Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator White will not be deprived of petrol. Senator Terry spoke about the trafficking of women. The Tánaiste gave a commitment that legislation in that area would be introduced this term. I will contact him on the matter and perhaps he will use my Private Members' Bill as the vehicle to deal with the issue. I do not know whether he will, but we will see where we get. I agree that trafficking of women for prostitution is a form of modern day slavery. Women come here thinking they are coming to the promised land, but they find something different.

Senator Mansergh also raised the issue of the Moriarty report. What a useful nugget of information he provided in the detail of cheques he received. Of course the Senator needed to cash the cheques to raise his children and keep his wife. It would have been useful to have kept them. I am glad the Senator got them. The Senator also spoke about the EU rendition report.

Senator Ross welcomed what the Tánaiste said about tribunals and agreed they must stop. Senator Jim Walsh thinks the approach is too pedantic and wants a debate on the issue of tribunals as he feels they are on a runaway gravy train. He also wants a debate on planning, which is a separate matter. That debate would be welcome.

Senator McHugh praised Senator White for her ongoing efforts on ageism. He is concerned about people with disabilities because he says when they come to the age of 65, they do not get VAT deductions. Is that right?