Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I support the proposal by Senator O'Toole on the review of the rural transport scheme. This innovative scheme was introduced as a pilot scheme by the former Minister, Deputy Mary O'Rourke, and it has been rolled out to quite a number of areas with considerable success. I see it operating at first hand in my own area. It would be a worthwhile exercise to have a full review of this issue in the Seanad and to put forward the strong view held. I compliment the Minister, Deputy Ó Cuív, who took much criticism at the time over the introduction of the nightly bus, which he very much supports.

On No. 25 on the Order Paper, I ask that we devote time to the question of the Council of Europe on the occasion of its 60th anniversary. Ireland is one of ten founding members of the Council of Europe. President Mary McAleese will address the plenary session at 12.30 p.m. on Tuesday, 23 June. I ask Senators to accommodate Senator Keaveney, Senator Joe O'Reilly and myself, the three representing the Seanad in the Council of Europe. It would be worthwhile. Senators Bacik, O'Toole and Norris could look at this matter from the point of view that it is in order that we Members of the Seanad should be allowed attend such plenary sessions when we must be there for events. Indeed, I am vice-president of the ALDE group in the Council of Europe and I have great difficulty in getting a chance to attend next week. I ask the Leader of the House, and the Cathaoirleach, that there should be some provision where Senators are nominated-----