Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

The acting leader of the Opposition, Senator Finucane, referred to the short notice that the Fine Gael spokesperson received in respect of the motion on the Offences against the State Act 1998. The schedule for the week was issued Thursday two weeks ago and again on last Friday. It was indicated on both schedules that this motion would be debated today. The fact that the motion is now the first rather than the second item for debate should make no difference. It is ludicrous to suggest that the Fine Gael spokesperson would not have enough time to study the motion and I expect the spokesperson to make wise and interesting statements on the matter.

Senator Finucane also raised the issue of the NRA's approach to service stations. The NRA has handled the issue in a brazen manner. Following the Order of Business yesterday I contacted the authority and left a message that we were very annoyed about what had happened, particularly with regard to the interview given by the NRA spokesman on RTE radio when he made it clear that there would be no service stations on motorways and that motorists would have to go into towns and villages for rest breaks. Now, the authority is saying there will be service stations on motorways and that it is negotiating to acquire sites. This is an amazing volte-face.

Senator Finucane also raised the issue of the European constitution and said there should be a reflective phase for other nations and that the constitution should be parked for a period. I agree with the Senator's argument. Senator Finucane also called for a debate on agriculture. I agree that we should endeavour to get the Minister for Agriculture and Food to come to the House for a short period. There is strong pressure on time in terms of legislation but we should endeavour to get the Minister here for a short debate.

Senator O'Toole referred to the Constitution and how the country is called Éire as Gaeilge and Ireland in English, which is a fair argument. He spoke about how President de Valera introduced this provision in the 1937 Constitution. I was told about the debate here last night and I heard a good portion of it. The Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs suggested that the two estimable Members bring forward an amendment to the Official Languages Act.