Today's business is item 1. I thank the parties opposite for agreeing to take all Stages of item 1 today. Arising from yesterday's Order of Business — so Senator McGowan will not be embarrassed again, which would upset us all — there will be a debate on the county enterprise scheme within the next two or three weeks. I have agreement from the Minister and he is very happy to come in and talk on that.
Order of Business.
I thank the Leader because Senator McGowan and others have been campaigning for such a debate. I ask the Leader if it is intended to have a sos today. I welcome the fact that we will get through all stages of item 1. Does the Leader have any plans for item 7, the Freedom of Information Bill in the name of Senator Roche?
Will the Leader speak with the Tánaiste with a view to asking the British Government to revise or review its decision not to grant parole to a republican prisoner, Harry Duggan from County Clare, whose mother was buried yesterday? We ask this on compassionate grounds. We are aware of the Tánaiste's strong views on the matter from his statement in the Dáil yesterday, but I would like if this House would also put on record our request to the British Government to review this decision.
I support Senator Neville. There is also the case of Joe O'Connell from Clare, who has been seeking transfer. This matter is causing great anxiety, especially for relatives and parents. There has been an amount of work done and we passed legislation to enable the transfer of prisoners. When that Bill was going through the House, there was a promise that there would be speedy action.
The second issue I wish to raise relates to Jenalisa, the ship that sank off Dunmore East. That tragedy took place in early February. The Leader will be aware that there is deep concern in the fishing community generally at the tragic loss of life in that incident and a number of others which took place recently. The Minister for the Marine has an investigation underway into the incident. Would it be possible to get the Minister for the Marine or the Minister of State to report to the Houses on the investigation to date to allay the fears and anxiety of the fishing community. It might not be possible to ascertain what took place at this stage but it would at least keep us informed of developments which are very serious.
I call for a debate on tourism. We could have a worthwhile debate on tourism from the point of view of both North and South. Such a debate should take place and both North and South should be marketed together.
I ask the Leader if it would be possible to further debate the changing situation in Northern Ireland. Serious statements are being made and the situation is characterised by intransigence. We have David Trimble stating that the affairs of Northern Ireland are no longer matters for debate by anybody in the South. We have Gerry Adams predicting——
We are not debating the issue now, Senator. You are looking for a debate on Northern Ireland.
I am not trying to get a debate today. The situation is changing so much that I am sure every Member of the House wants an opportunity to express their concern. That is what I would like. I hope we will get this opportunity because we have a contribution to make. I do not know how much anybody listens because it would appear that neither Sinn Féin, IRA, Gerry Adams, David Trimble nor the hard line——
We are not discussing the issue. A question to the Leader.
Will we have an opportunity to discuss the ever-changing situation in the North? It would appear that we are drifting into another 25 years, as has been predicted. It is a sobering thought for anybody coming from a Border county as I do. I think you will understand my concern.
There will be a sos today. It is my understanding that Second Stage of Senator Roche's Freedom of Information Bill has not finished. Is that correct?
That is correct.
I have no difficulty in arranging to take the completion of the Second Stage of that Bill. I would be happy to do it, perhaps even next week if needs be. I would like to discuss that with the Leader of the Opposition afterwards.
Senator Neville raised the question of republican prisoners. I will pass that on to the Tánaiste, who is very concerned. However, it is important that the voice of this House be added and so I will do that.
Senator Daly raised the question of the ship that was sunk off Dunmore East. The Minister for the Marine is very concerned about what happened, and an official from his Department was on the radio this morning bringing people reasonably up to date. I will, however, speak to the Minister to see if he can communicate directly with the Senator, or can come into the House next week if that is appropriate.
As Senator Burke suggested, a debate on tourism would be helpful. He might have a word with the Minister about that if he bumps into him. We can arrange such a debate.
As regards Senator McGowan's contribution, I do not think it would be useful at the moment to have a debate on Northern Ireland. The situation is changing so rapidly that it would probably not be helpful. As soon as it is appropriate, however, we will certainly have a further debate on Northern Ireland.
Order of Business agreed to.