Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Brian Hayes mentioned last night's "Prime Time Investigates", which investigated restrictive practices, price fixing and the existence of a cartel in the car industry and was watched by many in this House. The uncovering of the existence of this cartel is a credit to the team which produced this programme. Senator Brian Hayes asked whether the Competition Authority needs more resources. I understand that the files in question have been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions. It was disturbing to see how people could be so easily ripped off and how easily price cartels could be assembled to treat consumers in such an unfair fashion. This House should attempt to follow up the matter.

Senator Hayes also inquired about the coroners review board. I met with Deputy Rabbitte this morning and he brought the Bill to my attention. I had already read the Bill, which aims to rectify a situation relating to parents and young children who were treated in Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin. In the current restrictive set-up, only two medical personnel are allowed to testify at the Coroner's Court. Deputy Rabbitte told me that he has agreed with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform that the matter will be debated and dealt with expeditiously in the Dáil tomorrow and asked me whether the matter could be debated in the same fashion in this House. We will monitor the Bill's progress through the Dáil over the coming days.

Senator O'Toole spoke about the recent statement by the US Secretary of State, Dr. Condoleezza Rice, which I also found appalling. He also addressed the role and training of school child protection officers, with which I am unfamiliar. I did not know that school child protection officers would be certified by the National University of Ireland, Maynooth. I am sure these developments are for the best, although they are slightly odd. It appears there has been a rush to introduce arrangements to ensure children's safety in schools. The Minister for Education and Science should come to the House to tell us more about the role and training of school child protection officers. I agree that mandatory reporting and the Stay Safe programme would be far more useful but we must wait and monitor developments.

Senator Tuffy spoke about price fixing in the car industry. She also argued that our sovereignty is endangered if CIA flights transporting detainees to other countries for torture or ill treatment or secret US flights land at Shannon Airport. However, we do not know if this is true. I tabled an Adjournment motion on the matter approximately one month ago but received a very vague reply. We need some method of dealing with the array of developments regarding this issue.

Senator Tuffy also spoke about a letter she received from SIPTU concerning the situation of workers at the Comerama textile plant in Castlecomer and the assurances given to them. I think every Member received this letter. The matter should be debated on the Adjournment.

I agree with Senator Minihan's call for the strengthening of the powers of the Competition Authority. He also spoke about the possible existence of cartels in the cement industry. We all knew about the existence of cartels in this industry but not those in the car industry until we watched "Prime Time Investigates" last night. I agree that we should show our concern about the situation in Iraq. Concern has certainly been expressed about it for a long time.

Senator Mansergh argued that the remit of the Private Security Authority should cover debt collection. He also argued that industry has a duty to keep prices down and that as Aer Lingus was resuming freight services, Irish Rail should do likewise, which I agree with. Senator Mansergh also stated that international law should be fully respected.

Senator Ross also commented on price fixing in the car industry and I compliment him on his performance in last night's edition of "Prime Time Investigates".