Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

There is no dissent, only unanimity, on the important issue raised by Senator Brian Hayes and others. It is correct that the Opposition raise it but it is equally correct that the Government parties should share the moral outrage which is rife throughout the land and among all political parties and Independent Members. Fianna Fáil mothers and fathers are outraged at what happened in the same way as Fine Gael mothers and fathers. We all have the same fears and share the same concerns about what is happening, particularly in view of the court judgment, but we cannot comment on that because there is meant to be a clear distinction between the Oireachtas and the Judiciary. I have always made it a feature of my life not to condemn or praise judges. One cannot do so because one would cross a boundary one should not cross.

The Supreme Court ruled last week on the basis of the Constitution and we are all ruled by the Constitution, which is our guiding star. However, it is up to Oireachtas to fill the gap highlighted by the Supreme Court and that is where we come in to take the necessary legislation professionally and correctly in a proper, legal sense. We all share the outrage and the sense of confusion about where we stand, whether we are in a morass and what will be done. The way out is proper legislation, which we await. I did not have to hand information about what happened at Cabinet earlier. How could I unless I was peeping around the door? I do not have that knowledge but I intend to have myself fully briefed on the matter following the Order of Business, which is my job.

Senator Brian Hayes is correct that it is up to this Chamber to ensure the legislation is introduced and dealt with as quickly as possible. We cannot talk about what is in it until we get it and we cannot get it until it is formulated. When I find out what measures the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform brought to the Cabinet meeting earlier and the outcome of the Cabinet's deliberations, we will know the way forward.

Senator Brian Hayes is also correct to raise the issue and it is up to us to resolve it as quickly as possible. Last week Senator Glynn said the House should sit on Sunday, if necessary, to deal with the necessary legislation. Everyone would share his sense of urgency. As Senator Phelan said, our voice has to be united on this issue because we are in the morass together. Senator Brian Hayes is entitled to make his proposal but I cannot simply fetch a Minister here to explain the situation. I hope, however, that legislation will be introduced as quickly as possible.

Senator O'Toole seconded Senator Hayes's proposal but added that we should perhaps wait until a Minister becomes available before debating the matter. He also advised that we will need to clearly understand what has to be done in terms of closing the loophole and that questions on the age of consent should be addressed within the wider legislative environment.

Senator Tuffy referred to a radio show and described the matter as urgent. I am sure the parents of young people are living in fear of the future. The shocking result of today's case has caused very significant anguish for us all.

Senator Ulick Burke called for a debate on the issues that have arisen since 1997 in the area of adult literacy. He said that €5,000 is being spent per pupil at primary level, €7,000 at secondary level and €9,000 at third level but only €600 is being spent per person on adult literacy. Senator Ormonde found it difficult to understand the latest report on adult literacy and would welcome a debate on the matter.

Senator Bannon wants the Minister for Agriculture and Food to address the issue of food labelling because, in many cases, the products we are told are made in Ireland could in fact come from anywhere. I fully agree with the Senator that a recess is unnecessary. We will debate the Bill whenever it is brought and, if we have to take it during the recess, we will do so. This Chamber has never faltered in its attention to legislation.

Senator Browne called for a debate on housing. Divorce legislation has given rise to new housing issues, some of which I am trying to address on behalf of my constituents. The children of a divorced couple may be required to spend weekdays with their mother and weekends with their father. However, a new aspect of housing need which is only now becoming apparent is that in many cases, the father's home is too small to accommodate the children. The Senator also outlined the needs of older tenants and single people. We will endeavour to hold a debate on these issues.

I concur with Senator Maurice Hayes on the reports of the Law Reform Commission. As we work our way through the current crisis, I hope knowledgeable Senators will be able to speak on these issues.

Senator Feighan called for unity among Senators in their response to the Mr. A case. He also discussed the Lough Key development project, with which I am somewhat familiar. The Senator claimed that the project, which is worth €150 million, has been neglected.

Senator MacSharry asked whether key developments such as the Lough Key development could be worked into the critical infrastructure Bill and said he does not want to see the north west as a schmaltzy Irish tourist destination rather than a viable region for people to live in.

Senator McHugh spoke about collective responsibility. He said the Tánaiste visited Donegal and I am glad he was satisfied that she came and was empathetic to the plight of cancer sufferers in Donegal. An important meeting of the Cabinet on 9 June will address cancer services, including radiotherapy. I will speak to the Tánaiste on the matter before that, as the Senator asked.

In response to Senator Feighan's statement about civil servants, Senator Mansergh made the point that Ministers are in charge of Departments. The age of consent of 16 in 1981 was made in the context of a Law Reform Commission recommendation.