Order of Business.

Mr. Cassidy

On behalf of all Members of the House, I wholeheartedly congratulate our distinguished colleague, Senator Manning, who was conferred with a Doctorate of Literature at the conferring ceremony yesterday by the Pro-Chancellor of the National University of Ireland.

The Order of Business is No. 1, Telecommunications (Infrastructure) Bill, 1999 – motion to withdraw, to be taken without debate; No. 2, motion re Extradition Act, 1965, to be taken without debate; No. 3, motion re Article 3 of the Fourth Protocol set out in the Treaty of Amsterdam, to be taken without debate; No. 4, motion re earlier signature by the President of the Irish Film Board (Amendment) Bill, 2000, to be taken without debate; No. 5, motion re earlier signature by the President of the Fisheries (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2000, to be taken without debate, and No. 6, National Training Fund Bill, 2000 – Committee and Remaining Stages, not to be taken before 11 a.m. today. The final item on the agenda is statements on homelessness, to be taken from 12 noon to 1 p.m.

Mr. Manning

I thank the Leader of the House for his very kind remarks, congratulations and good wishes which I very much appreciate. I join the Cathaoirleach in extending seasonal greetings and wish to thank a number of people. I thank the Cathaoirleach in particular. He sets the tone in this House and has the great quality of a good chairman in that he has great authority which he rarely has to use. We are very lucky to have him as Cathaoirleach. I also congratulate and send good wishes, which I will do in another place later, to my good friend, the Leas-Chathaoirleach. Perhaps future publications should include some of the one liners of the Leas-Chathaoirleach. They can be most effective in bringing to a stop Senators who tend to be long winded in their contributions.

Like the Leader I extend our good wishes to the Clerk, Assistant Clerk and staff of the House. The House is run in an efficient way and a great deal of work takes place behind the scenes. They have great patience, tolerance and good humour in their dealings with us. Sometimes that tolerance is not merited. An effort has been made by the press over the last while to give better cover age to the Seanad's proceedings, especially by RTE and The Irish Times. I urge the other newspapers, which do not have a journalist dedicated to covering this House, to look to the example of RTE and The Irish Times. I also extend thanks to the ushers, the reporters and my colleagues for their work in the past year.

With regard to the Order of Business, it is the right of the Leader to withdraw No. 1, a Government Bill which was put on the Order Paper by the Government. However, some explanation might be offered as to why it was left on the Order Paper for so long and why it is now being withdrawn.

I compliment the Leader on ensuring that the Electoral (Amendment) Bill will be initiated in the Seanad. I see that it provides for voting machines. Until Florida most of us thought a dimpled chad was a dog that ran badly at Shelbourne Park. Now we know differently. This Bill will give us an opportunity to examine the range of voting arrangements and the anomalies that exist.

Will the Leader, with the co-operation of all parties, put the issue of Seanad reform high on the agenda in the new year? There is much talk about Dáil reform at present and we have been left behind. All Members have ideas for reform and I can assure the Leader of the full co-operation and support of this side of the House in the new year.

Mr. Quinn

I join the Cathaoirleach in thanking everybody involved in the work of the Seanad in the past year. This has been a year of achievement, the result of the hard work and dedication of everybody the Cathaoirleach mentioned. I include Members of the House in that. Speaking on behalf of the Opposition side of the House, there has been a considerable amount of working together in the past year. That did not come about by accident but through the good humour and help of the Cathaoirleach's team. The year 2001 is the first year of a new century and I hope will be one of achievement.

The House basks in the glory of achievement and Senator Manning's achievement yesterday is one of which we should be proud.

Senators

Hear, hear.

Mr. Quinn

There are different types of doctorates and an honorary doctorate is most welcome as a token of recognition. However, Senator Manning's doctorate was hard earned with a great deal of work. I have just read a list of his achievements. I was only aware of three of his four books and of his novel. However, looking at the list of articles and his other literary achievements, one realises how fortunate we are to have him as a Member of the House. He has been a Member since 1981 and only left this House once, when he was demoted to the Lower House for a number of years. I will not list his other achievements but we share in the glory, success and recognition of one of our Members. We appreciate the great work he does and the manner in which he has handled his task in this House.

With regard to the Order of Business, I am not sure of the protocol when the Leader announces that items will be taken without debate. I have never heard so many items being taken without debate. No. 1 will not easily be glossed over. It has been on the Order Paper for a long time and to remove it like that is at least open to question. An explanation is required.

I wish to draw attention to an item I have raised in the past, particularly at this time of the year. We are into the Christmas season, when accidents involving drink driving are a great concern. I was surprised to learn in the last 24 hours that insurance companies had insured people against being drunk and having an accident. The intention to remove this facility was announced yesterday. If that is the case, I am horrified that until now it was possible to insure oneself against an accident occurring when one was drunk.

What is even more horrifying is the number of provisional licences that have been issued, a total of 380,000. That is something the Government can deal with. The waiting list for driving tests is now 90 weeks in the Navan area and 45 weeks in the north Dublin area. I ask the Leader to draw this to the attention of the Minister and Ministers of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government. This is a scandal that must not continue. While I am glad action is being taken in regard to reminding people about the need for safety on the roads over Christmas, the driving test delay is an issue that must be dealt with by the Government.

Mr. Costello

I wish to be associated with the congratulations to the Cathaoirleach, the Leas-Chathaoirleach, the Clerk, Assistant Clerk and the staff of the House on a productive year in the Seanad. We have worked well. An increasing number of Bills are initiated in the Seanad rather than in the Dáil and a large number of amendments are accepted. This puts an extra burden of work on the Clerk, Assistant Clerk and staff but this work is carried out effectively, efficiently and with great charm.

I also congratulate Senator Manning. As Senator Quinn said, it adds to the reputation of the House and we bask in the achievement. It is a hard earned doctorate. Senator Manning is a prolific writer and it is fitting that he has now been conferred with a doctorate. Congratulations are also due to the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands and the National Library for purchasing the Circe espisode of James Joyce's Ulysses. I understand this is the first significant piece of Joyce's manuscript to be brought to Ireland. It is a great achievement.

I will now sound a jarring note in relation to the Order of Business. A number of speakers sought an explanation from the Leader of the House as to why he seeks our agreement to the withdrawal, after more than 18 months, of the Telecommunications (Infrastructure) Bill. I will go a step further and propose an amendment to the Order of Business that it not be withdrawn. There are solid reasons for this proposal.

We welcomed the Bill when it was put on the Order Paper. It provides a mechanism to control the digging up of the streets in this city and elsewhere. I raised this matter last Monday night at the city council meeting. The city manager is eagerly awaiting this Bill's provisions so that local authorities will have some control over the inordinate level of digging up of streets. The Bill will, I hope, allow network operators in the telecommunications sector to share infrastructure and to carry out work in an organised way. The Bill should be debated in the House.

Senators received a document this morning from the Simon Community about the number of people sleeping rough in Dublin. We should acknowledge that homelessness is one of the biggest problems facing us today.

An Cathaoirleach

The Senator will have an opportunity in the afternoon to deal comprehensively with the issues I assume he intends to raise at this point.

Mr. Costello

I merely wanted to point out that homelessness is a very serious issue which should be discussed at every opportunity.

Mr. Dardis

I join the Leader and other speakers in congratulating Senator Manning on his D.Litt conferral. This is a major academic distinction which the Senator richly deserves. I do not know whether the late James Dillon had any influence in regard to the awarding of the doctorate which reflects well on Senator Manning and the House. I know he will carry the burden lightly.

I wonder whether it was a mere felicitous coincidence that the Circe manuscript was purchased yesterday. Perhaps Senator Manning had some indirect influence on its acquisition by the National Museum.

Miss Quill

Osmosis.

Mr. Dardis

I join Senator Costello in welcoming its acquisition. The Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands is to be congratulated on acting so efficiently and effectively. She provided much more money than was ultimately required to acquire the document.

I, too, thank the Cathaoirleach for conducting proceedings during the year with his usual good humour and tact. I also thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach and recognise and appreciate the work carried out in the Cathaoirleach's office and the Seanad office. The staff's burden of work seems to be increasing dramatically and it is time someone in authority seriously considered providing additional manpower and financial resources in this area. The staff do tremendous work under great pressure.

I thank George Devlin of RTE and Jimmy Walsh of The Irish Times for their balanced coverage of Seanad proceedings. I also thank the ushers and the reporting staff for their contributions during the year which are much appreciated.

It would be useful to discuss Seanad reform as there are aspects of our work which could be improved upon. Perhaps Senator Manning will convene the sub-committee after Christmas so that we can discuss these issues in detail.

Mr. Coghlan

The Cathaoirleach's comments this morning prove that he is a kind and gracious man. I was particularly struck by his remarks concerning the accommodating and friendly attitude of the Seanad staff and endorse them wholeheartedly. The Cathaoirleach also displays an accommodating and friendly attitude, for which I am personally grateful. I also concur with the Cathaoirleach's remarks about the Leas-Chathaoirleach and others, particularly George Devlin, Jimmy Walsh and other journalists who cover the House from time to time.

I join my colleagues in congratulating my leader, Senator Manning, on receiving his D.Litt. The award is a very fitting and well deserved one which reflects Senator Manning's various worthy works over the years. As has been stated previously, he will wear the honour lightly.

I am sure we are all disturbed to note that IBEC may withdraw from the national agreement and partnership process due to the raising of the PRSI ceiling in the recent budget. This prospect is a cause of great alarm. Three announcements have been made in the past few weeks in regard to skilled job losses in Motorola in Dublin, a company in Cork and an industry in Sligo which is due to relocate in Hungary.

Mr. Dardis

Some 1,300 jobs were announced in Longford.

Mr. Coghlan

The high skills sector is the one most badly hit and the recent announcements fly in the face of the policies pursued by successive Governments.

Senators

Speech.

Mr. Coghlan

I appeal to the Government to make a statement on the matter immediately assuring people that this problem will be redressed in the forthcoming Finance Bill.

An Cathaoirleach

The Senator is fortunate he said such nice things about me at the outset.

Mr. Lanigan

I congratulate Senator Manning on his award. Dr. Manning comes from the same constituency as I and was educated by the De La Salle Brothers and the priests of the diocese.

Mrs. A. Doyle

What happened the Senator?

Mr. Lanigan

This is Senator Manning's day. I do not understand people saying his award is a reflection on the Seanad. He received the D.Litt because he is excellent in his field and we should congratulate him without seeking to bask in his reflected glory.

There is a biblical saying, "Suffer the little children to come unto me". As Christmas approaches, children throughout the world are suffering. As people sing Christmas carols throughout Ireland, children in Africa, Europe and elsewhere are dying because the United Nations, of which Ireland is a member, is imposing sanctions on these countries. We should reflect over the coming days on the consequences of our actions for children throughout the world. We may not approve of the regimes in which they live and we may not like their leaders but we must recognise that children are dying as a result of UN sanctions. Christ said, "Suffer the little children to come unto me" but by relying on us for assistance, via the UN, these children are dying.

Labhrás Ó Murchú

The Red Cross has received several hundred applications for relief from Irish flood victims. We all recall the heartrending scenes of sheer devastation during the recent floods. Young couples had their dreams shattered and old people were reduced to a state of fear and anxiety. The Government has asked the Red Cross to handle this matter. Perhaps the Leader will raise this issue with the relevant Minister because Christmas will be a very bleak time for these people. If these people were to receive some good news over the coming days, it might make their circumstances more bearable. Nobody can truly appreciate how they have suffered. If we do not indicate to them that they will be assisted in some way, they will feel that the flooding could recur at any stage.

Dr. Henry

I congratulate Senator Manning on his doctorate. Everyone is so enthusiastic about the matter that I am beginning to fear for my medical practice.

Would it be possible for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to come to the House later today to explain what is happening in terms of the Human Rights Commission? A very important committee was set up to put forward names for this commission and many of them have been ignored by the Government. If they ignore the committee is amending legislation not necessary?

Mr. Bonner

Given that No. 5 is being taken without debate, would it be possible to have a debate on fisheries early next session? The Council of Ministers met over the past two days to review the coming year. We have lost quite a substantial amount in terms of the white fish industry due to negotiations which were finalised. It is good the mackerel fishery has increased by an additional 2,000 tonnes. While we have suffered greatly in relation to the reduction in cod and hake quotas, the Government, through the review group, proposed that conservation and management measures be introduced for white fish stock for the next five years, which has been accepted by the Commission. I hope the same will happen for other species. I would like the Minister to come to the House early in the new year to advise us in particular on the negotiations which took place in relation to set aside of certain fisheries and compensation for fishermen.

Mrs. Ridge

I congratulate my esteemed colleague and convey my compliments to everybody for the Christmas season. Unfortunately, I do not think the widow of Jerry McCabe will be having such a happy Christmas. The Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform said a report would be issued regarding the exact grounds of these prisoners' release. Having listened to what Deputy O'Malley said, I am horrified to think that it would appear one of the prisoners was released on passionate rather than compassionate grounds, which is terrible. It is obnoxious that the man had the comfort of a woman for the night – I do not think that was part of the deal for the temporary release. It is reprehensible that this sort of thing can happen. The Minister of State, Deputy Wallace, promised a full report and I ask the Leader to have it sent to us during the recess as I am anxious that such an outrage is not perpetrated again against the family of a person who was murdered by terrorists.

Mr. Ross

I join in wishing goodwill for everybody, including Senator Manning whom I always thought was a doctor. He certainly has the presence of a professor and his award was a great achievement.

I thank the Leader for sending the appropriate Ministers to the House yesterday, and I hope that continues. I think it was particularly appropriate and clever that on the Appropriation Bill, the only case where there was a need for a baby sitter, the Leader brought the Minister of State with responsibility for children to the House. Perhaps in the future we should have guarantees that debates are taken by Ministers who are qualified to speak on Bills.

Senator Coghlan raised the possible withdrawal of IBEC from the partnership agreement because of PRSI, and I support the call for a debate. In the context of the first PPF, IBEC said the deal should stand but are now whinging because they did not get what they wanted in the budget which shows they are not people with clout. I suggest some members should withdraw from IBEC rather than IBEC withdraw from the partnership structure.

I second Senator Costello's amendment to the Order of Business.

Mrs. A. Doyle

I am delighted to be in a posi tion to thank the Cathaoirleach, the Leas-Chathaoirleach, the Leader, the staff of the House and the serious media which have been able to reflect the importance of the House and the contributions of so many. I wish everybody a happy Christmas and seasons greetings for 2001. In particular I thank the Leader whom I have always found to be very courteous and obliging.

Mention was made of another debate on Seanad reform. I ask that as part of that agenda the by-election system be considered. It needs consideration as it does not work in the interests of either the Opposition or Government sides. I know it is not just a matter for this House, but it should be part of the debate if we are to be democratic in how we proceed.

I join with my colleagues in congratulating my colleague, Senator Maurice Manning. I also thank him on behalf of his current and past students, one of whom specifically asked to be remembered to him. They above all appreciated his contribution through the years. We are delighted to be in a position to formally recognise the long overdue achievement of Dr. Manning.

Will there be in the near future a debate on the Nice Summit and the post-Nice agenda? I would appreciate if such a debate could be timetabled as soon as possible as I would like to make arrangements to be here. Members on both sides would like the opportunity to air their views and have a constructive debate.

Mr. Cosgrave

I thank the staff of the House, ushers, translators and all who have helped in the smooth running of the House.

I join in the good wishes to Senator Maurice Manning on his further elevation. It should also be pointed out that in recent days he headed the poll in the election to the governing body. Some of us could do with seeing a doctor this morning, but perhaps Dr. Manning may not fit the bill.

I welcome the confirmation by the Tánaiste of the announcement by Deputy Belton of 1,300 additional jobs for Longford.

I express my thanks to the Cathaoirleach and the other Acting Chairmen. If others wish to gain valuable training experience they are welcome.

Mr. Farrell

I wish to join with those who have paid tribute to the Cathaoirleach and the staff and I congratulate Senator Manning, a most honourable, helpful and kind gentleman who deserves everything he gets.

Miss Quill

Hear, hear.

Mr. Farrell

I also congratulate the Minister for the Marine, Deputy Fahey, on securing a wonderful deal in Europe. Even Joey Murrin congratulated him this morning, which means he must have done a super deal. I congratulate him on is work in Europe.

I call for a debate on motor insurance. The Committee on Enterprise and Small Business has done much research into insurance and all the insurance companies appeared before the committee. We have a wealth of knowledge that we could make available which would be helpful to many young people seeking insurance. I would, therefore, welcome a debate on the subject in the new year.

Mrs. Taylor-Quinn

I join with my colleagues in congratulating Senator Maurice Manning on his doctorate, which is well deserved. He has been an academic all his life. He has done wonderful historical research which will be a legacy to this State in the future. This is an honour he eminently deserves.

What is the position in relation to the ratification of the UN International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination? When does the Leader propose bringing this before the House for a full debate? It is something that should be discussed in detail and I hope an opportunity will be provided to do so soon.

In regard to the Extradition Act, 1965 (Application of Part II) Order, 2000, there is a need for full discussion. I hope the Leader will be in a position to provide us with an opportunity to contribute to a debate on that important issue.

I also request the Leader to provide time in the House to discuss the conclusions of the Nice Summit. Some of the decisions made in Nice are fundamental and will have huge repercussions for this State in the future. This House should be afforded an opportunity to discuss them.

Mr. Glennon

I join my colleagues in offering the compliments of the season to everybody, particularly Senator Manning. Regarding Senator Avril Doyle's comments on the system of by-election in this House, in the spirit of good will that pertains at this time of year, I will presume that no reflection on the most recent by-election victors was intended. Unfortunately, I have not had the opportunity to get to know Senator Doyle, as I have her colleagues. However, in the spirit of the season, I will give her the benefit of the doubt.

I note that today, probably for the first time in some weeks, we have heard no calls for a debate on education. While that is entirely reasonable, given that our next sitting will not take place for some considerable time, nevertheless I ask the Leader not to have a debate on education until such time as all the other processes and structures available to the teachers have been availed of. The current situation is most unfortunate. If the teachers were to enter into the spirit of the season and remove the pupils from the equation and the difficulties in which they have placed them, I am sure that gesture of good will would be reciprocated by the Minister and we could look forward to coming back in the new year with the teachers' dispute a thing of the past.

Mr. Burke

I wish to be associated with the votes of congratulations to the Cathaoirleach and the staff of the House, and also with the remarks to Senator Manning.

We should all take on board the point made by Senator Avril Doyle. It applies mainly to the Opposition. If a Member of the Opposition loses or gives up a seat in the Seanad, the Government side of the House takes it. It is from that point of view that by-elections to the Seanad are not satisfactory.

I also support Senator Doyle's call for a debate on the Nice Summit. It would appropriate to have an early debate on that.

An Cathaoirleach

The Chair would also very much like to join in the congratulations which have been extended to Senator Manning. I call on the Leader of the House to reply to the Order of Business.

Mr. Cassidy

Senators Manning, Dardis, Avril Doyle and Glennon called for another debate on Seanad reform. As has already been stated, there is a sub-committee under the chairmanship of Senator Manning in place and its deliberations on Seanad reform are at a very advanced stage. It is hoped we will have concrete proposals to put before the Seanad for consideration early in the next session. We have seen the proposals on Dáil reform. We have proposals that I am sure the Seanad will approve, which will enhance its proceedings, broaden its whole operation and include facilities for MEPs, North and South, to speak and enable us, on Fridays, to discuss European reports with our European colleagues. It is nice to see Senator Avril Doyle here this morning.

Senators Farrell and Quinn called for a debate on the insurance industry. Senator Quinn highlighted that 380,000 people have a provisional driving licence. I will pass his views to the Minister. It certainly is an enormous number. It is much too high. I hope the matter will be addressed in the near future.

I call on the insurance companies to show their concern by doing something to encourage people not to drink by giving a 25% reduction in premium to members of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association. It is time the 200,000 people in Ireland who respect the spirit in which driving licences were given to us by the Government got some encouragement. We should encourage young people, in their early years at least, to realise that there is an alternative. There is the sporting life and enjoyment without over-indulgence in alcohol. Unfortunately some young people, having over-indulged, take the keys of their car and drive and the result is what is perhaps the most unpleasant experience any family endures, the loss of a son or a daughter through driving while under the influence of drink.

I will pass Senator Coghlan's view to the Minister. I know he would wholeheartedly congratulate the Government on creating 150,000 or more new jobs since it come into office in 1997. I will pass Senator Ó Murchú's views about the Red Cross to the Minister.

Senator Henry called on the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to come to the House to explain what is happening in terms of the Human Rights Commission. I will pass her views on to the Minister also.

Senator Bonner congratulated the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Fahey, on negotiating a very difficult trade deal at the EU which concluded only at 6.00 a.m. today. I congratulate everyone involved and all who were successful in having the Irish proposal for conservation measures accepted. Ireland is such a small country, but such an important one in the context of the fishing industry. The Minister, Deputy Frank Fahey, all his officials, Joey Murrin and everyone associated with the fishing industry can be proud of the job they have done under extremely difficult circumstances.

I will pass Senator Ridge's views on to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

I take Senator Ross's point once again. However, he labours the point every day. Is a Minister, Senator, Minister of State or Dáil Deputy to speak only on issues with which they are familiar? That would not be fair. There is precedent over the years for Ministers of State coming to the House as a result of requests to me as Leader of the House to facilitate Senators' calls for Bills, statements or debates. The Senator is perhaps being a bit mischievous but it is not reasonable that he should continue to make these demands. Senator Ross has been known as a reasonable man in the 20 years he has been a Member of this House and he should not change coming up to Christmas.

In response to Senators Doyle and Quinn, I can inform the House that on Tuesday, 3 February, we will have a full day's debate on the Nice Summit.

I will pass Senator Taylor-Quinn's views on to the Minister. I understand the Minister for Foreign Affairs is meeting the foreign affairs committee this morning at 11 o'clock and that matter will be discussed. I will pass Senator Glennon's views on to the Minister for Education and Science.

I want to congratulate you, Cathaoirleach, the Leas-Chathaoirleach, the Deputy Leader, Senator Dardis, Senator Manning and all the other leaders of groups in the House, the Government Whip, Senator Fitzgerald, who has done a magnificent job—

Mr. Manning

Hear, hear.

Mr. Cassidy

—and all the Whips in the House, the Deputy Whips, the Clerk and Assistant Clerk of the House, the ushers, Jimmy Walsh of The Irish Times, George Devlin of RTE, who are doing a magnificent job, and everyone who has helped the Seanad in any way. I wish all of you who are honoured and fortunate to be Members of Seanad Éireann a happy and holy Christmas and I look forward to being back here again in the year 2001.

Order of Business agreed to.

Seanad Éireann debate - Friday, 15 Dec 2000