Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Brian Hayes, the Leader of the Opposition, raised the issue of the Stardust, which is on everyone's lips and in everyone's hearts over the past number of days, particularly since the weekend. It was heartbreaking to view the programmes on RTE and consider the young boys and girls who went out with their hair slicked back and full of life and joy to have a good night, but who never returned. It is a story that has stayed in people's minds because of the enormity and horror involved. Last night I watched the simple people talking about their children, the hurt still so evident in them.

Senator Hayes asked whether there is a way to re-open the case. The Taoiseach said if there is new evidence, he would be in favour of doing that. The Senator also asked for closure. I agree with Senator O'Toole in that it must be asked how could one ever find closure in one's heart having lost one's children in such an horrific way, but I take the Senator's point.

I listened carefully to what the Taoiseach said yesterday on this issue because I knew it would come up today. He and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform would be willing to meet people if the debate can be intensified and if new technology and new ways of looking at things are available. Surely after 25 years, matters have changed and there is some way to do that. However, the Taoiseach and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform are open to meeting people concerned and to looking at the case again if there is new evidence. Senator Brian Hayes also said the planning authority had granted a licence for a pub on the same site. I could not believe people would be so crass as to seek such a licence.

Senator O'Toole was right to seek a debate on the fire service. I cannot believe that with the increase in the population, the size of the service has remained the same. We should have a debate on it and get the facts. The Senator asked if we could get detail on what the Government plans for the 90th anniversary of the 1916 Rising. Perhaps the Taoiseach might come to the House to speak about it. That would be useful and I will endeavour to arrange that.

Senator O'Meara called for a review of all the material on the Stardust fire. That is interesting because I listened to her party leader yesterday and this morning in the other House and that is what he put forward. It sounded sensible because it echoed something the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform said, that is, rather than hold another tribunal, we should look at the material in another way. The Senator commended RTE for its programmes on the matter, something with which I concur. RTE performed a wonderful feat of public sector broadcasting.

Senator O'Meara also referred to the report on early school leavers, which I had marked out. We should have a debate on that issue. She also talked about the pivotal role of pre-school education and that it can have an ongoing, long-term effect on education for young people.

Senator Ormonde raised the issues of the Stardust fire and the ERSI report. She highlighted the role of FÁS interlinking with industry and keeping a tab on early school leavers and perhaps trying to forestall them from leaving. Even if, as Senator McHugh said, they are not going to jobs in manufacturing, there are many worthwhile courses on which they get a training allowance at the end of the week. I suppose many of them say they are not too interested in geometry, geography or whatever and that perhaps they will attend such courses to get the training allowance. There are many issues in what I am sure is a complex matter but we will seek to debate it.

Senator Finance raised the issue of the Dublin Port tunnel and requested that the Minister come to the House. We could do with some elucidation on that point. The situation seems to be going from bad to worse.

Senator Mooney referred to the recent remarks by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform at the RTE lecture in UCD, which I found interesting. The Minister is charged with the debate on the media and legislation. The Senator also called for a debate on Palestine.

Senator Norris raised the issue of the Stardust fire and the interpretation of the evidence. What has changed is the interpretation of the evidence 25 years ago and now. That would feed into the review of papers which have been amassed since then.

The Senator also asked that the new Minister of State with responsibility for fisheries come to the House. I am sure he would like to do so and he will be welcome. Senator Norris also asked about the budget for the 1916 commemoration and from whence it will come. I understand it will come from the Department of the Taoiseach but I do not suppose it has been drawn up yet. We will, however, have a commemoration.

Senator Jim Walsh raised the issue of public service broadcasting. He also requested a report on the role of the Judiciary. I will not use the word he used.