Senator Cosgrave raised the tragic death of Vanessa Burke and I, too, would like to sympathise with the family and with the Fine Gael Party on their loss.
He also raised the question of the Brooke initiative and talks. All I can do is repeat what I said previously, that we live in hope that commonsense will prevail in these talks and that they will be successful. I noted that Senator Cosgrave welcomed the recent announcement regarding the training of gardaí and I can tell him that the date of starting was announced. I would certainly like to put his mind at ease: it would never be a political pre-election ploy or anything like that.
Senator Murphy asked a question on Northern Ireland similar to Senator Cosgrave and he also raised the question of the foreign affairs committee. I have been told and have been saying that this committee will be formulated this session. I can assure Senator Murphy that I have made repeated representations for Seanad representation on that committee. I have noted also what the Senator said in relation to Bord na Gaeilge. If the Senator wants to ask the Taoiseach questions on that one, I will not do so.
Senator Upton asked about a debate on the mentally handicapped. Much indeed as I would like at this time, I have no proposals or plans for that. The Senator asked about the programme for next week; we will have a busy week. We will have the Foreign Adoptions Bill; a debate on the prison system, as promised to Senator Costello and others and we will have the local government reform Bill. Those will give us a very busy schedule indeed. I have no proposal for a debate on the Irish language, as I indicated.
Senator McKenna asked about the University of Limerick Bill, which is a Bill which provides for the amalgamation of Thomond College and the University of Limerick. As I pointed out last week to Senator Ryan, I have indicated to the Minister for Education the views and concerns of Senators regarding cultural aspects and the Irish language aspect of that legislation.
Senator Naughten asked about the Local Government Bill. I understand the Whips of the other House are still having discussions, so obviously the Whips of this House will meet to arrange a suitable and appropriate time for a debate on the matter.
Senator McGowan asked when Item No. 5 would be taken. It is not an Education Bill, but a Foreign Affairs Bill. It is now completed in the Dáil and it will be taken, I hope, in this House within the next two or three weeks.
Senator Raftery asked about a debate on motor insurance. It is, of course, suitable for discussion in Private Members' time. If it is not taken in Private Members' time, we could look at Motion No. 11, which deals with the report of the Joint Committee on the Secondary Legislation of the EC on life assurance and motor insurance. That would be one way forward, but the best way would be by way of Private Members' time.
Senator Norris referred to the Educational Exchange Bill and also mentioned the question of the Northern Ireland situation. Senator Cullen went on to talk about the——