Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Yes.

Senator Ross asked for a debate on the privatisation of Aer Lingus and supported Ministers travelling around the world for St. Patrick's Day. He said that we are a small open economy that must trade, with which I agree. It was a silly argument to make that Ministers should not go as they do a lot of work. There is no pattern of fun, as Ministers must go from one appointment to another, which is exacting.

Senator Callanan provided the House with a good dissertation on sporting activities, singling out all of those involved who came from west Cork, and asked for a debate on tillage farming and alternative land uses. He asked where Europe is going in terms of food production. For those of us not born of the soil, the Senator's contribution was interesting and to the point. I will seek to arrange a debate in the House with the Minister for Agriculture and Food.

Senator Ulick Burke referred to the wins by County Galway. I would stick with Portumna if I were him but he also mentioned Knocknacarra. Both Galway wins were great.

The Senator also called for funding for St. Catherine's school for children with autism. I will seek to speak to the Minister on this matter. He is sincere in raising it.

Senator Ulick Burke also referred to the decentralisation programme and noted that only one person in the NRA wishes to move to Ballinasloe despite the function of the NRA being to provide roads to all places.

Senator Kitt congratulated Portumna and raised the matters of sugar beet industry workers and growers, tillage and food production. Senator John Paul Phelan also referred to sugar beet plants in Mallow and Carlow. He mentioned the difficulties of FÁS in the decentralisation programme and SSIAs. Senator Browne also raised the matter of the beet industry and Greencore walking off the pitch, a comment with which I agree.

Senator Feighan applauded Ministers travelling to the US but wishes that more of them would remain on platforms at parades in Ireland.