Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Ryan referred, I understand, to bread and roses. We had the roses last night.

Senator Quinn said the best outcome for a child in a family setting is for the child to eat at home with his or her siblings and parents. That sounds good if it could be done.

Senator Lydon welcomed the decision by North Korea and called for a debate on the Middle East. We will have such a debate when we have followed through on legislation here. I cannot touch on such matters until we have done that. In saying that, I have the good of the House at heart. We are trying not to allow the build up of a backlog of legislation. I do not care how long it takes to deal with legislation in the Dáil but we will not allow a backlog here.

I agree with Senator Terry's point that the gardasil drug used in protection against cervical cancer should be available not as an act of patronage but equally to everybody. That the vaccine is not available to medical card holders is another breach of equality rights. I strongly take on board the Senator's point. However, I am satisfied that gardasil, whether in vaccine or some other form, will be available nationwide soon, as that appears to be the outcome of discussions on it.

Senator White raised an interesting point, namely, that American citizens aged 70 years of age who visit here cannot hire a particular make of car and those aged 75 years of age cannot hire a car. Senator Henry thought that is a matter to be raised at European level. Senator White might raise this by way of an Adjournment matter.