Today's business is item 1. I thank the Opposition for agreeing to take all stages of this Bill today. I propose that there be 20 minutes per speaker and that, when Second Stage concludes, there will be a sos of half an hour before the remaining stages are taken; or, if Second Stage finishes close to 1 p.m., we will take the normal sos from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Order of Business.
People have asked for this Bill for many years and we are taking all stages because it is important that it be put on the Statute Book as quickly as possible. The Leader has already sent out the notice of next week's business but, if he does not do so today, perhaps he could soon outline what the Government intends taking in the House over the next three weeks and when this session will end. The Leader has been asked about the Credit Union Bill on a regular basis but all Senators are receiving correspondence about the need for this legislation to be brought before us as quickly as possible. Finally, will we deal with the Universities Bill before the recess?
I support Senator Wright's point about the Credit Union Bill. There is much interest in it and I wish to ensure there is enough time both to consider and discuss it, because it is complicated. We should know as soon as possible the date on which we will be taking the Bill.
Perhaps the Leader could clarify the position not only on the Universities Bill but on the other legislation promised for the education sector. We need to know the Minister's plans and roughly when she intends bringing forward legislation. It was reported in yesterday's newspapers that she would publish an education Bill in the next fortnight but I am not sure which Bill that is. Will that legislation be published and brought forward before the Universities Bill is brought to a conclusion? What is the exact thinking on those Bills?
It was indicated previously that the Credit Union Bill would be published before Christmas and there is much concern among the credit unions about the time it is taking to come before us. When will it be published and when it is, how long will it take before it comes to the House?
Now might be an appropriate time to debate Northern Ireland in the hope that a ceasefire on a permanent basis can be restored before Christmas. We must condemn actions by any group whereby people are intimidated going to church and I am pleased to hear that the Mayor of Ballymena has condemned this also. One of the most basic civil rights is to be allowed worship in freedom. Intimidation of those attending church services cannot be tolerated and we should say so quite explicitly.
I congratulate you, a Chathaoirligh, on your election as I did not have the chance to do so yet. I thought it was a Southern matter so I let everyone else offer their congratulations first. I am delighted to see you in the Chair.
I join in Senator Dardis' request to have a debate on Northern Ireland because since I had the honour to join this Chamber I have been disappointed at how few opportunities there have been to discuss it. For myself it is the first item on the agenda although there are many other problems; the Government is going through a period similar to what Manchester United went through. When the Government gets over that, I hope the Leader will find an opportunity to discuss Northern Ireland. The Leader of the Opposition spoke about Northern Ireland in the Dáil yesterday and I had much to say about his contribution. The role of this State in regard to Northern Ireland needs to be examined; some lateral thinking is needed. The Republic of Ireland arrogates to itself the right to tell us what to do in the North. We do not get an opportunity to tell you what to do in the Republic of Ireland which is what I want. However, yesterday's debate was excellent. Will the Leader organise a debate on Northern Ireland as soon as possible?
I want a debate on a number of issues related to fishing. The issue in which I am most interested is the 40 per cent cutback in fishing boats and quotas; another is the review that was published on safety at sea and, also, salmon fishing restrictions which will badly affect people in the west of Ireland a great deal, especially small fishermen. The Bill dealing with farm salmon will be introduced shortly. Will the Leader enlighten me further on that Bill? When will fishing issues be debated in the House?
I support the calls for a debate on Northern Ireland. There is a great deal of uncertainty in Northern Ireland at present. It is understood that there are intensive discussions in progress but we do not know where they will lead. I strongly support Senator Dardis' comment on allowing people the freedom to go to churches without being hindered. I cannot understand how people can do what they are doing. Church leaders have spoken out and should continue to do so until such time as this stops. I heard David Ervine on the radio this morning saying that there are unfortunately plenty of people in Northern Ireland with stupidity in their heads and hate in their hearts. There is an onus on politicians and, equally so, on church leaders to speak out on these issues until they cease.
The Leader of the House indicated yesterday that he would be willing to make time available to discuss the issue of ethics in politics and he is to be applauded for that. During that debate I suggest that the establishment of a standing House committee on ethics be discussed; there should be one in each House of the Oireachtas.
In the same context, will the Leader suggest to his ministerial colleagues the appointment of a public ethics commissioner, a high ranking, independent public official at High Court level who would have the right and responsibility to investigate allegations of ethical impropriety and to report publicly thereon? The time has come for the appointment of a public official with at least the same standing as, for example, the Ombudsman.
When will the Employment Equality Bill and the equal status legislation be introduced? The proposed equal status legislation ran into difficulties on how owners of premises should be able to exclude persons. This is important legislation.
Will the Leader impress upon the Minister for Education the importance of providing funding in next year's Estimates, which will be introduced next Monday, for the new community school in Dunmore, County Galway and for a six room extension which is badly needed for Gort community school, County Galway? The conditions under which Dunmore community operates causes great problems for children and teachers on wet days. Gort community school was built for 700 students and there are now 784.
I support calls for a debate on Northern Ireland. I suggest when Senators are in Northern Ireland that they make it known to those they meet that they strongly disapprove of what is happening there. I was in Lisburn and Belfast last Friday and people feel isolated. They believe that people in the South do not notice these activities, which are totally sectarian and against civil rights.
A debate on the National Roads Authority was asked for some time ago and the Leader said that it should take place before Christmas. It is important that the operations of the NRA are discussed because its strategic importance to our road system. It is adopting a system with a Dublin west axis, Dublin northwest axis, and a Dublin south-west axis and has cut out the south-east.
When will there be a debate on the mid term review of spending under the five year plan? The dogs in the street are discussing this matter. Experts have been appointed by the Government to visit regional and local authorities. It has not been debated in this House.
I am glad Senator McAughtry has introduced a new element into the Northern Ireland issue.
A question to the Leader, please.
The Prime Minister of Israel was in the country yesterday. He met leaders of various parties and the Government, but not the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs or either House of the Oireachtas. I want a debate in the near future on foreign affairs which will specifically include the current impasse in the Middle East. Wherever one looks, there are problems in the world but there has not been a comprehensive discussion on foreign affairs in this House for some time. The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs meets on a regular basis but the reportage of it is minimal and the Government still has not allowed funding to publish its proceedings. Will the Leader approach the Minister for Finance to provide such funding?
I support Senator Fitzgerald's request for a debate on fishing and marine matters. Perhaps it could also cover the harbour authorities and their powers in the future.
Will the Leader arrange a debate early in the new session on tourism? I have sought a discussion on this matter for some time. The Minister for Tourism and Trade stated last night that plenty of funding is available for tourism development through grants and soft loans. This must be the best kept secret in the history of the State because, other than a few large players, people in my area do not know about the grants and soft loans that are available for tourism development.
A question to the Leader, please.
This matter must be clarified so people in the industry understand the position. I have appealed to the Leader for some time to arrange a debate on this issue. I hope such a discussion will take place before the start of the tourism season. People should be told funding is available. I ask the Leader to arrange a debate as soon as possible. This matter has become more urgent given the Minister's statement which nobody in the industry understands.
Senator Roche raised the important issue of the possibility of the appointment of an ethics commissioner and a standing committee to examine the enforcement of legislation in this area.
Politicians have a wider brief.
Senator Daly without interruption.
Perhaps this is not the best time, given the media hysteria at present, but directors of standards have been appointed in other Parliaments. A review of the Constitution is currently under way and it might be opportune to examine whether a mechanism other than the Ethics in Public Office Act should be put in place. Some Parliaments do not have legislation but resolutions which have evolved over time and which can be made regularly. This is much more efficient than introducing legislation every ten to 20 years.
The Government will publish the Estimates on Monday and the House should have an opportunity to discuss them. I am sure the other House will debate them and this House should also have an opportunity to examine them. It may not have any responsibility in the matter but it should have an opportunity to express its view on them.
A number of important issues were raised. Senator Wright and Senator Dardis raised the Credit Union Bill. This major legislation contains 188 sections and runs to 400 pages. It will be published either in the last few days of 1996 or at the beginning of January. People will have a month to examine it in detail before the debate commences. It will be introduced at the beginning of the next session. It is almost ready and I am happy that it will be published soon because it is major legislation. It is also useful that the various interested parties will have a couple of weeks in which to examine this complex Bill before it comes to either House.
Senator Wright asked about the Universities Bill. It is wending its way slowly through Second Stage in the other House. Apparently, many Opposition Deputies feel the need to say a great deal about it. This is welcome but it is proceeding slowly. My best guess is that it will probably finish Second Stage in the Lower House late this session and then go into committee——
This side of an election.
I do not think it will come to this House before the end of February. I look forward to the debate on the Bill when it comes before this House.
Senator Wright also asked about the legislation the House will deal with this session; this will also answer Senator Fitzgerald and Senator Calnan's query. Item 2 on today's Order of Paper is a fisheries Bill and I am glad to point out that it is another Seanad Bill. The debate will commence on 12 December but it will not be rushed because there is a wealth of expertise on fishery matters in the House. The Dublin Docklands Bill will also be taken this session.
The Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill may or may not conclude this session and the Milk (Regulation of Supply) (Amendment) Bill will be taken next week. The Adoption (No. 2) Bill will probably not be taken this session. I hope the Freedom of Information Bill will begin its life in this session. It will be published before Christmas and I am happy to tell Senator Roche that it is a Seanad Bill. This is partly a reflection on the Senator's great work in this area earlier in the year.
The House will sit until Friday, 20 December when the Appropriation Bill will be taken. This will give Senator Daly an opportunity to consider the financial and economic matters. The House will sit all day on 20 December if the Senator wishes.
Senator O'Toole raised legislation relating to the education sector. I understand the Bill relating to boards of management is almost complete and will be published soon. However, it will not be taken in this session.
Senator Dardis raised Northern Ireland. I support the views expressed by all sides on the unacceptable and barbaric harassment in Ballymena at present. Senator O'Sullivan repeated Mr. Ervine's words this morning about people with stupidity in their heads and hate in their hearts and that sums it up. As Senator Henry noted, it must be incomprehensible to people looking in from outside that such a situation can prevail today. The courage of the priest and people in the estate in Ballymena should be commended, as should the outspoken statements of the other church leaders. I would like to arrange a debate on Northern Ireland, but I am not sure it is possible between now and the end of the session. However, I will consider it.
Senator Roche made an important contribution and his points are worthy of consideration. The issues of the possible establishment of an ethics committee or the appointment of an ethics commissioner are important and should be debated calmly and openly. It is in the interest of the overwhelming majority of Members of both Houses that mechanisms are in place in that regard. This would assure people that, as I know to be true after 15 years in politics, the overwhelming majority of politicians are decent, hardworking people who are dedicated to their constituents and political parties and to the concept of public service. The idea that we are trying to hide something is wrong. We have nothing to hide and I have no difficulty with whatever proposal emerges to assure people that the position is as I described it. I thank Senator Roche for his proposals and I will discuss the matter later with him to examine if progress can be made on it.
Senator Roche also raised the Employment Equality Bill. This will come to the House early in the next session. It has almost completed its progress through the other House. I expect that the Equal Status Bill will be published in February. Senator McDonagh made an eloquent case for the schools at Dunmore and Gort. I will pass on his comments to the Minister. Senator Lanigan, in the course of an omnibus contribution, mentioned the National Roads Authority. There probably will not be time to discuss it in this session, but if it is possible I will arrange a debate. I am not sure what dogs the Senator meets on the street but I have met few who are barking about the mid-term review of the five year Government plan.
What do the dogs think about it anyway?
Nothing much.
There will probably not be time for a debate on it this session and I note the Senator's points about the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs. I have made the point previously.
Senator McGowan's question relates to public information which should be available. I will pass on the Senator's complaint to the Minister and the Department.
Order of Business agreed to.