Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

For parties which run two or three candidates, such as Fine Gael, it could be construed as discriminatory so I will inquire about it.

Senator Leyden referred to his and Senator McHugh's report. He also asked about An Post and said that 72% of letters posted today will reach their destination the next day but the remainder not until the following day. He called for a debate on An Post and I agree, because it is approaching full liberalisation.

Senator Norris asked about affordable homes and the exclusion of people from certain areas, which he called apartheid. He also spoke of mental disability and I too have received a disturbing letter explaining that a person's disability allowance is to be sent to the residential facility.

Senator Kitt raised the quality of water in Galway, as he did the other day. Senator Bradford brought up the EU's concerns over the VHI and called for a debate. When the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, was in the House for the rushed debate on health insurance, she said there needed to be further legislation, and that seems to be confirmed by the latest developments.

Senator Mansergh spoke about dangers in the water supply and we are pleased that the road from Kinnegad to Kilbeggan will be open from the end of April, just at a nice time.