Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I try not to be confrontational.

Senator Brian Hayes is correct to state we face different challenges now. It is a ten year framework which will require a great deal of monitoring. The Senator asked for a debate and then an ongoing monitoring role for the Seanad. I fully agree with that.

Senator O'Toole echoed what Senator Hayes stated about partnership. He also raised the fact we will have a Green Paper on pensions, followed by a White Paper and, hopefully, legislation and action. Other European countries have experienced crippling strikes over pensions because they are at a further demographic stage to us. We hope to offset or work ahead of the issue so we are not caught in a pensions timebomb. The Senator also wished the farmers well. The farmers are still in negotiations and have not broken off. They are still within the partnership framework. Hopefully, it will end satisfactorily.

Senator Tuffy raised the matter of the motion to establish a petitions committee, which I read recently when I was waiting in the House. I was extremely interested in it. It is No. 26, motion 20. It is a motion to establish a petitions committee and initiate procedures for civil engagement with the Seanad. It is an excellent motion. I hope Senator Tuffy puts it forward in Private Members' time. I will seek, if I can, that we do not put forward an amendment and that this House will accept it. It is well put together and necessary. Other parliaments have such a petitions committee, including through e-mail. I assume it was Senator Tuffy's idea because her name is first and she is entitled to credit if it is. It is a worthy motion.

I agree with Senator Morrissey's point on the availability of public transport. He commended Bobby Molloy, although not by name, on taxi deregulation. He asked for a debate on how public transport can be accessible after 11.30 p.m. I am glad Senator Mansergh spoke about being on the Luas at 12.30 a.m.

Senator Finucane raised the serious matter of private facilities in the grounds of hospitals. I happened to be in the Chamber when the Minister of State responded to that question. He asked when will the HSE provide finance for public patients to be treated in those facilities. I will endeavour, through the private secretary to the Minister of State, to establish when this commitment, which was given publicly, will be fulfilled. The Minister of State, Deputy O'Malley, is extremely conscientious and I am sure he will endeavour to meet that commitment.

Senator Mansergh is pleased the partnership talks have concluded and hopes the farmers will eventually sort themselves out. Senator Norris also welcomes the agreement. He also condemned the wasted lives in Iraq. He stated how women and men look so well in the fine weather. However, he ran away from the women. We saw him on the front page of The Irish Times. He stated both sexes are lovely in fine weather and that is nice.

Senator Lydon raised the matter of stem cell research. We notice that the clergy made a call from Maynooth to Europe yesterday in which a shot was sent across the bows of the MEPs on this matter.

Senator Coghlan welcomes the partnership agreement but needs to know the responses of the various Departments that feed into it. Every Department would have had a say in what finally emerged. The Senator also referred to the Art on the Move initiative. The CIE art will be exhibited in every railway town, including Athlone, for a two-week period. There have already been moves in this regard.

A Member of the other House asked on "Morning Ireland" where the Great Southern Hotels' paintings have gone. Senator Coghlan, who has such intimate knowledge of those hotels, will know the paintings are absolutely beautiful, particularly those in Parknasilla. He believes the two collections should be brought together for the Art on the Move initiative.