Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Brian Hayes spoke about the carnage in County Meath yesterday and that is the only way to describe it. I propose to have a minute's silence at the end of my reply, if the Chair is amenable. It is very sad to think of those five young girls, four of whom attended the same school. The Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Hanafin, visited the schools last night, having cancelled a planned trip to Brussels. I am sure she is overwhelmed by the grief of the people, as are we all.

Senator Brian Hayes also asked for a debate on Northern Ireland, which would be appropriate. However, we may be under time constraints because we want to devote as much of our time as possible to the Disability Bill.

Senator O'Toole made the point that there was no template in place to help those in schools to cope with such a crisis. It would be possible to have the shape of a template on how to deal with such a situation, but a lot depends on the character and strength of individual pupils and their families as to how they cope. There is a template for the emergency services and, as SenatorCummins pointed out, they responded to the situation with great alacrity.

Senator O'Meara joined in the expressions of sympathy. She wants a debate on taxation, in particular with regard to inequities — I did not see the "Prime Time" programme which highlighted these. She also asked whether the Minister for Health and Children would come to the House. We have asked her and if time allows we will have her here.

Senator Minihan expressed his sympathy to the families and wider community devastated by the tragedy. I listened to the Loreto nun on the radio this morning and it was an awful story to have to hear. The Senator agrees we should have a debate on Northern Ireland.

Senator Finucane mentioned the march tomorrow to highlight dissatisfaction with the Disability Bill. He wants a debate on special needs, particularly with regard to rural schools whose students have special needs.

Senator Ormonde supports Senator O'Toole's call for professional counselling for those affected by the tragedy. Every help should be given. The nun I heard on the radio spoke about what would be done and mentioned what the Minister for Education and Science said would be available. She said they would work together on a professional plan for the young people.

Senator Norris expressed sympathy to all involved. He raised the matter of special schools. This tragedy did not concern a special school transport issue. I know everybody has something to say about school transport, but this was not a very old bus and there was a seat for every pupil on it.