Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Feeney pointed out that there are more people in work. If there are, many of these would now be outside the exempted guidelines for cards.

Senator White asked for debate on the proposed incinerator on the Poolbeg peninsula. I suggest she should put that matter down for an Adjournment debate where it might flush out some interesting facts. I wish the Senator good luck with her add-on.

Senator Quinn referred to mandatory sentencing and not blaming the Judiciary. I agree with him. We allow for the Judiciary to look at exceptional circumstances and take their decisions. Whatever else I engaged in throughout my life, I never engaged in judge bashing. I think it is a foolish thing to do. The Judiciary is properly set up and is separate from us.

Senator Minihan spoke about the medical card system. Senator John Paul Phelan raised the matter of the register of electors and it is interesting that those who are talking about the register of electors are those who are hoping to be voted for by the electorate. He also wants the Minister for Agriculture and Food to come to the House to discuss the sugar beet situation.

Senator Feeney spoke about the medical cards and the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation. Senator Feighan proposed an amendment to the Order of Business and was seconded by Senator Bannon. The former spoke, although I shall not repeat his exact words, about a small group of people. I understand he raised the matter on the Adjournment previously but now he is proposing a more urgent debate. Senator Kate Walsh called for a debate on diabetes and if she, with her undoubted influence, can persuade the Tánaiste to participate, that would be very good.

Senator Bannon seconded Senator Feighan in calling for an emergency debate. He asked for a debate on regional tourism and also raised the matter of the register of electors, with which I agree. They will be my voters, though, not his, if we put them on the register.