There are hundreds of students completing full term college courses who would not be there if they had not had the opportunity of the foundation course. It would be an interesting matter for the House to consider.
I thank Senator O'Toole for his kind remarks about Kilbeggan racecourse. I have told those responsible that he and Senator Glynn have been most assiduous in raising the issue. Senator O'Toole also requested that an appropriate Minister to come before the House to outline the terms of the all-party committee on the Constitution investigating the use of land. Such a debate would serve us well. The Senator's final point related to the gruesome events of the weekend concerning the double agent codenamed Stakeknife.
Senator Tuffy raised the recently published figures on homelessness. I know that she is a member of the all-party committee on the Constitution charged with considering land ownership. She said that the Government should invest the necessary money now, but it is clear that the withholding of land by particular interests for long periods – thus, delaying its proper development – is one of the major factors that contributes to homelessness. I take the Senator's point, however, that she wants an all-embracing agency to be established to examine all matters relating to housing. We can debate that issue when the relevant Minister comes before the House.
Senator Ó Murchú raised the need to preserve the house in Moore Street, Dublin, to which the 1916 leaders retreated following the evacuation of their forces from the GPO. As I understand it, each local authority has a heritage officer who deals with such matters. Since that avenue seems to have gone awry in this case, however, I will obtain information on the matter for the Senator.
Senator Coghlan raised the question of whether or not our security and intelligence services knew about Stakeknife and other double agents. I agree with him – several other Members raised this issue – as regards how we can know what is happening. How do we know, for example, if there is not somebody – not quite in our midst, but around – who is involved in such issues? When the Minister comes before the House on Thursday we will raise that matter with him.
Senator Leyden referred to the below cost selling order with respect to the Lidl and Aldi retail chains. He asked me to bring the matter to the attention of the Tánaiste. When my party was in Opposition, we discussed this matter but I have found that, ultimately, customers will frequent shops which offer goods at a cheaper price. Senator Leyden's point is good in theory, however, and I am sure the Tánaiste would be keen to come before the House to discuss the below cost selling order.
Senator Norris sought a debate on a range of planning and licensing laws. I accept his other point that the situation in post-war Iraq is worthy of debate. The war is over, but everyone in that country who is interviewed states that they are worse off now than they were before the war.