Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators Regan and O'Donovan are the two legal Senators and I compliment them on their views from time to time. Under no circumstances will the Mahon tribunal be interfered with. No fair-minded public representative in the Dáil or Seanad could let this happen. It was never envisaged that this would be the case. However, as Senator O'Donovan said today, while nothing can be retrospective, something must be done. The Minister has given a clear assurance that under no circumstances can the Mahon tribunal be interfered with, especially when the Taoiseach is involved. That will strengthen the integrity of the tribunal, not threaten it.

Senator Mullen called for a debate on the abuse of alcohol, particularly in the context of the task force report of 2004. I can put aside time for this. As time is of the essence and we have to deal with so much legislation before Christmas, perhaps Senator Mullen could speak to the leader of the Independent group and ask for time to discuss it in Private Members' time. We would welcome it if that were possible.

Senator O'Reilly called for a debate on quality of life and carbon credits. I can examine this the next time the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is in the House, especially concerning the Senator's request for the railway network from Dublin to Navan. This is a long-standing issue in my area. It is a good idea and I will put it to my constituency colleague, the Minister for Transport, Deputy Dempsey, and ask if it is a possibility. The people of Navan are well served by the Minister. When he was Minister for the Environment and Local Government he approved the dual carriageway from Dublin to Kells. The Senator is pushing an open door. It is a question of timing and waiting for the Celtic tiger part three to provide the finances for that good proposal to be considered.