Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Finucane, the acting Leader of the Opposition, raised the issue of the cost of housing and asked if there was a way forward. He spoke about the study which was conducted and what has arisen from it. He also raised the issue of the gun murders, which are horrific. Every morning when one wakes up, one hears of more murders. We know the omerta principle applies within the circle of those engaged in crime. Since the 1990s, as a result of murders and the investigation of crimes, the biggies were taken out. However, now the smaller players have become the biggies, so the cycle continues. It is quite frightening. Hopefully, the Criminal Justice Bill will be taken in the House before the end of the session, so we will get a chance to debate those issues.

Senator O'Toole pointed out the contradictions in housing. He is right there is exultation over the price of houses among those living in expensive ones. However, as somebody said to me, that is all very well but one cannot realise their value since one must have a roof over one's head. I am talking about people with large houses.

The Senator also spoke about the electoral register and the Communications Workers Union being willing to play a role in correcting the electoral register following negotiations. My postman changes every three months so I do not know what good that would be. Postmen are moved about——