Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Glynn spoke about the schools of nursing and the fact that there was none in the midlands until the Minister, Deputy Cowen, set up a third-level school in the institute of technology in Athlone. He congratulated the Minister because the school is well patronised and wonderful people are being educated there.

Senator Ulick Burke spoke about the review which has been called for moneys being taken from the front line. Again the paper of record told us today that the revenue yielded by the review will go to the front line and not be taken from it.

Senator Feeney indicated that we should have a serious and reasoned debate on rape, which we should.

Senator Henry stated we would need day-long debates on the health service and requested a debate on the reports of the prison visiting committees. She has been requesting such a debate for a long time.

Senator Ó Murchú spoke of the increasing desperation in Iraq and how we are not getting the full details. Equally, the US has graciously stated it will speak to Fatah ministers in the unity government in Palestine but not to Hamas ministers.

I take Senator Browne's point on the Pharmacy Bill but I would think whoever deals with it tonight will in the course of the discussion spell out the Government amendments, which is what the Senator wants. The Senator also raised a good point about receiving letters from people from other lands in their language. I received such a letter and rooted out somebody who knew the language and had it translated. Such a facility would be useful in the Oireachtas Library.

Senator Lydon spoke of Daithí Hanly, who kept the stones of the original Abbey Theatre and had them numbered and annotated. The Senator wondered if these materials could form part of the new theatre. He spoke of the disparity in the judgments of judges and about the Middle East debate, having recently been in Syria and Lebanon.

I agree with Senator Ross's points about Zimbabwe and that awful Mr. Mugabe, and I do not mind saying so. One can see him strutting across the stage on television, squaring his shoulders, and he marched into the EU, despite restrictions against him. I think it is because they are of another colour that people do not want to think it is an horrific country, but the manner in which the opposition is being treated there is horrific. Ireland, which always had a stake in such countries, through proselytising or whatever, should be in a position to make a protest on the matter. We should do this as a State, and not just as part of an EU protest.

Senator Moylan sought a debate on road safety and noted the supermarkets which offered 12 free cans of alcoholic drink with every 12 purchased. That is wanton carry on because it will eventually lead to mishaps. Drinking at home or in a pub is the same if one drinks too much. It can be equally harmful to people, their health and their safety on the road.

A gremlin got into my Order of Business. Committee Stage of the Roads Bill will be taken from 4 p.m. until 5 p.m. and from 9 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. I am sorry, but it was a gremlin with a capital "G".