Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I thank Senator Brian Hayes, but I will direct a letter to Senator Browne.

I will have great fun replying to all the voluble Members who raised so many items. Senator Brian Hayes asked that we have a debate on tolling immediately but the Minister for Transport, Deputy Cullen, is taking questions in the Dáil. The Whip confirmed that the Minister is still answering questions there. No matter what powers I have, I cannot lift the Minister out of the Dáil and plonk him here in the way Senator Brian Hayes proposed.

Senator O'Toole asked about the partnership talks. I telephoned the Secretary General at the Department of the Taoiseach — we do not normally name such individuals — this morning about that matter. He thought it a good idea that the Seanad debate and come to a conclusion on a synthesis of the three reports. I hope to arrange that debate next week on the NESF and other reports next week.

I welcome back Senator Browne.