The Minister for Public Enterprise was credited with prompting a reassessment of the status of duty-free facilities in the European Union.
The leader of the House, Mr Donie Cassidy, said he understood that Germany, France and the UK felt strongly that duty-free should be retained indefinitely. "I must compliment our Minister for Public Enterprise, Mary O'Rourke, who played a major part, I think, in formulating the thoughts of our European colleagues, and pointing out the serious problem that would arise if duty-free were to cease."
Mr Cassidy was responding to Mr Joe Costello (Lab), who said there appeared to be considerable conflict between statements by the EU President, Mr Jacques Santer, and Ms O'Rourke. Mr Santer had indicated to the Seanad recently that there was very little hope of the retention of duty-free.
Dublin more and more resembled Calcutta without the hot weather, said Ms Therese Ridge (FG), who renewed her call for a debate on homelessness. A meaningful debate with realistic proposals was needed on how the issue should be tackled, she added.
Mr Donie Cassidy undertook to arrange for a debate on the matter when time became available.