Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I am sure we can all join the Senator in congratulating the Deputies from Kerry South, including Deputy Healy-Rae, who is a great friend and colleague.

Senator Glynn sought a debate on the high percentage of uninsured motor vehicles. We are told by the insurance industry that the proportion of uninsured vehicles could be between 7% and 10%. The National Roads Authority should investigate the handset detectors used by the dedicated traffic corps in New York. I will pass the Senator's views on to the NRA.

Senator Glynn also warned the House about people outside the State who send e-mails regarding inheritance scams and ask for the bank account details of Irish citizens in order to relieve them of their hard-earned money. The Senator's warnings should be taken seriously.

Senator O'Donovan asked that the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government attend the House for a debate on the views he expressed on first and second mortgages. I have no difficulty in arranging a debate on that issue. In a very valuable scheme, local authorities purchase sites in areas of heavy demand for housing and resell them to people on housing lists for 10% of the cost. I can see the benefits of this scheme for areas of my county of Westmeath. However, the council has to take a first mortgage charge while the second charge is taken by the building society or bank. The Senator also called for a debate on all-year tourism.

I will revert to Senator Norris in regard to his questions on No. 15 on the Order Paper and his proposed motion. I will discuss it with the Senator after the Order of Business.

Senators Boyle, Walsh and Ó Murchú expressed their views on what is taking place at the tribunal. We have given the three eminent judges the job of deliberating over matters and of making their findings known. As soon as that happens, I assure the House that every Senator will have the opportunity to discuss the findings in full. I abhor this daily editing of the evidence of all those who appear before the tribunal, and I refer to all Taoisigh and not only to one Taoiseach. A lot of Senators would do well to take on board the views of Senator Ó Murchú, the president of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and an eminent Member and experienced Senator.

Senator McFadden called for a debate on respiratory diseases and asthma, for which I have no difficulty leaving time aside. She also asked about the summer works projects and the few schools in County Westmeath which were not fortunate enough to be included. I must, however, welcome the announcement of a new 16-classroom school for Mullingar, an eight-classroom school for Kinnegad, a new primary school for Clonmellon and a huge extension for Gainstown. We must welcome all the announcements, despite the disappointments. The Senator and I work hard on behalf of the people of County Westmeath and we will continue to do so.