Today's business is items 1 and 13, motion 23. I am anxious to finish Second Stage of the Harbours Bill, 1995, this week, either today or tomorrow. If it has not been concluded by 6 p.m., perhaps the Whips could get together to see if we could continue it this evening or tomorrow afternoon.
Order of Business.
The Leader is aware of the interest in and concern surrounding the Harbours Bill, 1995, and we will arrange that the Whips get together to ensure that Second Stage is dealt with this week. I would like to raise two issues. Senator McGowan has regularly asked that time be made available for a debate on funding for Border counties. In the light of President Clinton's successful visit and given that there are funds available under four headings — Structural Funds, the Delors package, the Clinton package and Exchequer funding — we would like to know how the Government intends to handle this funding. If necessary, we will ask that a day be made available for a full discussion on this important issue. The success of last week's visit and the existence of funding means this is an ideal opportunity to maximise funding for areas which have been deprived for a number of years.
The Leader will be aware that we withdrew a Private Members' motion on hepatitis C. We did so on the understanding that negotiations were taking place with the Minister for Health. However, we have heard second hand that those negotiations are not progressing in the way we would want. If that is the case, we will again ask the Leader to make time available so that Senators who have expressed an interest over the past number of months will be afforded an opportunity to discuss this issue.
Has the Leader succeeded in making arrangements for us to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the illegal annexation of East Timor by the Indonesians which will take place tomorrow?
I thank Senator Magner, the Chairman of the Joint Services Committee, for illuminating the grounds of the House and for the hospitality we received.
Some were not invited.
I regret that the hospitality was on a selective basis. I was not aware that anyone on the Government side had been excluded. I hope it does not presage a disagreement as we approach the budget.
I agree with the Leader's suggestion that the House should try to conclude Second Stage of the Harbours Bill this evening or tomorrow.
Last week I raised the problem of the strength of the punt against sterling. Several expressions of concern were made about this matter during the week and as there are conflicting views in the House, it would be useful to debate this issue, perhaps in the context of a wider debate on the economy.
I heard this morning that Ms Veronica Guerin has been awarded a major international award in journalism. The House should congratulate her on her significant achievement.
In light of a recent judicial decision, will the Leader bring to the notice of the Minister for Justice the importance and urgency of introducing legislation to amend the anomalies in the sentencing laws, particularly those relating to sexual offences and rape? It is a sad reflection on previous legislation and those implementing it that this is not viewed more seriously. It is an urgent matter and I ask that the Leader bring it to the Minister's attention.
In the light of the positive reaction to President Clinton's achievements, particularly in respect of the right of children to be reared in an environment free from violence and intimidation — one of the great themes of his visit — will the Leader ask the Government to indicate its programme to ensure, in accordance with the Constitution, that all citizens are treated equally before the law? Young people in this jurisdiction should be born and reared in a crime free environment but until that happens, particularly in deprived areas of this city, those young people will not receive the same treatment before the law under the Constitution. This is a serious issue and I ask the Government to consider it on the basis of introducing programmes in housing, social welfare and education. Otherwise discrimination will exist.
In relation to my former responsibility as Minister for Agriculture, there is a pressing need for the nation to consider the BSE scare in England, which is obviously affecting the consumption of beef there. It is a delicate matter but the Government should arrange, by way of a special promotion in Britain, not just to reassure but to prove it is accepted by experts, researchers and other professionals that Ireland has taken all necessary action since the scare first arose in the UK to ensure we have a BSE free régime. I hope the Government will take the opportunity to launch a major promotional programme in the UK. Otherwise, Ireland is in danger of being associated with a country with which it has no connection in that regard.
Members recognise the importance of the prisoners to the peace process and I am sure the House welcomes the transfer, albeit on a temporary basis, of Mr. Patrick Kelly to Northern Ireland today. Will the Leader ask the Minister for Justice why the issue of the transfer of prisoners from England is so slow to progress? What is the problem regarding the transfer of prisoners from Ireland to Great Britain or Northern Ireland, such as Mark Granaghan from Wheatfield to Great Britain and Edmond Harkin from Arbour Hill to Northern Ireland? It is important to remember that many prisoners have for some time sought transfers. Is it that they are not being accepted back? These prisoners were not involved in any paramilitary or political process. They are serving long-term sentences and are seeking transfers.
Would the Leader comment on the quarterly report issued by the Central Bank today? It is a very bullish report which is unusual for the Central Bank. It states there is 6 per cent growth in the economy this year and that we have finally got over the phase of jobless growth. It estimates there will be 38,000 new jobs this year and 47,000 next year.
Fishermen are going through a rough time at present. In January 1996 the Spanish fleet will have access to the Irish box. There are proposed cuts of up to 80 per cent in our mackerel fisheries which would completely devastate the Irish fleet and towns, such as Killybegs, Castle-townbere and Dingle. About four years ago 20 licences were granted to fishermen to catch non-quota species of fish but quotas are to be imposed by the EU on those species, in particular monkfish. Fishermen are only allowed to catch one tonne of monkfish per month which is an impossibility. Will the Leader arrange for the Minister for the Marine to come to the House to give us information to bring us up to date on what is happening in the fishing industry?
With Senator Wright I wish to ask about the present state of negotiations between the Minister for Health and Positive Action in relation to the statutory tribunal. It was my understanding that a month had been given to bring the negotiations to a successful conclusion and that period was up last Friday without a successful conclusion. The House was due to debate this issue a month ago. I support the women in their call for a statutory tribunal; due to the circumstances of the case they should set the agenda. It is important to many women that this matter is dealt with immediately and I would like to know the present state of negotiations. Is a conclusion being reached? If not, may we have a discussion on the matter in the House?
We should send a note of congratulations to the staff of the Houses, in particular the Superintendent of the Houses, for last Friday's arrangements. The Superintendent celebrated 40 years of public service last Friday; he joined the Army 40 years on that day. The House should send him a note of congratulations.
When will the Minister be in the House to make a statement on the relief of flooding? I know certain measures are in train but nobody knows exactly what is happening. The people who were discommoded last year should have a statement from the Minister. If he is not prepared to come to the House he should make a public statement through the media.
Last Thursday the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Gay Mitchell, was in the House for statements on the Reflection Group for the Intergovernmental Conference. No material on the Reflection Group was avail to the Members of the House until we got copies of the Minister's speech. A major report was published yesterday and we should have another debate on the matter, perhaps in the context of a debate on foreign affairs or the EU.
When will we have a debate on the Defence Forces? It is a matter of concern that the Oireachtas has not been afforded an opportunity to discuss the plans for the Defence Forces. Leaks as to what will happen are widespread. The Leader should ask the Minister to come to the House for a debate on the matter.
Will the Leader arrange time for a debate on the European monetary union? It was intended to cover the matter last week during our discussion on the Intergovernmental Conference but we did not have a chance to do so. Senator Doyle referred to the importance of jobs and the growth in the economy this year and Senator Dardis referred to currency. Both issues, and the situation in Irish Steel, pale into insignificance compared to the effect on our economy of the single currency and European monetary union. This is the matter the House should debate, with plenty of time allowed and not a last minute debate. Our last debate on currency issues took place at a time when we had very little opportunity to do anything. I urge the Leader to find time for such a discussion in the very near future; we cannot afford to delay as matters are moving so fast and they have huge implications for us.
Is it possible for the Leader to get a review of the ongoing discussions on Irish Steel with the relevant Minister and the British Ministers? This and the other House should be informed about the seriousness of that ongoing situation.
I join with the other speakers in marking with great joy the visit of President Clinton to Ireland. I also wish to pay tribute to you, a Chathaoirligh, on an excellent, dignified and thoughtful speech.
Leave me out of it.
We should take the opportunity of President Clinton's visit to renew our interest in some of the minutiae of the peace process. This is a very critical time with the setting up of the international body on the decommissioning of arms which has to report in January. Will the Leader make time available for a major debate or briefing of Senators on the peace process and Northern Ireland? Perhaps that debate could be led by the Tánaiste who could also clarify his position on other issues.
In common with Senator Gallagher, I was appalled to hear that the hands of a judge were tied on the issue of sentencing. Could the Leader of the House arrange a debate on this issue? Mr. Justice Carney made eminent good sense yesterday. Everybody accepts that it was a very reasoned judgment and that he is bound by precedent. However, justice should not be spancelled by daft precedents. Parents and others concerned about young people are very concerned by the message which came out yesterday. I support the call for a debate on the issue of sentencing.
The Government has again indicated in press briefings over the last 24 hours that the Freedom of Information Bill has finally come through the Cabinet. In furtherance of the promise which was made here on 7 June, will the Leader now set a date for the initiation of the debate on that Bill? I have shown some forbearance in holding back the other Bill because I believe it is important that we get freedom of information and it does not matter from which side of the House the Bill comes.
Will you, Sir, and the Leader do something about the appalling lack of balance in the RTÉ treatment of this House?
I do not want to discuss that matter here. It would be more appropriately dealt with by the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, on which the Senator has very good representatives.
I accept that but the reality is that the matter is not being paid any attention. Last week, the Bill on securitisation was debated in this House and no Senator's contribution was shown on the RTÉ Oireachtas programme that night. Yesterday, there was a major debate by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Commercial State-sponsored Bodies on the ESB, to which the bulk of contributions came from Senators. This morning, RTÉ——
I do not think that we can discuss that matter here.
I am simply asking.
I am sure the Leader of the House has taken on board what the Senator said.
Could the Leader, and the leaders of the other groups in the House, remind RTÉ that there are two Houses in the Oireachtas?
I support Senator Lanigan's call for a debate on flooding. Carlow was badly flooded last year; the Office of Public Works is carrying out a report and there are proposals for impact studies, etc. If we had a debate we would know the up to date position, which would be helpful. I am anxious to ensure that when money is allocated Carlow will receive its fair share.
In view of the breakdown in negotiations between the British and Irish Governments on Irish Steel, could the Leader arrange a briefing for us by the Minister for Enterprise and Employment, Deputy Richard Bruton, on how the negotiations have progressed? I say that out of consideration of the workers; 300 of them left work yesterday unsure of their future. It is time a statement was made and it might be opportune to make it in this House. The position is delicate and we appreciate the Government's efforts, but the workers are fearful for their future, especially in the run-up to Christmas. I ask the Leader to bring the Minister to the House to explain the present negotiations.
Thank you, Senator. We are not discussing the matter.
It needs to be discussed.
President Clinton speeded up negotiations between Ireland and England; it would be embarrassing if we had to ask him to resolve the Irish Steel crisis also.
I ask the Leader to comment on a disturbing tendency in recent times. One example is a reference by the Tánaiste to the US President, stating that he might not know who his parents were.
That is out of order.
Withdraw that remark.
That might have been an off the cuff remark but I am concerned about the attack by certain Ministers on an ardent pro-lifer. Anyone who is pro life or anti-divorce gets attacked.
We are all pro life.
Not everyone is. Mrs. Bruton was entitled to make her good, pro-family speech and I congratulate her on it.
I do not know how that is related to today's Order of Business.
Mrs. Bruton is in serious trouble now.
Senators on the other side are smiling at Senator Lydon's compliments to Mrs. Bruton — which I heartily endorse — and they will continue to smile after my contribution, concerning the EURATHLON programme for sport, which I raised on the Adjournment some weeks ago. I ask the Leader to convey my thanks to the Minister, who raised the matter at this week's meeting of European Sports Ministers and, in response to my suggestion for an acknowledgement of the ethnicity of indigenous sports, such as Gaelic football and hurling, suggested that they be recognised under the programme. At present the programme operates a three member state ruling, which prevents sports without an international dimension — such as Gaelic football, hurling, camogie and handball — getting access to these funds.
In that context I ask the Leader to give some time in the new session to a debate on sporting policy. The Minister of State responsible for sport, Deputy Allen, has indicated in the media——
We are not discussing the matter now. I understand the Senator is looking for time to discuss it and I am sure the Leader will take that on board.
I ask for clarification from the Leader — if not today, then at a future date — whether media reports that the Minister is formulating a policy on sport are accurate. If so, perhaps the Minister would afford this House the opportunity to respond to the proposals and suggestions contained in that review. The main thrust of my contribution is to thank the Minister not only for responding but for acknowledging that this House raised the issue, which Ministers do not always do.
I ask the Leader to convey to the Minister for Enterprise and Employment our acknowledgement of his determined and strenuous efforts on behalf of Irish Steel. However, in view of the intransigence of the British representatives on this issue, he might consider having the debate raised at higher level by involving the Taoiseach.
Before I begin my reply I am sure colleagues would like me to acknowledge in the House the presence of former Senator Ted Russell in the Public Gallery. Mr. Russell was a very distinguished Member of this House for a long time and we are all very pleased to see him here today.
On the Order of Business, I thank Senator Wright for his co-operation on the Harbours Bill. We are all keen to move to Committee Stage as soon as possible. On the question of the Border counties, if there are funding issues to be resolved it would be appropriate to discuss them in this House. I will see if that can be done but I do not think it will happen before the recess.
In regard to hepatitis C, the House would not want me to move on second hand reports while negotiations are still taking place. We hope the negotiations will come to a successful conclusion and we will wait until that happens before going any further. Senator Norris raised the issue of East Timor. There will be a short series of statements tomorrow at 1 o'clock on this issue and the Tánaiste hopes to be present to make a brief contribution. I thank the Senator for raising the matter.
I find myself agreeing with Senator Dardis for the first time in weeks in complimenting Senator Magner, not just on his efforts today, but on the enormous boost he has given to the services of the House since he took over as Chairman of the Joint Services Committee. The improvements can be seen everywhere. On the question of the punt and European monetary union which Senator Dardis and Senator Quinn raised, it will not be possible to have an economic debate as such between now and the recess but the Minister for Finance will be in the House for the Appropriation Bill before we rise and it should be possible to raise some of the issues at that stage.
Senator Gallagher and Senator Roche raised the question of the anomalies in the sentencing laws. Everybody would agree that Judge Carney did a great public service in his two judgments in the last couple of days. I will convey the sentiments expressed to the Minister and it would be appropriate to discuss this issue in this House after the break.
Senator O'Kennedy raised a number of points. His remarks on the BSE scare in Britain were particularly helpful. There is a very strong sense that the British Government is very much at odds with itself on this issue. We are all very conscious of the BSE-free status of Irish beef and of the need to protect our industry in the days and weeks ahead. I will convey the very positive feelings of the House to the Minister in that regard.
Senator Henry raised the transfer of prisoners generally and the transfer of specific prisoners. I do not have any information on that but I will ask the Minister about it. Senator Doyle mentioned the very bullish report of the Central Bank and we all agree that everybody has to be pleased about this. The report was hopeful and should please all Members. Senator Fitzgerald mentioned the difficult times facing the fishermen and he made some very valid points. I will convey these points to the Minister. I know that he will take everything the Senator says seriously. We will try to have a debate on that early in the new year.
Senator Honan mentioned the question of hepatitis C which has been dealt with already. Everybody concurs with Senator Lanigan in paying tribute to the staff and Members of the House for the way in which they conducted business last week. They were a credit to the House and deserve high praise. The Minister will make a statement on the question of flooding before the end of the session. I do not have the exact date yet but there will be time made available for statements. I will see whether the full statement by the Minister on the Intergovernmental Conference can be made available. I cannot give Members any information yet when there will be a debate on the Defence Forces.
Senator Cregan, Senator Kelleher and Senator Sherlock raised the question of Irish Steel. Everybody is aware of the enormous efforts being made by the Minister, Deputy Bruton, and by his team in trying to have this matter resolved satisfactorily. It may be that the issue has to be raised a notch or two higher and I am sure the Government is giving it top priority. We all want to see this matter resolved as positively and as quickly as possible.
It is strange that I find myself in agreement with people with whom I have not agreed for a long time. I join with Senator Mulcahy in complimenting the Cathaoirleach on his contribution during the visit of President Clinton last Friday. The Senator asked for a briefing on the peace process in the new year and I will see what can be done.
In regard to Senator Roche's comments, the Freedom of Information Bill is unlikely to come to this House before next Easter. Like the Senator, I am unhappy with RTÉ's coverage of this House and those views will be noted and conveyed. The issue of flooding was raised by Senator Townsend; that is currently being dealt with.
I have noted Senator Lydon's comments. I refer the Senator to an incident in the House around 30 years ago when the late Donogh O'Malley was reprimanded by the late Oliver Flanagan about the use of certain language, which will put the Tánaiste's comments into their proper context.
I will convey Senator Mooney's thanks to the Minister of State at the Department of Education, Deputy Allen. It shows that raising matters in this House can be effective. The Minister is formulating a sports policy and is anxious to discuss it in this House at an early stage. I have also noted Senator Sherlock's comments on Irish Steel.
Order of Business agreed to.