Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Brian Hayes, the Leader of the Opposition, sent his good wishes to the British Prime Minister. I will telephone Mr. Blair's office to pass on our congratulations. Senator Hayes argued that the task ahead is to ensure the complete conclusion of the peace process. He regretted the fact that Mr. DavidTrimble, who always sought to uphold the middle ground, lost his seat.

I dealt with Mr. Trimble during my involvement with the North-South bodies and he was a very fine contributor who had some excellent ideas. I always had time for him and I too am sorry he was not re-elected. There is no doubt he suffered because of various other matters outside of his control. However, he took his defeat graciously and in very good spirit.

Senator Brian Hayes also asked about the stand-off between the McBrearty family and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. I suggest that is a matter for the Morris tribunal.

Senator O'Toole expressed satisfaction that a review of the Marino Institute of Education is under way. I am also pleased with that development. The Senator went on to express the view that decommissioning will not happen. Mr.Trimble referred to decommissioning as one of the reasons the ground beneath him shifted so much.

Senator O'Toole also raised the matter of the garda in Carrickmacross who was thrown off a bridge. We will debate law and order issues tomorrow and that matter can be addressed then.

Senator Ryan rejected the use of the word "alleged" in reference to the murder of Robert McCartney by the IRA. I note the word only appeared in reports this morning. The Senator asserted emphatically that Robert McCartney was murdered by the IRA. I agree with Senator Ryan that we could usefully debate Sellafield in the House.

Like Senator Ryan, I have requested information from the Refugee Appeals Tribunal on numerous occasions regarding the reasons for its decisions. The tribunal does not issue such information, but it would be useful to have an explanation as to how it operates.

Senator Dardis referred to the British Prime Minister, Mr. Blair, and to Northern Ireland. He also raised the matter of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board which has published its determinations on compensation rates, which are much lower than they were in the past. All Members welcome that development.

Senator Finucane asked me to invite the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to the House to debate law and order issues.

Senator Ó Murchú referred to the turnout in the elections in Northern Ireland. It is true that many issues remain unresolved, for example, the cases of Pat Finucane, Robert Hamill andRosemary Nelson. The Senator called for a full debate on such issues.

Senator Quinn requested a debate on the report of the Inspector of Prisons and places of detention and on the discontinuation of the Connect project. Senator Mansergh agreed with Senator Brian Hayes's remarks on the British Prime Minister, Mr. Tony Blair. He also wishes the House to send its appreciation to the former Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Mr. Paul Murphy, who was a person who did Ireland proud. Mr. David Trimble's UUP and the SDLP bore the heat of the day when the going was tough. Senator Mansergh also joined in welcoming the Tasmanian delegation and said we should be able to adopt an international perspective without being snapped at our ankles anytime we ventured outside Leinster House.

Senator Coghlan referred to Aer Rianta International but I missed something of what he said. I think it was to the effect that the company might take over the hotels.