Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Coghlan supported Senator Hayes and called for another debate on child care — we have had enough of them. He also asked the position on his Housing (Stage Payments) Bill 2004 and I will inquire about it.

Senator Ó Murchú also spoke about the proposed commemoration of 1916, that we commemorate the valour and the courage of those who fought in 1916 and agreed with Army participation.

Senator Ross agreed with the sentiments expressed on all sides in this House about commemorating 1916 but I gathered he thought it was announced in the wrong milieu. We think otherwise. He then raised the increase in personal debt per capita in Ireland to 160% and sought a debate on the matter.

Senator Mooney thought that it was out of a sense of pique that this debate about 1916 was being carried on by some people in the House. He then raised the statement about wiping out Israel, which we are told was made by the Iranian President, and asked that the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Dermot Ahern, make a strong statement about it.

Senator Terry asked the position on Seanad reform. We have had our meeting with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Roche, and the next one is scheduled. She put it against the background of questions to Ministers, which, as she will be aware, would require a constitutional referendum. If one reads the Constitution, Ministers are not accountable to the Seanad; they are to the Dáil. They come here when requested. I find the Adjournment debate, where one can get answers, is good. Introducing a process of questions to Ministers would require a constitutional amendment.

Senator Mansergh also spoke of commemorating 1916 and the intolerable statement by the President of Iran.

I agree with Senator McCarthy that the Labour Party is the oldest political party in Ireland and that is well recognised. He stated that the lack of all-party consultation was one of the real issues. Deputy Bertie Ahern is the Taoiseach of the country and he is the president of my party. He chose the occasion, therefore, to make that statement.

I did not understand Senator Hanafin's point. Maybe I was not listening sufficiently closely. He raised the need for legislation on child abuse and he is correct. He raised another matter, which I could not follow. As this is my fault not his, I will speak to him afterwards about it.

I did not know Senator Bradford tabled an Adjournment debate last week but he was prescient.