Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Coghlan called for a clear national policy on rail freight and referred to a report that suggested Irish people are more prone than others to money laundering. He also referred to 20 casinos masquerading as clubs. A loophole exists in the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, which the Minister hopes to close.

I concur with Senator Glynn's commendation of the Medical Council. The three experts were only expert at clearing someone's name and not making a proper decision. Senator Glynn also sought a debate on refugees but one that would address the eastern European gangs making people's business and home lives a misery.

I agree with Senator Henry's point on rail freight. She also sought a debate on the proposals of the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, which I think could be interesting. The Senator also referred to the elimination of young women's poverty and the step to education and employment. Women are hindered by the lone parent's allowance. We all make the case in the constituencies in which we reside. While the allowance is a refuge, it stops them working as one can only earn so much for so many hours. Many young women have told me that they wish to earn more but the allowance would be stopped if their income increases. We need a debate on this and I applaud the measures taken by the Minister. The co-habitation rule was ridiculous, with people peeping in windows from hedges, watching people going in and out. This has died down in the midlands but in other parts of Ireland it still happens.