The Order of Business is No. 1, the Criminal Justice (Mutual Assistance) Bill 2005 — Committee Stage, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business and to conclude not later than 1.30 p.m.
Order of Business.
Some time ago the issue was raised in the House of a clinic in County Clare involved in unorthodox practices in the treatment of cancer patients. Subsequently, the clinic was closed down. One must be concerned at recent developments in stem cell treatment offered in the Cork area. Patients with multiple sclerosis, MS, are attending a clinic in County Cork and paying over €20,000 for three hours treatment using a technology developed in Switzerland.
The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland and the Irish Institute of Clinical Neuroscience have complained about the treatment. The condition of MS can have periods of remission. People availing of this technology may feel they have benefited as a result when it is actually the normal sequence of the illness. I welcome the news that the Medical Council will investigate the treatment. The research into the technology has not been fully explored.
The chief executive of the Health Service Executive is today appearing before the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children. There is no doubt that many questions will be asked of the situation concerning accident and emergency wards. It is worrying that the Irish Nurses Organisation stated over 400 people were waiting on trolleys in accident and emergency wards yesterday. Last year at the Progressive Democrats' conference, the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children said she would end the queues for accident and emergency departments the same as she did for the dole queues. So far it has been a total failure.
It is admitted that more GPs working after-hours are needed as well as X-ray and other services. We need to change the logistical approach to health service provision. I am amazed that a Tánaiste who has been a part of the Government for nine years can attribute the upsurge in patients at accident and emergency wards to a winter flu epidemic and the winter vomiting bug. It was the same last year. We must be able to handle the logistics to cater for these events. Although it is laudable that extra beds will be provided in accident and emergency departments, where will they go if the wards are clogged up? Will new structures be built?
Discussions must take place with the trade unions if changes are going to be introduced. However, no discussions have taken place. It is a horrible critique that we are a cash-rich society yet our quality of life has suffered as a result. When will we get to grips with the accident and emergency situation? On her appointment as Minister for Health and Children, the Tánaiste drew up a ten-point plan and appeared on television and radio claiming it was a new dawn for the health service. Unfortunately, we now have a worse situation. It is time the Government got to grips with it by way of a more logical approach.
This morning, I received a copy of the annual report of an Coimisinéir Teanga. Fáiltím roimh an tuairisc. Tá sé thar a bheith tábhachtach go mbeadh díospóireacht againn ar an méid sin. Ba mhaith liom iachall a chur ar an Leader. D'iarras uirthi an mhí seo caite go mbeadh díospóireacht againn. I would like to have a full debate on the report which contains an interesting description of the placenames order, which could lead to a bit of fun. We should examine it.
On a related matter, the Leader will recall that during her time as Minister for Education there were various difficulties in terms of teaching Irish and Irish language resources. As Minister, she established a group to examine those matters, which issued its conclusions during the period of office of one of her successors as Minister, Deputy Martin.
It was decided to establish a special centre in Baile Bhuirne in west Cork to provide Irish language teaching to support Gaeltacht schools, gaelscoileanna and ordinary schools teaching aspects of their curriculum through Irish. The idea was to use these most up-to-date methods and creative approaches, including information technology. That decision was taken by the Government in 1999 and money was made available for it.
The sod was turned by the following Minister for Education, Deputy Woods. It was also supported by the succeeding Minister, Deputy Noel Dempesy, as well as the current Minister, Deputy Hanafin. Nothing has happened, however, and I have been wondering why. I would like the Minister for Education and Science to attend the House to explain this to us. I have become aware that people within the Department of Education and Science are trying to block this project, as are people within the Irish language association, despite the fact that it has the full support of Údarás na Gaeltachta. It even has the full support of my friend the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Ó Cuív, as well as the various Irish language bodies established on an all-Ireland basis.
This project is not happening because some people think that Baile Bhuirne is too far from Dublin and that nothing could happen that far away from the capital that could be any good. This is the most important thing that could happen to the Irish language but I believe there is uisce faoi thalamh here. Somebody is undermining a Government decision and I would like to know why. I have become aware that a submission made to the Department in the last month from An Chomhairle um Oideachais Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta does not reflect the views of 80% of the people who sit on the board of that particular group, which advises the Department. There is something going on which we must examine. I would like the Minister to outline all the facts concerning this case.
Cuirfidh sé seo díomá ar an Teach. Más gá le duine déileáil leis an chuid den Roinn Oideachais agus Eolaíochta a láimhseálann scoláireachtaí do dhaoine óga ó ghaelscoileanna agus ó na Gaeltachtaí, faigheann sé comhfhreagras uathu as Gaoluinn amháin. Nuair a ghlaonn duine ar an ionad ina ndéantar an obair sin, áfach, is é an chéad rud dá dtarlaíonn ná go ndeireann duine éigin, "I'm sorry, I would prefer to do this with you through English. My Irish isn't that good". Tá comhfhreagras á chur amach ón Roinn Oideachais agus Eolaíochta i nGaoluinn amháin in ainneoin nach mbíonn daoine ábalta comhrá a bheith acu sa teanga. Is é an t-aon fháth go bhfuaireas é sin amach ná gur cheapas gur chóir dom déileáil leo as Gaoluinn. I thought I should speak to these people through Irish since they wrote to me in Irish but they said they were sorry and could not do their business through Irish. Níl ach trí fán gcéad de na daoine atá ag obair sa Roinn Oideachais agus Eolaíochta ábalta gnó a dheanamh trí Ghaeilge.
Let us make up our minds. Senator O'Toole and I disagree occasionally about details on this subject. The use of resources to support our language is entirely lacking in any sense of strategy or priority. It should be automatic that if one telephones the Department of Education and Science to deal with anything to do with the Irish language or supports for it, those on the receiving end of such calls should be able to do business through Irish. Otherwise, it is an exercise in the most extraordinary, institutionalised hypocrisy, although I am reluctant to use such a term. Such supports are long overdue.
A report by a study group appeared in yesterday's newspapers to the effect that 70% of all poultry used in the catering industry comes from outside Ireland and outside the European Union. The report was not too precise as to how much of it emanates from outside the EU but the statistic is an extraordinary one. This has nothing to do with economic nationalism but how can people have any confidence in the quality and safety of such a universal food product if it is coming from outside the EU in particular? It is an extraordinary situation. Yesterday, we had a good debate on the future of agriculture and related matters. If, by dint of poor standards, protection or labelling, we are allowing people to be fed in large quantities with poultry from outside the country without any indication to the consumer, we might as well forget about what we are supposed to be doing.
I ask the Leader to arrange for a debate on the Middle East where the most extraordinary things are happening. This morning, I read a statement from Hamas which is a long way from the rhetoric of that organisation six months ago in terms of what it wishes to do. It would be a great tragedy if the changes that have occurred in Israel, including the changes in the occupied territories, were to be allowed to turn into a stalemate in which chaos developed.
If the West abandons Hamas, others will provide the resources to sustain it. It will not simply collapse because other people will happily come in to sustain it. I want to hear our Government's views on the situation. I hope those views will be more far-sighted than those of the European Union because we need to develop some subtlety in this respect. The simple-minded repetition of phrases such as "recognise Israel and abandon violence" is too simplistic in a complicated situation where Hamas sees the Israelis as aggressors.
I join with Senator Finucane in highlighting the issue of stem cell treatment in Cork being administered by a GP practice. I welcome the fact that the Irish Medicines Board is investigating the matter. Senator Finucane highlighted what has happened in County Clare and I am sure all Members of the House will join in supporting his remarks.
With regard to the accident and emergency situation, we can plan logistics but we are dependent on people implementing those plans. At times, from this side of the House, one would feel——
Who is the Senator blaming now?
——that it is only the families and constituents of Members of the Opposition who become ill. On this side of the House, we equally——
More of the knee-high stuff.
Order, please. Senator Minihan without interruption.
As usual, Senator Ulick Burke cannot listen.
Should we go on our knees?
(Interruptions).
The sickness of family members and constituents is not confined to the Opposition benches. If we felt for one moment that continuing to throw money at the health service would bring about the necessary reforms, we would do so. It has been proven in the past, however, that it does not work. We will hold our nerve on this issue and bring about a proper health service through the necessary reforms.
When?
Order, please.
If enough people die there will be plenty of beds.
Eight years is a long time.
I wish to highlight the area of funding for post-leaving certificate courses. I ask the Leader to organise a debate on funding and support for such courses. I am somewhat fearful that this educational sector is falling between the cracks. In the run up to the Estimates later this year, we should have a general debate on that issue.
Will the Leader inform us when it is intended to publish the judicial council Bill, which I understand exists in draft form and is meant to deal with sentencing guidelines? As we know, the judicial system has a complete lack of uniformity. The Bill will also deal with disciplinary procedures, where necessary, for judges, the education and training of judges and a judicial council. Will it be a Seanad Bill?
The Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Affairs has taken a lead role in advancing the concept of a European day, to be held on 10 May. Initially, the proposal was that only the Lower House would be involved in this event. Yesterday, it again came up for discussion at the joint committee and, as I informed the Cathaoirleach, I objected to a European day unless it reflects both Houses of the Oireachtas.
Senators
Hear, hear.
I want the support of this House on this matter, of which the Cathaoirleach is aware. The Leader should take a lead. The exercise is to raise awareness of European issues at national level, and we may get RTE coverage to do so. This event on 10 May would provide an opportunity to link European affairs with everyday issues. We discuss directives such as the nitrates directive and the services directive. However, when I read the newspapers I do not see anything to indicate what is happening in Europe. It is important that both Houses of the Oireachtas are represented on European day on 10 May. This issue must be debated with the Whips. This is a once-off trial and if it is a success we will have a European day every year. I want this House to endorse the position that we do not progress unless both Houses are involved.
I wish to add my voice to that of Senator Ormonde. She did a great job yesterday in arguing the case regarding European day, 10 May. There was a danger, which I believe has now passed, that this House would have been excluded. There is a great need to sell the benefits of Europe. Too often we hear criticism of Europe while we do not hear the benefits. European day will give us an opportunity to do so. I congratulate Senator Ormonde on the strength with which she expressed that yesterday.
Last week we congratulated the Minister for Education and Science on investment in science and technology. If science, particularly technology, is to advance it must show its use to customers. This Government does not appear to use the technology available to it from throughout the world. I will give three examples of such technology. Cameras are now available to identify and read number plates of cars. This is a major advance in the area of crime and stolen cars. I have seen these cameras working. They are used elsewhere to deal with speeding and are capable of being used to identify cars starting a journey which can be caught at the end of that journey. This technology has not been used. The Government should invest in it.
I saw on television a measure in Britain on which the first court cases were heard this week. Police there regularly carry a camera called a "head camera". An amount of behaviour changes when people see the police have these head cameras. It is extremely modern technology which has just been introduced and I believe it can now be used as evidence in court in Britain. We have spoken about electronic tagging for years but have not introduced it. It is a marvellous way of reducing the number of people in prison. They can go about their lives and yet be under control. This Government should identify modern technology capable of being used to benefit the community.
In 1991, Ireland was in the middle of a local election campaign. As we know, local elections are the bedrock of our democracy. At 1 a.m. on May 25 that year, democracy was dealt a severe blow when a member of Donegal County Council and a candidate in the elections was brutally murdered. I refer to Councillor Eddie Fullerton, who was home with his wife Dinah at the time. A group of men burst into the house and took his life. His son, Albert, who was leading the campaign for justice for his father, died in recent months in a car accident.
Last year, Donegal County Council unanimously passed a resolution calling for an independent inquiry and asked the Irish Government to get the British authorities to co-operate. The reason I raise this matter is the perception abroad that because Councillor Fullerton was a republican activist, he is not high on the priority list for investigation. I would like Members to state that this House should support Donegal County Council when it seeks justice for one of its members. As we asked the British authorities in the past, we should now seek an independent inquiry and show the Fullerton family and all public representatives that democracy is well served by this State.
I agree with the acting leader of the Opposition, Senator Finucane, that the health service in this country is in total chaos. Senator Minihan had a drowning man's grip on the PDs and the Tánaiste when he spoke on this issue. The system is still top-heavy with administrators. We have too few doctors, nurses and beds in our hospitals. That is the bottom line and where the problem lies.
The Government abolished the health boards, stating at the time that they were the problem, and established the Health Service Executive. The problem persists and the Government has failed to address the situation. People throughout the country feel let down by the manner in which the Tánaiste manages the Department of Health and Children. They are waiting in the long grass to make a statement at the next general election.
Is the Senator asking a question?
On another issue, crime is out of control throughout the country. The Leader knows it is a serious problem in the midlands in particular. What people must put up with in terms of crime in rural Ireland is highlighted daily in national and local newspapers, local radio stations and, yesterday, on national radio stations. Break-ins are an everyday occurrence.
Hear, hear.
People are fed up. We were promised 2,000 extra gardaí in the run up to the last election. This has not happened and is why law and order is out of control in rural Ireland.
Does the Senator have a question? Statements cannot be made on the Order of Business.
The way this Government handles the crime issue is a shame and an indictment on the Government.
The Senator's numbers are not correct.
Senator Minihan should not discuss getting numbers right.
The Government is wrong and creates untruth about this issue day in and day out. The Government has no answers and it should be ashamed of itself.
It would have served Senator Bannon to have attended this morning's meeting of the Joint Committee on Health and Children and heard the Tánaiste and Professor Drumm explain the situation. What is happening is eye-opening and the Senator is fearful of a solution to the issue because it is his biggest——
That is outrageous.
The Senator should withdraw that remark.
I support the proposal by Senator Ó Murchú on the Eddie Fullerton case. An elected public representative was assassinated in collaboration with forces in Northern Ireland. This must be fully exposed and a full public inquiry must take place into his assassination. He deserves no less and we, as Members of the Oireachtas, are entitled to put forward that proposal. I fully support it and it should be a unanimous decision of this House.
I also support Senator Ryan's request to the Leader of the House that No. 13, statements on the current situation in the Middle East, be resumed after the Easter recess because of the developing situation in Israel and Palestine. Israel has a new government and Palestine has a Hamas-led government. Hamas must recognise the right of the Israeli people to exist and have their own country. A Hamas lawmaker repeated Hamas's slogan yesterday that the Koran is its constitution, jihad is its way and death for the sake of God is its highest aspiration. That rhetoric must stop. We have a role to play in inviting all sides in the Middle East to come to Ireland. This would be the place for a solution to come about between Palestine and Israel. We should provide the facilities for such a peace conference.
I call Senator Norris. Is Senator Norris offering to speak?
I am always on offer.
There are no takers.
Allow Senator Norris to speak without interruption.
The Senator brought that one on himself.
Can we have some respect for the Cathaoirleach please?
Thank you, Senator Norris. Allow Senator Norris to speak without interruption.
A report appeared in the newspapers on Tuesday to the effect that the Taoiseach is considering giving a walk-over election to a representative of emigrant groups, and apparently a candidate has put himself forward. I would welcome such representation but I wonder why the Taoiseach did not use his power of nomination if he is so concerned about representation of this important group. He has 11 nominees.
It is a pity the real election should be subverted in this way but it highlights the fact that the majority of seats in this House are in the grip of the principal political parties. I recall a time in this House when candidates from various parties were brought into a room and sat over to ensure they voted in the way their parties dictated. It is time we considered the method of election here.
I agree strongly with Senator Ó Murchú about the case of Mr. Fullerton. It is said he was a republican activist. I do not know what exactly that covers but that does not matter. If people engage in activities on the fringes of the law it is up to us to examine them. I do not know whether he engaged in such activities but he was an elected public representative. There is no more sinister or dangerous attack on democracy than the murder of an elected public representative. There should be an inquiry into this matter, wherever that may lead. It is not helpful for Senator Leyden to conclude already that this was an instance of collusion with the British army. Those matters should be left for a full and proper independent inquiry to determine. If it leads in that direction that is very sinister but it is much better to have it out in the open, whoever is responsible.
I agree with Senator Minihan that it is important for the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children to hold her nerve. I will support her in so doing. She chose this job, very courageously, 18 months ago. I have not heard any satisfactory immediate solution proposed on any side. This is a tough situation with systemic disorder in the health service which needs to be studied radically but there are no instant solutions.
The situation in accident and emergency units is regrettable, awful and tragic in some circumstances because people have died in corridors and so on. As a society we do not accept that. I accept, however, that the Minister is attempting to address this situation and we should encourage and support her. If there are real ideas on this side of the House to improve the health facilities provided for citizens we should make them available in a proper discussion and see where we can go with them. Playing political football with people's health does not assist anybody.
We could make many suggestions if there was a willingness to carry them out.
I strongly support Senator Ormonde's request for a debate recognising Europe day. It is unimaginable that the Oireachtas would have a Europe day in which the Seanad is not involved. I agree too that we should not discuss esoteric matters such as the constitution but the real impact the EU makes on the lives of ordinary citizens.
Like Senator Minihan, I am concerned by the unregulated use of stem cell treatment. Can the Leader ascertain whether the Department of Health and Children was to bring forward guidelines on stem cell treatment and research?
I support Senator Norris's point that the health administration is an extremely complex structure and we do not make life easier for ourselves or anybody else by trying to oversimplify it.
I would like the Leader to invite the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to outline the measures he intends to take to stop the growth of pyramid schemes. Yesterday, we heard that a pyramid scheme with over 1,000 investors has collapsed. The same issues arose in Cork over two months ago.
It is a serious situation because there are many naive people, including maybe politicians, who think they can make a quick buck through these schemes. Large sums of money are being lost. These people have been subjected to aggressive on-line salesmanship. It is a widespread problem and many middle-income earners in suburbia are losing large sums of money. Perhaps a hotline could be set up which people could telephone to check out a scheme, not to check its bona fides because there probably are none. At least people could satisfy themselves that they will not go deeply into debt. Three people in my constituency invested in the Meath scheme and lost money. There must be many embarrassed people around the country who will not come forward. Maybe now is the time to stop these schemes.
We on this side of the House were impressed by Senator Norris's masterclass in constructive opposition so perhaps the offer he has made might be taken up.
The Senator should speak on the Order of Business.
I am always impressed by Senator Bannon's insight into rural Ireland but he did not mention——
Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?
Yes, I was about to invite the Leader to comment on the headlines in the national newspapers this morning which prove beyond doubt that Ireland enjoys the lowest tax regime in the world. Even the editorial in the Irish Independent somewhat grudgingly acknowledged that we have got it right. It might be useful to hear such constructive comments in this House, as well as criticism of the Government.
I wish to endorse Senator Ryan's comments on the importation of chickens. This is a serious health and safety issue. The newspaper report states that it is mainly sandwich bars and takeaways, and other unconventional retail outlets which import these chickens. They come from countries that have no regulatory regime.
We are familiar with the comments of Senator Quinn in this regard. He is to be complimented on being one of those who in another context introduced traceability for meat. The consumer has responded positively to that initiative. The Leader could invite the relevant Minister into the House to explain Government policy on this issue, particularly in regard to avian flu. This is a serious health and safety issue. I do not suggest that people stop going to sandwich bars and takeaways or stop eating the chicken served there but this issue raises questions about the importation of this form of poultry.
I thank Senator Ó Murchú for raising the issue of Councillor Eddie Fullerton, a matter we raised here last year. When the family was here, Albert Fullerton, the man who died three weeks ago, said that if his father or the family had been big shots they would not have been ignored and there would have been an inquiry into the death. For too long we have been oblivious to the sensibilities of the Nationalist and republican community. It would be great if all Members of this House supported Senator Ó Murchú and call for a full public inquiry into the death of Councillor Eddie Fullerton.
Senators O'Toole and Ryan raised issues regarding the attitude and competence of the Department of Education and Science in dealing with customers through Irish. I have a vague recollection of what Senator O'Toole is referring to, the Ballyvourney initiative taken some years ago, of which I have no knowledge other than that. However, I would like it explored in the Seanad Chamber or in committee. I have no idea what happened subsequent to the launching of that initiative but I remember it.
Senator Ryan spoke of the lack of competence of staff in the Department of Education and Science in dealing with customers through Irish. I am not familiar with the evidence for that but the allegation should not go unchallenged.
Inis é don Choimisinéir Teanga.
I believe the Seanad would welcome the opportunity to have the Minister for Education and Science in the Chamber to deal with the issue and with the related issue referred to by Senator O'Toole. The matter could also be raised at committee level.
Senator Finucane, acting leader of the Opposition, raised the matter of the private stem cell research clinic in Cork and said the technology used there to treat various diseases such as multiple sclerosis was not necessarily effective. An unregulated system currently operates there. As Senator Minihan said, the Irish Medicines Board has taken up the matter.
Senator Minihan also spoke of the accident and emergency crisis. We will deal with that later as varying views were expressed. I understand that the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, and Professor Drumm, have been attending the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children this morning from 9.30 a.m. and taking questions. I trust there will be a positive outcome from that.
Senator O'Toole spoke, not for the first time, about Ballyvourney. Nothing has happened since the sod was turned on the facility there to assist the teaching of Irish, in whatever grade of school in which it is being taught, and that seems extraordinary. No aids for teachers of Irish have resulted from Ballyvourney, and Senator O'Toole would like the Minister for Education and Science to discuss the matter in this House. The Senator asked if Ballyvourney was being neglected because of being too far from Dublin, and if administrators believed that anything good for education could come only from within thePale.
Senator Ryan supported Senator O'Toole and also spoke of the inability of some civil servants to carry out business through Irish, particularly in the Department of Education and Science, in regard to queries relating to Irish. I understand that Senator Ryan himself tried to carry out business in Irish with a civil servant and was unsuccessful. I suppose we can praise the honesty of the civil servant admitting to being unable to do business through Irish, but that does not take from the Senator's valid point.
Senator Ryan also noted that 70% of poultry sold in Irish shops comes from outside the country. That is fearsome. A well-known Irish supermarket chain currently has advertisements saying all its fowl are Irish, and it can provide documentation to prove that. I asked the young manager in my local store what was meant by that and he said the poultry farmers suppling the store can provide customers with the documentation, and the store can put the customer through to any of its poultry suppliers to get authentication. I said that was very positive and worth following up.
Regarding the Middle East debate, Senator Ryan said that if the West abandons Hamas, others will step in, which they will. Senator Minihan said we would hold our nerve on health issues and he is right in principle, but it is difficult if someone has a person dear to them being discommoded or seriously inconvenienced, as are some people.
Senator Minihan also raised the issue of funding for post leaving certificate courses. A debate on youth affairs, requested by Senator MacSharry, will take place next week and one could raise that issue then because the Minister of State, Deputy de Valera, is in charge of the PLC area of the Department of Education and Science.
Senator Coghlan will be waiting some time for the judicial council Bill as it is on the C list and will be published later this year, not immediately. We are endeavouring to get it as a Seanad Bill.
Well done to Senator Ormonde for standing up for the joint committee on which she sits. It was ridiculous for someone to propose that only the Lower House would be involved in the Europe day, and Senator Ormonde was backed up by Senator Quinn who said she made a strong case. The Seanad was the Chamber which brought in MEPs to address it, so we might consider that again for the Europe day.
I agree discussions should not all be about the EU constitution and matters which are not of everyday relevance to ordinary folk. We might discuss, for example, how directives are prepared and at what stage elected representatives take part in the debate and in what committees they partake. This House led the way with the Standing Order to allow MEPs to attend, and they have given us great value. I thank Senator Ormonde for ensuring this House will have a proper Europe day debate on 10 May. The Senator also referred to the issue of research and development.
Senator Quinn spoke of what is termed "head cameras" used by police in Britain. Such cameras would be very offputting to people inclined to wreak damage of one kind or another. The Senator also spoke of electronic tagging, a matter on which people might have different views.
Senator Ó Murchú spoke of the murder in 1991 of Councillor Eddie Fullerton, whom I knew. He was a fine elected representative. The Senator said the Seanad should give firm direction to an independent inquiry into his death.
Senator Bannon said the health system was top-heavy with administrators. He also mentioned the Garda numbers. By the time the general election is called, the number of gardaí referred to in the programme for Government will have been reached, so Senator Bannon will not have that as a plank in Longford-Westmeath.
Does that include the proposed Garda reserve force numbers?
The numbers of gardaí in the system will be as forecast.
All 14,000?
Senator Leyden would like to invite members of all sides of the Middle East conflict to come to Ireland for a peace conference. That is a good idea. Senator Norris asked about a seat in the Seanad for an emigrants' representative. He knows as much about it as I do. The Taoiseach did not talk to me about it. I made an inquiry in his office and there appears to be no movement on it. We know only what we read in The Irish Times, so we need not hold our breath.
Senator Norris spoke of the late Councillor Eddie Fullerton, an elected representative. He agreed with Senator Minihan that the Tánaiste should hold her nerve as there is no immediate solution to the health problems.
Senator Maurice Hayes was greatly in favour of a Europe day. He spoke too about the unregulated use of stem cell research, the issue raised by Senator Finucane. The Senator supports Senator Norris in a constructive Opposition approach to health issues.
Senator Feighan raised the issue of the pyramid schemes in County Meath. He said a hot line should be set up which people could ring to check out a scheme, not to check the bona fides because there probably is none. Everyone should be aware of caveat emptor.
Senator Mooney said Ireland enjoys the lowest tax regime in the world. One will not hear that praise from the Opposition. I thank the Senator for raising the issue. It is the main headline in today's national newspapers. If the main headline was that we had the worst tax regime in the world, the Opposition would be jumping up and down.
Senator Ryan and others raised the issue of the importation of poultry. It is an important industry issue to which I have already referred.
Senator White supported the call for a public inquiry into the death of Councillor Eddie Fullerton and said that if he or his family were what had been termed "big shots"— we all understand the term — there would be a move to do something on the case.
Senator Fitzgerald raised the issue of the lack of competence to deal with queries through Irish in the Department of Education and Science. That is a mater we should raise with the Minister.
Order of Business agreed to.