Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

He also spoke about the impounded ship and the sailors who have not been paid.

Senator Dardis greatly regretted the BUPA matter and the situation of its employees in Fermoy. He asked for a discussion on who we will invite to the House on 25 March to mark the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Rome.

Senator Terry referred to the court decision yesterday and asked to proceed quickly on civil partnership on foot of the Law Reform Commission proposals, Senator Norris's Bill and the general debate on the issue. Senator Mooney raised the issue of BUPA. He also wants us to buy Irish goods.

Senator Quinn is concerned about inflation. It is at 4.4% and is destined to rise in the new year but then to decrease and level off at 3.5%.

The Senator also spoke about post offices. We discussed post offices during the week but the Senator was not here. Half of the post offices in the UK are closing. Senator Quinn is correct to state people do not use them. Yesterday, I stated that an interesting man suggested the Internet is killing post offices. People do their business on the Internet. If people used post offices they would have a better chance of remaining open.

Senator Hanafin wants the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs with responsibility for European affairs to speak about the looming row between Poland and Russia. Russia told Ireland if it broke with the rest of Europe it would continue to buy Irish beef. That will not happen. I heard Mr. Liam Aylward, MEP, dealing with the matter on the radio during the week. It is extremely serious.

I fully concur with Senator Bannon, who raised the matter of flooding. One should be in Athlone tonight. It is extremely serious.