I will attempt to be literate in my reply. Senator Coogan raised the issue of racism, and there were several other issues raised by other Senators. I see no difficulty in having a discussion on the matter. Racism cannot be tolerated. The associated issue of asylum seekers, as Senators Jackman and Ridge pointed out, is a matter for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. Both issues could be discussed in a wide-ranging debate on racism. I find the poster that was put up by Amnesty International dis tasteful. It should not have been put up, given their perspective on rights throughout the world, for which they should be applauded. That is just one aspect of the Senators' call for a debate.
Senators O'Toole and Liam Fitzgerald and others spoke of the statement of practice from the Revenue Commissioners. That is a matter for the Commissioners and, as I understand from this morning's newspapers, the Attorney General has been asked to offer an opinion on the people who were involved in the so-called tax amnesty in 1993. It is not a matter that we need to avoid but one that can be debated within the House.
Senators O'Toole, McDonagh, Coghlan and Ó Fearghail spoke about railways and infrastructure in the west. We passed the Transport (Railway Infrastructure) Bill in the House. It would have been appropriate to discuss these issues then, but that does not mean we cannot do so in the future.
Senator O'Meara referred to the Electoral (Amendment) Bill. The reason we are handling it in the way we are and not taking the fourth part today is that there are ongoing inter-party discussions to reach a resolution as to what the agreed position should be.
Senator O'Meara also raised the issue of foreign workers. It would be bad if they were not treated in the same way as every other worker. They have that protection under law. If they are not treated equally, it should be brought to the attention of the authorities and investigated. The Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Tom Kitt, is determined that foreign workers should be given all their rights.
Child care was also raised by Senator O'Meara and that is a matter that can be discussed. The issue of asylum seekers was raised by Senator Jackman. They are entitled to due process. It is important that we distinguish between migrant workers, who are coming in legally, and asylum seekers. A different standard is being applied to asylum seekers. That is acceptable because we must be careful that people entering the country do not come from a criminal background or require the State to adopt defensive measures.
The matter of education was raised by Senators Jackman, Ridge, Quinn, Farrell and Liam Fitzgerald, both yesterday and today. Senator Jackman spoke of it in the context of autism, which is a narrower debate. Given the volume of opinion within the House, I hope that the matter can be debated very soon.
Senator Norris spoke about item No. 1 and the sub-committee. The sub-committee is being given the power to send for persons, papers and records. If the sub-committee has decided that is required, then the House should assent to it. There is no need to debate the issue – it is beyond that. Obviously, if there is a report from the sub-committee, the House can address it at a later stage. Senator Ross raised that point.
Senator Caffrey referred to the referenda. I and the majority of Members in the House, with one or two exceptions, are in favour of the adop tion of the three questions that are being put to the people by way of referendum.
