The Order of Business is No. 1, Investment Funds, Companies and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2006 — Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business until 12.30 p.m.; and No. 2, International Criminal Court Bill 2003 — Committee Stage, to be taken at 12.30 p.m. until 2.30 p.m.
Order of Business.
I wish to raise two issues on the Order of Business. Could the Leader request the Minister for Transport to come to the House early next week to make a statement on the rules and regulations governing private airfields? Following the story that has developed over the past few days, it seems that I could set up a private airfield tomorrow with no need for the presence of customs officers or members of the Garda Síochána. Anyone could fly into the aerodrome bringing whatever they like, legal or illegal. Very wealthy people who use executive jets can enter and leave the country without anyone knowing the cargo of the aeroplane. It is very important that the Minister make a statement on the regulations.
There was a sigh of relief when the Progressive Democrats came out from under their beds and gave qualified support to the Taoiseach following the controversy of recent days. As an experienced former Minister in many Departments serving in many Governments, has the Leader ever come across a senior Minister being offered or accepting money for speaking in his capacity as Minister at an engagement or a series of engagements?
Yesterday we spoke about the garda sergeant shot on the south side in the course of his duty. At the time most of us had not read the details of the incident. The garda was on duty outside a home, preserving the scene of a crime, when someone came up and shot him. It did not happen as part of an assault; it was a cold, calculated shooting. This goes straight back to the drugs trade and the issue of importation of drugs, which is linked to the matter raised by Senator Brian Hayes. It is a much wider issue than that of airport security. The same applies to boats or ships coming into the country. There is no check on these, a matter I have raised before. Air traffic control and the Irish Coast Guard should always refer incoming traffic to the appropriate authorities but this does not happen. There is a requirement on people entering the country whether by boat or aeroplane to report to customs. This puts pressure on honest people and provides an escape route for those wishing to break the law. The current system has not and is not working and must be changed. Also, our failure to sign up to the Schengen Agreement creates all sorts of complications at our borders.
No. 7 on the Order Paper in my name and that of Senator Coghlan is the Official Languages (Amendment) Bill. We have chosen to delay moving that legislation until late next month. To credit Kerry County Council and the Kerry county manager they have, by a substantial majority, supported the holding of consultations with the people of Dingle, An Daingean Uí Chuís, in regard to naming their town. Members will be pleased to note that those consultations will take place in the next couple of weeks. They may also be pleased to note that local authorities very often have more understanding of local issues than Ministers in Government.
During the recess, the opportunities to study tré Gaeilge sa chathair seo are almost imithe. Tá sean-Ghaeilge tóghta de churaclam UCD agus ní féidir anois gnáth-Ghaeilge a chur mar ábhar céime i UCD on night courses. I believe the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs would make better use of his time dealing with such issues.
I invite the Leader to elaborate on her intriguing remarks at the end of yesterday's Order of Business in regard to the source of the leak which has transfixed the nation for the past week or so.
Senator Ryan is not in the loop anyway.
No, I am not.
The Senator can sing that.
As some Members will be aware, following the somewhat traumatic loss of my seat from this House in 1993 I was offered financial support by a very successful businessman, a friend of mine, who offered to pay for a court case which I was at the time contemplating. He then offered to pay the cost of my next election campaign. I had the wit to say "No" to him at a time when I was only a very junior backbencher. I am surprised others did not have a similar level of wit when under pressure. It was obvious to me that it would have been foolish of me to take money from a businessman even though he would not have benefited one way or the other given he lives in Switzerland. What good would I be able to do a businessman anyway, I do not have the credibility to effect those sort of decisions?
The Senator should stick to today's Order of Business.
If I sought favours people would immediately suspect there was something wrong. Nevertheless, I am glad I had my wits about me at the time. Níl mé chun aon rud a rá faoi logainmneacha bailte beaga san iar-dheisceart.
Senator Ryan should refrain from speaking on that item until the appropriate time. I ask that he speak only to toady's Order of Business.
Is trua go raibh an t-am ag an Seanadóir O'Toole. Bhí mise chun a rá nár luadh an cheist liom i mí a chaith mé sa cheanntar le linn an tsamhraidh. Bhí a lán rudaí níos tábhachtaí le plé ag muintir an ceanntair ná logainm an bhaile bheag. Tá brón orm, ní luafaidh mé a thuilleadh é, tá mé fed up ar fad leis.
During the Ryder Cup, which was a glorious success, although I am not sure it was watched by the billions we have been told watched it, honorary degrees were conferred on two people by UCD.
This House has no control over the conferral of degrees by UCD.
The Universities Act imposes all sorts of responsibilities on universities and is restrictive in terms of the right to the title "university". I am, therefore, entitled to wonder if those granted that privilege by way of legislation enacted by the Houses of the Oireachtas are meeting the required standards. The conferring of honorary degrees in the presence of a major benefactor of the university does not impress me in terms of the quality of university life. When I hear from Senator O'Toole chomh maith go bhfuil siad ag ísliú stádas na Gaeilge san ollscoil céanna, I worry about what our universities are doing.
They ignored the captain of the Kerry team.
Senator Ryan has made his point.
Senator Brian Hayes asked earlier that the Minister of Transport be invited to the House. Perhaps when he is here he will deal with enforcement of safety equipment requirements for airlines registered in Ireland. Following the recent tragedy on board an aircraft owned by the biggest airline operating out of Ireland, a doctor and two nurses spoke of the unavailability of rudimentary first aid equipment on board the aircraft. It now appears the 25 year old woman might have died as a result of the absence of that equipment. Airlines have legal obligations in this area. I would like if the Minister could tell this House when an official of the Department of Transport last carried out an inspection of safety equipment on board aircraft in this country. We are all aware of the laxity in terms of the implementation of regulations regarding heavy goods vehicles. The recent tragedy may have happened as a result of a lack of enforcement in regard to safety equipment requirements..
What has happened to the Oireachtas Library? I have received a wonderful document from the Board of Works outlining the architectural joys of the Oireachtas Library. However, it no longer has a monitor which broadcasts what is happening in the Seanad. The only monitor in the Library is broadcasting what is taking place in the Dáil. While I respect the other House, this House is entitled to the same respect.
Hear, hear.
I call on the Leader to consider holding an early debate on the costs of energy. The regulator has approved a 23% increase in electricity prices from 1 January 2007. However, the cost of oil is decreasing. Earlier this week Flynn Fuel of the Downs in Mullingar was charging €580 for 1,000 litres of heating oil. That is, as far as I am aware, the lowest price for home heating oil in Ireland. One year ago, 1,000 litres of oil cost €660. Petrol and diesel prices are also decreasing.
I take this opportunity to remind the Fine Gael Party to update its website in regard to rip-off Ireland.
I am glad Senator Leyden took the time to read it.
The Senator is obsessed with us. He must visit the website every day.
It was last updated on 7 August 2005. That is very current. I knew Fine Gael was out of touch, I just did not realise how out of touch it was. The Fine Gael Senators should visit the Fianna Fáil website which is very much in order.
It is the paper trail that matters.
I believe RIP relates to Fine Gael seats in the next election. However, that is another day's work.
That matter is not relevant on the Order of Business.
Perhaps someone could explain that joke to me again.
No.
I intend to reactivate my name and shame campaign and ask that Fine Gael reactivate its rip-off Ireland campaign. I welcome the increase in free units from 1,800 to 2,400 as announced by the Taoiseach some weeks for social welfare recipients.
I know the Cathaoirleach will join with me in sending best wishes to the Roscommon minor football team which won the all-Ireland after 55 years.
The Senator is out of order.
I am very proud to say Roscommon beat Kerry 1-10 to 9 points.
That matter does not arise on the Order of Business.
What position did Senator Leyden play? Was it full-back?
Senator Leyden referred to the increase in energy costs. Many of us fear the projected increases in electricity and gas prices from 1 January 2007. Senator Leyden also referred to the drop in oil prices. The Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources will possibly extend an invitation to the regulator to meet with us to discuss this matter.
If one looks at an ESB bill one will note that VAT is paid at 13.5%. Also included on the bill is a standing order charge and a public service obligation which equate to approximately 21% of one's overall bill. The Government takes a dividend of approximately €80 million from the ESB. There is also an onus on the Government to take action if it wants electricity prices to decrease. If prices escalate out of all proportion, which is currently the case, we must consider reducing the VAT element of electricity bills. Liberalisation of the market has meant nothing to domestic consumers who have no choice other than to use the ESB. Perhaps Senator Leyden will ask the Minister for Finance to reduce VAT.
Will that be Fine Gael policy in the next general election?
It would be much more credible than Government policy.
I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Roche, to come before the House to discuss the Water Services Programme 2005 to 2007. As we are now halfway through the programme, we should discuss progress and in some cases the lack thereof at both local authority and departmental level. Some counties have taken two years to prepare compliance with planning for projects scheduled for 2005 and 2006. I ask that the Minister take remedial action where necessary.
A few weeks ago, I and many others watched as a helicopter performed an efficient rescue off Howth Head, during which a stretcher was dropped to a person who had been injured on the cliffs. I was very impressed by the crew's ability. The reason I mention this incident is that I understand a rescue helicopter must first load up before travelling to a hospital to collect a medical team and flying to the site of an accident to carry out a rescue attempt.
Last week, my attention was drawn to the rescue of a man called Richard Hammond in Britain. Mr. Hammond, the presenter of the "Top Gear" programme on the BBC, was rescued by an air ambulance. Afterwards, his wife asked that those who wished to send flowers to the hospital should instead send donations to the air ambulance services in Britain, of which there are eight. I was surprised to learn that these services are primarily supported by charity.
Ireland does not have an air ambulance service. If Senator Brian Hayes's request that the Minister for Transport come to the House to discuss air services is acceded to, it would present a useful opportunity to determine whether the Government is in a position to operate an air ambulance service similar to those in operation around Britain. If it is true that an air ambulance must first load up on equipment and collect a doctor from a hospital before attending the site of an accident, it clearly reduces its rescue ability. I intend to raise this matter during any debate the House may have on air services.
Yesterday, I watched a television interview with Richard Branson on the volume of fuel used by aeroplanes. He pointed out that considerable fuel savings would be achieved if the common practice of switching on aeroplanes' engines and taxiing them on to runways up to 40 minutes before take-off were to cease and aeroplanes were instead towed onto runways. This is a good idea.
Mr. Branson also made the point that air traffic control in the United States is centralised in one authority, whereas almost every country in Europe has its own air traffic control system. I understand centralisation of air traffic control in Europe would eliminate the requirement to have aeroplanes circle around airports. Returning from Brussels last week, the aeroplane on which I flew circled Dublin Airport for 20 minutes. I spoke to someone whose aeroplane had circled for 25 minutes on arrival from Nantes. Perhaps last week was a particularly busy one. Centralisation rather than the principle of subsidiarity should apply to this function.
I share Senator Ryan's criticism of the outrageous example of elitism in which University College Dublin engaged last week in stealthily conferring a number of degrees which, I understand, are not worth the paper on which they are printed.
The Seanad has no control over those on whom universities wish to confer degrees.
I appreciate that but the House passes legislation on universities. Given that nobody has raised this issue, it appears it is to be accepted. Two distinguished Members of the House, Senators Maurice Hayes and Quinn, have honorary degrees. It does not reflect well on a university that it would devalue something for purely elitist purposes. I understand the degrees conferred are not worth the paper on which they are printed.
Last week, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Dermot Ahern, travelled to New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly. During his visit he took the opportunity to meet representatives of Irish emigrant groups in New York and the coalition of Irish emigration centres. Will the Leader consider asking the Minister to come to the House before Christmas to outline Government policy on funding overseas Irish groups? Funding in excess of €12 million per annum is now available for this purpose. The demographics of Irish people in the United States has changed completely and there is a growing need for finances, resources and capacity building to address the needs of elderly Irish people. This is a mainstream issue among Irish emigrants in the United Kingdom but I never thought it would become an issue in the United States. I commend the Government for significantly increasing funding for emigrant groups by 45% in last year's budget and look forward to an even greater increase in this year's budget. I ask the Leader to consider this as a subject for discussion.
It is extraordinary that I agree with Senator Ryan on two matters. Before the summer recess, I advised the House about what was happening in the Oireachtas Library. What is taking place downstairs is a disgrace. Members of this House serve on the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission which is supposed to attend to these matters. It is unacceptable that Members are now bereft of a library facility.
As a member of the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission, I will convey the Senator's concerns to a meeting of the body later today.
I support Senator Brian Hayes's call regarding the lack of controls on private airports and airfields. There appears to be a frightful gap which leaves Ireland wide open. God only knows what has been coming in or going out through these facilities. I also take on board Senator O'Toole's point regarding customs at ports. I hope the Minister will inform the House how he proposes to provide proper controls at these points of entry.
Like Senator O'Toole, I also welcome the overwhelming decision of Kerry County Council to proceed with a plebiscite. I hope the Minister and Government will respect the outcome of a democratic vote and look forward to joining the Senator in moving a Bill on the Order Paper following the plebiscite which will be held in a few weeks.
I ask the Leader to arrange with the Minister for Transport, Deputy Cullen, a debate on the State Airports Bill and outstanding issues with regard to Cork Airport, the restructuring required in Shannon Airport and the development of Dublin Airport. Passenger throughput at Dublin Airport is expected to increase by 3 million this year. The business plans need to be addressed.
I congratulate the Minister for Transport on the fantastic successes he achieved over the summer months. Following a meeting yesterday, he will announce reforms in the bus market and Dublin Bus will receive the buses it seeks. In addition, the Government no longer runs hotels. The Minister also oversaw a highly successful flotation of Aer Lingus. While some might argue the company was sold too cheaply, the flotation was oversubscribed. I want the State Airports Bill to be enacted.
With regard to the leaking of confidential information from tribunals, the Leader indicated yesterday that she did not believe the leaks originated from Opposition parties or the tribunal and stated that we must look nearer home on this matter. Will she elaborate on that remark?
That question has been asked.
It is appropriate that a Garda investigation into leaks from tribunals is under way. If the Leader has additional information, is she prepared to co-operate with that investigation?
I am always prepared to co-operate with the Garda.
I support calls for greater security and more customs checks at small airports, ports and harbours. I call for the relevant Minister to come to the House to explain the improvements it is intended to make to ensure that drug trafficking is at least curtailed.
I ask the Leader to arrange an early debate on ageing and ageism in society. I would like the relevant Ministers to attend to deal with the various forms of discrimination for which their Departments are responsible. Despite an acute shortage of qualified staff in many parts of the public service, we force thousands of public servants to retire at 65 who wish to stay on and contribute their skills and experience. A survey published in The Irish Times on 12 September 2006 confirmed that the majority of older people do not want to retire at 65, yet they are forced to do so.
Since I first raised the issue I have received numerous pleas for help on forced retirement from people nationally. Very kindly, the Cathaoirleach facilitated an Adjournment debate on 29 June 2006 on the continued obligation in the general medical service on general practitioners to cease at 70 years of age to treat their public patients despite being allowed to continue to treat their private patients. The Minister of State with responsibility for the elderly, Deputy Seán Power, told the House that he was open to changing the rule and would forward the matter to the group considering the modification of the general practitioner contract. However, three months later the Department of Health and Children has yet to take a stance on the issue, never mind remove the bar at age 70.
This weekend, the British Government will introduce legislation which prevents people from being forced to retire before the age of 65 and allows them to negotiate to stay in employment after that age. It is very important to halt the discrimination which forces people to retire at 65 years. I am on a mission to bring this change to fruition.
Hear, hear. It is not "Mission Impossible".
Over the last 24 hours, we have heard about the dig-out and the whip-around. Last night, on my way from this renowned building to the place I stay, which is just across the road, I encountered four people sleeping in doorways. I thought about how serious it was and wondered how the Members of this distinguished House could continue to turn a blind eye to the homeless. The homeless are the people to whom we should give a dig-out and for whom we should have a whip-around. I ask the Leader to invite the Minister with responsibility for housing matters to have a debate on social and affordable housing, the policies on which are not working. Local authorities are being forced away from building programmes, which is just one of many issues in this area I would like to debate.
The Government gave the builders a dig-out.
The Senator can give whoever he likes a dig-out.
Order, please.
I ask the Leader to invite the missing Minister for Agriculture and Food to the House for a debate on farming matters, especially the sugar industry and compensation. We are entering the harvest season, but beet farmers have no crop nor do they have compensation. The Minister must come to the House to address the issue if we are avoid a flight from the land and the addition of sugar beet farmers and producers to the ranks of the homeless. It is a serious issue. As we have not had a debate on agricultural issues for quite a while, I ask the Leader to organise one.
I ask the Leader to request the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to attend the House for a debate on new technologies. Over the last 20 years, we have seen the blossoming of three new sectors. While the Internet, computers and mobile phone telecommunications have been blessings which have provided employment and opportunity, they have also been abused by people sending anonymous communications.
I would like to focus in the debate on the use of mobile phones to send vile, almost diabolical text messages to bully people anonymously. Every year, we hear of this bullying and perhaps of a child who has taken his or her own life because he or she could not cope with the pressure that has placed on them. In adults, the practice is vile and insidious. I call on the communications companies to provide full co-operation at all times to ensure that people know that if they use mobile phones in this way, they can and will be tracked. A policy must be put in place to ensure that people know that if they involve themselves in this type of activity, they will be caught.
I support the call for a debate on energy. At one filling station on the Dublin quays, it costs €1.30.9 for a litre of petrol, which is incredible.
They have no customers.
It is especially annoying in that it is the only filling station which leads to the western motorway and represents the only chance for a great number of miles to obtain petrol. One is left without the opportunity to shop around on the route despite the fact that there is another filling station in Dublin which sells petrol for €1.02.9. How can there be a divergence of €1.27 per gallon in the price of petrol? It is a very significant sum of money given that the price of oil is down to $60 per barrel, with each barrel representing 80 gallons. Such divergences are unacceptable, especially where people have no choice.
I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on domestic violence as early as possible. It is some time since we held such a debate while recent reports inform us that the incidence of domestic violence continues to increase. While domestic violence affects women for the most part, I wish to recognise also that some men fall victim to it. In the upcoming budget, I would like the Minister for Finance to increase funding for the voluntary organisations which deal with the victims of domestic violence. It is timely to have a debate on the matter.
Fine Gael will certainly support Senator White in her work on ageing. Fine Gael calls on the Government to abolish the compulsory retirement age of 65. Given the facts that people are much healthier and wish to work for longer, it is time to review the policy. The abolition of the compulsory retirement age is also among the recommendations of the Pensions Board. The abolition of the retirement age will help to address the pensions problems of many people by allowing them to work longer and defer taking pension payments thereby increasing their eventual size.
I support Senator Morrissey's call for information from the Minister for Transport on the reorganisation of the airports. I seek information also on the new Open Skies policy, about which there has been a great deal of discussion between the EU and USA. The discussions do not seem to be going anywhere currently. The House would like an indication from the Minister of the arrangements which will be put in place should the negotiations between the EU and USA fail to reach a conclusion. Hopefully, the current policy will remain in place until a new agreement is reached.
Can the Leader arrange for the Minister for Social and Family Affairs to attend the House to explain the reorganisation of community organisations at local level? There has been discussion on extending the remit of some of the organisations while rationalising others which deal with child care and other matters. There should be rationalisation of the various organisations dealing with issues at a local level. There is a major reorganisation taking place and the Minister should indicate his objective in making these changes.
I support Senator White's request for a debate on aging. Unlike Senator Terry, I must declare an interest. As she said, however, life expectancy has increased by about ten years in the last 30 years. People are living longer, which leads to problems not just with those in work but with people who have Alzheimer's disease and similar conditions. It would be an appropriate subject for the Seanad to discuss.
Senator Finucane — I mention him partly to show that I recognise him today — and Senator Leyden raised the question of energy costs. That brings us into a broader debate about inflation because these are inflationary pressures and they might be dealt with by a variation in excise duty. Perhaps the Minister of Finance might come into the House to discuss inflation because it is beginning to creep up.
I support the Members who have referred to the Oireachtas Library. It is currently a triumph of form over function. It would be nice to have an 18th century drawing room but, basically, we want a working library, which I hope can be achieved.
I support Senators Morrissey and Daly in their calls for a discussion of the State Airports Act. Some serious difficulties have arisen at Shannon Airport as a result of Dublin Airport Authority's insistence on rationalisation taking place over the heads of the workers. Efforts are being made to close and limit services in the bar and restaurants under the guise of re-rostering of workers, where not enough staff are provided to keep the facilities open. This has been brought about by a consultant who has been engaged to rationalise in a way that attempts to bully workers into submission. Everyone recognises that there must be rationalisation at Shannon Airport but management must enter meaningful negotiation with the workers as soon as possible because this affects the future viability of the airport and the region. The bully boy tactics of the last week have been wholly unhelpful and prove that the separation has not taken place. A worse situation now exists where Dublin Airport has its boot on the throat of Shannon Airport.
I am sure the excellent Minister for Agriculture and Food is far from missing, but mixing with farmers and agri-representatives at the National Ploughing Championships in Tullow.
She should sit down and listen to them.
I would like the Committee on Procedure and Privileges to check how information on Senators is collected and verified by the Eircom directory, where I am listed as a Labour Party Senator elected on the industrial and commercial panel. I do not wish to cause alarm to my colleagues here or, still more, to Senator Ryan, but if I was going to defect to the Labour Party, which I am not, I would do so by means other than the green pages of the Eircom directory.
I would say the Labour Party would be delighted to have Senator Mansergh. Senator Brian Hayes raised the lax rules governing private airfields. We have all been alarmed by the laxness over who comes and goes and where they go. There is a mobile Customs and Excise group that visits small, private airports but it is not satisfactory that we hear about events like this on the news. I will ask the Minister for Transport to discuss the matter here. The Senator also asked me if I have been offered or accepted money and I have not. Women are not offered money for some reason but we can get it anyway.
Senator O'Toole again raised the matter of the garda who was injured just standing outside a particular home to protect it and mentioned that there are no checks on small boats coming into the country. He also raised the issue of Dingle. We have all been informed through the newspapers of the plebiscite which Senator O'Toole and Senator Coghlan have pressed and which Kerry County Council is carrying out. When the results are known, perhaps the Senators can press their amendment to the Bill.
Senator Ryan does not have much sympathy with the discussion about Dingle.
He is quiet in Dingle these days.
Ní raibh mé ciúin in aon chor.
Senator Ryan then raised the issue of the honorary degrees for the captains of the two Ryder Cup teams. I was surprised by this myself. The parent body of NUI was not brought into the discussions apparently. He also raised the issue of the medical equipment which would have helped a young woman travelling on a major airline. The whole matter was sad.
He also asked about the Oireachtas Library, pointing out that there is no Seanad monitor. A note has been put in about that. The refurbishment of the Oireachtas Library is almost complete and a second monitor will be placed there at the end of this week. We hope all of the work will be finished next week.
As a member of the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission, which a Senator tried to blame, I would like to point out that the commission exists to work on behalf of the Members and the Houses. The Oireachtas Library needed to be refurbished and I am sure it will be back in full operation to everyone's satisfaction in due course.
Senator Leyden called for a debate on energy, advising Fine Gael to update its website. He slipped the great feat for Roscommon in nicely, and, as a native of that county, I agree with him. They were a great little team.
This is not relevant to the Order of Business.
Senator Coonan asked about the various charges on the ESB bill which add up to 20% of the total, and the Government dividend that has been taken from the board of ESB, asking if it could be waived, something that would be of assistance to consumers.
Senator Brennan asked for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to come into the House to discuss the water services programme, particularly the varied ways county councils respond to that programme, with some moving quickly and some delaying.
Senator Quinn pointed out that we do not have any air ambulance services. He also mentioned the increased fuel efficiency resulting from aeroplanes being towed to the runway, as Richard Branson pointed out, instead of taxiing. Passengers, however, may feel alarmed to feel themselves being towed.
Senator Mooney was in total agreement with Senator Ryan on what he thought were disgraceful awards made by UCD. He wants the Minister for Foreign Affairs to attend the House to discuss funding for Irish bodies in the US and the UK, which he is glad has been increased. Senator Coghlan referred to the lack of control over small airfields, as well as the plebiscite in his own county.
Senator Morrissey wishes the Minister for Transport to attend the House to discuss the culmination of the State Airports Bill. The legislation was to put many things in place which did not come about. When the Bill was debated here I spoke strongly about it and I knew that would be the outcome, although what has happened is quite amazing.
On foot of Senator Cummins's remarks, I would be pleased to liaise with the Garda Síochána. I have always done so, am in good standing and would like to do so.
Is the Leader going to tell us anything else?
The Leader should continue on the Order of Business without interruption.
Exactly. Senator White sought a debate on aging and retirement. She said the point she raised in an Adjournment debate had not yet been fulfilled, namely, that a doctor in private practice can treat someone over 70, but a doctor in public service cannot.
As regards Senator Coonan's remarks, the Minister for Agriculture and Food is not missing. She is all over the newspapers today, having attended the ploughing championships.
She was missing all summer.
No, she was not. She is doing her job. The Senator sought a debate on housing, homelessness and social and affordable housing. Such a debate was also sought yesterday by Senator Maurice Hayes. I will be glad to facilitate those requests. Senator Coonan also referred to the sugar beet compensation money that has not been paid. That has been the cause of some alarm so perhaps we can invite the Minister for Agriculture and Food to the House to discuss the matter.
Senator Hanafin wants the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to attend the House to debate new technology, including computing and the Internet. He spoke in particular about the practice of anonymous text messages being sent to mobile phones, which frighten young people. That matter has also been brought to my attention.
The Senator also referred to petrol prices, including a filling station on the quays. If drivers go out the western road there are two stations which are competitive on price. In Mullingar, County Westmeath, petrol is selling for less than €1 per litre, which is good news.
Senator Terry sought a debate on domestic violence against women and men. She wishes to see an increase in funding for this area prior to the budget. I will endeavour to arrange a debate on that matter. She supported Senator White on the abolition of the retirement age and said that Fine Gael would support that call. I am sure Senator White will be pleased with that.
Senator Daly referred to the open skies policy, which has been spoken of for about ten years. He sought a debate on the reorganisation of State airports, with particular reference to Shannon Airport. The Senator also wants the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs to attend the House because much reorganisation has been mooted for community groups at local level.
Senator Maurice Hayes said he would support Senator White's remarks and also said that he had a vested interest in the issue she raised. A few of us have. He also sought a debate on how energy prices are leading to an increase in inflation.
Senator Dooley referred to the State Airports Bill and the attempt by the DAA to bully the workforce. I knew it would all come to this concerning Shannon.
To our dismay, Senator Mansergh stated that he is listed as a Labour Senator on the industrial and commercial panel in the Eircom pages. We will have to get that changed, otherwise it would be a massive slur upon him.
Order of Business agreed to.