Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

We are hoping to have the debate on waste next week.

Senator Ryan referred to the Taoiseach speaking in Madrid on language policy. It is great the Taoiseach is talking about this issue but I did not like the comments from France listing all the other languages it has. Senator Ryan also raised the issue of divorce in the context of harmonisation of EU law and credited Senator Terry, who had raised it previously. Many people who voted in favour of divorce were reassured by the fact that couples had to be separated for four years before divorce. I am not moralising as I was a supporter of divorce. Many people crossed the line and voted in favour of divorce because of this reassurance. Divorce was not rushed and there could be a period of reflection. I have seen cases where that has helped. The idea that we have to harmonise our laws is something we need to debate. I do not think there is enough substance to warrant a two-hour debate but perhaps it can be linked to another issue. We could also link it with a special European day.

Senator also Ryan referred to paying €55 for lying on a trolley. This is not just excessive but wrong when one has not yet had access to the hospital ministrations. Senator Kitt raised the matter of the State Pathologist and notes that doctors have drivers when they are on night calls. The Senator also raised the status of the Irish language. Senator Coghlan also referred to the case of the State Pathologist. I will contact the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform this morning. Senator Mansergh raised the issues of the State Pathologist and divorce.

Senator McCarthy mentioned quotes for insurance. Although everyone is trying to claim credit it is the legislation the Tánaiste brought in that lowered insurance premiums. Telephoning insurance companies to compare rates leads to a reduction in premiums. Last year I called several companies and got a reduction. I told the House it was €250. One company called me back one year later even though I had not contacted it since. It promised me a much lower quote. The companies are in the market for customers.

Senator Ó Murchú wished the Taoiseach well in Spain. Senator Ulick Burke raised the matter of the isolation, restriction and stress of the State Pathologist. The Senator also referred to the charge for hospital trolleys. Senator Brennan referred to insurance costs and the Tánaiste, and Senator Terry wants a debate on the State Pathologist, the custody of children and the harmonisation of EU law regarding divorce. Senator Mooney pointed out that EU directives might be interfering in domestic policy and questioned whether the EU had competence in this area. The point was raised by either Senator Ryan or Senator O'Toole that voters feel disconnected from Europe. No matter what way the question of divorce is resolved voters will feel increasingly disconnected.

Senator Bannon referred to water pollution and group water schemes.