Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator White has left the Chamber to join her sister and her school group. She asked for a debate on ageism and referred to a report on the perception of age in regard to health and social policy. She also called for free breast screening to be extended to women over the age of 64.

Senator Norris called for a debate on Iraq. We have requested this from the Department of Foreign Affairs every week but we will try to have it next week. I love George Galloway's voice, regardless of his activities. The US Senators look rather foolish in this matter.

Senator Norris also mentioned the number of killings in Dublin which he says are the legacy of the republican community. His request for a Seanad hearing with the sisters of Robert McCartney will be submitted to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges.

Senator Maurice Hayes echoed the call for a debate on ageism. He would also like to hear a report of the deliberations at the Council of Europe. That would be useful and we might invite the Taoiseach to speak on those. He called particularly for a debate on the European Court of Human Rights which is an essential part of the Council of Europe.

Senator Bradford asked that we do everything in our power to facilitate the passage of the valuable legislation, proposed by Senators McCain and Kennedy, to help the illegal Irish community in the United States.

If Senator Cox said no more than she has already said today she will have made a mark. I agree that elderly people with life assurance policies are being cruelly treated. The most vulnerable people have the greatest fear, yet need have no fear.

I receive many calls from women saying their husbands put ten shillings or £1 a week into the policies yet they are receiving these letters. I understood only those who had invested a lump sum in a policy would receive these letters. That is not so, and it appears the people to whom these letters are sent are picked at random. Well done to Senator Cox for raising the matter. I will pass on that point to the Department of Finance, or directly to the Revenue Commissioners.

Senator O'Meara spoke about the administration of the health services and the fact that we have had no debate on the business plan for the Health Service Executive and its capital funding. Senator Ormonde agrees with Senator Cox's remarks about the letters sent to elderly people about their life assurance policies.

Senator Ulick Burke supports Senator White's remarks on discrimination against elderly people and called for the introduction of measures to enable them to stay in their own homes.

Senator Mansergh talked about accountable democracy, a topic on which I fully agree with him. He said that certain Senators mention particular hospitals in their areas and seek funding for them. Advocacy will always be a proper part of our business. I did not catch everything Senator Mansergh said, which I regret.