Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

On previous occasions, I found it very upsetting that so few Senators were in the Chamber when an MEP was present, especially after we had gone to so much trouble to make the arrangements. If we are to have a European day, it would be appropriate if all Senators, including those who have asked this morning for a debate on European matters, were present in the House. However, I appreciate that it is a matter for individual Senators.

Senator Brian Hayes made the case for a State driver being assigned to the State Pathologist, Dr. Marie Cassidy. While I did not hear the interview with Dr. Cassidy yesterday, I heard excerpts from it on "Morning Ireland" this morning. It was very forthright. As the comments I have heard on the matter are not very clear, I will speak about it directly to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

Senator Hayes also spoke about the 90th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings. He mentioned that 3,500 Irish people were killed during the battle that followed. Our understanding of history tells us that the strategic military decision that was made in that instance was wrong. The Senator raised the matter in the context of the possibility of including Turkey in an enlarged EU. I hope to hear the views of Irish MEPs on the matter when they come to the House. I do not know whether Senators recall an appalling scene that was shown in a news report on a Sunday evening approximately two months ago. The report showed the Turkish police beating approximately 150 Turkish women who were protesting.