Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Yes, we will have ours too. I thought the Progressive Democrats played a mighty hand last weekend and we will see how it all affects them.

Senator Henry spoke about the lack of treatment for people in prisons and the issue of trying to give out legal drugs when illegal drugs are prevalent in prisons. There is no doubt this poses its own conundrum. Senator Henry also asked about the aptitude tests which will be introduced for some university courses, who is setting these tests and for what courses. We have the Minister for Education and Science in our sights and will ask her to come to the House.

Senator McCarthy spoke about the €100 million cost to Cork Airport. I fully agree with him that a clear commitment was given in this House. There was no doubt that Cork Airport would be debt-free and start off life in a rosy hue, but this has not happened. I always felt that Bill was ill-conceived.

The Senator then referred to the issue of stamp duty and called for the re-introduction of the first-time buyer's grant. I would not approve of that at all. Builders pocketed the first-time buyer's grant.