Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Quinn referred to child poverty and indicated that the figure in this regard has decreased from one in ten to one in nine. He stated that early indentification is hugely important in the context of helping children that are living in poverty. The Senator also referred to the charities Bill. He further referred to a magazine he received which carried a promotional product relating to smoking. It seems both stupid and odd for such a product to be included with a magazine.

Senator Maurice Hayes called for a debate on the Garda Síochána but stated that it might be useful to wait for this until Inspector Kathleen O'Toole produces her next report. The Senator also stated that we are judging past events on today's standards. In historical terms, it is wrong to do so because we do not take account of the conditions, circumstances, standards, etc., that obtained when certain events occurred. The Senator also stated that we should not continue to hold inquiry after inquiry.

Senator Terry referred to the election manifesto being launched by Barnardos. She also referred to the things for which children are waiting. Chief among her concerns is the fact that 2,000 children are awaiting psychological testing.

Senator Jim Walsh and others requested a debate on the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights' Final Report on the Report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Bombing of Kay's Tavern, Dundalk.

Senator Norris was irritated by the fact that files relating to the Dublin-Monaghan bombings may have been thrown on a bonfire or may have merely disappeared. The Senator also asked me to inquire of the Government as to why the OECD has criticised us for not fighting corruption. He also referred to cluster bombs and requested a debate on banking.

Senator Leyden referred to yesterday's signing of a contract worth €605 million in respect of the N6 from Ballinasloe to Galway. I must inform him that they must still reach Athlone so he should not run away with himself. The Senator stated that it was a great day for the BMW region and praised the new chief of the Army.

Senator Browne stated that new voters should be educated as regards our PR election system and provided with information relating thereto.

Senator Feeney referred to the AGSI and the fact that we should support the Garda, that the maximum recruitment age is 35 and that the reserve is working well. Her visit to Waterford in the company of Senator Cummins was well worthwhile.

Senator Ross referred to the parliamentary lacuna that will develop when the Dáil will be dissolved and when the Seanad will remain in place. He stated that many issues could be debated in the House and that it could monitor what is happening as regards the governing of the State. Even though the Seanad will not be dissolved when the general election is called, I will not be here. However, that does not matter.