Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I do not know what else they can do but I hope the controversy dies down.

Senator Coghlan agreed with his acting leader that a balanced understanding of the Muslim community here was necessary. He also criticised Dr. Paisley.

Senator Ó Murchú was a well of common sense, as always. He asked what the media means by freedom of expression and said we often have to engage and then pull back from the barricades. Senator Norris claimed that the matter arose in September and that the cartoons were catalysts. We all agree with freedom of expression but a balance must be found.

Senator Norris also raised the issue of licensing laws and the article in The Sunday Tribune concerning an underage reporter who was served in various off-licenses, which made for salutary reading. Senator Jim Walsh noted that moderate Muslim leaders should be praised and called for a debate on the Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland.

Senator Tuffy called for a debate on a new children's hospital. Senator Feeney correctly claimed that one state-of-the-art hospital for sick children is good news. Children and parents rather than issues of injured pride or geographical dislocation must take precedence in the debate. When Professor Drumm spoke on the matter on Friday, he said that two months will be needed before arriving at a decision. A debate on the matter may be useful but I fear we will all hold partisan viewpoints. As Senator Feeney noted, the hospital is for the entire country, not only for Dublin. The Senator also commended everyone who raised funds for hospitals over the years. We have all attended events and given money where it was needed.

Senator Ulick Burke raised the issue of the withdrawal of all taxation incentives and mentioned the rural renewal scheme. He wants a debate to be held on the Border, midlands and western region. I read the editorial in question and felt like saying that one cannot have it every way. I do not say this with the Senator in mind but with regard to the way in which the editorial was couched.

By having reports compiled on all the renewal schemes in order to determine whether they are fulfilling the aims for which they were introduced, the Minister for Finance, Deputy Cowen, is doing as he promised. Those of us who come from rural Ireland believe they have brought employment and revitalisation. There is a good guide in the newspaper in question describing the schemes that best achieved their purposes. The Senator discussed the scheme for the upper River Shannon region, which should be renewed and I concur with Senator Moylan's comments on the lower River Shannon.

Senator Moylan called for an audit of the school bus fleet. We all had a shock when we learned of the young girl who was lucky to escape from a fire in time. The Senator also sought a debate on the licensing laws.

Senator Cummins said that rather than spending money on translations into Irish of huge annual reports, funds would be better directed at promoting the language. He also described the need for a close examination of the tax schemes, a need which the Minister, Deputy Cowen, is addressing. That is not to say, however, that every scheme was unnecessary or did not fulfil its purpose.

The Minister has conducted three reviews, which are available for reading, and we can see which areas received the greatest benefits. When many of the schemes were introduced, Ireland was a different and more depressed country, with high levels of unemployment in the regions. We are living in a different era now, which is to be greatly welcomed.