Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

It is news to me that the Government plans to put a motion on the sale of Aer Lingus to the Dáil this week. I hope the Leader will tell us that a similar motion will be put to the Seanad before the end of the week, although I, like other speakers, believe it is designed to give the Government carte blanche to make a decision during the summer without any accountability to either House. That is unacceptable. Considering the views expressed on this matter in the last number of months by Members here it would be extraordinary if the matter were rushed through in the summer.

I, too, note the commemoration of the Battle of the Somme last weekend. It was appropriate and has greatly advanced the cause of reconciliation on this island around the issues that first came up for us around the time of the Battle of the Somme. It was an important, valuable and worthwhile exercise. I acknowledge and congratulate all those involved.

As we approach the end of this session I note that the calls I have made for a debate on child care regulation and media law have not been successful. I do not blame the Leader or hold her responsible. I simply note that various Ministers promised a review of child care regulations, a very important area, and that has not happened. We had a promise from the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell, who is productive on legislation. However, he has not brought forward any of the long-promised legislation on media law and the press council. This will not happen before the summer, I doubt it will happen during the summer, and I look forward to it happening in the autumn.