Ormonde also called for a debate on suicide, particularly as the lead up to the leaving certificate is a very difficult time for young people.

Senator Henry wondered what was happening in terms of the Gulfstream jet that lands in Shannon and demanded more information on it. Senator White spoke about the Travers report, which will be debated after the Order of Business. Senator Coghlan——