Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

The Tánaiste explained that as with the Queen's visit, there are significant protocols to go through. There is significant tic-tacking that goes on between embassies, officials and at government level. The same goes for the proposed visit of the Pope. The Irish bishops are in negotiation with the Holy See. When an indication is given that the Pope would like to or intends to visit, the invitation will issue. The Taoiseach has said that the Pope will be made very welcome and an invitation will be issued immediately that indication is given.

There is no question of the Government not inviting the Pope. It must go through the proper protocols. I hope the Fianna Fáil Members raising this issue will speak to their party leader, a former Minister for Foreign Affairs, as he can advise them of the protocols for such a visit. Therefore, I hope the Senators withdraw their motion.

Senator Burke made a good point on the issue of medical training in universities. This is something to which the Minister for Health alluded yesterday and I am sure we will come back to that issue at some stage. Senator Ó Clochartaigh asked about overtime allowances paid to gardaí. These are paid to gardaí to uphold the law. We have had hundreds of millions spent on security to protect this State over 30 years, but Senator Ó Clochartaigh did not mention that.