Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I suggest the Senator consults the relevant Seanad debate. I remember distinctly the previous Minister stating here that any overhanging debt at Cork and Shannon would be subsumed into Dublin. It is on the record of the House. As Senator Ryan suggested, we should get clarification. If the debt is subsumed into Dublin, it will place a heavy burden on the airport and make things very difficult for it.

Senator Ryan referred also to the 13 Seanad Bills on the Dáil Order Paper, which we seek every day to have expedited. He referred also to Dr. Mudawi Ibrahim Adam who was to receive a Front Line award in Dublin for his work in Darfur. If the leaders of the groupings in the House were to gather after the Order of Business, we could draft an appropriate all-party motion on the matter and send it immediately to seek his release.

Senator Leyden also spoke about suicide and raised the matter of assisted suicide. They are different matters and it is not up to us to judge why a person should seek that way out. The Senator praised the Fine Gael Party for taking so great an interest in the matter. He also asked me to invite President Bill Clinton to the Chamber and the Cathaoirleach properly said that was a matter for the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. We are meeting the committee today. I do not hold out much hope that the President will come, but we can certainly ask him.

Senator Finucane called for a debate on transport and driver testing. Fine Gael moved a Private Members' motion on the issue previously, which led to a very good debate. Senator Finucane said the lack of regulation of driving schools should be addressed, though some of them operate a loose arrangement. The need for greater regulation of driving schools was noted.

Senator Lydon called for a debate on Iraq and raised the threat posed by the Crisis Pregnancy Agency to the continued funding of CURA. CURA, in joining the grant assistance scheme, must comply with certain criteria. The Crisis Pregnancy Agency and CURA both provide valuable services.

Senator Norris raised the case of Dr. Mudawi Ibrahim Adam, the ongoing issues in Iraq and the visit by Members to Argentina. He is in favour of travel by Members to gain international perspectives but noted the belligerent tone of a recent radio interview on the subject.

Senator Dooley called for a debate on assisted suicide. We have no process for intervention in Switzerland's legal policies. Senator Bannon raised the issue of heroin use and called for improved drug education services. He was correct to claim that drug dealers are similar to evil thieves in the night. They rob people of money, health and faculties.

Senator Morrissey and other Members had an enlightening meeting with the Fingal county manager. The Senator remarked that all roads lead to the terminal. Senator Coghlan discussed Cork Airport, the debt of which is to be transferred to the Dublin Airport Authority. While, on learning of this matter, I believed Dublin would be crippled by the increased burden, I realise that Cork might also be affected if its debt is not transferred. I am amused by allegations that Cork Airport has gold-plated facilities. Cork should have a good airport.