Today's Order of Business is item 1, the Local Government (Planning and Development) Bill, 1993, and by agreement all Stages will be taken today. I suggest 30 minutes per spokes-person and 20 minutes per speaker thereafter. There will be a sos from 1.30 p.m. to 2 p.m. It is hoped we will have dealt with our business by 4 p.m.
Order of Business.
Will the Leader of the House state the current situation regarding accommodation?
Will the Leader of the House arrange a debate on the serious issue of the GATT round of talks now that Mr. Peter Sutherland is taking responsibility? There has been a serious turn of events this week, particularly in France, where there have been developments. We need a debate here to urge our negotiators to take into account all Ireland's interests, not just agriculture. I urge the Leader of the House to find time to debate this in the near future.
I raised the question of fire drills last Wednesday and I thank the Captain of the Guard for his immediate response to my concern. There has not been a fire drill this session. The last was in late January or early February, before the new security door was put in place. I also thank the Superintendent for saying he would immediately deal with my concern about the loose carpeting in front of this security door and which he said he will have nailed down immediately.
I hope that when we have the fire drill the Senators will lead the way and give the Deputies in the other House a good example as I understand there have been complaints in this regard before.
They will be the first out.
I presume this fire drill is for the Government side only.
Is this a smokescreen?
I thank you for allowing the issue of crime against tourists to be raised on the Adjournment last night with the Minister for Justice. I would again like to call for a full debate early next week on the issue in view of the savage attack on a German tourist in Dublin last night. It is now a matter of urgency.
I ask the Leader of the House, in view of the continuing atrocities in Bosnia and former Yugoslavia, if time could be made available for a debate on this matter. The House's silence on this issue is an indication of the inability of the European Community and Europe in general to come to terms with problems on its own doorstep. I would appreciate if time could be made available to debate this sad situation.
With regard to Senator O'Toole's question on accommodation, I am pleased to say that the issue will be resolved over the weekend. I thank my colleagues, Senator Bohan and Senator Fahey for the part they have——
On a point of order will the Leader of the House confirm that there was no discrimination against any Senator on the grounds of views expressed in this House or elsewhere over the question of accommodation as alleged in last Sunday's newspapers?
That matter, unfortunately, has been ongoing since last February, I agree totally with your views.
May I repeat that what Senator Manning says has absolutely nothing to do——
Then it is without basis to say so.
It sells papers.
It was most disappointing to see one of our own colleagues writing in such fashion.
Is this a reflection on the Independent benches because——
No it is not.
We are talking about a member of Fine Gael. The Senator should not be so touchy.
I would leap to the defence of my people here.
The Leader to reply.
My understanding is that the Superintendent will deal with the issue over the weekend and I hope this matter is now off the agenda.
I will contact the relevant Departments regarding Senator Quinn's request for a debate or statements on the GATT talks. I hope that between now and the recess there will be some time to debate that matter. Senator Neville had the opportunity last night to discuss attacks on tourists. It is most disappointing for all the Members of this House to read in the daily papers about visitors to this country being the victims of crime. Again it may well be that, between now and the recess, time will be made available for all the Members to put on the record their abhorrence of such crime. Regarding Senator Kelleher's request, I will contact the Department of Foreign Affairs about the possibility of debating the situation in Bosnia.
Order of Business agreed to.