Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Mansergh praised the excellent road and rail connections between Cork and Dublin and the improvements to them. He also welcomed Sinn Féin's commitment on policing, which this House should affirm. What has happened is quite stunning. I am struck by the generosity of the concept and its execution. The potential is huge. Nobody wants to paint anyone else into a corner but I hope the myriad of voices on the DUP side will eventually become one voice of acceptance, and soon, not in years, as a man stated this morning. We have got this far. It is a stunning development in its generosity and we should pay due regard to it and hold a debate on Northern Ireland, as Senator Mansergh stated.

Senator Norris referred to the situation at St. James's Hospital. He proposed that the Government amendment be replaced by No. 34, which was seconded by Senator Ross.

Senator Dooley raised the matter of the extension of graveyards and sought information from the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The Senator stated that there are often archaeological objections to such extensions. It would be a suitable matter for the Adjournment, if the Senator would put it down as such.

Senator Ulick Burke stated it is now the responsibility of boards of management to judge the competence or incompetence of serving teachers in their particular schools, and that the inspectors who were in charge of that matter are no longer so. The shape of boards of management has changed and the Teaching Council has been established, which is an excellent method of adjudging proficiency.

Senator Daly raised the enhanced subvention which is to be paid to people in nursing homes. He hopes nursing home charges will not increase.

Senator Tuffy referred to affordable housing. I agree with the Senator that the definition of affordable housing is very loose and hard to pin down.

Senator MacSharry warned about global warming. He stated the Oireachtas could set an example by not producing so much waste paper every day when the information is available in the Oireachtas Library and on e-mail. It is not necessary that the information be printed in such vast quantities.

Senator John Paul Phelan referred to the national children's hospital. Many Members have referred to a "debacle" in this regard. There is no debacle. The site has been chosen and we will move ahead with the project.