Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Ulick Burke has proposed that the House suspend to allow the Minister for Education and Science to come to the Seanad to clarify the fall-out from the Louise O'Keeffe case and to discuss the boards of management, which are due to be renewed next month. His proposal was seconded by Senator Browne. Senator Ulick Burke also raised the water problem in Galway and asked that it be rectified.

Senator Scanlan sought a debate on affordable housing. We should have a debate on housing in general and affordable housing in particular. The income thresholds must be updated. Senator Browne expressed his concern that the victims of sexual abuse do not know when they will get their opportunity to tell what happened to them. He also praised the local radio stations' response to the car crash yesterday. There were comments on that incident yesterday in the House. The Senator should probably get in touch with the IT department to discuss how the spam issue is being dealt with.

Senator Feeney also raised the issue of children going to school hungry. It is well known that one cannot perform if one does not eat, regardless of one's age. I cannot understand middle class families allowing children to go to school hungry.