Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Apart from everything else, it being a magnificent spectacle and the national anthem and all of that, we trounced the English team. I found great delight in that, not from any nationalistic point of view but from a sporting point of view, that we won a great game. With every single person on that team, it was near perfection. It was a team of perfection, in my view, and one just knew they would not put a foot wrong, but the people did not put a foot wrong either.

Senator O'Toole raised the matter of nursing homes inspection. He has stated often in the House that there are many aspects to the inspection — medical, social and health and safety — and there should be a team of inspectors who could combine those skills of inspection rather than adopt a narrower focus.

Senator O'Toole also referred to farm gate and retail prices. A debate on the consumer price of horticultural produce, as mentioned by Senator Mansergh, would be well worthwhile.

I fully agree with Senator Tuffy on the issue of affordable houses. The term "affordable housing" is becoming derisory because houses are in fact not affordable, as the Senator demonstrated by referring to the salary scales of those who apply for such houses. The term "affordable house" has become a catchphrase. The Senator referred to developers being encouraged to submit proposals for unzoned land. It would be a good idea to have a debate on the affordable housing scheme.

Senator Feeney mentioned the match in Croke Park, which she was lucky enough to attend. Good for her. I did not want to go as I wanted to look at it in the local pub with company. We raised the roof. The Senator referred to the GAA, which had the foresight to develop the stadium, and to Eddie O'Sullivan and Brian O'Driscoll. All those involved were heroes.

Senator Terry believes there should be legislation to protect the rights of citizens when perpetrators of crimes against them are released from prison. I agree that we should be concerned about the victims.

Senator Mansergh called for a debate on horticulture and did not agree with the Competition Authority's ruling on the Irish Pharmaceutical Union. He also referred to criticism of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. I know the identity of the commentator to whom the Senator was referring because I read the article in question. The Senator outlined how the Minister wants to remove uncertainty before moving forward with the legislation.

Senator Norris referred to the delaying tactic of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and also referred to affordable housing. He raised the issue of the shrinking of the safety area around Headfort House to approximately 50 acres to facilitate the building of houses. If the land is good for housing and if Headfort House itself is protected, I would not lose a lot of sleep over people getting houses on decent land. We cannot all live in houses such as Headfort House.