Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I accept that the points of view expressed here on behalf of the two main parties are felt and expressed very sincerely. It is important that they should be recognised as such.

Like me, Senator Mansergh praised the Minister for Transport, Deputy Cullen, this morning. I thought he was quite emphatic. Senator Mansergh raised an important issue, which is that all of us in both Houses of the Oireachtas subscribe to pluralism. It is a very strong tenet of our public life. If we subscribe to it, we should respect both civil and religious liberties. It is manifestly not right if pluralism involves intolerance because pluralism, by its very nature, should not be intolerant. Senator Mansergh raised the matter of Catholic adoption agencies in the UK and how a feature allowing freedom of conscience in respect of this issue and the other issue, which he did not mention but which has been raised by other people, should be introduced.

Senator Finucane spoke about magnetic fields and mobile phone masts. Another report will be produced on the likely or unlikely health effects of magnetic fields and mobile phone masts. I am sure the Cathaoirleach has noticed that an increasing number of areas in Ireland have very bad mobile phone services because the masts are not in place. We cannot have it every way. I attended a meeting at which people complained they could not get proper mobile phone services, but they still gave out about another mast coming forward.

Senator Finucane also raised the more salient point about inspectors making certain decisions which are then overturned by An Bord Pleanála. In the three cases mentioned by Senator Finucane, the inspector turned down the applications while An Bord Pleanála allowed them. It is a feature of the legislation governing An Bord Pleanála that the decision is at the behest of the board rather than the individual inspector. He or she advises and the board decides. This is my understanding because I have often queried it.

Senator Glynn raised the matter of Red Bull mixer and how it contains mood-altering components, which is quite serious. He asked all of us to support a ban on the stocking of Red Bull mixer.

Senator Norris said that all national anthems have a trifle of upset about them. He praised Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh, which we would all do, and spoke about laying the wreath. I believe this would be a futile gesture which would not be proper. Senator Norris also spoke about equality legislation and the need to include in it by way of amendment people who are left out of the earlier equality legislation and groupings.

Senator Leyden rightly hailed the free travel scheme among the 32 counties and spoke about how it will be a commendable day when it comes in on 2 April. He also said we should raise at the upcoming British-Irish Interparliamentary Body whether it could work the other way as well, which is a good point.

Senator Bannon spoke about inadequate road signage. He is correct in saying that Rochfordbridge has no signage showing the location of restaurants and other facilities. These are the usual signs we have all come to decipher and understand very well. It is a matter for the National Roads Authority and I have raised the matter with it and am awaiting a response.

Senator Bannon spoke about Longford and Mullingar. We are very happy about Athlone. A certain lady in Athlone who is not Fianna Fáil is on the Senator's track if he moves into her area.