I thank Senator Wright for his promise of co-operation on any legislation in the area of justice. I know that his promise will extend to all areas and I am grateful for it. The Dublin light rail Bill is at an advanced stage of preparation and should be before the Houses of the Oireachtas before the summer recess. I will convey the ongoing concerns of the Leader of the Opposition for the extension of the light rail system to Dublin Airport to the relevant Minister.
With regard to Senator O'Toole's contribution, when providing the list of Bills with which the House will deal during the coming weeks, I was very specific in relation to legislation that will definitely be placed before the House. Further legislation will be forthcoming. The Senator is correct to raise the issue of a debate on the intergovernmental conference. Members are aware that it was suggested, during the last session, that former Senator James Dooge — a former Cathaoirleach who is one of the authors of the Institute of European Affairs document on the European Union — should address the House. Plans for this are at an advanced stage. It is envisaged that we will have a question and answer session with former Senator Dooge regarding the document to which Senator O'Toole referred. The debate may take place as early as 15 February, but it will certainly occur in the near future when a suitable date is decided.
Senator Dardis raised the issue of crime. I agree that tonight's debate may only scratch the surface of the problem. I had asked the Minister to appear before the House, independent of tonight's debate during Fianna Fáil Private Members' time, and perhaps that proposal can be reactivated.
On the question of the Garda Representative Association, legislation is being prepared. This legislation is complex and difficult as it attempts to regulate the affairs of two separate bodies. I suspect it is the view of all Members that it would be infinitely preferable if we did not have to deal with this matter through legislation. The behaviour of the two representative bodies has been extremely unedifying to the public and has created a very bad impression of all gardaí — despite the fact that only a small number are involved. It would be to everyone's advantage if they could sort out their problems rather than request that we, as legislators, do so.
Senator O'Kennedy raised the question of the British-Irish Interparliamentary Body. I agree with everything he stated in this regard. It has been extraordinarily helpful in breaking down barriers between the parliamentarians of both countries. However, it is my understanding that the body is autonomous and may, itself, convene a meeting. I believe that its members would resent the Taoiseach taking a lead in a matter which is proper to its own deliberations. I will convey the Senator's point to that body.
Senator Maloney and Senator Finneran raised the question of mental health. During the current session, it is intended to deal with topics which were not covered during the last session. We will begin tomorrow by dealing with the subject of agriculture. I have placed the White Paper on mental health high on the agenda. It is hoped to debate the matter in the near future and I hope to have more significant news for the Senator next week.
Senator Daly raised the issue of county roads. The Senator and others are obviously very pleased at the progress that has been made on county roads over the past year. I will arrange that the paper, of which I am not aware, will be made available to all Senators. Like everybody else I would prefer if these announcements were made in the Houses of the Oireachtas.
As for Senator Sherlock's question, there will be no delay on the Waste Management Bill, but it is not one that we want to rush unduly. We hope to clear it over the next couple of weeks.
Senator Honan raised the question of a debate on health. I am conscious that it has been promised and I will get back to it pretty soon. I cannot give her an answer on the status of the document to which she referred but I will make inquiries for her.
Senator Mulcahy's point was raised already. Senator Finneran also raised the question of mental health. I can assure him that such a debate will take place very soon.
I did not understand Senator McGowan's intervention but I will not ask him to repeat it. Perhaps it would be more appropriate to raise it on the Adjournment if he could phrase it more precisely.
Senator Neville raised the question of republican prisoners within the context of a debate on Northern Ireland. I will talk to the Tánaiste about that to see when a debate would be helpful. The question raised concerning the intergovernmental conference has been dealt with.
Senator Cassidy sought a debate on broadcasting and the Minister is anxious to have such a debate. As he is currently receiving submissions he does not want to come in at this stage to give what would be his considered response to those submissions. However, it could be arranged in such a way that the debate here would, in effect, be a submission from this House without tying the Minister's hands on his final position. If that is agreeable we could do that.