Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senator Norris spoke about the survivors of the Magdalen laundries, which I covered yesterday. Senator Ó Brolcháin called for a debate on eco-tourism. I have no difficulty with this. Senator Leyden asked me to find out the up-to-date position on the report by Colm McCarthy on the sale of national assets. I will give this information directly to the Senator when I find out the time frame. The Senator also expressed his views on an article in The Irish Times yesterday.

Senator Quinn mentioned the joyous occasion of the one hundred and first birthday of his dear mother-in-law. I am amazed when I think of the changes in our country that lady must have seen - all for the better. I join with Senator Quinn and his family in celebrating her terrific achievement of reaching the great age of 101. Senator Quinn quite correctly brought to the attention of the House the lovely gesture by President McAleese of providing a medal of achievement to his mother-in-law. I share with Senator Quinn and his family, along with everyone in the House, my joy in the lovely day they had yesterday and his mother-in-law's reaching the age of 101, which is an incredible achievement that few have reached. I appreciate the words of joy the Senator expressed in the House this morning.

Senators Cummins and Mullen expressed concerns and gave their views on everything to do with prison sentencing and standards in our prisons. This is for discussion in the House tomorrow, with the Minister present, from 2 p.m. Senator Norris inquired about Senator Quinn's Construction Contracts Bill, which is No. 34 on our clár. I hope we will be able to deliberate further on this in the last week of November. We are fully in support of the Bill, particularly in view of what has happened in the last two to three weeks. The situation must be addressed as a serious matter of urgency.

Senators Harris and Wilson mentioned poor editing on the RTE news last night and called on the head of news at RTE to account for what happened. I will pass on the Senator's strong views to the Minister after the Order of Business. Senator Mary White spoke of the downside of new media such as texting and social networking in terms of quality of life for young people and the amount of time being spent on mobile phones and other new technology. I certainly share her views in this regard, and we must note the research she has outlined to the House.

Senator Healy Eames spoke of the importance of education. All parties share the Senator's views in this regard. Was it not Fianna Fáil that introduced free school transport, which transformed education over the last four or five decades? It did not matter whether one's parents were rich or poor-----