Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Yes, the House will have the debate in the autumn. Subjects for debate in the autumn are piling up nicely.

Senator Fitzgerald spoke of the threat of drink and discussed the phenomenon of both parents going out to work. While discussing child care, he mentioned the key role of nurturing. It is possible to both work and nurture. As Members who are parents know, it is quite difficult but can be managed. I would not like to think that we will go backwards, as far as labour force participation by both partners in a marriage, partnership or arrangement is concerned.

Senator Cummins spoke about a potential ban on the use of hands-free mobile telephones. I also read the newspaper report to which he referred. Apart from the satellite interference, talking also causes interference in one's mind, even if one is using a hands-free set. At present, when one telephones people who are driving, one automatically asks them whether they can talk. However, when engaged in conversation, one is concerned and one's mind churns over. Hence, I imagine that such a ban will come.

Moreover, Senator Fitzgerald wanted three Ministers to come before the House together. He should be aware that it is quite difficult to induce one Minister to come before the House and that to get three Ministers lined up together would be something else. I do not believe it will be possible.

Senator Ormonde agrees that a holistic approach to alcohol and drugs is required. In addition, she called for the implementation of projects to be speeded up. The delay is significant and understandably, people in residential areas or wherever are becoming extremely annoyed. Initially, there is great glee because projects have received the go-ahead, which is subsequently repeatedly stalled.

Senator Henry referred to drink and drugs and stated that legislation should be introduced to stop the advertising of drink. She asked that the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children should come before the House to debate the issue. The Tánaiste has the power to prevent such advertising, as this was done in the case of smoking. As for her query regarding a debate on the Middle East, the Labour Party motion is No. 22, motion 19, on the Order Paper.

Senator Daly wants to bring us from Guantanamo Bay to Carrigaholt Bay, which faces a serious situation whereby the shellfish industry is being closed because of contamination by effluent. The problem is caused by messy bureaucracy holding up the implementation of a sewerage scheme. Senator Bradford takes an opposite point of view on the WTO talks to Senator Quinn. No more than any issue, it is not black and white. We should endeavour to achieve a balanced output from the talks.

Senator Dooley called for a debate on sewerage schemes. The most contentious issue in Irish life is the inability of an ordinary man or woman to get planning permission for a one-off house. This issue is not about developers or large schemes, it is about one house for an individual's own residence. My mind is done in by this matter. It is more of an issue outside of Dublin because the city does not have the land for one-off houses. It is difficult to keep track of the various stages of the planning process.

Senator Dooley also welcomed the US Supreme Court decision. We come late to support human rights. I do not mean Senator Dooley has come late to it. I mean debates in this House. Why should we be afraid? I never subscribed to the theory we should not condemn anything which goes wrong in the US because of all of the firms based here. That is all very well, but one can still intrinsically support human rights. I do not hold with non-condemnation when things go wrong.