Feargal Quinn (Independent)

A friend telephoned me last night in great excitement to tell me two swallows had just arrived in his garden for the beginning of the migratory season. It is a reminder that this is the time of bird migration. Therefore, when Senator Brian Hayes spoke of bird flu in Scotland, I was surprised to hear that the dead swan in Scotland was found one week ago, although this was just announced today. We should not be scaremongering about this issue but we should invite the Minister to the House to explain exactly what steps are being taken. A 3 km zone was placed around the town in Scotland this morning to make sure that all traffic in and out was searched. I am not sure that we have made such preparations. A debate would be useful.

With regard to Senator Hanafin's comment that the National Pensions Reserve Fund has done well in recent times, I noticed in a newspaper today that this does not always happen with regard to pensions. It was announced yesterday that active pension fund managers have been outperformed by pigeons making random pecks on stock lists spread out in Trafalgar Square. I congratulate the National Pensions Reserve Fund. I recently asked the Leader whether we could find time to debate the issue of pensions. It is worthy of consideration in the near future.