Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Yes. The Senator has tabled the matter as a motion for the Adjournment. It would be a suitable debate.

Senator Ó Murchú said some strong words about Iraq. When I called the invasion illegal, I was rapped across the knuckles 45 times, but I remember that the Senator always spoke strongly on the matter. Iraq is a breeding ground for young Muslim terrorists.

Senator Terry asked for the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Deputy Brennan, to attend the House to debate the Combat Poverty Agency's calls for meals in schools. She also asked for a debate on the economy before the budget. Last week, Senator Mansergh called for such a debate prior to the budget — we do not have debates on the economics of the budget — whereby we could set out our stalls. I will endeavour to arrange the debate.

Senator McCarthy raised the matter of cohabiting lone parents. We were told the days of peeping from behind hedges to determine who was entering or leaving a house were over, but they are not. I also telephoned the Department because we were told that cohabitation would not be a hindrance to people getting their allowances. While this provision should be official policy, it has not become so yet.

Senator Coonan raised the matter of SSIAs and how they relate to the free education myth. A great deal of taxpayers' money is spent on education, forming a significant financial commitment for which parents have always wished.

Senator Quinn raised the issue of An Bord Pleanála, which is a disgrace. One cannot make representations to it. The board will take a telephone call, but one will be told nothing. The Senator referred to the specific case of shopping centres and shorter road journeys. It would befit the chairman of the board to attend to his business.

I am dealing with one planning case, which has gone from April to July, July to September, September to October and now to November, and all I am told is that it is not known why there has been such a delay and that in any event, staff are not allowed to say why. I understand they are protected by legislation and cannot say, but it ill behoves the person who cannot manage his own emporium to start giving out wise sauce about other matters.