Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

He suggested that in five or six years' time if the purchaser, who has paid whatever exorbitant price was demanded, tries to sell such a house, he or she may find out that the mandatory insulation criteria have not been met. People will then have to spend a lot of money to rectify that. The Senator maintains that we should be concerned about the quality as well as the quantity of housing.

Senator Ryan raised the matter of the schoolgirls from County Laois who demonstrated how one can openly purchase weaponry on the Internet. He also referred to the fact that Germany and Austria objected to a review of nuclear power in the European Union and wanted to know where Ireland's voice was on that matter. I am quite sure our voice was heard but often such matters are not reported. The Senator said that we need reassurances regarding our ideas on nuclear power but we have no mandate, nor do we seek one, to ever go down the nuclear road. It is as well to say this very plainly. We have put that issue to one side. Whatever daftness overcame some people in the 1970s, we have not indulged in it since and will not do so.

Senator Morrissey raised the matter of migrant workers and cowboy employers and argued that there should be a one-stop-shop to deal with such matters. It is worth noting that Senator Quinn also raised that matter in the House some time ago and suggested that there should be a Minister of State in charge of all the issues relating to immigrant workers. I think that is a very fine idea and I will endeavour to organise an immigration debate where that particular issue can be aired more fully.

Senator Finucane pointed out 31 additional offences will be added to the penalty points system on Saturday next but there has been little advertising of the fact as yet. Perhaps there will be a major advertising campaign on Friday and Saturday. I certainly hope so. The Senator also raised the issue of driving tests, which was discussed in the House yesterday.

Senator Leyden made a valid point about Countess Markiewicz. Senator Mooney passed a note to me reminding me that the women of both Houses were on a committee some time ago which sought to have the portrait of the countess in her ball gown located in the lovely position she occupies in Leinster House. However, that is not what the Senator raised, nor does he seek to remove that portrait from its current home. He seeks to have a portrait of her in the hall, with all of the other guys with their shiny brass buttons. Why should she not be there?