Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Yes, I will. My apologies but I forgot that point. I will convey it in the strongest terms possible to the Minister's office immediately after the Order of Business. It is a serious matter that has been brought to the attention of the House by Senator Norris, who outlined his views with considerable knowledge.

Senator Hannigan welcomed the opening of the Cullahill to Cashel motorway by the Minister, Deputy Noel Dempsey. I welcomed this yesterday. It is another great step forward as a result of the huge investment being made in the country's infrastructure by the Government.

Senators Quinn, Daly, Coghlan, Glynn and Buttimer expressed their concerns that Christmas be celebrated. Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Christ, which is the most important part of Christmas. With regard to the symbols of Christmas, particularly the crib, those in charge of our hospitals and other public institutions should display the crib with respect in those institutions over Christmas. No administrator in a hospital should feel under any pressure whatsoever. We should celebrate the birth of Christ in the traditional Christian way, as people in Ireland have done for generations.

Senator Healy Eames expressed strong views about the difficulties she mentioned, which come under the remit of the Minister for Health and Children. I am informed by Senator Wilson who raised this matter previously on the Adjournment that legislation is due in late February. I will convey the Senator's views to the Minister this afternoon. If something can by done through the Garda Síochána about the issues raised by the Senator and the circulation of leaflets, it can be addressed immediately. Senator Healy Eames also expressed strong views about school examination results. I will convey her views to the Minister.

Senators Bacik and McFadden called for a debate on gender equality and gender achievements. They spoke of celebrating the 90th anniversary of the election of Constance Markievicz in 1918. I am aware from reading the history of Castlepollard that she addressed an area in my home town in 1922. I have no difficulty joining the ladies of this country in celebrating the achievements of women in those 90 years. They have been incredible. It is nice to see a former Senator who is now back in the Dáil, my colleague, Deputy Mary O'Rourke, organising the celebration of the achievements of women over the past 90 years. I wish them well.

Senator McFadden also congratulated the Garda Síochána on the arrests made yesterday. Ten people have been arrested and are being questioned following raids on brothels. I congratulate the Garda on its vigilance on this issue. I will convey the Senator's views to the Minister.