John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

I will not coerce her but I will encourage her to visit Donegal. I accept Senator McHugh's point, County Donegal being a large geographical area. The number of beds to population may suggest provision of beds is great but the geographical area is a large one.

Senators Glynn, Feeney and Feighan spoke about the spiking of drinks, a serious issue. I also noted that it is the drinks themselves are the problem rather than the spiking of them. There is evidence that spiking does occur.

Senator Quinn raised the matter of avian flu and there has been a serious decline in poultry consumption. He was correct in saying no health risks to humans are associated with poultry consumption. There are other bugs in poultry that are far more serious than avian flu. There is also the knock-on effect on grain. It would be useful if a reassurance campaign was initiated by the Health and Safety Authority or some other agency to encourage people to continue eating poultry.

Today is International Women's Day and there was already a function this morning to mark the event with another one tomorrow. Senators White and Feeney are correct that it should be debated in the Chamber. On the matter of representation, I was not sure whether Senator Norris was an old woman——