Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

——said that the children's hospital in Tallaght is legally the National Children's Hospital and that has to be addressed before the move to the new site. He said the nurses were in danger of losing public sympathy if they take the militant stance they are proposing. Senator Norris also referred to the Shengen Convention and Dr. Carol Coulter's piece in The Irish Times, yesterday, as well as Mr. John Waters's contribution.

Senator Ulick Burke referred to the internal memorandum about the insurance company, which I believe we have all read, and the rather dubious methods they use to get information and to move in on clients making payments to members of the Garda Síochána. Senator Glynn wished both sides well in the nurses' dispute.

Senator Quinn raised the matter of the legislation governing competence standards for those who steer boats, which has not yet been implemented. I will make inquiries about that, since I understand it was to be implemented. The Senator also referred to the position of children following divorce proceedings involving their parents.

Senator Maurice Hayes said there was great public concern as regards the nurses' dispute and emphasised the need to get the negotiations re-started. He mentioned cross-Border travel and hailed today's development, as regards all-Ireland free travel for the elderly. It is a great move forward and a great step in cross-Border relationships. We travel up and they travel down. It is terrific. Senator Bannon said the rainbow coalition Government had introduced this initiative. It did not because it was only introduced yesterday.