Today's Order of Business is item 2, Committee and Final Stages, item 3, Roads Bill, 1991: Second Stage (Resumed), and item 4, Statements on Common Agricultural Policy Reform from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. I suggest 15 minutes for the spokesperson or leadoff speaker and 10 minutes thereafter. There will be a sos between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Order of Business.
I ask the Leader of the House if he is prepared to give time to discuss the Bosnian situation. Another matter which is of fundamental interest is Ireland's proposed submission to the European Commission for Structural and Cohesion Funds. It is important that we discuss this matter because on the last occasion where discussion did not take place in the Oireachtas there were obvious omissions from the submission. I refer in particular to the omission of an application for funding in relation to marine erosion. Perhaps the Leader of the House would consider giving time to both of these matters.
A Chathaoirligh, I wish to raise a matter which I have raised here before and with you, that is the question of facilities for the Independent Senators Office. You have used your good offices with the Minister yet no progress has been made. I wish to make it absolutely clear to the House that I can no longer co-operate with the operation of the House if urgent action is not taken. I have received a commitment that over the next week or so the Minister will be in contact with you about this. I think the Independent Senators have been treated very badly as we are worst off among Members in terms of House facilities. I will be expecting progress over the next week on that matter. A stand must be taken and I ask for the support of the House on the matter.
A Chathaoirligh, this week we saw one of the most important economic developments for a long time when the Government issued its decisions in regard to the Culliton report. The Leader of the House said yesterday he would find time to discuss this but I urge the Seanad to keep momentum going on this and to make sure we bring it forward. Time is of the essence. It is a year since the Culliton report was published, and only now has the implementation been suggested. It is important that we consider this report as a matter of urgency and I suggest to the Leader that we discuss it next week.
I ask the Leader of the House to make time available in the near future to discuss the school transport system under the following headings. Is it efficient, safe and economic? Are we getting the best value for money? Are the pilot schemes working? Do we need a new school transport authority or do we accept the system in place? It would be proper and timely for this House to examine the question of school transport which is especially important for the rural population.
In response to Senator Taylor-Quinn's question on Structural Funds, we are trying to organise discussions at the moment with the relevant Ministers. I have a personal interest in her own concern about coastal erosion. We will debate the Bosnian situation in the House quite soon. Senator Quinn mentioned the Culliton report and its implementation. I am hopeful for some early news on that which may come next week.
Order of Business agreed to.