Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator O'Toole raised the matter of the increase in baggage handling charges at Aer Lingus and wondered whether it was the result of the famed privatisation and cited other matters. He also raised the issue of security of supply with regard to the White Paper on energy. He does not think separating the electricity grid from the ESB would mean security of supply and called for a debate on the matter.

Senator Ryan discussed the idiocy of the Competition Authority and I am inclined to agree with him. It sees competition gremlins where none exist and goes off on a tangent. I do not know who told the Senator that amendments must be tabled before Second Stage is debated. It was not my office. I never heard of amendments having to be tabled before Second Stage of any Bill. It would be very odd. I advise Senator Ryan to revert to whoever told his assistant because it is not true. I hope somebody is listening.