Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Mansergh referred to the public capital programme and the €427 million being invested in CIE in 2006. He spoke about being approached outside the Mansion House by the Aer Lingus unions but said there was no parallel between the privatisation of Aer Lingus and the wildcat strikes. Senator Norris seemed to think Senator Mansergh was comparing the two cases but he was not. He was pointing out there was no comparison between the two.

Senator Norris also referred to the Afghan asylum seekers in St. Patrick's Cathedral and the humanitarian way in which they are being treated. We are all glad to know they have been drinking water since yesterday. The Senator also spoke about Palestine.

Senator Ó Murchú referred to Dingle. He also raised the case of those infected with hepatitis C and the fact that nine years later, an insurance scheme has still not be introduced. There is some word on that issue. The hepatitis C and HIV compensation tribunal (amendment) Bill is expected to be published this session. It will provide for the establishment of an insurance scheme for infected persons. Hopefully, it will be published this session and we will be able to convey that to those who wrote to us on the matter.

Senator Ulick Burke referred to the bus fleet and said it was unsafe. I do not know the circumstances of the fire on the bus at Delvin but the Senator has called for an independent audit of all buses, including CIE buses and those which are subcontracted. There does not appear to have been a fire extinguisher on board the bus at Delvin. Senator Morrissey condemned the wildcat strikes and said safety must be paramount. He also called for a debate on ports, which are now the responsibility of the Department of Transport.

Senator Quinn referred to a friend of his in the US who went into hospital for a minor operation but who stayed in a hotel close by before and after the procedure. It is always very instructive to look at other countries and how they manage situations.

Senator White called for a debate on the elderly, care options and home care. Senator Bannon called for the Minister for Transport to come to the House to discuss driving tests. I am glad to tell him there is a move in that regard, although not realised as yet. Talks are under way to bring about an arrangement whereby driving tests will be outsourced for a short period to get a large number off the books, which is very welcome.

Senator Cummins asked about the insurance scheme for those infected with hepatitis C and HIV. As I said, that Bill is being drafted and will be introduced in this session. Senator Coonan welcomed the staffing grant for the crèche in Templemore but wanted to know why other such facilities were not getting grants. Since I am not in the inspectorate of child care facilities, I have no idea why one such facility would get a grant over another. No doubt the Senator will make much noise about that issue.

Senator Browne said we should check the bona fides of those seeking asylum. One is meant to seek asylum in the country of first origin, according to the Dublin Convention for which the former Minister of State, Deputy Burton, was responsible.

I too have come across the long period it takes to vet people taking up caring positions. In that time the position may lapse or the person may not come through the vetting procedure which gives rise to problems. I would be glad to take up this point.