Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

The Senator also welcomed the Prime Minister of Australia, Mr. Howard.

Senator White spoke about local authorities and the development charges they levy on commercial interests and called for a debate on the small business report which the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Martin, has just issued.

With regard to Senator Bannon, if I used a wrong word I apologise and withdraw it. However, the Senator's former leader, Mr. Michael Noonan, made a statement and had to withdraw it under legal redress from me. He was forced to do so and I have the correspondence to prove it. If I said a word that upset Senator Bannon, then my goodness, he is very delicate today. He often says words which upset all of us but we put up with it in the interests of the wider democracy. Senator Bannon also called for a debate on Aer Lingus and on Mr. Howard.

Senator Feighan raised the matter of cancer sufferers. He also did so last week and we endeavoured, on that occasion, to persuade the Tánaiste to come in to discuss the matter. Perhaps we should organise a wider debate on cancer, which could include Senator Feighan's concerns about ambulance services for cancer sufferers. The lady to whom the Senator referred is from Clifden, which is very far from the treatment centre, but her ambulance service has been discontinued. I suggest that Senator Feighan raise the matter on the Adjournment of the House. However, I will invite the Tánaiste to discuss the matter here.

Senator Lydon called for a debate on the Genealogy and Heraldry Bill, as proposed by Senator Ryan. Senator Ryan introduced the Bill in this House last week and I will organise for Second Stage to be held soon.