Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Ó Murchú referred to the leaking of confidential information. I do not think it originated from the Opposition parties or the tribunal. We must look nearer home on this matter. Senator Finucane raised the matter of Bulgaria and Romania joining the EU on 1 January 2007, and the possibility of work permits for those entering from those countries. That issue will evolve as time goes on.

Senator Maurice Hayes sought debates on the Morris tribunal, the Carthy report, social housing and immigration. Senator Henry raised the report of the Inspector of Mental Health Services, the report on the Prison Service and the reports of the visiting committees. I hope to arrange a debate on them soon. Senator Mooney expressed his solidarity with the people of Monaghan and their march but wished that there had been proper conduct and that the Ceann Comhairle had not been insulted.

Senator Ulick Burke said that no child under nine years of age should be in a class of over 25 but that 33% of children are. However, there are now 4,000 extra primary teachers in the schools and these are mainly dealing with children who have difficulties. The average primary class size has been reduced from 27 to 24. A total of 50,000 pupils in disadvantaged schools are in classes of 15 to 20 pupils. The Department of Finance has said more teachers will be provided.

Senator Daly referred to the drugs scene and the important meeting that was held by the HSE. The huge seizure made today by the Garda was significant in that regard. Senator Ross praised the restraint of the House and spoke about the flotation of Aer Lingus. He asked that the Minister, Deputy Cullen, be invited to the Seanad. Senator Hanafin sought a debate on the Middle East. He referred to the Ryder Cup and condemned the actions of The Dubliner magazine.

Before the summer break I gave Senator Bannon a commitment that we would debate the report of the Barr tribunal in the Seanad. I hope the House will be able to debate it in full next week. The Senator also raised the issue of Mullingar General Hospital. The fitting-out money has been made available and work is proceeding on that. There will be other announcements. Senator Brady expressed his worry about the leak from the tribunal and spoke about the drugs haul today, offering congratulations to the Garda.

Senator O'Meara referred to the Morris tribunal and sought a debate on mental health services for young people. She also asked about the privacy Bill, which I mentioned earlier. Senator Dooley praised the winter bed initiative by the HSE and spoke about the roll out of capital projects and the interaction, or lack of it, between the HSE and the Department of Health and Children on that issue. I accept the Senator's point. Senator John Paul Phelan said we are raising the leaks from the tribunal to muddy the waters. That is not the case. It is most important that they be discussed. The Senator wants the Minister for Finance to be invited to the House to debate the surge in inflation. Inflation will reduce now; in fact, diesel was obtainable today in County Westmeath for less than €1 per litre.

Senator Quinn raised gangland crime and asked that the Tánaiste be invited to the House to debate it. He also referred to a point he raised previously, the central authority for dealing with migrants.