Today's Order of Business is Items 1, 2, and 3. On Item 3 each spokesperson shall have 30 minutes and other Senators 10 minutes with the Minister making a statement in reply no later than 1.50 p.m. Items 1 and 2 are the orders for the establishment of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Commercial State-sponsored Bodies and the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Women's Rights.
Order of Business.
I have no problems with the Order of Business but I repeat to the Leader of the House my concern that the Seanad passes motions setting up various committees without addressing the exclusion of this House from some major committees. I ask that this issue be addressed shortly after the recess.
I am not objecting to the Order of Business. I appreciate the use of today's time to deal with foreign policy matters as it allows Members to express their views on many different issues in a wide-ranging discussion. This has been a successful session for dealing with issues, and I would ask the Leader of the House if he would consider picking a number of key issues for next session when we would have a block discussion on them like today's debate on foreign policy, with a Minister contributing. Perhaps we could also try a format attempted during the last Seanad which was to have an hour long open forum at the end of such a debate where a Minister could exchange views with Members in a form of Question Time. This format, with tight controls, has worked on previous occasions.
On the Order of Business, may I ask the Leader of the House if he can confirm a change in Government policy regarding the Shannon stopover, in view of the fact that four of the Ministers flying to America for St. Patrick's day——
That is not appropriate to the Order of Business.
A Chathaoirligh, may I ask the Leader to make provision in the near future for a debate on Irish gaming laws where we might establish to what extent our gaming laws are in harmony with those of other European countries. All aspects of gaming and gambling should be discussed and its legislation harmonised. I ask for an early debate to allow a consensus to be reached and I hope the Minister will be available to accept proposals from the Seanad on this important matter.
I support the suggestion made by Senator Manning that we discuss the formation of committees. Might I suggest to the Leader that time be made available to discuss a special report produced by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Commercial State-sponsored Bodies, during the last Seanad, which contains suggestions with wide application to all committees in making them more efficient. That would be an ideal opportunity to achieve the objective suggested by Senator Manning.
May I also congratulate Senator Wilson on an act of singular courage regardless of whether it achieves anything. If we could, a Chathaoirligh, with your indulgence——
It is not appropriate to the Order of Business but we all support your views.
I suggested that this House could try to contact men of violence on the other side also to talk to them. I believe talk would achieve something.
On the Order of Business, Matters on the Adjournment will be taken at the conclusion of business. I would like to say in reply to Senator Manning and Senator O'Toole that we will have a debate on the important matter of Oireachtas committees. Might I say to the Opposition that we would welcome suggestions for topical debates. Perhaps, during the recess, Opposition Members might come together and suggest issues to the Whip's office that might be raised on Thursday afternoons. I welcome Senator McGowan's call for a debate on gaming laws.
Order of Business agreed to.