Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Hayes raised the new practice of cherry-picking students of second level schools. Though there may be an entrance examination for the school, another examination is set so the school can thoroughly examine their entrants. This practice is despicable. The article in The Irish Times was interesting because it was to the point. A student may have potential but not academic honours. That student should be catered for and teachers are available for such exigencies. Some schools seek to develop a class culture whereby only an elite will attend. In turn, students at these schools will achieve the best results. It is a terrible educational path and we are due a visit from the Minister for Education and Science, which I will endeavour to arrange.

Senator Brian Hayes referred to the Ferns report and the debate on this will take place in two weeks. Senator Hayes also referred to a debate on the road safety report. The Senator also questioned if the Ludlow family knew this report would issue. I will verify this though I am sure the family did know. I cannot conceive of the family not being aware of the report on a loved one going to committee and being issued. I will make inquiries on this matter.

Senator Henry sought an update on the situation in Ethiopia from the Minister for Foreign Affairs. She also raised a question about the transfer of prisoners legislation, but it is said that such prisoners are outside the rules of war at Shannon Airport. I fail to see why, however, and stonewalling was what I received in the reply. Everybody has endeavoured through various conduits to obtain a proper answer about what is happening there, but none of us has been able to do so. I just do not know what is happening and I am at the end of my tether. I thought the Adjournment debate might yield some useful answers, but it did not.

Senator Ryan spoke about inequality in Ireland and said that some of the prisoners are being helped by aspirant EU countries. He also sought a debate on telecommunications. The difficulty is that Eircom will not unbundle the local loop, which is the last half mile. The company has been at that for the past seven years, but will not unbundle the local loop. It is like a mantra but I do not see why it cannot do so. It will have to do it because the regulator is going to pounce any day now. Eircom thinks it should not have to unbundle the loop, but it will have to under European law.

Senator Morrissey has unbridled enthusiasm for the Transport 21 plan, while Senator Norris is invigorated about it. We will be having a debate on that plan and I expect to see both Senators in full voice on that occasion. Senator Morrissey made the point, which I think is fair, that various operators should co-operate. He does not want different modes of transport running on the one street. Senator Tuffy is in the happy position, as she told us yesterday, that she will have four modes of transport in Lucan.