Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Daly called for a review of the progress made in regard to disability legislation, which is a very good idea. He also spoke about the pending strike in Aer Lingus.

Senator McHugh raised the matter of the system of parliamentary questions and answers through the HSE, which he said is not working. There is undue delay in dealing with them and the system appears to have collapsed.

The Senator also raised the issue of fishermen whose vessels were tied up in port while other fishermen were marauding the waters. He also referred to the morning session of a meeting at which fine questions were raised about Roscommon and Galway and dealt with. However, he said at this soiree that the area from Malin Head to Nenagh is too large to be dealt with by the structure in place.

Senator Dooley raised the matter of the State Airports Act. No one listened to me when I spoke on that. It has not been implemented yet. The new Minister on taking office was handed the box of cards, and now there is a stand off. The Senator also supported Senator White's point, particularly in regard to the insurance industry which is making vast amounts of money.

I wish Senator Browne a happy Valentine's Day.