Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Brian Hayes raised the relevant issue of the election of Pope Benedict XVI, to whom I offer my congratulations. He echoed the Taoiseach's call that the Pope visit Ireland and reflect on all of the strands that make up mankind.

Senator O'Toole asked for a debate on immigration. The House received two reports on this matter last week from the Minister and they seem to be good. I take the Senator's point about giving time to allow for consultation with groups before statements are made in the House. He referred to urgent infrastructural projects which are being delayed. He asked that the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment come to the House to discuss the directors' compliance statement.

Senator Ryan asked for a debate on the health and safety statements relating to accident and emergency departments. He correctly stated that this is the business of management. The Tánaiste cannot personally move chairs away from doors. When I heard this report this morning I wondered who was responsible for putting chairs against doors. It is a disgraceful practice. We must depend on legal enforcement and good management. Senator Ryan also referred to Nairobi, European involvement in the small arms trade and the question of the sale of arms to China.

Senator Morrissey asked for a debate on benchmarking and referred to the IMPACT report. He asked that the Minister for Finance come to the House to explain whether departmental reforms will underpin benchmarking. I suspect that is explained in the small print.

Senator Feighan asked for a debate on immigration and the long delays experienced by those wishing to contact the Department's visa section. I am familiar with this problem also.

Senator Norris expressed his good wishes for Pope Benedict. It is a lovely name which means "blessed" and it is very fitting. The Senator also referred to hostels and to those who lost their lives in the hostel in Paris. They were mostly immigrants and their children.

Senator McCarthy wished the new Pope well in his job. Senator Quinn asked for a debate on the report of the Data Protection Commissioner. He also referred to fair trade and Comhlámh. I attended a fair trade coffee morning in Mullingar last Monday at which there was great praise for Senator Quinn in ensuring his stores stock fair trade coffee, tea, bananas and other products. The organisers observed that Superquinn is one of the few chains of stores that is effective in this regard. I congratulate Senator Quinn on this achievement.