Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Mooney referred to the EU and Palestine. He also raised the racist comments that are being made in e-mails from associations in the United States and expressed his hope that immigration reform will soon be successfully concluded.

Senator Bannon suggested a debate on volunteerism, which would be most useful, but I do not know what Minister we should invite to attend. It would be a worthy debate. Senator Minihan took exception to Senator Coonan's remark, as have I. Senator Browne spoke about the GRA and Palestine and I have replied to him about the Tánaiste's office. Senator Jim Walsh said it was a peripheral issue as to what the Minister said about his watch because the force will carry out the will of the people. I expect that will happen. The more we shout and talk about it, the more we will show up what is, I believe, an artificial confrontation. I do not envisage it happening.

I agree with the call for a debate on volunteerism. An affluent society brings with it a lack of volunteerism because people have other pursuits whereas volunteerism is noble.

I am glad to know Senator Feighan was a member of An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil. The Senator referred to the National Roads Authority's budget being given over almost entirely to national primary roads at the expense of regional and county roads.

Senator Daly called for a debate with the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources on alternative energy sources. Senator John Paul Phelan referred to reports of price increases from Bord Gáis. Both Senators are calling for an energy debate. Senator White called for a debate next week on her report on ageism and a debate on Northern Ireland issues.