Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I agree with Senator Bannon's comments on the Barr tribunal. I have some knowledge of Abbeylara and some of its people. They wished the report would be issued and the matter could be debated. It has been a long time since the report on the sad case of Mr. Carthy of Abbeylara was signed off. I will endeavour to find out what the delay is because in so doing I will find out for myself too. Senator Kitt called for a debate on rail freight and the timber industry in the west and north west, which is important.

Senator Norris rightly praised RTE and wondered why the intellectually combative Minister would not go on the programme if he was not alone, although RTE says that was not the situation. The Senator also mentioned the Criminal Justice Bill and I agree with his comments. Yesterday alone 180 new amendments were proposed to the Bill. It reminds me of a medical Bill.

Senator Feeney approves of the decision by the Medical Council. She said the Medical Practitioners Act must be changed and she hopes the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, will soon do so.

Senator Cummins, with his experience of dealing with freight into Waterford Port, is concerned about freight being diverted from rail to road. He correctly stated that CIE's rates are not competitive and that is why we spoke of a ring-fenced subsidy for rail. I remember proposing this, although it did not find favour.

Senator Ormonde spoke about the Guinness decision to transfer its freight business from rail to road. The Senator also called for a debate on lone parents, and I agree with her. This issue encompasses education, as lone parents can further their qualifications. I am sorry to hear what a gang from eastern Europe did to Senator Feighan's shop and the serious situation that exists. We heard a stout defence of the Irish Road Haulage Association by Senator Coonan. Nobody criticised road hauliers.