John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

——others by protesting outside the gates of Leinster House. However, I am not familiar with the circumstances of this particular school.

Senator Tuffy raised the case of Aung San Suu Kyi. Her plight has been addressed at meetings of the Oireachtas Committees on European Affairs and Foreign Affairs. The Minister for Foreign Affairs has been consistent in his support for her and in petitioning the Burmese authorities for her release from custody. The EU regards this as a suitable matter for sanctions within the broader context of human rights abuses in general within Burma. It is unacceptable that the leader of an opposition party should be under house arrest. The democratic principle should apply there as it does in this State.

Senators Tuffy, Hanafin and Ulick Burke raised the serious issue of bullying. The findings of the Trinity College study on the incidence of bullying in primary schools are worrying and must be acted upon. I will bring to the attention of the Minister the need to implement the recommendations of the departmental task force. It is important to note, however, that school authorities and parents also have a responsibility in this area. The State has an important role to play but it does not bear exclusive responsibility. I am aware of schools, at both primary and secondary level, where innovative and effective programmes have been put in place to deal with bullying. For those schools that are minded to do so, there is much they can do themselves to tackle the problem.

Senator Ó Murchú spoke about language equality legislation and the implementation of the successful all-party motion of this House in regard to the recognition of the Irish language at European level. I will ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Ó Cuív, to come to the House and debate this issue.

I am unfamiliar with the case of the Comerama workers in Castlecomer to which Senator John Paul Phelan referred, but I will bring it to the attention of the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney. I do not accept that the Tánaiste ever accused Senator Phelan or anybody else of being a liar, as he suggested. This matter relates to the Tánaiste's previous Ministry but I am sure she will speak to the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Martin, in an attempt to resolve this matter.

Senator Coghlan spoke about what he refers to as "State paintings", an issue I read about in the newspapers at the weekend. Regardless of whether the paintings are in the custody of the DAA or CIE, if they are public property, they should remain in public ownership. It is quite appropriate to send them to de Vere's for valuation, for insurance purposes, if nothing else. However, I fully accept that where provenance can be proven and the paintings are definitely State property, they should remain in public ownership. There may be some private paintings on display in those places, but that is a separate issue.

Senator Maurice Hayes referred to roaming charges for mobile telephones, which has been raised by several other Senators. I will endeavour to find out if the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources can come to the House to clarify the situation.

Senator Hanafin referred to bullying. He also raised the matter of embryonic stem cell research and the recent decision by the EU to allow such research to take place. My understanding of the issue is that the EU has allowed funding for research in those jurisdictions which allow such research to take place. It is up to each jurisdiction to decide for itself whether it will allow such practices. There is a live moral debate surrounding this issue. It has been suggested that as much can be achieved with adult stem cells as with those from an embryo, although I do not know if that is true. It is clear that the potential benefits of stem cell research are enormous, whether conducted on adult or embryonic cells. However, the destruction of embryos is something that most Irish people would find abhorrent. The issue is a complex one.

Senator Feighan raised the issue of drug dealing, as he has done on numerous occasions in the past. We are all horrified by the number of gang-related killings that have taken place recently. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Garda Commissioner have been to the Coolock area to determine what can be done. The situation is very serious and it appears that human life is of very little value to some of those involved. They acquire guns and if somebody offends them, that is sufficient reason for them to take away a life. That cannot be condoned by anybody. The question of the control of guns must be addressed. I will endeavour to organise a comprehensive debate in the House on this serious matter.