Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

He asked for a roll-over system to be introduced for the SSIAs. I will try to arrange a debate on the SSIAs.

Senator Quinn asked for a debate on the Prisons Bill. He noted that two out of three prisoners reoffend. He said that if this was the situation in education or health there would be a furore. I will ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to come back to the House.

Senator Minihan referred to the issue of nursing home charges, which gave rise to debate here. He said that a particular party was peddling exemplary damages.

Senator Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Transport to debate the proposals for driver testing. He suggests testers could be transferred from other Departments. Senator Mooney referred to Senator Dick Marty and to our relationship with the United States.

Senator O'Toole asked for a debate on the nursing home charges and the action for exemplary damages. He does not agree with the proposal that civil servants should deal with the issue of exemplary damages. Senator Ó Murchú stated he admired the Tánaiste's courage in taking on the health portfolio and that the patient is the most important person in this debate.

Senator Coghlan asked for a debate on the Great Southern Hotels which I am trying to facilitate. I am pleased the major infrastructure Bill will appear on the Order Paper of this House. It will be a very interesting debate because there are strong arguments on both sides. It will be on the Order Paper in March.

Senator Glynn is the Government spokesperson on health. He lauded the work of the Tánaiste and raised the matter of gardaí travelling to discos. I did not know they are doing so but I suppose it is a good idea.

Senator Bannon is of the opinion that the Tánaiste has let us down. He raised the matter of tourism in rural areas. Senator Dooley spoke about rendition. I agree with his point that the county councillors have a right to come here because they are elected public representatives. People often bring in groups of graduates. I have seen Senator Ross on occasions accompanied by a group of graduates.