Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

It is important to raise it here. The Senator welcomed the aim of the Minister for Transport to reduce the waiting list for driving tests. Senator Terry referred to the 1,300 driving tests cancelled today due to a meeting to discuss whether to accept the offer to get in outside testers.

Senator Brady would welcome a debate on the new children's hospital. The idea of the hospital is already overdue. Senator Brian Hayes made the point that people would have to come from the south but it also covers the whole north side of Dublin and all the areas that feed into it. Senator Brady considers that the decision has been made and that we should stick with it.

Senator Browne requested a debate on the teaching of Irish. He said that only 12,000 students do honours Irish for the leaving certificate yet a huge number can take French after only a few years. During all those years in primary school we labour away with not much output.

Senator Mansergh said that in foreign matters we have to steer an even keel. It was a generalised comment on how we conduct our foreign affairs.

Senator Walsh referred to the report of the Competition Authority and called for a debate on monetary policy. He said risk-takers are needed. His central point was that there are regulatory authorities for this, that and the other but there are no regulators for medical and legal people. I think such regulators are necessary.

Senator Kett asked that the levy on plastic bags be increased. He also supported the call for a debate on locating the new children's hospital at the Mater Hospital. Everyone has said that absolutely no influence of any kind was used in arriving at the final decision on the Mater Hospital. I heard Professor Drumm being interviewed on the radio. He was emphatic and clear.

Senator Moylan raised the issue of the pilot project in Offaly where the county council is disposing of silage wraps for farmers, free of charge. It is a pilot project involving the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Offaly County Council and the farmers. It appears to be a good idea and I hope it will find an echo.