Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Finucane raised the matter of the 350 people killed on the roads. It is a constitutional issue. The Taoiseach has expressed deep discomfort and annoyance at the length of time it is taking to work through the issues involved. As the Senator says, if there is a need for an amendment to the Constitution, let us get on with it. He says the matter should be treated seriously and he welcomes the Supreme Court judgment.

Senator Mansergh spoke in general measured terms as a former public servant, which provided an interesting context to his views. Senator Norris mentioned the important debate last night. I very much regret I was not back from the midlands in time to participate. I intend to read the Official Report, however. I had not seen the Channel 4 programme to which he referred. It appears that if a particular date, flight identity number, etc., is in the public domain, there is no excuse for not moving on it. The Senator asked me to continue to monitor this issue as regards the "Guantanamo express" and I will do so.