Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I support the points raised by Senator O'Toole regarding the Marino institute. We need an urgent debate on it, and I am glad that we have not had one hitherto, since we daily read fresh reports indicating that confidence and trust have been totally undermined in that college. I have spoken to many of the lecturers there, and if the matter is not sorted out, it will destroy the college's whole ethos. There is unrest among students and courses are being undermined in the process. It is very important that we have that debate as soon as we return.

I have spoken on this before, and I do not often support Senator Ryan but on the question of his trip to Naas, I undertake a similar journey all the time and I dread it, since one takes one's life in one's hands. We must urgently do something with that road. Construction work is ongoing but the trucks are the key to the problem. They zigzag over and back, which is frightening late at night. I reiterate the importance that something be done, a message I hope the Leader will convey.