Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Norris asked for a debate on the abuse of children in primary schools. He raised the issue of the ownership of schools and whether the Church is handcuffing various measures which could be introduced. He referred to sex education as being completely inadequate. He questioned the ownership of schools. This is an emerging debate in modern times but I remind the House there would have been no schools in the past only for the school authorities who set them up and they cannot now be discarded.

Senator Daly raised the issue of the haphazard nature of funding for community hospitals. Kilrush hospital has to rely on funding as well as voluntary fund-raising. He said the subvention was to be increased from January 2007 but this has not happened and the HSE is not dealing with the situation. We will endeavour to have the Minister come to the House to answer that question. The concept of a community hospital is excellent but the funding has to be on a statutory basis or else it is all for naught.

Senator Coonan referred to various cases in County Tipperary with which he is involved and spoke of the need to address those issues. He referred to the 165-page document which farmers must fill out. I have met with the farming organisations on this matter. European funding demands accountability and compliance but there should be some way to streamline the process while not sacrificing accountability. The questions on the form seem to be a repetition of other questions farmers are asked all the time.

Senator Quinn has been in a restaurant in Paris which serves only Irish beef. That is wonderful. He suggested we should build on this success. He also referred to the British budget.

Senator Feighan asked that the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government come to the House to discuss the EU directive on clean water. Senator Browne asked a pertinent question regarding the timetable for the taking of the Stages of the Pharmacy Bill. It may be possible to arrange a delay of half an hour between Committee and Report Stages. He referred to the Church's ownership of schools. He raised this matter in the House last year.

Senator Cummins supports Senator Cox's request, as do we all. He cautioned care in dealing with individual cases and the possibility of prejudicing an appeal. We cannot keep standing up and commenting on the way in which judges deal with cases. Another case this week also excited comment although it had nothing to do with the other matter. These are sensitive issues which need to be treated properly when being discussed in the House.

Senator Higgins stated that individual county councils are attempting to circumvent the health and safety regulations for the inspection of road works. We are all familiar with cases where people have been injured by road works which have been neglected or abandoned by county councils. A case in County Westmeath is being hotly contested.

Senator Moylan raised the issue of packets of cigarettes whereby packets of 20 are available and can be shared. Everybody should stop smoking or should never start smoking but that is my personal belief and I do not wish to impose it on everybody. I thank the Senator for making the point.