Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Brian Hayes congratulated the fire brigade and the Garda Síochána for policing and taking care of the fireworks displays last night and I wish to say the same for what happened where I come from. There was a much quieter display but I take his point about community groups obtaining a licence for such displays. There is no greater thrill for a young person than to witness a bonfire and fireworks display and this could be done with parents' knowledge if a community display were allowed. I noticed that when children came to the door last night looking for trick or treat, their parents were outside ensuring they behaved themselves, which is a real improvement. However, they would not sing as they had lost their voices.

Senator Brian Hayes also spoke about the Personal Injuries Assessment Bureau, PIAB, and about the fact that the county manager in his area spent €1.7 million of the council's budget on compensation payments for claims pertaining to footpaths, yet only half of that amount was spent on repairing footpaths. That is certainly an anomaly.

Senator O'Toole spoke about the debate on the Kyoto Protocol. He stated that we are languishing at the bottom of the league and that he would welcome a factual debate on the matter. I read the reports on the PIAB in the newspaper and it was three pages long. I listened to the debate with Sean O'Rourke at 1 p.m. and I thought the chief executive was magnificent. She left the other lady standing and she gave us all the facts. Perhaps they have been too modest about themselves and are waiting until the publication of the first annual report before they start blowing their trumpet, but they should not do so. Insurance premiums have decreased and it is because of the PIAB. The legal lobby is hurting and that is why this person was engaged to write the pieces in question, but she did not put up a good show. I would welcome a debate on the Personal Injuries Assessment Board and I hope we can have it next week.

Everybody spoke about bringing the MEPs before the House and we would be pleased to do so, but the EU ambassador to Washington, John Bruton, will talk to us about his job. The Cathaoirleach agreed to the EU ambassador to Washington coming to the House to tell us about his job. He responded very promptly to the invitation which was made by the Clerk. He will be in the House this day next week and I hope there will be a good muster of Members. I will be very interested to hear him speak about his job and, for the record, I proposed he be invited.

Senator O'Meara paid tribute to the work of the Garda Síochána. She was thankful there were no road deaths but one can never say that. However, the statistics for last weekend were very good. She asked about psychiatric services for young people. We are endeavouring to have that debated in the House.

Senator Leyden referred to the Bank of Ireland which is offering a form of yellow pack pension for newcomers. He asked for this to be included in a general debate on pensions.

Senator Bannon referred to the lack of resources for the Garda Síochána. Deputy Commissioner Rock was asked on "Morning Ireland" whether sufficient money was available for what they need to do and he said that there was more than enough. We should not discount his word because he is dealing with the money.