The Order of Business today is No. 1, report of the Joint Committee on The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (Charters Amendment) Bill 2002, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders relative to Private Business, to be taken without debate at the conclusion of the Order of Business; No. 2, Maternity Protection (Amendment) Bill 2003 – Order for Second Stage and Second Stage, to be taken at the conclusion of No. 1 and conclude not later than 1.15 p.m., with the contributions of spokespersons not to exceed 15 minutes and those of all other Senators not to exceed ten minutes, and on which Members may share time, the Minister to be called on to reply not later than 15 minutes before the conclusion of Second Stage at approximately 1 p.m.; No. 3, Local Government Bill 2003 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil] – Report and Final Stages, to be taken at 1.15 p.m. and conclude not later than 2 p.m. – this is a technical drafting amendment regarding the collective citation of the Bill which will become the Local Government (No. 2) Act when passed, although published as the Local Government (No. 1) Bill, because the Local Government (No. 2) Bill was passed and enacted first; No. 4, Companies (Auditing and Accounting) Bill 2003 – Committee Stage, to be taken from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and, if not previously concluded, to resume at 8 p.m. at the conclusion of Private Members' Business and conclude not later than 10 p.m.; and No. 12, motion No. 31, to be taken from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. There will be a sos from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Order of Business.
I am sure the Leader is aware that on 20 June the Convention on the Future of Europe will make its final report under the chairmanship of the former French President, Valery Giscard d'Estaing. I ask that on the following Tuesday we spend the entire day debating the outcome of the convention, given the fact that the House led the way through the initiative of the Leader in inviting members of the convention to contribute during the course of the debate. The Leader will doubtless agree that there is a great deal of concern within Europe, among all the political families, and among the governments of Europe concerning the outcome that seems to be coming from the discussions. I understand that in excess of 1,000 amendments were tabled by convention members and not even considered by the Praesidium in its latest two draft reports.
There is great concern among convention members that their voices are not being heard, particularly in regard to the rights and responsibilities of small countries when compared to those awarded to larger countries. There is a sense that the report was written even before the convention met. When it makes its report, given the role we have played in regard to it, the House should debate it in the fullest possible way.
On a separate matter, the Leader is no doubt aware that yesterday at the Court of Criminal Appeal the father of a murder victim asked the eminent judges to consider that a judge should specify a minimum sentence when a life sentence for murder is handed down. Mr. Justice Hardiman rightly said it was not a matter for the court and that it should be debated elsewhere. I contend that "elsewhere" is the Houses of the Oireachtas. This House would serve a very useful function if it had a full debate on the issue of minimum sentencing. The subject has recently been broached by the Home Secretary in Britain, given the concern about the lack of consistency in sentencing policy in murder cases. I ask that the Leader provide the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform with an opportunity to address the matter of minimum sentencing and take contributions from the House. It is clear from yesterday's case that eminent members of the Judiciary believe the matter should be debated. It must be debated in the Oireachtas because this is where the laws of the country are made. The Leader might consider a debate at some point between now and the recess.
It would be useful for the House to note the nomination of the new Garda Commissioner, Mr. Noel Conroy, and offer him our congratulations and every support on his appointment. I have no doubt that a man born and reared with the taste of salt in his mouth in Blacksod on the Mullet Peninsula, with all the good sense possessed by people from that part of the country, will make a huge impression on the job. He has an extraordinary record, being a Scott medal holder and having been in the news many years ago when seen in the film shots during the famous arrest made at the Attorney General's apartment. He has since moved on and is a man who has shown determination right through his career. I wish him well, as I am sure the House will.
About two months ago I raised the issue of an ombudsman for children and the commitments given to the House in that regard. Some time ago the then Minister of State with responsibility for children, Deputy Hanafin, now Chief Whip, rejected an amendment from this side of the House to fix a commencement date for appointment of an ombudsman to within about one year – I cannot recall the exact period. She gave the House a clear assurance that there was no need for the amendment because it was her intention and that of the Government that the appointment would be made as soon as was possible after the signing of the Act. She stated the only delays would be those regarding advertising, appointment etc.
This is all on the record of the House from about two years ago, though I cannot recall the exact date. However, the Bill was certainly introduced in 2001. It was welcomed and the Government received great kudos for bringing it forward. Those of us who had been shouting about the matter for years welcomed and supported the Bill, and praised the Minister and the Government. This is the reason people talk of broken promises. Perhaps, when we get to read the 15 page document, we might see a good reason this has not been done. However, many are appalled. Many working with vulnerable children feel let down.
It would be useful for the Chief Whip, who deals with legislation, to come to the House to explain the delay. Members on the Government side of the House supported the Bill with the same energy as me. While I am not taking this as a political matter, it is appalling.
I note in media reports that the issue of rip-off Ireland was raised in the House yesterday when I did a back-of-an-envelope calculation regarding the price of petrol. Two years ago a barrel of oil cost €20 because of the valuation of the euro and the dollar; today on the world market it costs €22, even though there is a different valuation on the dollar. Two years ago the price of a litre of petrol was about 65 cent to 70 cent, yet in most places it is now closer to 90 cent, even though the price of oil in euros is only 10% dearer than two years ago.
Another example of rip-off Ireland is raised in a letter in the Irish Times today in which a man quotes Stena Sealink as stating that if one booked a ferry ticket from Ireland to Britain, the price was £84 sterling but €240. He asked the reason this was the case and was told it was because of market forces.
This country needs to take a serious look not at the wage increases of working people but at the practices and presumptions of the business community. The biggest issue is not that there are gradual price increases but the perception that there is a rip-off culture, to which people have become inured.
It is time the House had a debate on foreign affairs with particular emphasis on Iraq. Donald Rumsfeld is reported this morning as having said he thinks Iraq perhaps destroyed all of its weapons of mass destruction in the period of the invasion. He was asked the reason the Iraqis had not used their weapons and replied that because the war had lasted such a short time, they did not get around to using them. However, they did get around to destroying them.
This is extremely important. If there are no weapons of mass destruction, the war was fought on a lie told by the President of the United States—
Hear, hear.
—and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom who, to my great embarrassment, is a member of Socialist International. It was fought on a lie which should not be forgotten because of some idea that we should leave the past behind us. If it was fought on a lie, it had no basis. Therefore, I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on foreign affairs with particular emphasis on Iraq. The truth is central to this debate – the one thing we are not getting.
I referred yesterday to the need to debate the report of the Convention on the Future of Europe. While I do not disagree with what Senator Brian Hayes has said with regard to having the debate after the final report is drafted, it might be more useful to have it in the interim, before the final report is drafted. There would then still be an opportunity to have an input into the final outcome.
Yesterday I commended the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Roche, on the work he has carried out. It is important to note that, as consensus is what is to emerge from the report, Ireland has done well in achieving an alliance of smaller countries which see things in a unified way. There was a very useful meeting yesterday of the Joint Committee on European Affairs with the relevant French Minister on this issue. There seemed to be an identification of interests and argument in regard to how the convention should be dealt with. Last night the President of the European Parliament addressed the Institute of European Affairs on the matter.
Some of the big issues include the institutional balance, the number of Commissioners, how the President of the Council might be elected and whether the President might take office for a five year period or whether there should be a continuation of the present system of rotating presidencies where countries hold the position for six months. Important issues are involved. It would be useful, therefore, if at all possible, if the Leader could arrange a debate in the House before the final report is drafted, possibly with the presence of one or other of our members of the convention. We have had a useful interchange with them and to have them in the House again would provide continuity.
I join Senator O'Toole in extending good wishes to the Garda Commissioner designate, Mr. Noel Conroy. I hope he has a successful term of office.
A point was raised concerning legislation. It is notable that 15 Bills on the Seanad Order Paper are still with the Dáil. I know you, a Chathaoirligh, would stop me if I told the Dáil how to do its business.
It might help.
It is a matter of some concern. The Leader has done a good job in having legislation initiated in this House. I note that today and tomorrow both the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment have Bills on the Order Paper that will be initiated in the House. That is to be welcomed. If we want to have as many Bills as possible initiated here, it is important that they pass through the Houses rapidly.
I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for the Environment and Local Government to the House for a debate on planning regulations. She is probably aware that we need to speed up and improve the planning process in respect of both private and public developments. The debate should also include the matter of pre-planning discussion, provided for in the recent Planning and Development Act. Facilities are not in place in many local authorities for such discussions. This is something that needs to be reviewed nationally, as well as the whole issue of the enforcement of planning regulations. There are serious problems with regard to staff shortages in most local authorities. If we adopt and pass Bills here, it is the citizens' right to see them properly enforced.
I am sure Members of the House will have noticed a prominently displayed advertisement in recent days for a well-known paint product. Whatever about the quality of the product, the sensitivity of the advertisement leaves much to be desired. It presents an elderly person in a most negative fashion. By extension, it engenders negativity towards all old people. It is a cheap shot at the most vulnerable section of society. The body dealing with age and opportunity has severely criticised it, rightly so. It behoves the House to have a discussion on the area of advertising. I know people get publicity from this type of reaction when we raise a matter but it is not right that the elderly should be used and abused in this way.
I join my colleagues who have asked for a debate on Iraq. It is significant that Mr. Rumsfeld, who I believe stands convicted of being a war criminal, should have made such a point as reported at 7 a.m. on "Morning Ireland". It was a virtual admission that there were no weapons of mass destruction. It was the lead item in the news headlines but by 9 a.m. had dropped to third or fourth place. There was no analysis of what was the most significant item. I find this astonishing and regrettable.
It also indicates President Bush violated the US Constitution because the only excuse for war is a clear and present danger. He said categorically there was a clear and present danger in Iraq. It is now obvious there was not. However, they probably knew that to begin with. Mr. Rumsfeld, not abashed by any of this, went on to intimate that he was within an ace of declaring war on Iran also. Where is this lunacy going to end? Surely we are going to protest against it. I strongly support Senator Ryan in what he said.
I ask that in any motion passed by the Seanad we include the terms of the resolution passed unanimously by the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs. It would assist our very able Minister for Foreign Affairs if he had resolutions from the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Seanad. This could be done quickly. There are five motions on Iraq on the Order Paper in the names of Independent Members, Nos. 17, 25, 27, 28 and 29. Members from all sides of the House still feel this is an important issue.
I ask the Leader about the appointment of an ombudsman for children. It is regrettable that, despite the fact we have made legislative provisions for this, it does not seem to have happened. Will the Leader confirm my worrying suspicions on this matter? Senator Ryan and I inserted an extra section in the Children Act providing for the appointment of a guardian ad litem to protect the rights of children. There has been no appointment to this post either. Can we have an appointment for both the ombudsman for children and the guardian ad litem?
I join my colleagues in the call for an update briefing on the Convention on the Future for Europe for which I asked the Leader two weeks ago. There are still sensitive areas within the consensus of opinion on areas such as the future of the Union's institutions and taxation policies. There was an interesting meeting yesterday with the French foreign affairs delegation when many of these points were raised. It is important that we have a debate before the final verdict of the convention is made known.
I support Senator Bannon's call for a debate on planning regulations, for which I have looked before as there are many anomalies in planning legislation. A debate would serve to highlight them and can see how we could rectify them.
I join Senator O'Toole and other Members in congratulating Mr. Noel Conroy on his appointment as Commissioner designate of the Garda Síochána and wish him well on what is undoubtedly a tough and challenging task. Never before in the history of the Garda Síochána, from issues of management to morale, has strong leadership been needed.
I ask the Leader to organise a debate on the Ombudsman's report for 2002 which has been published for some time. As we know, it is always good from the point of view of analysis and recommendations. It is particularly timely by virtue of the fact that the new Ombudsman is taking up her appointment.
I thank Senator Ryan for so warmly endorsing the name and shame consumer campaign. I am grateful for the information he has given me and to Members in assisting me in launching this campaign. The response to date has been fantastic.
Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?
Last night at the concert for the one and only Paul McCarthy, the actual programmes—
McCartney. There is only one McCarthy in this House.
He was a Beatle – a group in the 1960s. Very good, too.
They were before the Senator's time.
It obviously was. They were called the Beatles in my time.
I thought the Senator would be more of a Brendan Shine man.
There has been a change in prices since 1963.
At the "Resurrection" concert—
That ends the sermon for today.
—they charged €22 per programme, which is exorbitant. I express my thanks to the Consumers Association of Ireland. The Director of Consumer Affairs is not enthusiastic about my campaign.
Will the Leader of the House ask both the Minister for Health and Children and the Minister for Finance to arrange for the three major reports on the health service – the Hanly, Brennan and Prospectus reports – to be published as soon as possible? It would also be helpful if they were published in advance of Government decisions on the service. It is clear that they are widely available to the media, yet Members of both Houses do not have access to them. I ask that they be placed in the Oireachtas Library as soon as possible. The Government could then, in its own time, get on with decision-making with regard to the recommendations made in the reports. It happened in the case of the rail review also. These reports are widely available in the media long before they are made available to us.
Will the Leader ask the Minister for the Environment and Local Government to arrange for last night's "True Lives" programme on the horrific effects of car accidents to be made available in schools, particularly in transition year and leaving certificate classes? The horrific effects of speeding and alcohol, particularly on the families of young men, should be brought home to the greatest possible extent to young people and this programme would play a very useful role in doing that.
I add my voice to the calls for the appointment of an ombudsman for children.
Hear, hear.
I specifically recall the debate on the Bill because I had a group here from a school in Nenagh and they were hugely impressed with the idea of an ombudsman for children. Those students have left school at this stage and moved on to third level and it is not acceptable that the Government should drag its heels on this important appointment.
All of us would agree with Senator O'Meara's remarks about the graphic images and the emotional impact of last night's programme on car crashes, which should be required viewing.
It does not often happen but as someone who has more than a passing interest in sport and the media, I want to congratulate the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources on an initiative that worked from the time he took it on last year to its eventual fruition yesterday when the Football Association of Ireland concluded an agreement with RTE, the State broadcaster, for the provision of free to air international football matches. This is the first fruits of the legislation that came through this House, initiated by the Minister. The former Taoiseach, Charlie Haughey, once said he will probably not be remembered for bringing down the rate of inflation but he will be remembered for other matters.
He will be remembered all right.
I meant that in a positive light. The Minister, Deputy Dermot Ahern, deserves the congratulations of this House on seeing an extremely difficult initiative through to its final conclusion.
I ask the Leader once again to consider providing some time for either statements or a debate on the annual International Fund for Ireland report. It has been a tradition in this House over the past ten years that the Leader has made time available for such a debate, particularly for those of us from the Border counties and the west who benefit greatly from this fund. In light of the severe criticisms levelled at it by a financial watchdog in the United States, it is timely that we would have an opportunity to rebut those inaccuracies and support Willie McCarter and the board of the IFI in the excellent work they do.
I support Senators Brian Hayes, Dardis and Ormonde in their calls for a debate on the report on the Convention on the Future of Europe. There are many issues in the report of huge concern to small countries and it is timely that we should address them.
On the question of increasing prices, and rip-off Ireland was referred to again today, we are all concerned about the impact on competitiveness of fuel and service costs.
Many Senators are offering and elaboration on your part is not necessary.
It is a separate issue. An announcement was made about the establishment of a new Oireachtas committee dealing with competitiveness to be chaired by the Leader's illustrious colleague, Deputy Ned O'Keeffe. It would appear the committee has much important work to do. Will the Leader indicate when this committee will be formally established?
I support the call made by Senator Terry yesterday for a debate on facilities for people with a disability because it will give us the opportunity to reflect on the many fine initiatives taken over the past six years in terms of residential care, day care facilities and special needs assistants, to mention but a few. As the Minister finalises the disability Bill, it would also give us the opportunity to make our own input into the final stages of that legislation in terms of what needs to be done. Senator Terry is right. More needs to be done.
In respect of what Senator O'Meara said about the programme last night, I believe a tape of the programme should be sent to every school in the country.
Late last year in this House we initiated the National Tourism Development Authority Bill, which paved the way to allow CERT and Bord Fáilte to merge. This week, the Minister is due to officially sign the order to allow the merger to take place, but an industrial dispute is ongoing. I stressed in the debate on the Bill in the House that after the merger nobody in any organisation should be less well off in terms of pay and conditions. Negotiations on that issue have failed to reach a successful conclusion and on that basis I appeal to the Minister to suspend the merger process until such time as this issue has been sorted out.
I subscribe to the sentiments expressed by my colleagues, Senators O'Meara and Kett, on the "True Lives" documentary screened last night. I pay tribute to the courage and the bravery of the families of victims of road carnage—
Hear, hear.
—who appeared on television to do their bit to reduce the levels of carnage on our roads.
I support my colleague, Senator Higgins, who raised the issue last night of the starting salaries for secretaries being reduced by €70—
Disgraceful.
—and the fact that the Department of Finance has refused to go to the Labour Court. I ask the Leader urgently to examine that case. It is an astounding decision.
It is a very important issue.
Mr. Padraic White appeared before the committee on transport this morning to discuss the Rail Procurement Agency. I have called previously for a debate on the arbitration process, and the importance of this issue was brought home to me again today. I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for Transport, the Minister for Finance or the Minister for the Environment and Local Government – this impacts on local authorities – to address the outrageous situation regarding arbitration.
Mr. Padraic White explained that in the case of Luas, the arbitration process has resulted in the costs of land acquisition increasing fourfold because people can put a completely false price on land and pretend it will be part of an elaborate development scheme which has no chance in reality of getting planning permission. They can make that case when the land is being acquired. Also, they are entitled to get a 9% top-up for reinvestment.
The Senator can make those points in any future debate.
We saw lately where half an acre of land sold for €3.5 million. It is time to have a serious discussion on the whole arbitration process. Many infrastructural projects throughout the country are being held up because of it.
I should like to be associated with the good wishes and congratulations to the Garda Commissioner designate, Mr. Noel Conroy. I wish him well.
I have called previously for a debate on over-runs on many capital projects throughout the country. The Minister for Finance has published a document on public private partnerships. Will the Leader provide time for a debate on this area? We would like to know how the public private partnerships are performing to date, the benefits to the country and the amount of private funds that have been put in vis-à-vis funds from the Exchequer. Such a debate would be very valuable.
I wish Commissioner Pat Byrne every success and a long and happy retirement. I wish his successor, Mr. Noel Conroy, a very happy term of office.
There is a growing problem of elderly people turning up at airports to travel to funerals or visit relations who do not have the relevant photo identification. Some of them do not realise they need a passport or driving licence. I ask that the relevant Minister come into the House to outline proposals that might alleviate this problem, which is causing serious distress to many elderly people at airports in that they cannot get on flights.
Senator Brian Hayes, the leader of the Opposition, indicated that 20 June was the date for the ratification of the convention and called for an all-day discussion on the convention on the following Tuesday, 24 June. The effects of the convention are huge and they will affect us all for years to come. I fully agree, therefore, that we should have an all-day debate on the issue prior to the publication of the final report. Following previous requests by Senator Ormonde and other Senators to have a debate in the House, I made a proposal to that effect. I hope we can have the debate when we return after next week's break. Senator Brian Hayes stated the Praesidium has not yet considered 1,000 amendments tabled to the draft report. As it is a draft report, I hope it will be amended before the final version is published.
The Senator also asked for a debate on minimum sentences. I am loath to intervene in the work of the courts as their jurisdiction and the jurisdiction of the Oireachtas are distinct. I will read the comments of Mr. Justice Hardiman to which he referred.
It is a matter of public policy.
These areas of public life are generally best kept apart.
Senator O'Toole congratulated the Garda Commissioner designate, Mr. Noel Conroy, whom I know well. He is a fine person and I have no doubt he will be an inspiration for the force.
The question of the appointment of an ombudsman for children has been raised previously in the House by Senators O'Toole and Brian Hayes. I made inquiries at the time and had intended to get back to the Senators on the matter. The Departments of Health and Children and Finance are holding discussions on the terms and conditions for such an appointment. It is 14 months, not two years, since the Bill—
The Bill was published two years ago.
Yes, but it came into force 14 months ago. It is hoped the discussions, which concern terms, conditions and finance, will be concluded quickly. The Departments are actively engaged in deliberations on the issue. I will get back to the Senator on the issue, about which I made inquiries around two weeks ago. A long time has elapsed since this promising initiative which was welcomed all round.
I am delighted to join Senator Ryan in condemning the rip-off culture here. He graphically described the increases in the price of oil, petrol and diesel. Rather than condemning the rate of price increases, we must, as the Senator stated, examine business practices.
I hope to have a debate on foreign affairs during the week after next. Senator Ryan also noted that it suddenly appears there are no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. Their presence there was cited as the guiding reason for going to war against Iraq. We did not believe it then and do not believe it now.
Hear, hear.
The Taoiseach stated there were weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.
Senator Dardis called for a debate on the Convention on the Future of Europe prior to the signing of the final report. We have agreed to hold such a debate. The Senator also referred to the Garda Commissioner designate, Mr. Noel Conroy.
Senator Bannon called for a review of the planning process and the enforcement of planning regulations. I understand the Senator will be in the House when the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, Deputy Cullen, comes in briefly to take Report and Final Stages of the Local Government Bill 2003. Perhaps this will afford him an opportunity to raise the topic.
It would not be appropriate to raise the matter when the Local Government Bill is before the House.
That is the Senator's business.
It is the business of the House.
The Senator is allowed to raise the matter in conversation afterwards.
Yes. He may not, however, raise it in the House. The impression should not be given that the matter may be raised during the debate on the Local Government Bill.
He will find a way to raise it.
No such impression should be given.
I agree with Senator Ó Murchú's comments on the advertisement for Sandtex, which is hateful and hurtful. I saw it in newspapers but have not yet seen it on hoardings. It shows a large picture which is denigratory of older people as it juxtaposes them with an image of the company's resurfacing properties. It is awful and I had intended to make a complaint to the makers of the advertisement.
Senator Norris called for a debate on Iraq and raised recent comments made by Donald Rumsfeld. He also asked when the ombudsman for children would be appointed. I hope we will bring certitude to this issue before long.
What has become of the guardian ad litem?
The Senator also asked what had happened with regard to the appointment of a guardian ad litem as proposed in the Children Act passed several years ago. I will make inquiries in this regard. Perhaps the issue has been overtaken by the Ombudsman for Children Act.
I do not think so.
Senator Ormonde called for debates on the Convention on the Future of Europe and planning legislation. She has asked many times for a debate on planning and I hope to schedule such a debate.
Senator Jim Higgins congratulated the Garda Commissioner designate, Mr. Noel Conroy, and requested a debate on the Ombudsman's report 2002, which would be useful.
Senator Terry Leyden has left the House to conclude—
He should be named and shamed.
Order, please.
He has left in pursuit of his campaign.
He is on CNN as we speak.
Senator Leyden stated the programme at Paul McCartney's concert cost €22. When I arrived home last night, I could hear the concert at great volume.
Senator O'Meara called for the publication of three reports on the health service. I wish they would be published as it would allow the House to debate them fully. I will make inquiries in this regard. She also requested that I ask the Minister for the Environment and Local Government to arrange for the recent "True Lives" documentary to be made into a video and sent to all schools. This would be particularly useful for transition year students.
Senator Mooney congratulated the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Dermot Ahern, on the deal reached between the FAI and RTE. This will prove very useful. He also called for a debate on the International Fund for Ireland.
Senator Coghlan called for a debate on the Convention on the Future of Europe and raised the rip-off culture here.
I asked when a committee on competitiveness would be established.
I have no idea when such a committee will be established. I will make inquiries on the Senator's behalf.
Senator Kett called for a debate on disability issues. Senator McCarthy raised the industrial relations issues to be ironed out before the merger between CERT and Bord Fáilte can take place. I understand the order allowing the merger to proceed will be signed today. The Senator also expressed support for the proposal of his colleague, Senator O'Meara, regarding the "True Lives" documentary.
Senator Browne raised the issue of secretarial salaries. I do not understand how they could have been reduced by €70.
The starting salary for secretaries has been reduced by €70.
The Senator should allow the Leader to reply without interruption.
He also asked that the Minister for Transport come before the House to address the system of arbitration for land acquisition and the prices given therein.
I asked that a Minister come before the House. The Minister for Finance would be fine.
Senator Paddy Burke raised capital overruns and called for a debate on the merits of public private partnerships. It would be useful to combine both topics for a proper report.
Senator Kate Walsh was the only Senator to wish good luck to the outgoing Garda Commissioner, Mr. Pat Byrne. The House joins her in wishing him luck and extending our good wishes to the Garda Commissioner designate.
Senator Feighan raised the issue of elderly people turning up at airports and being unsure about their rights with regard to photographic identification such as passports. The newspapers today feature the decision taken in a court case on this matter. This should help clear up the issue. We are not allowed to discuss such matters as they concern a particular person.