Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

It is very positive. I hope the European knife does not fall this year because it will have an awful effect on post offices.

Senator Ormonde argued that we could look at how State examinations are assessed and possibly take away the likelihood of the damning indictment relating to dyslexia. So many very worthwhile people in the public arena have dyslexia and have made a great success of their lives. I remember meeting the actress, Susan Hampshire, who told me she was dyslexic. She spoke about the great struggles she endured to be accepted and how she overcame them. Senator Ormonde echoed Senator Leyden's call for a debate on adult education in this House.

Senator Norris called for progress in respect of civil partnerships. Next week, the Government will consider a report commissioned by it on this issue. We will see what happens after that. Senator Norris also called for a debate on the Middle East and the demolition orders issued by Israel which are affecting vulnerable people. He also raised the issue of organ harvesting in China, which is chilling in the extreme.

Senator Ó Murchú spoke about the need for a debate on ethical issues and nuclear power. We constantly encounter sentences in articles which are part of a softening up process in respect of nuclear power as an option, neutrality and other issues which we are made to feel are old-fashioned or no longer relevant.

Senator Ulick Burke mentioned the court decision in respect of the two students with dyslexia and I agree with him that it should not be appealed. I will inform the Minister's office about what was said here today about this issue. Senator Daly spoke about the demise of post offices, particularly the post office in Carrigaholt.

Senator Terry spoke about domestic violence, a debate for which she has continually asked. That 125 women have been murdered in ten years and that so many more have nearly been murdered is so quickly forgotten. It is difficult to read the article in the Irish Independent today which states that the husband of the murdered Latvian woman is a suspect. He has a cast-iron alibi but was obviously able to direct operations.

Senator Hanafin called for a debate on the economy. We are about to hold one on the Estimates now and we held an excellent debate last night during Private Members' business. The Senator is looking at a particular angle, namely, research and innovation, but the Minister for Finance has been very strong in respect of the fourth level of education. I have read all the fine words he has said about it. I am sure Senator Hanafin will speak during this morning's debate on the Estimates.

Senator Coonan spoke about the funding of local government and county managers. Planners take the easy way out. They do not get their files and send out registered letters stating the need for further information on the day before the due date. It is only a ploy and has nothing to do with the funding of local government. Planners are quite careless in how they deal with planning. I can never understand how planners do not see how a small planning application for a house for a man, woman or couple is a matter of life or death at that time. It is a terrible situation.

Senator Bannon spoke about small rural post offices and pointed out the position of Moyne post office, which as Senators know, is very dear to me. He also asked about the Barr report. We have tried to raise this matter every week. The Minister wishes to come to the House but therein lies the difficulty because he is very busy. He will come to the House again this afternoon in respect of the Prisons Bill 2006 and will return to the House next week where, depending on how long it takes, he wishes to oversee Committee Stage. It is not that we do not want to discuss the report. We wish to discuss it but the Minister wishes to be here when we do so. I am also invited to the launch of "Death on a Holy Thursday" but sadly cannot attend. I am sure it will be a rip-roaring success.