Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Henry raised MRSA and the paper which was given to the previous Minister for Health and Children. I hope to get the Tánaiste to come to the Seanad before the recess if legislative matters permit.

Senator Glynn said that the NRA should be directed in its road policy rather than make policy, which it appears to be doing in a random manner. Senator Coonan referred to MRSA and said that people awaiting tests in Dublin were advised not to go because of the danger of contracting the condition. He asked that automatic defibrillators be distributed to communities. He also welcomed the appointment of Professor Drumm.

Senator Quinn pointed out that the water in Tyrellstown is again contaminated and wondered if contamination occurs more often now or if it is due to better detection of the problem. I do not know the answer but I will endeavour to get the Minister to come to the Seanad to discuss it. Senator Bradford said there is a sense of despair in Irish agriculture and that young people are flocking away from it. However, in times of high economic activity young people tend to leave farming to take up the jobs available. Nevertheless, I agree there should be a debate on agriculture and I will invite the Minister to the House for it.

Senator Jim Walsh referred to the Morris tribunal and the nursing home scandals and suggested a debate on enhancing management capabilities and on value for money. It is difficult to get a Minister to take up that matter because it is not the remit of any single Minister. The Senator suggests it should be. We look forward to seeing the amendment to the Official Languages Act from Senator Coghlan and Senator O'Toole. Senator Coghlan issued a great rallying cry, which will be useful when we have that debate. Senator Lydon sought a debate on the European Union. We are not allowed to mention other matters.

Senator Feighan raised the beef overshoot and spoke about the need for compensation. I welcome his nice remarks about the Taoiseach. I did not like to see the headline referring to the "dirty hands" remark by Dr. Paisley. I will convey the Senator's good wishes and, in the interests of maintaining good relations, we will forget that Dr. Paisley made that nasty remark.