Today's Order of Business is No. 1, the Gas (Interim) (Regulation) Bill, 2001, Committee and Remaining Stages, and No. 2, statements on the UK Government's decision to approve a MOX plant at Sellafield, with the contributions of spokespersons not to exceed 15 minutes and all other Senators not to exceed ten minutes. Business is to conclude no later than 8 p.m.
Order of Business.
On the time limit on No. 2, I do not see why the Leader is confining it to 15 and ten minutes. I do not believe there will be many speakers and they should be given freedom to extend their remarks. Maybe he could change that to 20 minutes.
Last week the Leader indicated to us that he will let us have today the schedule of Bills he hopes to introduce during this session. Perhaps he will revive the custom of providing the Opposition parties with a monthly schedule in advance of the legislation he proposes to take that month.This was the practice for a long time under his predecessor and during my time as Leader. It is a practice that would greatly facilitate the work of the Opposition parties in planning ahead.
And the Independents.
The Independents are part of the Opposition, as I understand it. To the best of my knowledge, they are not part of the Government side.
We are open to the highest bidder.
Senator Manning to continue without interruption.
Sometimes the cross-benches can be uncomfortable.
The Taoiseach indicated in the Dáil that there will be ten extra pieces of legislation dealing with terrorism going to the Dáil in coming weeks, which may necessitate Monday and Friday sittings. What are the plans for this? Can the Leader indicate what these ten Bills are? He could tell us tomorrow; I am not asking him to do so today. As we do not have much legislation at present, perhaps some of them could begin life in this House. The Leader does not need to look bemused; there is a very light schedule at the moment.
One every day since we started sitting.
Two days.
Three.
We will not argue about that as the record speaks for itself. I was offering to facilitate the House, but the Leader takes everything very personally. I do not know what is happening to him.
When is it proposed to take Committee Stage of the Pensions Bill? Will the Leader indicate that the amendments on Committee Stage will not be, in effect, half a new Bill? The suggestion is that the Bill was only half ready when it was brought forward and that whole new sections will be brought forward under the guise of amendments. As a member of the Government's legislation committee, perhaps the Leader knows the answer. If not, can he find out for us by tomorrow, when we can expect Committee Stage of the Pensions Bill?
Will the Leader inform us of the status of the Electoral (Amendment) Bill, which was passed in a truncated form and amended by this House before the end of the last session? I understand the Dáil must either accept or reject our amendments. Can the Leader give any indication as to the status of that Bill? It is a Bill about which many Senators care deeply.
On the first day back I asked the Leader to facilitate a debate on Northern Ireland and I repeat that call today. Events there are in a dangerous phase, but the House has a right to debate them and express views as to what is happening. We have always done so in a responsible way and the House should at least have the opportunity that those on radio and television have, which is to debate what is happening in Northern Ireland.
I raised the difference between the Government, the Opposition and the Independents with intent. I notice that the Leader has arranged for nice cut glass decanters of water to be placed in front of the Opposition and Government Front Benches. On behalf of the Labour Party – which would not like to make this claim for itself, being too humble – and the cross-benches, we would also appreciate the odd drink of water from the cut glass.
That is really not appropriate to the Order of Business.
Only that it was placed there during the Order of Business I would not have mentioned it.
On a more serious note, I support the proposal made by Senator Manning regarding speakers in the MOX debate getting 20 minutes to be shared. We have had a long-standing tradition, since the present Leader took office and under the previous Leader, that we put times on debates in order for Senators to arrange their days. I suggest we start the MOX debate at a given time, either 6 p.m. or 40 minutes after the conclusion of No. 1, whichever is the earlier. Members are entitled to know this if they are waiting to speak.
The happenings in Aer Lingus were raised last week on the Order of Business. I do not want to open up a debate on the Order of Business, but there are compelling reasons for a debate on the matter. The obvious question—
I draw the Senator's attention to No. 17, motion 27 on the Order Paper which relates to Aer Lingus. Any debate on that motion should not be pre-empted on the Order of Business.
It is not my understanding that the motion is due to be debated in the House. I would be happy to support such a motion in its current form from the Fine Gael Party or in another form but the issue should be debated in Government time as it is Government business. There are strategic reasons for debating this matter which does not merely relate to European directives, the airline industry or job losses. As an island nation dependent on channels of communication, we must view this issue somewhat differently from the rest of Europe. There are compelling reasons for an urgent debate.
The Senator is addressing the merits of the matter, thereby pre-empting the debate on the motion. That is not in order on the Order of Business.
I accept the Cathaoirleach's ruling although I did not intend to pre-empt a debate. My motive was to outline to the Leader compelling reasons for a debate on Aer Lingus. The tourism industry, among others, will have an interest in such a debate. This is a multifaceted issue involving a high level of interdependency and we should view it with a political eye. We should attempt to change the minds of people in Europe rather than break European rules.
We should note the appalling loss of life in Kabul in recent days when UN peacekeepers working in a mine clearance unit in an effort to make the earth a safer place were killed by bombs which were not precisely targeted. We convey our sympathies to the UN. It is extraordinary in this day and age that bombs cannot be targeted in such a way as to safeguard innocent bystanders. We do not want innocent people killed in Afghanistan, be they Afghani people or people working with the UN and other agencies. We should make that clear.
I am pleased the Leader of the House responded to our request last week for a debate during Government time on the MOX plant in Sellafield. I invite him to respond in the same generous fashion to the request for a debate on the terrorist bombings in the United States on 11 September which have had a military, humanitarian and economic impact. Senator O'Toole referred to the need for military targets to be precise. Millions of people are in danger of starvation and our national airline is under serious threat. All these issues could be addressed in a single debate which, given the magnitude of this issue, should be held during Government time.
A debate on Northern Ireland is also urgently required. Each time we rise to request such a debate, we are informed that the matter is too sensitive and should be postponed until some future date. Northern Ireland is always a sensitive issue but that should not prevent us addressing the subject. Given the current breakdown in the peace process, it would be worthwhile to explore the factors which have led to the current critical impasse.
A call was made last week for a debate on the seriously depressed price of beef cattle. It is appropriate to take this opportunity to acknowledge the reopening of the Egyptian market and to thank all concerned, including the Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Agriculture, Food and Rural Development and others. This is an obvious reflection of what Egyptian technical experts think of the controls in use in this country. They were responsible for imposing a ban on all beef exported from European countries. The reopening of the Irish market reflects well on the quality of Irish beef and the standards that exist here.
In light of this development, we should call on factories to pay a realistic price for beef cattle. We should also convey our congratulations to the Ministers concerned.
In light of today's events involving Aer Lingus and the difficulties the airline is facing in relation to its survival, would it be possible to take motion No. 27 tomorrow? I know that other Members, including Senator Taylor-Quinn, are anxious to contribute on that matter. I hope the Minister for Public Enterprise, Deputy O'Rourke, will honour the commitments she has given in the past to retain stop-over status for Shannon. This matter is of immediate importance and I request that the debate be taken tomorrow.
I join other Members in calling for a debate on the current world situation, particularly in light of Senator Manning's comments about proposals from the Government to introduce ten items of legislation of an anti-terrorism nature. In my opinion, it would be appropriate to introduce such legislation in this House because of its detachment and its concern for human rights. In light of current circumstances, we must strike a balance between human rights and the need to combat terrorism.
Will the Leader ascertain if the Government proposes to bring before the Oireachtas its decision to grant permission, apparently of an unlimited nature, to American forces for overflights? This is a matter of particular concern and it should be debated because of recent indications that the Americans intend to expand the scope of their operations to take in countries such as, perhaps, Iraq. As somebody who voted against granting permission for such overflights during the period of the Gulf War, it is my view that the House should be consulted and I would like to know whether this will happen.
Will the Leader indicate whether we can have a debate on transport and whether the Minister for Public Enterprise, Deputy O'Rourke, can come before the House for such a debate? It is important that the Minister should provide the House with an update on the circumstances surrounding Luas, particularly the underground element of the project, in view of the changed financial situation since she last made a statement to the House. Those of us who are interested in ensuring that part of the line runs underground would like reassurance that matters are still on track. I also support calls for a debate on Aer Lingus in order that I may give my wholehearted support to our national carrier.
I support calls for the Minister for Public Enterprise to come before the House for a debate on Aer Lingus. It is important that such a debate should take place either today or tomorrow, particularly in light of the proposal relating to a reduction of 68 in the number of flights going through Shannon Airport. I ask the Leader to give this matter urgent attention and to accommodate us with a debate today or tomorrow.
The other issue I wish to raise relates to the Lindsay tribunal. I hope the Leader will urge the Minister for Health and Children to introduce legislation to expand the terms of reference of that tribunal to include pharmaceutical companies. The evidence shown on RTE earlier this week was appalling and, in fairness to the deceased and their relatives, deserves immediate attention.
A report on lone parents was launched yesterday by the National Economic and Social Forum. This report is really a sequel to our debate on crisis pregnancies last week. Will the Leader arrange a debate on the report and ask the Minister for Health and Children to be present?
All Members have rightly expressed abhorrence at what happened in America on 11 September and we have extended our heartfelt sympathy and support to the United States with which Ireland has very close ties. However, it also behoves each independent legislator to participate in ongoing debate on events as they unfold. The House should set an example in this regard. We all have worries about civilian casualties, but, above all else, about the humanitarian issues involved. We have been warned by all the aid agencies that there may be a humanitarian crisis greater than any witnessed previously. There should, therefore, be ongoing debate in the House because this matter is so serious.
Planning is meant to be an open and transparent process, yet recently it was reported in two articles in the Sunday Tribune that five local authorities hold planning meetings in camera, another five, it was alleged, hold such meetings in public while the rest do something else or do not hold meetings at all. It was not intended, legally, that there would be such lack of uniformity and for that reason I will make a suggestion.
Will the Senator dispense with the preamble and put a question to the Leader?
Without the brief preamble, neither your good self nor Members would have the faintest idea about that to which I am alluding.
Does the Senator think we will after his preamble?
I am trying to be helpful. The Sunday Tribune conducted the survey, not I. Will the Leader arrange for the Minister for the Environment and Local Government to come to the House to address this matter?
I shall waive my right to speak on the Order of Business as it is after 3 p.m.
Will the Leader ask the Minister for the Environment and Local Government to come to the House for a debate on the proposal to toll national primary routes and bypasses? He proposes to toll the Drogheda bypass, which will affect the local community and local businesses badly. A debate is needed to clarify the issue.
When will road traffic legislation dealing with accident rates be introduced? Will it happen during this session? There have been some horrific deaths on our roads in recent times. Figures published recently show that while the number of deaths on our roads has reduced compared to previous years, we have one of the worst records in this area in Europe. Ireland does not have a penalty points system. However, this system has been introduced in practically every other country in Europe and had an amazing effect on the behaviour of motorists. The Minister intends to introduce such a system. Will he do so during this session? The system is a weapon to effectively reduce road deaths, but has not been introduced. We should not wait any longer and if there is a delay in its introduction, we should be informed. I hope the Leader will inform the House that it is planned to introduce legislation in this regard during this session.
I support Senator Callanan's call for a debate on the agriculture industry. I welcome the recent announcement regarding the reopening of the live cattle trade with Egypt. It is an opportune time for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development to come to the House to outline the work done by his Department to protect the industry, which has faced severe difficulties as a result of BSE and foot and mouth disease. It is an important segment of our economy and worthy of debate.
Will the Leader consider asking the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to come to the House to discuss the issue of sentencing? A man convicted of drink driving received a suspended two year sentence during the past week. Considering the furore last year when a man's sentence was reduced from four years to two—
I remind the Senator about the separation of powers.
I am fully aware of that.
We do not become involved in debates about the business of the courts.
It would help the public which is confused about this issue.
With the agreement of the House, I propose a sos for 45 minutes between No. 1 and No. 2. The principal spokespersons will have 20 minutes on No. 2.
Senators Manning and O'Toole referred to the MOX plant at Sellafield. It is interesting to note that 11 Senators called for a debate on this issue on the Order of Business last week. I have responded to their concerns and look forward to their contributions this evening.
As regards Senator Manning's point about legislation, there are ten pieces of legislation with which we must deal. I will inform the House at the end of my reply about the proposed legislation for the coming session. Senator Manning mentioned the Pensions (Amendment) Bill, which I understand is due back in the House in two weeks time. The Senator also inquired about the progress of the Electoral (Amendment) Bill. It is before the other House where I hope it will be concluded this week.
Senators Manning and Costello called for a debate on Northern Ireland. I do not have any difficulty arranging such a debate, which I hope will take place at the earliest possible opportunity.
Senators O'Toole, Costello, Jackman and Taylor-Quinn called for a debate on Aer Lingus. I am endeavouring to have such a debate as soon as possible.
Senators O'Toole, Norris and Ó Murchú expressed their views on the US air attacks which happened on 11 September and the war in Afghanistan. As the House is aware, following requests on the Order of Business last week I got agreement for such a debate to take place next Wednesday from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Cowen, will be present. Senator Norris expressed his views about the stop-over. I understand the stopover by American airforce personnel is covered by a United Nations resolution.
Senators Callanan and Chambers strongly congratulated the Government, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development and the Minister for Foreign Affairs on getting the Egyptian beef market reopened at a critical time of the year. I will pass on Senator Norris's views to the Minister for Public Enterprise.
Senator Taylor-Quinn and others called for the Lindsay tribunal to extend its terms of reference. Any of us who saw the television programme the other night must agree with those sentiments. I know the Taoiseach is taking an interest in this issue and was working hard yesterday with the Government and the Minister in charge of this area. I expect an announcement will be made shortly.
I will pass on Senator Coghlan's views on planning problems to the Minister. Senator O'Dowd called for the Minister for the Environment and Local Government to come to the House for a debate on toll roads. I do not have any difficulty making time available for such a debate.
Senator Kett mentioned the sentencing of a person and Senator Quinn raised the issue of an inquiry. I will find out the answers to the questions the Senators raised.
The proposed legislation for the coming term is the Heritage Fund Bill, 2001; Family Support Agency Bill, 2001; Asset Covered Securities Bill, 2001; Public Health (Tobacco) Bill, 2001; State Authorities (Public Private Partnership Arrangements) Bill, 2001; Criminal Justice (Temporary Release of Prisoners) Bill, 2001; Road Traffic Bill, 2001; Private Security Services Bill, 2001. In December we will have the Social Welfare (No. 2) Bill; Courts and Court Officers Bill, 2001; Appropriation Bill, 2001, and the Interpretation Bill, 2000. That is the proposed list of legislation for both Houses but, as Senator Manning has said, any issue required for security matters will also come before us. I welcome the opportunity to deal with such legislation. This is our third sitting day in this session and today the third Bill of this session will be initiated here. That augurs well for the House and for the importance of the business that is being conducted here. Long may it continue.
Order of Business agreed to.