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Seanad Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 29 Mar 2006

Vol. 183 No. 5

Order of Business.

The Order of Business is Nos. 1, 2 and 23, motion 22. No. 1, Employees (Provision of Information and Consultation) Bill 2005 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil] — Report and Final Stages, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business and to conclude not later than 12.30 p.m.; No. 2, Finance Bill 2006 — Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken at 2 p.m. and to conclude not later than 5 p.m.; and No. 23, motion 22, to be taken from 5 p.m until 7.00 p.m. There will be a sos from 12.30 p.m. until 2 p.m.

One of the most difficult issues for young people today is trying to buy a first house. That problem will get worse over the next 18 months as mortgage interest rates rise. I would like to highlight to the House a particular practice in the housing market in Dublin that was brought to my attention last weekend. A certain auctioneer advertised that 50 housing units would be sold last Saturday and a large number of people queued up to put deposits on the houses in question. Having taken 25 deposits in an hour and a half, the auctioneer, on instruction from the developer, decided to halt the sales and advised people to come back the next day. When they came back the next day, the queue was twice as long and the cost of each house had risen by €28,000.

Whatever voluntary codes of practice are in place for the construction industry in the Dublin area, they are not working. Auctioneers are allowed to employ Wild West tactics when it comes to the sale of properties to first-time buyers. If the industry cannot regulate itself and cannot ensure fair practice, especially for first-time buyers, then the Government should intervene. There are too many incidents of misleading advertising in the property market. People are making money hand over fist due to the very significant demand that is there. The Government needs to intervene with a new, consumer-friendly code of practice to ensure that proper information is given to prospective buyers, as opposed to the nonsense that is currently going on in the Dublin housing market.

Senator Ross and I welcome the support of Senator Brian Hayes for an issue which we have been highlighting for the past four or five years. It is not a new practice and the last time I spoke on it I gave an example of an auctioneering firm, Pottertons in Trim, which walked away from a deal because it refused to do the same as the unscrupulous auctioneer mentioned by Senator Hayes. Pottertons should be credited for its behaviour. There are some decent auctioneers out there but we need to look at the situation. The housing market in Dublin is disgracefully organised at the moment.

We should also discuss the quality of houses in Dublin. It is the only place in Ireland where building takes place with cavity or hollow blocks. Building is organised through HomeBond, which is owned by the building industry and which allows a lower quality of house in Dublin than anywhere else. Since 1998, we have built a quarter of a million houses which will not meet the exacting insulation standards which are now required in every other part of Europe, but which we have delayed for another 18 months in deference to the building industry. Those people who queued last week to pay the extra €28,000 will find that when they want to sell the house in five years, they will have to provide an insulation certificate for heat loss but the house may not meet the standard that exists outside Dublin. Extraordinary things are happening in auctioneering, in the cost and quality of houses and the way in which we regulate the market. I would welcome a debate on the issue.

Fine Gael's increasing disillusionment with the free market will make the negotiation of a programme for Government much easier.

For the next Government to be successful in comparison with the incumbent, it will not have to do much. We have very little to compare with, except delay.

The Senator should have been here yesterday to hear Senator Ross, who eulogised Fianna Fáil.

Please allow Senator Ryan to speak without interruption.

There is a famous phrase, "Beware of Greeks bearing gifts." Fianna Fáil should be afraid when Senator Ross approaches.

The Senator should adhere to the Order of Business.

Perhaps we might have a debate on something that emerged when we were off for a week around St. Patrick's Day. A group of secondary schoolgirls from County Laois appeared on the main evening news to demonstrate how easy it was to buy instruments of torture and small arms over the Internet. In a country that is in crisis regarding public fear of gun crime and the widespread use of weapons, the idea that a group of schoolgirls should be able to find out in ten seconds where one can buy limitless quantities of small arms without any real check on one's identity should have produced an immediate response. It is horrible that something of this nature can occur, and it is a great credit to those young people that they identified the problem. It is a reflection on the Government and the girls' so-called superiors that it was up to them to demonstrate what older people did not know. I hope we can debate the use of the Internet to access legal drugs and weaponry and investigate the degree to which it is a route to the importation of weapons.

Last Monday an article in the British newspaper The Guardian stated that most EU leaders backed reviving nuclear power and that only Germany and Austria had explicitly rejected the nuclear option in secret summit talks. Apparently, Ireland did not do so. This illustrates the point that I have just made. We are told explicitly that the Government is absolutely and categorically against introducing or using nuclear power. That is the official position. However, it is apparent that the silent official position is to keep one’s head down, say nothing, and let the others get on with it.

If it was in The Guardian, it must be true.

The Guardian was responsible for exposing more of the scandals of the present Labour Government than all the right-wing press in Britain put together.

It is the cornerstone of the republic.

They lay down before Thatcherism for 15 years and ignored the sufferings of the British people. If we want to go on about British newspapers, we can do so.

We will not do that. Let us stick to the Order of Business.

Perhaps the Senators over there——

The Senator should not let himself be provoked.

I am old, mature and sensible enough to ignore Fianna Fáil, having learned to do so a long time ago.

(Interruptions).

Of the decisions I have made in my life, the wisest was to walk away from Fianna Fáil.

That is not relevant to the Order of Business.

Perhaps I might return to the fundamental problem of our having previously been told that we were categorically against incineration, which we now have. We were categorically against waste and service charges. Every local authority and member of the dominant party in Government voted against them, but we now have waste charges. Will we now find the same thing happening? There is categorical opposition to nuclear power at home but a deferential attitude of tipping the cap abroad that will inevitably lead to our being forced to compromise and give in on this, just as we have done on other important issues. We need a categorical assurance from the Government that approval and tolerance of nuclear power within the European Community are not on its agenda.

A few years ago, the Government very successfully gave a Minister of State, Deputy Brian Lenihan, responsibility for children. The Department of Health and Children has effectively tackled the issue of children by bringing together various strands from the Departments of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Health and Children and Education and Science.

We read every week about migrant workers being abused by cowboy employers. I would like a debate on the notion of a one-stop-shop whereby a Minister of State would deal with migration. The various strands, from visas to work permits to education, could be brought under a single umbrella, and people coming to our shores would no longer live on the shadowy margins of society but be properly informed of their rights and know where to go. Instead of turning to various Departments, they would have a one-stop-shop.

The Leader may recall that over four weeks ago I pointed out in the House that there has been no marketing or public information to advise people about the 31 penalty point offences being introduced from next Saturday, 1 April.

That is April Fool's Day.

If one gets a statement from the motor tax unit that one's tax is due, it would be logical to accompany it with an outline of the 31 penalty point offences. This week I received a reminder about my insurance that also put me in mind of penalty points. That too could provide an excellent example if one slipped in a sheet of paper describing the 31 new penalty point offences. I have seen no advertisements in any national, local or Sunday newspapers outlining the 31 penalty point offences and only the usual statements that they will be introduced from 1 April. That is totally wrong and comes from a Department that is trying to market road safety effectively. It is insulated by spin doctors and public relations experts but seemingly cannot advertise the relevant information.

While wishing Gay Byrne well in his position, I deplore the attitude and approach of driving testers, who are guaranteed overtime to clear waiting lists and yet have not agreed to contracting out work to ease a backlog of over 400,000 people waiting for a test. It is wrong in this day and age that any group should stop that from happening and block effective safety on the roads.

Many Senators are offering to speak so I ask contributors to be brief so I may accommodate them all.

I urge the Cathaoirleach, the Leader and other members of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges to provide that the portrait of Countess Markiewicz be hung in the main hall of Leinster House.

It is there already.

I refer to the portrait depicting her in the full military uniform of 1916. Furthermore, I would like to see the stone bust of Countess Markiewicz brought in from the cold of Kildare Street.

I suggest that the Senator write to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges.

There is a joint committee on portraits.

I beg the Senator's pardon.

In front of my peers, it is appropriate——

I have advised the Senator what to do, and I would appreciate his sticking to the Order of Business.

Perhaps I might finish by saying that she was the first female Member of Parliament and the first female Minister in any government anywhere in the world. She should be properly recognised, and 24 April is the next deadline.

That is well known.

There is already a portrait of Countess Markiewicz here, but she is wearing an evening gown rather than military uniform.

That is another portrait that the Senator does not wish moved.

Only a small proportion of the population approaches pensionable age with provision for a proper pension in their declining years. Some months ago, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Deputy Brennan, flew a kite and suggested that it might be time to consider compulsory or mandatory pensions. However, that was shot down by various vested interests.

I raised the subject last week again during the social welfare debate. I was pleased the Minister announced on radio that he will bring forward the decision on mandatory pensions. Mandatory pensions are in place in other countries such as Finland, Germany and Sweden while Australia is also considering it. We have an obligation to do something about pensions and, while I do not know whether they should be mandatory, this topic should be debated in the House.

As I mentioned earlier, many Members are offering. Since then, four other Senators have offered. I ask Members to be brief.

Will the Leader convey the thanks of the Irish diaspora to the Government following its announcement overnight that it intends to extend the presidential bounty, which is currently €2,500, to all centenarians, irrespective of their residence? Heretofore, one not only had to reach the age of 100 but one also had to be resident in the State to obtain the bounty. I welcome the Government decision, as does the diaspora. While the amount is a welcome benefit, it also recognises the contribution Irish centenarians living abroad have made throughout their working lives.

Will the Leader consider a debate on Ireland's UN role, particularly in the area of peacekeeping, in light of the recent announcement by the Minister for Defence that Ireland intends to participate in battle groups under the Petersberg Tasks, which must be sanctioned by the UN? However, as Ireland's increasing military role across the world is becoming more evident, the House could play a useful part by at least allowing the Government to state its future policy on our continuing involvement in the UN.

Yesterday the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children declared the accident and emergency department crisis a "national emergency", having had two years to rectify the problem. In tandem with her statement yesterday, consultants were appointed to review acute hospital services in the west and mid-west, particularly in smaller hospitals. Professor Drumm, the head of the HSE, maintains that the Hanly report is Government policy. There is total confusion between the Minister and Professor Drumm. Is it any wonder concern is being expressed by hospital action groups throughout the State about the future of small hospitals?

The Minister expects there will be no more than a six-hour delay for patients in accident and emergency departments this time next year. This is two years after she declared waiting times in such departments would be eliminated. Will the Leader invite the Minister to the House to clarify this issue once and for all? The HSE has ordered reviews of hospital services despite the Minister calling for every element of the health service to be mobilised to eliminate the accident and emergency crisis.

Over the past 24 hours we learned that the files of at least 20 patients are to be examined in Our Lady's Hospital, Navan, to analyse the work carried out and procedures followed by certain surgeons, a number of which ended in fatalities. Last week, Members called on the Leader to organise a debate on self-regulation and I reiterate that call. The time is right, as we are in the run-up to the introduction of legislation to amend the Medical Practitioners Act.

The House has a tradition of supporting independent regulation of the professions such as the press, medical, Garda and so on. We should examine the legal profession, particularly in light of recent reports about difficulties clients have had extracting detailed accounts of their bills from solicitors. Mr. Justice Hardiman has criticised the behaviour of the profession in this instance and has expressed surprise that costs do not appear to relate to the work done. Recourse is available to the taxing masters, both of whom are solicitors. A case was reported in an article by Carol Coulter in The Irish Times recently in which man was charged €13,500 for work done and to be done in the future with no supporting breakdown offered. He asked for a breakdown of fees but was just given the global figure. He had to pay the fees because the solicitors held documents, including mortgages on his house. He said he was provided with no indication of the time spent on the case, the rate per hour, the basis on which the fees were calculated, the sum for stamps and telephone calls——

What is the Senator's question?

More significantly, the Taxing Master then turned around and, without dealing with these questions, attacked the man for complacency, selfishness and for being blinded by his own interests.

That is a statement.

Then the client said he could not see the work that had been done but that was because he received no breakdown. The reason I am calling for a debate on this is one could not have a greater illustration of the need for independent regulation of the legal profession.

The Senator should put a question. He has elaborated more than adequately.

The House should debate the need for an independent regulating system to adjudicate on the question of costs, given that the legal profession regularly refuses to give any breakdown whatever and the taxing system does not seem to work.

I am not sure I like engaging in political hare coursing but we will have to chase a few——

The Senator should ask a question on the Order of Business.

With regard to energy supply, which we should debate, Senator Ryan will not march to Carnsore Point any time soon. There will be no nuclear power generation in this State for the foreseeable future.

That is what the Government said about incinerators.

Does Senator Mansergh have a question for the Leader?

Yes. We should debate energy supply, including the bringing on shore of natural gas and the development of natural gas supplies in the interior in the north west, and not only alternative energy resources.

Will the Leader invite the Minister for Education and Science to the House to debate the school transport system? Following the horrific accident last year in County Meath, we were promised the current fleet of buses would be phased out and replaced but, in many areas, the system is in complete chaos. The Leader may be aware that in our constituency children leave home at 7 a.m. to catch a bus and they do not return until after 6 p.m. because of a shortage of buses. Some buses must do two or three runs and this is not fair on pupils studying for the leaving and junior certificates.

The guidelines on school transport must be examined. The issue needs to be addressed, as it has been highlighted time and time again by parents and students. It is important the House should debate this issue, particularly where it relates to rural transport.

I endorse Senator Morrissey's comments on a one-stop-shop and the appointment of a Minister of State to deal with immigration. It is a major issue, which has been widely discussed by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Affairs. Perhaps we should broaden the issue and discuss it. Will the Leader call for a debate on the subject?

I endorse what Senators Brian Hayes and O'Toole said about auctioneers, an issue Senator O'Toole and I have raised continually in the House. When we talk about auctioneers we are talking about cowboy country, an area that is not properly regulated. It is an area that is supposedly self-regulated, similar to the legal profession as touched on by Senator Norris. The rackets that go on in auctioneering have, unfortunately, not been resolved by the commission on auctioneering which was set up as a result of a debate in this House. I will give just one example because I know we are in a hurry.

As a result of the establishment of the commission, the use of guide prices was replaced by a new system of advised minimum values, AMVs. These are a charade and the same abuse is practised under the guise of AMVs as under guide prices. It is time the Government stepped in and regulated the racketeers in a profession which is not properly regulated. This is an ideal issue on which the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform could come to the House and explain why the necessary legislation to regulate auctioneers has not been introduced.

As a person with an interest in the auctioneering business, I would like to respond to some of the questions raised. It saddened me to hear Senator Brian Hayes say that after 25 out of 50 houses were sold the price increased overnight by €28,000. That is shocking. The reason this happens is that demand outstrips supply. I know that when people mention zoning land for housing, others look at them as if they have two heads. However, I suggest that we need to have more land zoned for housing, particularly in Dublin. The reason for what is happening is that there are too few houses available for the number of people looking for them.

I agree with Senator Ross about the advised minimum values. It is very difficult for an auctioneer to know the value of any house as the market will decide on the day. Sometimes it could be €100,000 or €1 million more than what is expected.

The AMVs are always under the price, never over it.

We will not debate house prices on the Order of Business.

I would like to point out that auctioneering is the only profession in the country where a person must advertise he or she is applying for a licence a month in advance, get a C2 from his or her accountant to ensure his or her taxes are fully up to date, and go before a court of law while anybody can walk in off the street and object to the issuing of the licence.

It sounds like marriage to me.

No other profession in the country has to do that.

We will have a debate on the matter.

We should support decentralisation because the more houses are freed up in the city, the more houses will be available for those who need them. A person can still buy a three-bedroomed house in the west of Ireland that is ready to walk into for €165,000.

Go west young man, go west.

Order please. We will go north now. I call Senator McHugh.

I want to raise the important issue of the incidence of multiple sclerosis, MS. Unfortunately, Donegal records the highest levels of MS in the country and due to the fact that we do not have a consultant neurologist in Letterkenny General Hospital, MS sufferers must travel to Dublin to see a consultant.

I know the issue of centres of excellence is close to Senator Norris's heart. We do not want to have specialties dotted all over the place in a haphazard form, but the north west needs a shared centre of excellence between Altnagelvin and Letterkenny General Hospital. The only way we can achieve that is through tapping into the political will on both sides of the Border. The will exists at grass roots level to share resources, whether health or infrastructure, etc. However, the will is not there at national level, be it London or Dublin. We need to step up the debate with regard to Northern Ireland and cross-Border resources.

There is urgent need for this debate because MS sufferers are given appointments for 9 a.m. in Dublin. This leaves them with two choices, either to go to Dublin the night before and pay outrageous hotel bills or leave Donegal at 4 a.m. That is neither just nor equitable. It is important to have a common sense approach to centres of excellence and to the treatment of patients, whether they are cancer sufferers, MS patients or others.

I support Senators Morrissey and Ormonde in their call for a debate on the matter of a one-stop-shop for immigration issues. Unless we ensure the proper integration of our immigrant population, now at 10% and forecast to reach 25% by 2020, we will end up like other countries with detached immigrant communities which would be bad for the country. Senator Morrissey's call was well timed as it is time to plan for this issue.

I also support the call for a debate on deregulation. Senators Feeney, Norris and Ross have made the point with regard to certain professions. With regard to the medical profession, the bad practices we have seen in hospitals are due in part to the self-regulating system. Senator Norris is undoubtedly correct about the legal profession. The exorbitant fees charged are attributable to self-regulation. If one appeals those charges, the case goes to others in the same profession to adjudicate and they have a vested interest in the result. It is a Pandora's box situation and must be tackled. There would be much support for a Government that took on all these vested interests in the interest of the public.

The situation described by Senator Brian Hayes regarding what happened to so many young people who wished to buy houses is appalling. None of us likes to see this happen. We need tighter consumer measures in the interest of young buyers and for that reason I will reintroduce the stage payments Bill. One of the recommendations of the Government review group on the auctioneering profession is to abolish such practices and hopefully we will get all-party agreement in this House on the measures it proposes. It is wrong that people must pay in full long before they occupy a house. That is unbalanced, unjust and unsupportable. I hope we have all-party agreement on the measure which will be one step towards putting things right.

I would like the Cathaoirleach to ask Senator Norris to withdraw the comments he made about Countess Markiewicz. He said she should have been hung long ago. He is a despicable man. He has gone too far.

I did not hear it.

I heard it.

I did not hear it. I do not share Senator White's ears.

I condemn the two armed robberies yesterday. However, I congratulate the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, the Garda Síochána and the Customs and Excise on their recent successful investigation into fuel and money laundering at the Border. This sends out a clear message that nobody is above the law and there are no longer any no-go areas in the country. This is welcome. Through the Leader I wish to thank the Minister, the Criminal Assets Bureau, the Assets Recovery Agency, the PSNI and the Customs and Excise. This was a major move against organised crime in the country and is welcome.

I support the call of SenatorScanlon for a debate on housing in Dublin. In particular, we must ensure that already-zoned land comes under the rule of "use it or lose it" so that there is an adequate supply of housing, thus preventing disgraceful situations, such as that brought to our attention by Senator Brian Hayes, from continuing in the marketplace.

I join Senator Quinn in calling for a debate on pensions. The Minister for Social and Family Affairs is willing to facilitate that debate and we should discuss the report of the Pensions Board at an early date. Before considering mandatory pensions, which Senator Quinn appears to favour, many other actions must be taken. Many workers in this country have mandatory pensions. They had to join company pension schemes as a condition of their employment. Now, on the cusp of retirement, many are finding that their pensions are not worth the paper they are written on. Alongside mandatory pensions we must put measures in place to ensure that the pensions industry will deliver adequate pensions to subscribers. There should be no compulsion with regard to joining pension schemes.

Many women are coming up to or are in retirement and have no pension, including farmers' wives, women assisting relatives and women who had to stay at home because of the marriage bar. Under the qualified adult payment system, women who are entitled to a pension are not given one. The pension is given to their husbands instead. That is an area that merits examination. Women must be given their pensions in their own right and not treated as second class citizens.

I support Senator McHugh in his call for a debate on health services in the north west. Cross-Border co-operation would be sensible and of great help to patients on both sides of the Border. Contractual and logistical difficulties can be overcome. I examined this issue in a review I conducted a number of years ago and found a considerable reluctance on the part of the Department of Health and Children to deal with the matter. It could be a template for the sharing of services across the Border, which would be helpful to patients on both sides.

Senator Brian Hayes brought up the awful situation which arose last weekend in Dublin whereby many people queued on Saturday to purchase a house. Many were not dealt with on the day and were told to return the following day, by which time the houses had gone up in price by €25,000. I am not interested in how much weight free market policies have in such situations. These people are vulnerable. They would have scrimped and saved, cajoled and begged their parents or the banks to get the money and overnight they had their hopes dashed. That is abuse of vulnerable people and it is good that Senator Brian Hayes has brought it to our attention.

Senator O'Toole said that this kind of thing has been going on for four or five years and that he and Senator Ross have raised the matter regularly. He is equally worried about the quality of houses built under the HomeBond scheme.

In Dublin.

He suggested that in five or six years' time if the purchaser, who has paid whatever exorbitant price was demanded, tries to sell such a house, he or she may find out that the mandatory insulation criteria have not been met. People will then have to spend a lot of money to rectify that. The Senator maintains that we should be concerned about the quality as well as the quantity of housing.

Senator Ryan raised the matter of the schoolgirls from County Laois who demonstrated how one can openly purchase weaponry on the Internet. He also referred to the fact that Germany and Austria objected to a review of nuclear power in the European Union and wanted to know where Ireland's voice was on that matter. I am quite sure our voice was heard but often such matters are not reported. The Senator said that we need reassurances regarding our ideas on nuclear power but we have no mandate, nor do we seek one, to ever go down the nuclear road. It is as well to say this very plainly. We have put that issue to one side. Whatever daftness overcame some people in the 1970s, we have not indulged in it since and will not do so.

Senator Morrissey raised the matter of migrant workers and cowboy employers and argued that there should be a one-stop-shop to deal with such matters. It is worth noting that Senator Quinn also raised that matter in the House some time ago and suggested that there should be a Minister of State in charge of all the issues relating to immigrant workers. I think that is a very fine idea and I will endeavour to organise an immigration debate where that particular issue can be aired more fully.

Senator Finucane pointed out 31 additional offences will be added to the penalty points system on Saturday next but there has been little advertising of the fact as yet. Perhaps there will be a major advertising campaign on Friday and Saturday. I certainly hope so. The Senator also raised the issue of driving tests, which was discussed in the House yesterday.

Senator Leyden made a valid point about Countess Markiewicz. Senator Mooney passed a note to me reminding me that the women of both Houses were on a committee some time ago which sought to have the portrait of the countess in her ball gown located in the lovely position she occupies in Leinster House. However, that is not what the Senator raised, nor does he seek to remove that portrait from its current home. He seeks to have a portrait of her in the hall, with all of the other guys with their shiny brass buttons. Why should she not be there?

He wants her displayed in her military outfit.

We will bring the matter to the attention of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. We have talked a lot in recent times about women in 1916. People should be able to come to the Houses of Parliament and see the countess in her defence mode. I like to think we could do that because it would be a very fine thing to do. The countess was the first female MP elected to the British Parliament. Her coat hanger and her name are still there, although she never took up her seat. It would be worthy of her to do as Senator Leyden requests. The Cathaoirleach has asked the Senator to address his request, in writing, to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, which I am sure he will do. I am equally sure that the Members from Sligo will be very interested in all of this.

Senator Quinn raised the matter of pensions. Senator Terry also talked about pensions, which is an issue she has raised on numerous occasions but Senator Quinn did not say he was in favour of mandatory pensions. He argued that there must be a wider debate on the issue. The Minister for Social and Family Affairs has told me that he would like to come back to the House, unlike some other Ministers ——

Name them.

No. Deputy Brennan wishes to come back.

Senator Mooney raised the matter of the President's bounty being extended to the Irish diaspora. Do Members know to whom we can give the credit for that? I do not want to take away from Senator Mooney or the President, but it is Mr. Joe Duffy. There was a long debate on the issue on his radio programme around a year ago. He was like the country's ombudsman on the issue of the President's bounty being extended and I am glad that will happen. Senator Mooney also called for a debate on Ireland's peace-keeping role.

Senator Ulick Burke spoke about accident and emergency departments and the declaration of a national emergency. I am glad it has been named thus. He asked about the review of the acute hospital services in the west and mid-west and the future of small hospitals. More beds are needed but everybody is afraid to say so. The large number of beds taken out of the system will have to be progressively reintroduced.

Senators

Hear, hear.

The Members should not shout too loudly in the affirmative. They will raise notions. Senator Feeney spoke about the hospital in Navan that is currently under review and she called for a debate on self-regulation, which I am endeavouring to organise.

Senator Norris spoke about the need to examine the legal profession. I received an interesting note on that matter. The Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, which is on the A list and expected to be published in this parliamentary session, will provide for a legal services ombudsman, which will deal with those matters.

Oh good.

That is long overdue and I thank Senator Norris for raising the matter. Senator Mansergh asked for a debate on energy supply. A similar request was made last week by Senator Finucane for which he received great coverage on "Oireachtas Report". His call for a debate was equally urgent.

Senator Bannon called for a debate on school transport. This falls under the remit of the Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science, Deputy de Valera. It is a good time for such a debate because it will coincide with the last school term before September. I share the Senator's concerns about people in the Longford-Westmeath constituency.

Senator Ormonde requested a debate on a one-stop-shop system for immigration. Senator Ross raised the issue of the abuse of guide prices by certain auctioneers. The AMV, advised minimum value, was introduced but now is open to abuse. Senator Ross spoke of abuse and racketeering and asked that the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell, come to the House and explain the lack of legislation in this regard. As he responded by establishing a review group on auctioneering practices following a call for it in the House, we hope he will do the same with the promised legislation.

As for Senator Scanlon, there is nothing like having the practitioners on the ball. He claimed that in the north west a three-bedroom house costs €165,000. I note he is still in the Chamber and has not gone off to sell one.

(Interruptions).

It does not need any advertising now.

Senator Scanlon gave a simple lesson on demand outstripping supply. No matter what free market we are in, it does not allow abuse of people. I know the Senator would not indulge in such practice.

I always admire Senator McHugh's passion on health issues. He raised an important cancer treatment issue in the House some time ago which led to the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children deciding to work with cancer specialists in Belfast. This morning he pointed out that County Donegal has the highest incidence of multiple sclerosis and that many sufferers must come to Dublin for medical treatment, some with appointments as early as 9 a.m. Senator McHugh asked for liaison and a common sense approach to cancer and MS treatment between Derry's Altnagelvin Hospital and Donegal. It is a frequent and sensible suggestion from the Senator.

Senator Jim Walsh raised the issue of the self-regulation of the legal profession. A forthcoming Bill will provide for an ombudsman. He also spoke about immigration but I always believe the approach should be one of integrating immigrants.

Senator Coghlan asked for tighter consumer measures and suggested he would re-introduce First Stage of the Housing (Stage Payments) Bill. What has happened to the Bill? I said yesterday I would accept it. It is now up to the Senator to produce the Bill.

I was corrected on the matter and received guidance from the Chair. It is with the Bills Office.

Okay. It is up to the Senator to request time for the Bill from me.

Senator White backed up Senator Leyden in suggesting the portrait of Countess Markievicz in her military uniform should be hung in the main hall of Leinster House. I did not hear what Senator Norris said on that issue. Senator White must have very keen ears.

I have.

None of us on the Front Bench heard it.

Senator Feighan admired the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the recent investigations undertaken by the Criminal Assets Bureau into "Slab" Murphy. Senator Hanafin asked for a debate on housing in Dublin which is necessary.

Senator Terry has consistently raised the issue of pension provision. Some months ago the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Deputy Brennan, debated the issue following a similar request from her. It is necessary for another debate before a decision is made on mandatory pensions. Senator Terry also stated women should be given a pension in their own right under the qualified adult payment. I agree, as at times all may not be harmonious in a marriage. It is wrong for a woman to feel she is in a dependency situation. It is a solid and proper request from the Senator.

From his own experience, Senator Maurice Hayes backs Senator McHugh's call to have much closer liaison and co-operation on health services between County Donegal and parts of Northern Ireland. It is common sense to do so.

Order of Business agreed to.
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