The Order of Business today is No. 1, motion re referral to the Joint Committee on Foreign Affair of the terms of the United Nations International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, to be taken without debate; No. 2, Wildlife (Amendment) Bill, 1999 – Report and Final Stages; and No. 3, the National Treasury Management Agency Bill, 2000 – Second Stage, with contributions of spokespersons not to exceed 20 minutes and all other Senators not to exceed 15 minutes and on which Senators may share time. No. 3 will not be taken before 2 p.m.
Order of Business.
The Order of Business is agreeable to me. Will the Leader share with the rest of the House his plans for the remainder of this session, that is, the days on which we are to sit, the business he proposes to take in the remaining days and when he proposes to rise for the Christmas recess? He caused a certain degree of confusion yesterday.
Does Senator Manning want to know what he had for breakfast?
I would like to express sympathy to the family of the young man shot yesterday in foul sectarian circumstances in Northern Ireland and to the victims of the ongoing troubles there. It is a very sober reminder to us that the problems in the North are not yet resolved. There are very dangerous undercurrents and forces at work which are out to destroy the Agreement. With the impending visit of President Clinton, it is imperative that efforts among the elected politicians of Northern Ireland and between the two Governments are greatly intensified. It would be a great achievement if, by the time President Clinton arrives, real progress was made on the outstanding issues and it would be the wish of this House that that message be sent to all involved.
The Order of Business is agreeable to us. We also express our concern about the developments in Northern Ireland.
We had a very useful debate on BSE yesterday. I realise the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Deputy Walsh, was unable to be back in time to be here. However, in view of the very serious allegation made by the EU Commissioner for Agriculture that BSE could be spread through the excrement of animals in ground water, will the Minister come into the House as soon as possible to refute this allegation or let us know what scientific evidence there is? It will be another blow to the beef industry if perhaps unfounded allegations are brought before the public. This allegation was in our national newspapers yesterday and there was a long report on it in The Irish Times.
I agree to the Order of Business. When No. 1, the motion on the UN International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination comes back to the House, it would be particularly appropriate for us to discuss it, given the calls made yesterday and on many occasions for a debate on immigration policy, racial discrimination and so on. This motion has to come back from the committee by 15 December and this would be an appropriate forum in which to have a debate on it.
I call for a debate on homelessness. Fr. Peter McVerry said again today that 1,250 children are homeless in Dublin and are living in hostels and bed and breakfasts and that up to 100 sleep rough every night, coming up to Christmas and in foul weather. It would appear little is being done about it because the number is increasing dramatically every year. In circumstances in which we are talking about a booming economy and a generous budget for large sections of the community, something positive needs to be done in this regard.
I take up the point raised by the last speaker. In the lead up to Christmas, it is only right that this House should spare a thought for the homeless. I am also thinking of the homeless in Britain. Given that over one-third of the homeless in London are Irish we should not forget them. In view of the affluence being enjoyed here perhaps the Leader might on some occasion in the new year broaden out the whole question of the Irish community abroad. From my experience in Britain and in North America the wheel has come full turn and they are now looking to Ireland for help. Perhaps we can establish some forum to build bridges with the Irish community abroad.
We have had a series of Ministers in this House who are not equipped to deal with the legislation they have been bringing through. I ask the Leader for an assurance, particularly in relation to No. 3, that in future we will have Ministers or Ministers of State from the Department where the legislation was initiated. Last week we had the ICC Bill and the National Pensions Reserve Fund Bill which were taken through by Ministers who are competent in their own fields but who were not attached to the relevant Department. That is insulting to this House. If complicated and important Bills are brought through by Ministers who are not familiar with the legislation it means no amendments will be accepted because they have no authority. Perhaps the Leader can give an assurance that in future we will have Ministers from the relevant Departments and specifically in regard to No. 3.
I ask permission to remove No. 14 from the Order Paper. We shall resubmit this Bill, whose presence on the Order Paper prohibits us from having any other Bill before the House.
Provision for the education of children with autism has caused some controversy and dissension within the concerned groups. Perhaps the Minister for Education and Science would come to the House for a debate on that issue.
Senator Jackman will have to move an amendment that No. 14 be included in the Order of Business so that it can then be withdrawn.
I move: "That No. 14 be included in the Order of Business." As the seconder of that Bill, Senator Coogan supports the amendment.
I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on the issue of child care early in the next session. Given the money put into both the supply and demand side in the budget, it is important to assist the Minister in identifying implementation initiatives and ways of encouraging people to get involved in the provision of child care and also in the additional training and development of staff in that whole area.
I ask the Leader also to look in the new year at recruitment agencies. The relevant legislation has been on the Statute Book since early 1970 and I understand the Minister is initiating a review. It is important to look at that area and to make recommendations to the Minister at an early stage of the review. In the context of the labour shortages it is important to attract people to these shores and also to encourage some of the long-term unemployed to return to work.
Senator Manning asked for details of what is to be taken between now and Christmas. I would like the Taoiseach or Ministers representing him to report back on what happens today and tomorrow at the EU summit in Nice where important matters are being discussed. On occasion we have only heard about such matters from the newspapers. It is important to have such a report. Last year we discussed the whole question of whether our neutrality was under threat and, if so, what we should do about the European Rapid Reaction Force. Tax harmonisation will also be discussed at the EU summit. Listening to the debates yesterday, we realise how important an element that is for this country. Qualified majority voting will also be discussed and whether there will be a commissioner for each state in the future. It is important the reports on these items are brought back promptly by either the Taoiseach or somebody representing him at senior ministerial level, taking into account what Senator Ross said.
I second the amendment.
Local authority members have been circulated with a letter from the General Council of County Councils, the representative body of local authorities, with regard to policy issues. Concern has been expressed in that letter regarding the Local Government Bill which has been published but has not been moved by the Government. That concern was expressed in letter form and by members of the General Council. With a view to helping the Leader and the Government, if they wish to bring the Bill into this House we will facilitate them in every way possible to ensure the commitments and promises made to councillors during the past year will be fulfilled as soon as possible. In the event that the Government does not wish to bring it into the House and does not want to deal with it, it is my intention to bring forward a local government Bill that will take into account the issues of concern to local authority members.
I support Senator Coogan in relation to this matter. It appears from a circular which the General Council of County Councils has sent to county councillors that—
That is not appropriate. I gave much latitude to Senator Coogan but I do not want a repetition of what he said.
I do not intend to be repetitive. It seems from the circular that it is blaming some Oireachtas Members for holding up the legislation. I support Senator Coogan.
I support the views of Senator Costello in regard to the homeless. While I accept the budget was heavy on spin and PR, many more practical measures are needed. I support the views of Fr. McVerry.
I support also the views of my colleague, Senator Coogan, in regard to the local government Bill. If it would facilitate matters perhaps it could be taken in this House.
Senator Manning asked about the business for the remainder of the term. I will come back to the leaders later in the afternoon. President Clinton's visit takes place next Tuesday. Certain Members may have to be made available for this important visit.
And the end of session?
In regard to the end of session, I noticed a change of expression by various Senators regarding debates for which they had been calling recently. I will review the question of the days on which the Seanad will sit in light of the call on the Order of Business.
The Leader will tell the rest of us.
I will consult with the leaders. I agree with Senator Manning that all political leaders in Northern Ireland should make a very special effort in relation to whatever business has to be agreed before President Clinton's visit takes place. Everyone in Ireland, North and South, acknowledges the very important contribution made by President Clinton during his eight years in office. He has been a guiding light and I hope his successor will continue the good work he has done.
Senator Henry referred to the BSE debate and I undertake to convey her views to the Minister.
It is worth recording our congratulations to RTE on its magnificent coverage, on both television and radio, of the debate in the Seanad. Although it was budget day in the Dáil, it gave a full and comprehensive coverage of the BSE debate.
Senator Costello referred to No. 1 and I have no difficulty bringing it back to the House for discussion. Senators Costello and Ó Murchú called for a debate on homelessness, particularly as it is nearing Christmas, a family time. They also asked for a debate on the Irish abroad, whether they are in the US, Australia or the UK. I will leave time for such a debate.
I would like to inform Senator Ross that the Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Deputy Cullen, will be present for the Bill later today. I heard what the Senator said. Yesterday evening, when Members discussed the budget the Minister for Finance had to be in the Dáil. It is impossible for him to be in two places at one time. I will do everything I can to ensure that the appropriate Ministers are present when we debate matters appropriate to their portfolios.
I will allow time for the debate Senator Jackman called for and the Minister for Education and Science will be in the House. I agree to her proposed amendment to the Order of Business.
Senator Cox called for a debate on child care. We had a wonderful budget and I am very surprised that it has not been mentioned on the Order of Business. I would have thought that people would be consistent and that when things are of a positive nature the Opposition would welcome them.
On a point of order, the Leader is deliberately provoking Members to break the guidelines laid down by the Cathaoirleach. He has said on numerous occasions that the Order of Business is not the place to discuss substantive issues or policy. The Leader is now provoking and inciting Members to breach the Cathaoirleach's ruling. It is a deplorable example on his part.
Hear, hear.
I thank Senator Manning profusely for his assistance.
I am responding to Senator Cox's call for a debate on child care. I welcome the extension of maternity leave from 14 weeks to 18 weeks. I also welcome the budget increase in child benefit of £25 per month for the first and second child and the £30 per month for each subsequent child.
Consistency is the reason the people in Ireland have been successful. I would like to remain consistent and give credit where credit is due. I am surprised no one welcomed the budget. Many commentators did so.
What about some money for the homeless? There was no money in the budget for them.
(Interruptions.)
Senator O'Toole did this House proud with his contribution last night. I read his contribution this morning and it was wonderful.
The Leader must be allowed to reply without interruption to the matters raised on the Order of Business.
With regard to Senator Quinn's request, I will see whether we can have statements in the House on the EU summit. Perhaps we could schedule this to take place the week before Christmas and, if time allows, have the Taoiseach present to make a full and comprehensive statement to the House.
Senators Coogan and Burke inquired about the local government Bill. I can assure the House that it is my intention, as I am sure it is the intention of all Members and leaders, that this Bill should get safe passage through the House for a period of about two weeks. I give an assurance to the House, with the permission of the Cathaoirleach, that this Bill will pass through this House in 14 days.
When?
The Bill will be in the Dáil in February and it will reach us on the last week of February. I know there is a very important function to be held tomorrow. There is no political agenda on this side of the House and we are the ones who are bringing it before Government and it will make a decision on it. This legislation is long overdue. It is about time that local authority members who have worked on a voluntary basis for many years were recognised for the wonderful work that they are doing.
Senators
Hear, hear.
Let us bring it into this House.
Senator Jackman has moved an amendment to the Order of Business that No. 14 be taken before No. 1. The Leader has indicated that he will accept this amendment.
Amendment put and agreed to.
Order of Business, as amended, agreed to.