Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Bannon also called for a debate on crime, which I support.

Senator Ó Murchú called for a debate on the Gaeltacht and argued that members of Údarás na Gaeltachta were elected democratically. He welcomed the report from the commission investigating the Dublin and Monaghan bombings and the appointment of Mr. MacEntee as the Chair. However, the Senator stated that relatives of the victims should be given legal representation.

Senator Coghlan referred to the EU and the three months notice the Government has been given to put its house in order. He asked again about the Great Southern Hotels Group. It is quite clear that the Taoiseach, the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Deputy O'Donoghue, and the Minister for Transport, Deputy Cullen, are in favour of the retention of the Great Southern Hotels. Each of the three has said this. The Senator may tell his constituents there is great warmth for them in Government, or that section, at any rate.

Senator White raised the question of a missing persons unit. We had an interesting debate on that yesterday and it would be a good idea. She talked about women and flexible hours and the pilot, Jessica Starmer, the British Airways pilot. It would be somewhat difficult if her flexible hours came up in mid-flight. However, I take the Senator's point. Senator Feighan made an important point when he said both parents should be able to avail of flexible hours. The Parental Leave (Amendment) Bill 2004 was discussed in this House with the Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Fahey. Flexible hours would be delightful if we could all get them.