Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Coghlan called for debates on pensions and the forthcoming work permits legislation. The Senator was present yesterday when I asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to bring the legislation to the House. There is a legislative meeting today during which this matter can be aired.

Senator Ó Murchú thought it ungenerous of young people to berate their teachers. The website was started in the UK and those who advertise on the site are doing so because it is viewed often. Nothing can be done about this. Senator Norris asked for a debate on future transport policy, such as the metro and other matters concerning the millions of euro to be invested. He also commented on the war in Iraq and was correct in saying we have not had an up-to-date debate, particularly in view of the British Attorney General's report on the matter, which mentioned illegality.

I remember the day I said in this House that the war in Iraq was illegal. I felt the world falling on top of me in condemnation but we only saw the tip of the iceberg. Senator Norris also gave us some interesting facts. I did not know the Chief Herald of Ireland had devised the EU flag and that this is its 50th anniversary.

Senator MacSharry called for an urgent debate on the Marino Institute of Education and pointed out that the shortfall in local government funding is being made up by increased business rates. This is the case in every local authority. I often feel this is not fair on business ratepayers who are asked to supply far more than the consumer price index increases.

Senator Terry has been hammering at the pensions issue for some time and she spoke about the private and public sectors. Senator Feeney spoke about the research by Trinity College, Dublin, showing that young pregnant women who drink run a risk of abnormalities in their children. The Senator asked for another debate on youth drinking.

Senator McHugh raised the issue of the indigenous construction industry, about which he has often spoken. Senator Kenneally spoke about cancer care and what is occurring with Waterford Crystal in Dungarvan. We made the point yesterday that the scale of job losses in so small an area is significant and I can only imagine what it is like. Senator Cummins also raised this issue yesterday but I thank Senator Kenneally, as I know he is involved. Senator Quinn mentioned that under the old Connect project, the recidivist rate was only 5% compared with 70% among other prisoners. This arose from a report on prison visits. The Senator called for a debate on the report.

Senator Cummins asked why the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has refused to go to the annual conference of the Prison Officers Association. Whether he goes is the Minister's business. I do not keep his diary but the Senator can be sure he has a good reason. If the Senator goes——