Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Hanafin called for a debate on the economy, which he thinks is important. I agree with him. Senator Feighan spoke about the dangers of cannabis. This was echoed by Senator Glynn who reminded us that it is called a gateway drug, which is a nice warm name for leading the way to other much more harmful drugs, but it is harmful in its own right.

Senator Browne wants substitute teachers to be provided in cases where teachers undertake the five-day course rather than have pupils divided among other classes in schools. Senator Ó Murchú believes the Irish Independent has given generous coverage to the issue of cannabis in view of the report pending from the Joint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs chaired by Deputy Keaveney. Cannabis is harmful and I would hope to have a debate on the matter in the autumn.