Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

The Tánaiste's list of proposals should be proceeded with. Lest this House think that we are not inquiring, there is not a week goes by but we request the Tánaiste's presence here. I understand she is extraordinarily busy but there is no point saying to me that I am to ask the Tánaiste and that one is sure she would like to come here. We ask her and she is not coming, due, we are told, to pressure of business. I would prefer that the House would know that rather than think we are not approaching her. We are approaching her office and we will do so again and again. It is as well that the House knows that. If we can get the Tánaiste here, it would be wise to debate accident and emergency and the necessary reforms.

There are abuses in accident and emergency units and there are some who cause trouble when they get there, but it is unsustainable to have that number of people hanging out in coffee docks and in all sorts of places. I do not know the ins and outs of it, but we should get a real picture of the situation. That is what we will endeavour to do.

Senator O'Toole raised the Marino Institute of Education. He and Senator Ormonde have been the ones to the fore but we all read about it. There is quite an article today in The Irish Times stating that the consultants were specifically limited in to whom they could talk, which follows the trustees stating on television the other night that the consultants were open to talk to anyone. People are getting fed up with the carry on about MIE. They know a great deal of money is going into MIE to produce primary school teachers and this suspicion and finger-pointing cannot be a restful background for teacher training. I wish we could get at the truth. It is coming out gradually but it is quite a disgrace.

Senator O'Toole raised the error he discovered in the Offences against the State Act 1939. He is producing a Bill, First Stage of which will be taken in due course. If he puts it forward for Second Stage, we would gladly take it. I agree with Senator O'Toole that blaming the Garda is just too easy an option.

Senator Ryan called for an urgent debate on the Aer Rianta debt. Such a debate is necessary and we will seek to have it. They are trying to work out some sort of compromise in the meantime but, if every passenger will be levied €8 for a number of years to pay for it, the airport will be the loser. That would be a major step to take.

Senator Ryan referred to the Naas dual carriageway. He and Senator Ormonde appear to be hurling up and down the Naas dual carriageway. I do not know what their visitations are about.