Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

The rugby team had a wonderful victory but it has far to go. We wish the team well in its endeavours to qualify for the Rugby World Cup quarter finals.

Senator Bacik spoke of a "blue day" following the victory of the blues. Blue Day tomorrow is a serious matter dealing with men's cancer. I am sure we will all wear some blue item. A number of people referred to Trinity College being in the top 50 universities of the world and the statement from the heads of universities. There is also the question of the points system. Senator Barrett mentioned the statement in the names of the seven heads of the universities, which is not totally representative of everybody else involved in the system.

Senator Bradford spoke about the number of soldiers killed while on UN duty. That matter has been ongoing for some time and the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Shatter, acted by calling for an inquiry last April. Both he and the Army Chief of Staff apologised to the families, which was welcomed by them. Those families have waited a long time for justice and truth to come in the matter.

Senator MacSharry spoke about the National Roads Authority. I am sure that any question tabled for the authority's chief executive will receive a reply dealing with the roads in question. Senator D'Arcy also spoke about universities, teaching and exams, outlining reservations in that regard. Senator Mullen and others spoke about upgrading Waterford Institute of Technology to university status. That is not a promise made just now but it is on the agenda of the programme for Government. If the Senator read the programme-----