Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Coghlan, acting Leader of the Opposition, made the point that some towns are not growing sufficiently and others are growing too much. It is not possible, however, to undertake planning on the basis of numbers of children and so on. That would require a detailed planned operation. I recognise, however, that there is a difficulty in regard to overpopulation and underpopulation. The reality is that people wish to move to certain places based on job locations and other factors.

Senator Coghlan also referred to the substandard conditions of many primary schools, as evidenced in the inspectors' report, and asked that this be reviewed.

He also asked when the House would sit next week. I hope we will sit Tuesday and Wednesday. There are five Bills that originated in the Seanad and which have been amended by the Dáil. One of these is the Water Services Bill 2003. We must also deal with the Ethics in Public Office (Amendment) Bill 2007.

Senator O'Toole referred to the confusion as to the correct name of Dingle. He argues the Minister is at fault by not taking into account the democratic wishes of the people.

Like other Senators, I heard the report on radio this morning of the education meeting in Castleknock. It was the most chilling report I ever heard. Fair dues to Deputy Joe Higgins for riding to the rescue. I do not know what would have happened if he had not done so.