Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Politicians try to update the registers. They give copies of the register to their cumann and when they know people are turning 18, they are put on it. However, it is chaotic, hit and miss, unstructured and it is not done correctly. The register will be updated once more following the recent update and that will be our last opportunity. A shape would need to be put on the registers over the coming months following the publication of the most recent version, which is the second last before the election.

Senator Henry referred to another anniversary of the invasion of Iraq and she called for a debate on this. We sought a debate this week.

Senator Ó Murchú suggested we should purchase the original copy of Amhrán na bhFiann immediately and that perhaps a wealthy benefactor who has benefited from business here would purchase it for the State.

Senator Bradford agreed with the suggestion of the leader of the SDLP that the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation should be reconvened. It was an excellent discussion forum. Perhaps it could discuss issues like the FAIR march that did not happen two weeks ago.

Senator Jim Walsh asked for a debate on serious crime and sentencing. I would not like to become involved in a debate on sentencing, but I agree we should debate the issue of serious crime.

Senator Norris suggested we should commission Seamus Heaney to write a new anthem for us. I am quite happy with the one we have.