Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator McDowell urged solidarity with the people of Denmark. It is difficult, as he said, to take lectures from Tehran but wise and cool heads are needed, as is frankness. He also asked for a debate on the three reports on the tax reliefs that have been in place for a number of years. The Minister for Finance is to be commended because he said he would undertake a study into the reliefs and has done so. We can all read the reports.

Senator Leyden asked when the Registration of Wills Bill 2005 will reach Committee Stage. I wish I knew but I am worn out going down to the office of the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children to ask that question. I will go down again today but I have been given very short shrift so far.

Senator Leyden also asked for a debate on Palestine. He said the cartoons depicting the prophet Mohammed were blasphemous and a step too far, as has been the response. As far as I know the Danish newspapers offered an apology.