Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Quinn mentioned urban sprawl and stated the European Environment Agency is to issue its report on this matter shortly. He also referred to second level education, about which, commendably, the ASTI is writing to relevant parties. The Minister, I hope, will take heed of this.

Senator White referred to the ruling of the European Court of Justice. I would like a very full explanation of that ruling because, from what I read today, it appears Senator White and Senator Terry are correct. We might be missing something about the ruling and we should have a proper debate on it to discover its exact nature. The old canard is still true, that is, women, because hormones are at work, want to have babies and must take time off to have them and care for them. This also applies to fathers where there is joint parental care. If women are to be penalised for having children or if men who wish to adopt the parental role in a more firm way are to be penalised, we should address the matter. It is a question of ensuring social order in society.