Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Brian Hayes raised the issue of PPARS and asked for an explanation of the Tánaiste's statement that lessons must be learned from this debacle. She means that it must not happen again, it is a straightforward remark.

The Senator raised another valid point, supported by many other Senators, on the misuse of accident and emergency departments by people who are very inebriated. Why should they get the same treatment as those who have come in with a medical problem? This issue was raised before but the idea of separating the two groups was not feasible. Everyone should be helped but a common sense approach might involve their paying a hefty sum for treatment or their having to wait their turn because their injuries are self-inflicted.

Senator O'Toole said such people should be put in a wet room. He also mentioned random breath testing but there are constitutional difficulties in that regard.

The Senator asked about placenames and the costs of translating documents that must be published under the Official Languages Act. There was an interesting argument between Senator O'Toole and Senator Ryan, who said we must pay the cost if we are going to pretend to have an affection for and interest in the language.

Senator O'Toole also asked if the Government knew when it was helping the Colombia three what it knows now. I believe it did not. The Department of Foreign Affairs will always try to help those in difficulty abroad, that is its remit. I will inquire, however, because great efforts were made by the Department. The Senator also mentioned trucks. We have all been passed by trucks on the road so they are breaking the speed limits.

Senator Brady mentioned the peppering of local pubs with bullets and the fact that before long there will be a death as a result. I will ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to come into the House to debate this after the recess.

Senator Finucane asked about PPARS, saying that if it happened in the private sector, heads would roll. Senator Glynn raised the issue of accident and emergency departments and the misuse of psychiatric units. He also mentioned the Garda, which has done well with recent drug seizures but it needs more intelligence.

Senator Norris mentioned Iraq and the American aeroplanes passing through Shannon Airport. I am meeting the Minister for Foreign Affairs at 5.15 p.m. so I suggest we meet in the ante room at 5.45 p.m.

Senator Ó Murchú pointed out that the Official Languages Act had only been in place for a short time and that Irish will soon have official status in the European Union. We should invite the Minister into the House to discuss how far he has come with the Act and how it is being implemented.

Senator Ulick Burke raised illegal dumping in east Galway, particularly Eyrecourt. He said that the Kilkenny site should have been used but people are now dumping in Eyrecourt, affecting public and animal health. Senator Kitt also raised the dumping of sludge in east Galway

Senator Ormonde agreed with the comments about the misuse of accident and emergency departments by people who have brought their afflictions upon themselves and commented on the issue of heavy trucks.

Senator McHugh is perfectly entitled to raise issues of concern in Donegal. We all have interests we like to flaunt from time to time. Mr. Peter Hain, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, unveiled an ambitious road plan and the Senator would like to see the Government meet that plan.

Senator Henry spoke about spina bifida, calling for a review of the report on the issue and Senator Daly called for a debate on Alzheimer's disease. There will be an opportunity to discuss it this evening and I hope he will be able to take part in it.

Senator Bannon spoke about bureaucrats ruling the land and the application of the Freedom of Information Act to land deals. There was a hue and cry in this House last night because Senator Bannon did not turn up for his Adjournment debate.