Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

His voice is authentic in this respect, as it is regarding the Gerry Adams interview and all matters pertaining to the North. We will not say the name of another man who cried off because he was going to face a warm reception in Kilmainham. He was sensible in that regard.

Senator Ross asked for a debate on planning matters, but the three debates we have had on the issue were not fruitful. He raised in a funny way the planning situation involving the farmer, the three windows and the reinforced glass. He also spoke about the haemorrhaging of jobs. While he stated that we do not want to be too alarmist, our cost base is a problem, but it is not the only problem. Senators have noticed that as soon as a firm announces it is to lay off people, one can be sure the next news bulletin will carry the news of another firm also wishing to lay off people. It is as if the second firm wants to get in on the backwash of the earlier announcements of job losses. Like the international scene, Irish employers can be examined in many ways. I will seek a debate on the issue.

Senator Maurice Hayes spoke about senior civil servants and the Gerry Adams interview.

Senator Quinn spoke about the special cameras at Newry. Part of their efficacy is that they measure one's speed while coming and going. While the Senator stated that 55% of Irish-registered vehicles are not in good shape, I cannot understand it because they must undergo strict national car tests. Sometimes, one wonders about reporting in newspapers.

Senator Dooley spoke about State airports and Shannon Airport and welcomed the fact that a resolution may be near, which I hope is the case. He sought finance for Shannon Airport to work through the fallout of the open skies agreement, as it would be useful.

Senator MacSharry called for a debate on planning. While we have had three such debates, it is the most important issue facing people.