Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Neither will we give comfort to anyone. The matter must be proceeded with.

Senator O'Toole spoke about a proposed referendum on the rights of children and the powerful paragraph in that respect which is in the 1916 Proclamation but which everyone believes is in the Constitution. He also spoke about the rights of citizens in society.

Senator Ryan raised the matter of the report of the Central Bank of Ireland on housing and its projections, which in some respects are terrifying. The Senator also raised the matter of a private hospital which is up in arms over a book written by Janette, whose second name does not come to mind, in which she outlines her treatment in a particular hospital. I saw her being interviewed on television and thought she was plucky, factual and down to earth. There is something of the mighty taking on the weak in this episode. I agree with the Senator that the hospital's reaction in this case was an over-the-top response.

Senator Ryan also raised the situation in Gaza, the arms dealing and the case of the Palestinians. He welcomed Daniel Ortega's return to power in Nicaragua. I believe everybody was thinking back to other times and welcomed his return. He has given constant reassurances since he was re-elected — although "re-elected" is the wrong word as he was gone for a number of years — that he will do things not in a radical but in a common-sense way. It is interesting because all around us the great and the good of the stars and stripes are falling.

Senator Ó Murchú blamed the flawed leadership in America for the situation we are in and I agree with him that we must now focus on the future. As Ambassador Bruton said here yesterday, we are where we are, regardless of looking back and reflecting on those of us who spoke out so strongly at the time. The Senator said that the diplomats should take over from the hawks and that the vested interests should no longer drive foreign policy. That is what drove foreign policy in Iraq, namely vested oil interests while another group of vested interests were involved in the reconstruction process.

Senator Ulick Burke raised the matter of a crisis in schools. He called for a debate on many school matters. I will endeavour to arrange for such a debate in the House with the Minister concerned.

Senator Maurice Hayes called for a debate on housing. I remind him that on 12 October, which was only three weeks ago, we had quite a good debate on housing here. However, the matter has moved on because of the recent report of the Central Bank and the facts that have emerged. We could consider that.

Senator Maurice Hayes also agreed with Senator Ryan on the way in which the hospital concerned handled the matter of the book written about it. Senator Norris supported Senator Maurice Hayes's comments in that respect. Senator Norris raised the matter of children's rights and he wants Seanad reform.

I remind Senator Norris that Senator Ulick Burke is already standing for Galway East so he cannot possibly take up the Senator's kind offer.