John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

I suspect anomalies exist in both systems. Senator Hanafin requested the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to come to the House to discuss the country's progress and to chart the way forward. This would be valuable if it could be fitted into the busy schedule of legislation before the House, which must have priority.

I strongly support Senator Hanafin's comments regarding the prospects for Northern Ireland. Members hope that by the time they return to the House next week, a power-sharing Executive and the democratic institutions to which the North is entitled will be in place. I strongly endorse the Senator's comments in this regard.

Senator Quinn discussed the Institute of Fundraising and the percentage of charity collections that goes to collectors. While Ireland has some regulations regarding the organisation of collections and people must be registered to carry them out, I am unclear as to the answer to his question. I will endeavour to find out. One must get a licence from a Garda superintendent to conduct a collection in the first place. I agree that all Members have been lobbied regarding VAT, and this must be looked at.

Senator Mansergh raised the issue of old Irish in UCD. This is an important matter as something similar took place in Trinity in respect of drama. Members should read a paper written by Sean Barrett in Administration. This issue goes back to a decision made by a different Government. Some of us who were then on the Opposition side of the House were active in the debate at that time. It appears the arts are becoming increasingly curtailed in the pursuit of the sciences. While it is good to pursue the sciences, it appears that in spite of very large increases in the moneys being given to the universities, it has been suggested they are underfunded and this is the reason such departments are closing. This is wrong.

As for the M3 and our cultural heritage and archaeological remains, the National Roads Authority recently produced reports on the remains that have been found during the construction of several of its roads. Such finds are simply littered throughout the country and are everywhere. It is impossible to build a road anywhere without uncovering something of significance. Obviously, there is a compromise between progress and preservation.

It is important for Members to acknowledge the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Rome, which will take place during the weekend, and its significance on the lives of us all.