Seanad Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Nov 1997

Vol. 152 No. 9

Order of Business.

An Cathaoirleach

Under the powers conferred on me by Standing Order 21(2) of the Standing Orders of Seanad Éireann relative to public business, I summoned Seanad Éireann to meet at 7.30 p.m. today at the request of the Government for the purpose of considering the Interpretation (Amendment) Bill, 1997, which is a Bill to amend and extend the Interpretation Acts, 1937 and 1993. Directly related to this item is the Earlier Signature Motion to enable the Bill, if passed, to be signed by the Presidential Commission at an earlier time than five days. No other business can be taken today.

I call on the Leader of the House to formally move the Order of Business. I request any Senators contributing on the Order of Business to be as brief as possible and to refrain from interventions which are not relevant to the proposed two items.

Mr. Cassidy

The Order of Business is item 1, the Interpretation (Amendment) Bill, 1997, all Stages and item 1a on the Supplementary Order Paper, Motion for Earlier Signature to be taken without debate. I suggest 20 minutes for the principal spokespersons and ten minutes for other Senators.

Mr. Connor

This side of the House has no objection to debating the Bill. However, it is unsatisfactory that any legislation should go through Cabinet, the Dáil and the Seanad in 12 hours. It is doubtful that the amendment to the Interpretation Bill is necessary and it is a matter which might be interpreted differently in a higher court. Nevertheless, it is inappropriate that within a couple of hours all Stages of the Bill will be passed. A similar exercise was engaged in in the Lower House. I understand the matter was only discussed substantially and agreed at Cabinet today. I register my protest.

Mr. O'Toole

I would like clarification that the Bill, as initiated, was passed by the Lower House.

An Cathaoirleach

The Bill was passed by the Dáil with no amendment. The identical Bill will be debated here.

Mr. O'Toole

On a number of occasions on the Order of Business I raised issues about the pensions of retired civil servants and I appreciate that they have been finally dealt with by the Government. It will relieve the many concerns of retired public servants that parity has been restored.

Mr. Costello

As regards retired public servants, many people who felt they were not getting a fair deal will be relieved. The Labour Party raised this matter in the Lower House and it was debated in Private Members' time.

In the past we expressed concern that legislation should be passed in one sitting but in these circumstances we appreciate the urgency of today's sitting and are happy to have a debate.

Perhaps we could introduce a system where the Whips or the Leaders of the groups would be contacted when there was a possibility of a late sitting in order that we might be given prior warning. In the past ten days we have had two unexpected sittings — on the bank holiday weekend and this evening. Perhaps this topic might be examined at the next meeting of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges.

An Cathaoirleach

The points made by Senator Costello will be borne in mind.

Mr. Norris

I support the points made by Senator Connor. However, if tomorrow morning somebody, who everybody felt in their hearts was guilty, was able to escape because this House had not met we would feel considerably worse, even though we may be inconvenienced. I apologise, I have a very important commitment later and may not have time to contribute to the debate.

Although it is not directly relevant to this Bill, would the Leader of the House communicate to the Taoiseach the strong commendation and approval of this House for the strong position taken in regard to the action by the French lorry drivers? It is important we show our solidarity in this matter as it could seriously affect the economic life of this country.

Dr. Henry

Last week I asked the Leader to bring to the attention of the Minister for Health and Children the situation regarding the renewal of visas for doctors who are non-EU nationals and he stated that time would be made available for a debate on the matter at a later date. However, I must stress the urgency of this matter which was highlighted in today's The Irish Times. If better co-ordination between the Departments of Health and Children and Justice, Equality and Law Reform in respect of these visas is not put in place immediately, we will face an impossible situation when attempting to staff hospitals outside the major centres. Approximately 90 per cent of the staff of these hospitals are non-EU nationals and the situation will become serious if this problem is not quickly addressed.

An Cathaoirleach

I am reluctant to interrupt Senator Henry but I requested Members to refrain from interventions which are not directly relevant to the two matters the House is to discuss.

Mr. Finneran

I disagree with Members who complained about the notice given in respect of this sitting. What is important in this instance is that the Government took swift action to deal with a matter that arose as a result of a court case. During the term of office of the previous Administration legislation was put through this House in the early hours of the morning to save a financial concern £150 million.

I join with colleagues in complimenting the Minister for Finance and the Government in honouring commitments given during the general election campaign in respect of public servants, particularly those who have retired from the nursing profession. The need to make such commitments would not have arisen if the former Minister for Health had dealt with retired nurses in a proper fashion.

Mr. Cassidy

I will bring the matters raised to the attention of the various Ministers involved. I propose that the House proceed to deal with the business at hand.

Order of Business agreed to.