Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Brian Hayes, the Leader of the Opposition, recalled that the Stardust disaster occurred 26 years ago today, and asked whether there could be statements. He believes a full statement from this House is owed to the families of the Stardust victims. The Taoiseach answered matters relating to the Stardust tragedy yesterday and I hope that the exhumation, along with other steps that have been taken, will bring comfort to some of the families. I will ask whether we can have a debate on this matter as soon as possible. We are still embroiled in legislation but as soon as this has been cleared we shall seek a debate. One cannot imagine the effect the Stardust disaster has had on the families concerned, and I take the Senator's point.

Senator Hayes also referred to the Tánaiste, and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell, and cheap publicity. Every day we are being asked about new measures. Yet when the Minister produces them there appears to be a reluctance in this House to accept they will be helpful and could work.

Senator O'Toole proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, which was later seconded by Senator Henry. This concerns No. 16 on the Order Paper, the Credit Union Savings Protection Bill 2007, and as I understand it, leave to print the First Stage. We shall be pleased to obtain that leave to print and I look forward to the Bill.

Senator O'Toole also referred to the Tánaiste, the question of mandatory sentences, and what we have said here in that regard. The Senator made a fair point in his comment that, in general, rushing legislation was not a good idea. However, it is worse not to have anything for dealing with gangland crime. The legislation will be available in the afternoon, so we shall see what it contains.

Senator Ryan, too, spoke about rushed legislation and the rushed idea of a referendum to amend the Constitution, of which he is not in favour. He talked about his dear wife and the——