Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

We will bring the matter to the attention of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. We have talked a lot in recent times about women in 1916. People should be able to come to the Houses of Parliament and see the countess in her defence mode. I like to think we could do that because it would be a very fine thing to do. The countess was the first female MP elected to the British Parliament. Her coat hanger and her name are still there, although she never took up her seat. It would be worthy of her to do as Senator Leyden requests. The Cathaoirleach has asked the Senator to address his request, in writing, to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, which I am sure he will do. I am equally sure that the Members from Sligo will be very interested in all of this.

Senator Quinn raised the matter of pensions. Senator Terry also talked about pensions, which is an issue she has raised on numerous occasions but Senator Quinn did not say he was in favour of mandatory pensions. He argued that there must be a wider debate on the issue. The Minister for Social and Family Affairs has told me that he would like to come back to the House, unlike some other Ministers ——