The Order of business for today is item No. 2, from now until 4 p.m. with a sos between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. I suggest that no speaker exceed 30 minutes, with the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Agriculture and Food to speak during the debate.
Order of Business.
Yesterday when I raised the question of a debate on the outcome of the Supreme Court decision, I was not aware that the Government were as close to making up their minds on the matter as they now appear to be. Whether they are accepting the PD wording or not is irrelevant; the fact is that some sort of definite outcome now seems to be very close. In view of that, if there is some definite proposal from the Government today, could the Leader of the House try next week — perhaps on Wednesday — to have some time set aside when some member of the Government would outline to the House what is proposed and allow some time for response from the various groups?
I would just like to raise the question of the coverage of the proceedings of this House. I listened to "Oireachtas Report" last night and out of 20 minutes Seanad Éireann received less than two minutes attention which consisted of about ten second sound bites from the Order of Business. Although we are generally well served by the newspapers, in particular, it is regrettable that we do not get appropriate treatment——
I have to say that is totally a matter for the Broadcasting Committee, as you know.
I support the calls for a debate on the implications of the Supreme Court judgment. I should like to ask the Leader of the House if he has any idea of what will transpire today. Will the matter be clarified or will we have more rumours of cabinet splits and so on?
May I also ask if it would be possible to have a debate on aviation? That is particularly relevant and appropriate now, given that Aer Lingus announced this morning a very alarming loss of £40 million.
I wish to raise a number of matters with the Leader of the House. I missed the Order of Business yesterday and the points I am raising may have been dealt with then. If that is the case I regret taking up time on them. First has the Leader made arrangements for a debate on the Shannon transatlantic status? I understood there was an assurance given here last week that time would be provided for a debate on it. Second, when does he propose to have a debate on employment with particular regard to the Culliton report? In conclusion, will he bring to the attention of the appropriate Minister the serious oil pollution of the beaches in County Clare? Will he ask if the Minister can establish the source of the pollution and if he is prepared to fund the cleaning up operation?
I agree with Senator Norris's comments on coverage of the proceedings of this House in "Oireachtas Report". From time to time there seems to be a strange selection of matters, which are very limited in comparison with the report of the Dáil.
I am sorry, Senator; that is a matter for the broadcasting committee.
I wanted to bring it to your attention and to the attention of the Leader of the House so that perhaps the broadcasting committee would have a look at the matter.
I commend the Government for at last seeming to move in relation to the amendment to the Maastricht Protocol. I am delighted to see they are coupling the right to travel with the right to lawful information; I commend the Progressive Democrats who seem to have been responsible for it. It is interesting to see the tail wagging the dog again, to an extent. May we have a date for a debate on job creation?
I may be wasting my time, but may I appeal to the Leader and to the House that, as well as a debate on job creation and on Culliton — all of which are most important — could we have a debate on what we do to the unemployed? There are 250,000 people who are put through a system of gross humiliation every week. If we cannot give them work, can we at least do what we can to leave them with their dignity? This is a separate issue and I would like the Leader to consider having a debate on that issue.
I asked the Leader yesterday if he had any news on the other international mess we are in in regard to the Norris judgment in the European Court of Human Rights which was given three and a half years ago, almost to the day if not to the week. We could do with some information on this. I was caught in the middle of my oratory by yourself yesterday as to whether the Minister was dismissed, shuffled or what, but the Minister who gave the commitment is no longer the Minister for Justice, whatever happened to him. I would like the Leader to give some indication that the Government are proceeding with some haste on the matter. I do not think being found in breach of the European Convention on Human Rights is a trivial matter or is something that should be set upon for 18 months. I ask the Leader when can we expect action from the Government on the issue?
I ask the Leader of the House once again — and I am sure all Members of the House would agree with me — if it is possible to arrange a debate on the North. We do not have to wait on an election in Britain; there is in the North among elected representatives, a more reasonable approach, but at the same time atrocities are being committed. Maybe we react to those atrocities. It is appalling to see a 15 year old child being beaten to death——
You are making a speech, Senator. Make your point.
I do not want to do that. I want to press for a debate on the North.
May I support the calls for a debate on the proposed addenum to the Maastricht Protocol? I believe that the right to travel and the availability of information and non-directive counselling are a minimum to which the Irish people are entitled. I hope we can get all party agreement on this first step on what is a very difficult road we have to travel.
You are making a speech.
We have more difficult waters ahead in terms of how we deal with the domestic legal situation. As a first step, it would be beneficial if the Leader would respond positively to the calls in this area.
An bhféadfadh an Ceannaire a chur in iúl don Teach cé chomh luath agus a bheidh an Comhchoiste don Ghaeilge á thabhairt le chéile arís. Cuireann an dá Theacht comhchoiste ar bun agus níl comhchoiste Gaeilge ag feidhmiú le cúpla mí anuas. Arís, iarraim ar an Cheannaire an Culliton report a chur os comhair an Tí chun é a phlé, mar tá impleachtaí an-mhór ansin do iarthar na hÉireann.
I would like to ask the Leader of the House if, in view of the failure of the banks to honour the examiner's cheques arising out of the United Meat packers closure and the failure of the courts, despite the fact that there seems to be adequate money, to make that money available to the examiner, the Government intend to introduce an amendment to the Companies Act?
I would like to ask the Leader of the House when the family planning Bill will be introduced? We await publication of this Bill which appeared imminent towards the end of last year.
On the Supreme Court judgment, I am sure if there are developments on that issue today the House will be in a position next week to deal with them. There is a commitment to do that. I am sure we will be able to handle it. Members of the House are on the liaison committee with RTÉ and that is the body to deal with Senator Norris' complaint.
Senator Howard mentioned some issues that were raised yesterday. To reiterate, we will definitely, after Easter have a debate on aviation or air transport. I have already set that in train.
Several Senators referred to the Culliton report and 9 April has been set for a debate on it. We have to decide whether to devote one, two or three days to that very important issue. The report refers to many of the subjects that have been raised, industrial policy, job creation and education. I am giving a commitment to the House that the time required will be set aside for that debate.
Our Kerry Senators made it clear they were very concerned about oil pollution as was Senator Honan from Clare. Senator Brendan Ryan mentioned unemployment and asked what happens to the unfortunate people who find themselves unemployed. The Social Welfare Bill, which will be debated in the House next week will give opportunity of raising such issues.
In regard to the European Court decision, I will communicate with the Senator later on that. I have said that often but all I can do is seek advice on the issue.
On the Irish Committee, Deputy David Andrews, who was the chairman is now in a new position and will have to be replaced. Hopefully we will have some news on that later.
Order of Business agreed to.