Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I have already responded to the point made by Senator O'Toole.

Senator Hannigan spoke about gangland killings. I agree with him and will pass on his strong views to the Minister after the Order of Business. Senator Hannigan also spoke about the high percentage of road deaths. As he outlined to the Seanad, 25% of people who died on our roads last year were not wearing seat belts. This is unacceptable. The Garda Síochána is doing a great job. Its dedicated traffic corps will be at full strength later this year with 1,200 members. Never have so many gardaí been allocated on behalf of the force to deal with traffic calming and the various regulations and rules we have introduced for them to implement. This high percentage surprised me, to say the least. I thought the number was much smaller than that. It is down to enforcement after we bring in the regulations and the laws.

Senator de Búrca called for the Minister for Defence to come to the House to discuss the despatch of Irish troops to Chad. I will try to ensure this happens next week if possible.

Senator Healy Eames spoke about funding for a summer works scheme for schools. I will pass her views on to the Minister for Education and Science. We can have a lengthy debate on funding for education in the coming weeks. The Minister will be in the House this evening so there may be an opportunity for Senators in respect of the inquiries they have made to myself and to the Department of Education and Science. I will do anything I can to ascertain responses and replies to the queries made to me by Senators on the Order of Business. As the Cathaoirleach said, my door is open at all times to assist any Senator, particularly those 25 Members who have not been previous Members of either House of the Oireachtas, and to find any information they require.

Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú expressed very strong views about Aer Lingus and the Irish language. All Members of the House must agree with him given that the Irish language has been officially recognised by the EU and that Aer Lingus is the national carrier. I will pass the views of the Seanad on to Dermot Mannion, chief executive of Aer Lingus, later today and tell him that all sides of the House would like to see the Irish language, even if it is just cúpla focal, used on flights from Belfast to other destinations.

Senator Coghlan inquired about the number of new Bills. I am pleased to inform the Senator that since last week, the Finance Bill, the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill, the Immigration Bill and the Motor Vehicle (Duties and Licences) Bill have been published. As the Senator is aware, the Finance Bill is being debated in the Dáil this week. I am sure the Senator is pleased to hear that all these Bills will be put before us before the Easter recess.