Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Finucane, the Acting Leader of the Opposition, spoke passionately about the facts outlined in the NRA report. He made a good point that the Rules of the Road booklet is printed in English only, which is indicative of our view that everyone should speak English. It would be good if the booklet were translated into Polish, as is the case with reports in the Limerick Leader. The NRA report is a wake-up call. The problem of lorries overtaking cars on the road, which all of us have experienced, has been discussed in the House for a long time.

Senator O'Toole called for a debate on planning and asked when a Bill will be introduced on major infrastructural projects. The legislation in question features in section A of the Government's list of Bills for publication during this session. The Senator also seeks a debate on energy.

I join Senator Ryan in noting the death of Coretta Scott King, a woman of peace who could easily have become a bitter person given the manner of her husband's death. He also raised the NRA report on breaches of speed limits and seeks debates on immigration and the Swedish Government's decision to establish a committee to plan for the country's transformation into an oil-free economy over the next 15 years. Shivers run down our spines when we hear people refer to the diminishing role of oil. Its importance will not diminish but its price will rise so high that no one will be able to purchase it.

The Senator also asked when the House would debate legislation. We have pushed many Bills through the House and they are piled up in the Dáil, which is not dealing with them. I cannot force the other House to do its business. There is no way it will get through all the Bills waiting to be taken and if the Seanad processes further Bills, they will be added to the pile. We are trying to have decent debates. I wish the Dáil would do its business but it engages in much toing and froing, which often means legislation is not coped with. The Bill on the National, Social and Economic Development Office has just been passed in the Dáil and will be taken here next week.

Senator Cox raised the issue of the Great Southern Hotels. She said they have a history of tourism development and that we should not sell the family silver. Senator Ulick Burke spoke about lack of access to specialist health care, particularly to radiotherapy and cardiac treatment for which people have to travel considerable distances. He asked why Galway is ignored and requested that the Minister for Health and Children come to the House. Senator Morrissey also called for a debate on the Great Southern Hotels. He said the group owns a premium brand and should be performing powerfully in economic terms. Speaking on "Morning Ireland" Senator Morrissey took the view that the Cabinet had made the decision, but it has not.