Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Last week Senator Norris suggested setting up a cross-party committee of this House and subsequently wrote a letter to that effect. This is allowed for under the comhrú as we have it now. I asked the Assistant Clerk to the Seanad to give me information on that, which I have. If it suits the party leaders we can have a quick chat about this proposal after the Order of Business. We should do something about it because those of us who used to raise that topic were regarded as cranks, now those who do not bring it up are cranks.

With regard to the transport of US prisoners, all the evidence cannot be wrong. I always had an uneasy feeling about the rendition and torture but could not get any information, which might lead one to believe I am the crank but I do not think so now. The attack on sovereignty is the danger if Shannon Airport is being used in this process.

Senator Norris suggests we should obtain the right to investigate the aeroplanes in question but in many cases the horse has bolted. The United States will tighten up on this and Shannon will no longer be used. In Germany this morning there was an acrimonious debate between Ms Rice and Angela Merkel about the issue. I will report back to the Senator on the all-party committee when we have drafted its terms of reference.

Senator McHugh spoke about VAT exemptions for artists from Northern Ireland coming to Letterkenny to ply their trade. He also said that according to a man who spoke about this in a programme on RTE, there was no FÁS intervention at Fruit of the Loom. The Senator will furnish further information on that issue.

Senator Bannon spoke about the fixing of car prices and requested a debate on the pensions crisis. The Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Deputy Brennan, will come to the House to talk about that issue. Senator Bannon also made a last minute plea to the Minister of Finance for reductions on diesel and petrol duty in the budget. The prices have gone down today. It is cheaper to fill one's tank than it has been for some time.

Senator Henry spoke about child protection officers and the report of the Irish Prison Service. Hopefully, we will receive that when it is published. Senator Coghlan requested a report on the inventory of State assets and a debate on decentralisation. He asked that the Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Deputy Parlon, come to the House to answer questions on both matters. I am sure he would be very pleased to do so. He does come here.