Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Regarding the bank strike, a representative of the Bank of Ireland was asked on "Morning Ireland" today whether the bank's new human resources specialist would be employed on the basis of the yellow pack pension. While the answer was "Yes", it was interesting that he stated the pension is not a yellow pack one. Nevertheless, I agree with Senator Ryan that there is meant to be true partnership. How can there be partnership when the bank can have an escape clause when it wants one?

Senator Dooley raised the issue of speed restrictions in built-up areas. Senator Ulick Burke mentioned the list of schools in The Irish Times. I perused the list yesterday and it showed the schools with the highest rates of progression to third level education. One of the very highest is a non-fee-paying school, my old school, St. Joseph's in Summerhill in Athlone which has 600 pupils. It is in a huge special needs catchment area and has many such pupils. It has a wonderful principal and teachers. Some so-called posh schools do not encourage the enrolment of special needs pupils, which is wrong. A school gains by having people of different abilities because of the fact that they interact with other pupils. Many of the schools on the list were non-fee-paying. The Senator suggested that many semi-posh schools do not want special needs pupils. However, the Minister is carrying out an audit of enrolment and under the Education Act 1998, schools have a duty to accept a child who presents. We are trying to organise a debate on education.

Senator Feeney told of the two 15 year olds who were able to buy two bottles of vodka. The penalty for the shop was only a fine of €100 and closure for two hours, from 2. p.m. until 4 p.m. The Senator suggested better regulation of off-licences.

With regard to the Article 35.4.1° of the Constitution and section 39 of the Courts of Justice Act 1924 committee, Senator Feeney said there was now a road map for the purpose for which it was established. I congratulate the Senator and Senators Dardis and Finucane, the three Members of this House who did their duty on the committee.

Senator Norris asked for a debate on Leas Cross and the level of inspection at public nursing homes. He also raised the issue of the Shell to Sea campaign. I agree with Senator Cummins that gardaí have a job to do. Whatever the rights and wrongs of the issue they are sorely tried on a daily basis by the demands to keep the peace. I have friends in that area and around County Mayo and they tell me that many people are heartily fed up of the whole thing and wish it would stop. We cannot blame gardaí for everything when they have to maintain the law.

Senator Leyden raised Professor O'Neill's report on Leas Cross and said many Members of the House were members of health boards. I do not know how health boards operated because I never sat on one. I agree it is a huge and grave issue. We are all destined to get old and one tends to think, "There but for the grace of God go I." We saw many people on "Prime Time" being ill-treated or abused so we must debate it thoroughly. I am incensed about the fact that nobody has said, "Lámh in airde", or, "I am to blame", and I do not know if accountability will emerge, given that the Minister for Health and Children could not publish the report for some time to allow people to discuss it.

Senator O'Meara raised the case of baby Ann and asked about youth medical health issues. What is the name of the body to which the Senator referred?