Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Am I not very good? The cost of the gowns was mentioned. While it is acceptable to say "gown", one may not use the other word.

Senator Ulick Burke raised the ESRI's report on school leavers. Even in the most perfect of systems, there will always be students who drop out. There will always be those who hear the sound of distant drums and wish to escape the confines of a classroom. That is as old as time.

Senator Feeney referred to the Stardust tragedy and the particularly poignant case of the four or five families who do not know where their children are buried. It is hard to imagine living with that for 25 years. Senator McCarthy called for RTE to be congratulated and I do so, as it did a fine job. He also requested that the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform come before the House to debate policing, which would be a good idea.

Senator Glynn discussed the denuding of canals and small lakes of fish, with people fishing from both banks. The new Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Browne, is returning to familiar territory in this respect. He has debated such issues in this House previously and I will ask him back. Senator Glynn also raised the issue of uninsured cars. On that subject, the cost of insurance has not fallen much this year. I do not know whether Members have noticed that although we were told it would fall dramatically, this has not happened.

Senator Feighan asked for a debate on drugs. I refute the notion that the Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Noel Ahern, is an À la carte Minister. Members are aware that he pays close attention to the drugs issue. However, I will ask him to come before the House.