Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Many contributors this morning spoke about suicide, on which we had a debate on 27 February 2003. As it has been two years since then and in light of everything that has happened since, we will endeavour to schedule another debate. I note that many speakers said they wanted the debate to be informed and coherent. Senator Brian Hayes referred to the national debate on suicide seven years ago, since when, sadly, many deaths have occurred. He called for a rolling debate as events develop, which sounds like a good idea. Hopefully, deaths will not multiply.

The appointment of 60 additional driver testers was noted and it was suggested that opening hours at test centres should be extended. I said yesterday, inadvertently, that less money was being awarded in insurance claims. Senator O'Toole said as vice-chairman of the PIAB that costs and administration are lower, but awards are not. The Senator was pleased to note that the additional driver testers will be public servants.

Senator Ryan referred to the €160 million debt at Cork Airport. The previous Minister for Transport said the debt would be taken over by Dublin Airport.