Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

——but we will move forward with the Defamation Bill. We hope to have statements on the subject of privacy. This is the procedure followed previously when the House had statements on a subject and a Bill was then formulated. We hope to have statements before Christmas.

Senator O'Meara also asked when the referendum on children's rights would be held. This is a matter of discussion. It is hoped it will be held. She also asked for a debate on youth mental health.

Senator Dooley spoke about the association between mental health and drugs. He also finds that many people are stigmatised by virtue of their mental disability prior to taking up new housing. Senator Ulick Burke gave a rousing endorsement of the west — the west against the rest. He raised the issue of the neurological unit for Galway hospital. It has been said that this unit is not necessary in Galway and it would infringe on an earlier catchment area. That is ridiculous, and I take the Senator's point.

Senator Quinn raised the issue of farm subsidies. I have been told that what has been put forward is inaccurate, but I do not know this for certain. The Senator also mentioned the campaign to buy Irish products, but that was deemed to be the wrong way to do business. However, it is a timely reminder. In his business life, the Senator has always been proactive in that regard and he is fully entitled to talk about it. The Senator referred to the murder of the Latvian woman in Swords, which shows the lawlessness of this society.

Senator Kitt agreed with Senator Ulick Burke's comments on the neurosurgery unit. Senator Browne raised the issue of MRSA. He also mentioned the small remaining number of Greencore workers who are still owed money and asked that this be cleared. Senator Bannon called for a debate on public transport. The House will not sit on Friday to deal with the Electoral (Amendment) Bill. An amendment will be moved in the other House, and the Bill will then have to return to this House.

Senator Cummins spoke about there being too many criminals and too many guns. It is very sad. At least the Taoiseach was open and honest about it. He said it as he saw it and his statement was quite clear.

Senator John Paul Phelan agrees with Senator Leyden's points on the elderly requiring houses. He also sought a debate on the Law Reform Commission and mentioned the speciality of postal votes. The latter is an important issue as they were supposed to have been submitted by Monday next. I hope the benefit of the extended deadline will apply to them too.

The Minister is to be commended for providing more time to update the electoral register. If he did not do so the Opposition would be roaring about it, but now that he has done it they are saying it is an about-turn. It is simply good sense and good politics.

Senator McHugh also raised the issue of postal votes. Officials are now losing weeks that are — correctly — being given over to ensuring the register is more correct. Senator Hanafin raised the issues of slavery and human trafficking and is seeking a general debate on the issue. Sin é an méid.