The Order of Business today is No. 1, motion re the Official Languages Act, to be taken without debate, which seeks to provide a framework and mechanism for planned improvements in the delivery of public services through Irish in order that the State's obligations can be met in a coherent way and with progress being achieved in the context of existing resources over time, which motion was referred to the Joint Committee on Arts, Sports, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs for consideration and on which the committee has completed its deliberations; No. 2, motion re Bovine Disease (Levies) Acts 1979 to 1996, to be taken without debate, which concerns the rates of disease levies applied to milk deliveries for processing and cattle slaughtered or exported and are paid by the farming community towards the cost of the eradication of TB and brucellosis in cattle, in connection with which under the terms of the recent partnership, Towards 2016, it was agreed with the farming bodies, subject to receiving the requisite approvals, that a further reduction of 50% in the current levy rates was appropriate from 1 January 2007, which motion was referred to the Joint Committee on Agriculture and Food for consideration and on which the committee has completed its deliberations; No. 3, motion re Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996, to be taken without debate, which concerns certain sections of the Act which relate to powers of detention, amendment of the Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence) Act 1990 and re-arrest and which will cease to be in operation unless a resolution has been passed by each House of the Oireachtas, which motion was referred to the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights for consideration and on which the committee has completed its deliberations; No. 4, motion re draft custody regulations, to be taken without debate, which concerns the extension of the period of detention of an arrested person for questioning in a Garda station from 12 hours to 24 hours, which motion was referred to the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights for consideration and on which the committee has completed its deliberations; No. 5, motion re Fisheries (Miscellaneous Commercial Licences) (Alteration of Duties) Order 2006, to be taken without debate, which concerns the licence fees payable from 1 January 2007 in respect of salmon commercial fishing licences, including a salmon conservation levy equivalent to 50% of the licence fee whose proceeds will be invested in wild salmon management initiatives designed to rehabilitate wild salmon stocks and habitats, and which also prescribes the fees to be payable in respect of eel and oyster commercial fishing licences and salmon, eel and shellfish dealers' licences issued or renewed for a period commencing on or after 1 January 2007, which motion was referred to the Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources for consideration and on which the committee has completed its deliberations; No. 6, motion re Regional Fisheries Boards (Postponement of Elections) Order 2006, to be taken without debate, which concerns the postponement of elections for members of regional fisheries boards from 2006 to 2007, which motion was referred to the Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources for consideration and on which the committee has completed its deliberations; No. 7, motion requesting leave to withdraw No. 23 on the Order Paper, which Senator Brian Hayes sought; No. 8, Social Welfare Bill 2006 — Second Stage, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business and to conclude no later than 1.20 p.m., with the contributions of spokespersons not to exceed 12 minutes, those of all other Senators not to exceed eight minutes, on which Senators may share time and the Minister to be called upon to reply no later than ten minutes before the conclusion of Second Stage; No. 9, Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Bill 2006 — Report and Final Stages, to be taken at 2 p.m. and to conclude no later than 2.30 p.m.; and No. 10, Houses of the Oireachtas Commission (Amendment) Bill 2006 — All Stages, to be taken at 2.30 p.m. and to conclude no later than 4.30 p.m., with the contributions of spokespersons on Second Stage not to exceed ten minutes, those of all other Senators not to exceed six minutes, on which Senators may share time, and the Minister to be called upon to reply no later than ten minutes before the conclusion of Second Stage which will be no later than 4 p.m., and Committee and Remaining Stages of the Bill to be taken immediately upon the conclusion of Second Stage. There will be a sos from 1.20 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Order of Business.
Last night, the pattern of gangland killing continued. We hear typical responses following such events. People will say the killing was barbaric and savage and we will hear the usual response that the gardaí have all the resources they need. The successes of Operations Oak and Anvil are often cited as statistics on the matter. This morning, I listened to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform who said that under the Constitution, this is not a national emergency. Let us not play with semantics. It is a national emergency as far as ordinary people are concerned. If one listened to Joe Duffy's show, "Liveline", yesterday, one would have heard the family of Anthony Campbell, the innocent young man who was shot down, say it did not believe the killers would be caught. This is the level of despondency among the people. I say to the Minister that it is a national emergency.
In the past five years, no gang leader has been convicted in this country. They may be taken out by their own people within gangland, but no person has been convicted. There is a 15% success rate where gun death convictions are concerned. With such a low success rate, many people will step into that vacuum of lawlessness in respect of gun crime.
We face a serious situation. The drugs industry is worth more than €1 billion, which is the equivalent of the entire Garda budget. In this context, the Minister must pull together all the pieces. It is not simply a matter of taking out of circulation the main drug dealers in Dublin. Drugs must be tackled where they exist in every rural community. We cannot speak specifically about 35 people in the drugs squad who have intelligence resources, we must involve the entire gardaí. We must take drugs off the streets and treat the drugs problem as a national emergency.
My party had to take action in this direction in respect of many elements of law in 1996 over the murder of Veronica Guerin. I hope we receive an appropriate response and not the usual mantra-type responses we get after each killing.
On a related matter, we recently discussed mandatory sentences and Members expressed concern about the fact that mandatory sentences were not being implemented. At the time, I suggested it would be useful to have a debate on the matter. In this respect, it was interesting to hear a distinguished barrister this morning outline the reasons mandatory sentences are not imposed. If we want to look for the cause of the problem, it is right here with us because we put into the legislation a requirement that judges would take into consideration special circumstances. It also relates to information brought to the court by the gardaí which judges are required to take into consideration and which leads to the conclusion. We need to have such a discussion on the matter here. The question of whether it is a national emergency is another matter, but there are things we could do.
There is a simple measure we can take. We recently passed legislation to allow the Judiciary to draw inferences from certain statements or pieces of information. The Chair will recall that a major change in our legal system allowed the court to draw inferences from a person exercising the right to silence. There is no such facility in the legislation on mandatory sentencing, which is something that could be done without presenting difficulties in regard to the Constitution. We need to understand this and know exactly where we are going. At the end of the day, if we get it wrong and the wrong people are convicted, we will be the first to stand up and accept that, but we need to get it right and this is a way in which we can approach it.
This question has been raised on at least four occasions here but always after I have spoken and I have been unable to deal with it. It relates to what is happening in the library and research service in the Houses of the Oireachtas. I draw Members' attention to something everyone received in the post this morning from one section of the library and research service downstairs. I will not bore the House with it, but I draw its attention to the fact that it is an unbiased and disinterested document of pure fact.
Hear, hear.
This is not the kind of material one would receive from Departments. For example, it shows that Ireland has fewer acute beds than the European average and is spending less of GNP than the European average. It also contains positive material from the Government's point of view. I am simply pointing out the issue.
It highlights work at ground level and particular counties, including County Longford in the Leader's constituency. Among other things, it reveals that Longford has twice the mortality rate from heart attacks and higher death rates from ovarian cancer than the national average. This is important information that Members can use to good effect for or against Government or to inform debates here. I compliment the section of the library and research service which produced it.
The Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform is ineffective in dealing with what we are now experiencing, which is a very serious outbreak of murderous crime. We have reached the point where members of the criminal drug fraternity are taking over our streets. The Minister appears to be ineffective in dealing with this matter.
When will the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform bring forward measures that will be effective in restoring law and order? I do not believe that the trite and crazy suggestion put forward by Senator Brady, who is not present, to bring the Army out onto the streets——
Senator Brady is present.
Even if he were not present, it is inappropriate to draw attention to the absence of a Member.
It is not in order to name Senators who are not present. However, Senator Brady is present.
Given that my remarks are inappropriate, I will withdraw them.
Will the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform comment on Senator Brady's suggestion that the Army be brought onto the streets? Perhaps a declaration of martial law in Drumcondra would be sufficient to meet the Senator's concerns. The fact remains that we are faced with an extremely serious problem. As Senator Finucane stated, it took the death of Veronica Guerin to force us into action. Many Members recall the day on which they heard about Ms Guerin's murder. What will it take for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to sit up and pay attention? What will it take for the Government to restore law and order to our streets?
I expect that in excess of 1 million people watched the "Late Late Toy Show". Members who watched it will recall that the star of the show was a little girl from Limerick who, at a very tender age, experienced what it is like to be on the receiving end of man's inhumanity to man. She and her little brother received horrific burns as a result of an arson attack on their mother's car. The girl to whom I refer is lovable and intelligent and, by her appearance on television, she is no longer a mere statistic of crime. Everyone heard the good news that she and her family were to be moved to a new residence.
I was disappointed to read in one of this morning's newspapers that 50% of the residents on the estate to which the little girl's family is to move have objected to a home being provided for them. I am not criticising the residents, rather I am making an appeal to them. I genuinely believe that if all the residents of the area opened not only their homes but also their hearts to the family in question and held a big welcome party for its members, a message would be sent to the malignant forces in society that evil does not always prevail and that humanity has not been sidelined. Such an event might dilute much of the terrible negativity and the sense of defeat that is prevalent among people at present in respect of community crime. In light of the fact that Christmas is almost upon us, I appeal to the residents to reconsider their position and make the members of the family in question — like those of the first Christian family — feel welcome in their midst.
Post offices are the heartbeat of many rural and urban communities. For many people in rural areas, not only do they provide important services, they also form part of the social fabric. There have been many incidents in which post office personnel have been attacked. I refer, for example, to the incident in Kilkenny last week when a young man lost his life pursuing an individual who had raided his post office. There are serious concerns among post office staff with regard to the security of their families and themselves.
The Government and An Post have changed the goalposts. Post office staff are obliged to go to banks to collect large sums of money and are not provided with security when travelling back to their post offices. What action does the Government intend to take in respect of these people's concerns? Such action is needed because, as Senator Finucane indicated, the State is crime-ridden.
I agree with Senator Finucane in that people are living in fear as Christmas approaches. Ireland is one of the most crime-ridden countries in the EU.
That is not true.
It is simply not true.
People are disappointed regarding the way the Government has let them down in respect of crime.
That is not true.
The crime situation is undoubtedly serious and is of concern to many people. However, it is important that we neither overstate nor understate the case. It is interesting to hear people's comments on the Order of Business because I have taken part in many debates on crime in the House during which many Members placed significant emphasis on the human rights of those accused of committing crimes. As a result, we set the bar so high that it is difficult to proceed with prosecutions. That is done to ensure that innocent people are not incarcerated.
That is not true either.
Senator Jim Walsh is doing himself no service by making such comments.
As a consequence, many criminals are walking the streets because the evidential requirements cannot be met.
A previous speaker referred to a radio interview that was broadcast this morning. A comment was made during the interview regarding greater use of the Special Criminal Court, in which the rules of evidence are not quite as stringent. The time has come to consider reflecting in other legislation some of the legislative provisions introduced in 1998 following the Omagh bombings. Under those provisions, a Garda superintendent's evidence can be taken into account by a judge in pinpointing serious criminals.
I welcome the point made by Senator O'Toole regarding other provisions contained in the legislation to which I refer. We should take a balanced approach and not try to politicise the issue, because doing so does nothing to help solve the problem
There is no doubt that the situation relating to crime is serious. Falsifying statistics does not make the argument, however, and neither do wild statements about do-gooders having more regard for the human rights of accused people. That is simply not true. There is a case for considering establishing some kind of special court, not for the reasons given on the other side of the House, but because people such as Marlo Hyland make careers out of intimidating witnesses. As a result, people are terrified to give evidence and understandably so. That is a matter to which consideration must be given.
In my opinion, the criminal fraternity — if one can call them that and a despicable group they are — have created many difficulties and much trouble for themselves. In Chicago — Dublin is becoming very reminiscent of that city — when the St. Valentine's Day massacre and similar events occurred, the attention of the media, the public and the US Government became focused on the criminals involved and they were pursued and eventually apprehended. When our current difficulties commenced and gangland criminals began being killed, certain people, including a number of Members, said that it served them right and that they should be allowed at each other. However, the problem is that civilians will get caught up in the crossfire. When one accepts that one person has a right to take another's life — regardless of who they are — one is getting into real trouble.
An innocent young man doing his job lost his life because he was caught in the crossfire. It was heartbreaking to listen to the comments of members of his family. What a Christmas present his death is for them. Another person was killed in an incident that occurred in the heart of the International Financial Services Centre, our international flagship in the financial services sector. This does nothing for our image abroad and the Government must take action in respect of this matter.
I agree with Senator O'Toole regarding the wonderful information provided by the library and research service of the Houses. I congratulate those who compiled this information, which is extremely helpful and highlights a number of matters to which consideration should be given. For example, the library and research service found it difficult to provide data on waiting lists because there has been a break in the collection of such data. We must ensure that this never happens again. Another matter is the worrying rise in sexually-transmitted infections. The incidence of anal and genital warts has increased by a factor of eight since 1989. In addition, since 1989, STIs such as genital chlamydia and non-specific urethritis have increased sixfold. We have ceased to talk about this in the House but we should.
We will not go through the list now.
I do not intend to but I have managed, through the Cathaoirleach's benevolence, to name the ones I wanted to mention.
I agree with the comments made about the unfortunate family in Limerick who had no connection whatever with crime. They are innocent but because they are seen as attracting unwelcome attention the community, instead of protecting them, appears to want to reject them. A total of 50 people signed that petition which was handed to the Minister for Defence, Deputy O'Dea whose secretary delivered it to the city council. Deputy Peter Power, a representative from Limerick, refused to answer whether he had handed on a similar one. I would like to know if he did, and if so whether he attached a health warning to it.
As people will be travelling by road in this season when the light is bad I wish to raise an issue with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. A man contacted me who must travel on a road where the hedgerow and trees extend over the road scratching the paintwork on his car and making it almost impossible to see. When he complained to Mayo County Council he received the following answer:
I have been given strict instructions this year to minimise the amount of work been done to trim hedges on these minor roads. Due to this budgetary constriction I cannot guarantee that your road will be trimmed this year as it has been several years since other minor roads have had their hedges trimmed.
How is that for safety in rural Ireland?
It is up to the farmer to trim the hedgerow.
We have discussed many times the direct link between the drugs trade and the availability of guns and ammunition. I called last night for the Army to consider how it could assist the Garda in dealing with what has become a crisis. I did so because I had been in Greek Street with the family of the young plumber who was shot on Tuesday. They were crying out for something drastic to be done. We must take a radical view of this situation. I call on the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to come into the House. The Labour Party's justice spokesperson said this morning that he would not rule out the possibility of Army involvement.
There have been over 25 people shot dead this year and over 60 murdered. Drugs are more freely available than ever before. Gangland crime is out of control. This is the legacy of this Government. When one considers the abuse and personal attacks that Nora Owen suffered as Minister for Justice I shudder to think what would happen if she presided over the present lawless situation. It is time for action rather than words from the Minister. I support calls for a debate on crime.
Will the Leader invite the Minister of Health and Children into the House for a debate on hepatitis C, as soon as possible in the new year? A group with an interest in combatting this serious condition addressed the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children this morning. Its presentation was very worrying, especially for young people. This condition has serious public health implications and the director of public health in the Health Service Executive should take it on board.
As Senator Jim Walsh and others said this morning, drastic situations demand drastic measures. It is time to take off the gloves in dealing with criminals. The Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform was right when he told the Judiciary that sentencing was something of a joke.
I too wish to contribute to the debate on crime and the breakdown of law and order which has reached frightening proportions. Already this week there have been two gangland atrocities. One must feel for the family of the young plumber who went out, got a trade, made a living, and was trying to earn a few extra euro for Christmas but unfortunately lost his life in this spate of gangland killings.
As Senator Cummins rightly points out one must recall 1996 when the Opposition spokesperson constantly castigated the then Minister for Justice, Nora Owen. He served for five years in that capacity and if he does the same for tourism figures as he has done for crime figures we will have a bumper season next year. It is disgraceful that the Government lectures us on the manner in which the debate should be conducted. It is critical that the Minister come in to the House and be held to account because he has not acted on this issue. In the past nine years crime and law and order have gone out of control, and that is not an understatement.
I support Senator Ó Murchú's comments on Limerick. After a recent visit by the Taoiseach an initiative was taken to deal with the situation in Moyross and that area. A distinguished former public servant has been given the challenge of overseeing the renewal of the area and to try to deal with the underlying social problems. There have been killings there too.
The national development plan will be published at the end of January. It is an important document which will be a blueprint for economic development and activity until 2016. We should have an opportunity to discuss this document, although that will not be possible before it is published. The views of Members of both Houses, who have considerable experience and expertise in matters of economic planning and development, should be built into the plan.
This should have been done before the document was published so that it will not be simply a publication drafted by civil servants with some Government involvement. We all have a contribution to make to its launch and as we could not do so before now we should have a chance to do that as soon as it is published. It might be possible to make some amendments in the light of what transpires at those discussions here and in the other House.
In respect of what Senator Brady, a Member on the Government side, calls a crisis in regard to crime it was revealed yesterday that a skeleton staff of only three were in the Garda drug squad because most of the squad's members were in court waiting to give evidence. The Minister has said that the sentences handed down by judges are a joke. This is more than a crisis, it is a lack of confidence in the ability of the Minister to do anything other than make a speech that is irrelevant to the crisis on hand. This raises serious questions about his commitment to solving the problem rather than to his satisfaction rating in the polls.
The Central Statistics Office has published a report entitled The Women and Men Study 2006 the findings of which are interesting if not very surprising. Once again, it highlights the fact that women lag behind their male counterparts in terms of their representation at regional and national level, namely, in county councils, the Dáil and Seanad, and generally in securing senior positions in the Civil Service, for example. The article throws light on other areas, for example, that women's pay is only two thirds of that of men and, although many women work as primary teachers, only 51% of them secure posts as school principals.
It would be interesting to debate this report in the new year in order to highlight the deficiencies in our system in terms of ensuring equality in all areas. There is a deficit in terms of the number of women breaking through the glass ceiling. We need to explore further how we can counteract this and encourage more women to enter politics and at least to get on an even footing with men in terms of securing senior positions in the Civil Service. I would appreciate if such a debate could be organised.
Like Senator Jim Walsh, I agree that the crime situation, about which we are all seriously concerned, should be neither overstated nor understated. The problem of shootings is concentrated mainly in a couple of cities. The Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell, attended the House twice yesterday. He is a vigorous Minister. He has my confidence and I suspect he has the confidence of a large majority of the public also. The idea that a shooting can be stopped by an act of ministerial or Taoiseach's will is not remotely correct.
For heaven's sake we were talking about accountability. Senator Mansergh knows that.
Come on.
Like Senator Jim Walsh, I believe the legislation that followed the Omagh bombing and the legislation to set up the Criminal Assets Bureau should be examined as possible models. That was introduced originally as a Fianna Fáil Private Members' Bill.
As a result only of the lobbying of Deputy Gregory.
The problem in 1996 up until the unfortunate and——
We can thank Deputy Gregory for that. It was not Senator Mansergh's lot.
——tragic murder of Veronica Guerin was that the Labour Party was undermining the efforts——
What?
That is outrageous.
——of the then Minister, Nora Owen. Her budget was cut——
That is outrageous. The Labour Party was not undermining anybody. Somebody had to stand up for human rights and the Constitution.
Senator Mansergh should tell the truth.
Order, please.
I welcome the Government decision to appoint nine extra judges, two to the High Court, two to the Circuit Court, and five to the District Court. Will the Leader indicate when the necessary legislation will come before the House, as nothing will happen to speed up the processes, reduce the lists and ensure justice is not denied, as was referred to in the House yesterday? How quickly can the Bill come to the House?
Senator Daly referred to the initiative to combat crime in Limerick. That initiative would need to be repeated in many areas throughout the country. Unfortunately, there are many estates, some of them in suburbs of the city of Dublin, that are practically no-go areas. I would like action in this regard. Practical measures will have to be adopted. I do not want to get into an argument about the Army and the Garda but the Army is an aid to the civil power. Given the current serious state of affairs, as Senator Brady stated, perhaps we have to think more radically.
Can the Leader clarify when the House will debate the Competition Authority report on the legal profession?
Will the Leader provide clarification on charges for long-term psychiatric patients in residential units? As far as I am aware, some patients have been notified that they have to make payments dating back to July 2005. The Leader need not necessarily reply today.
Many young men and women operate at the coalface of the fight against crime, and are engaged in taking on the crimelords. It is important we are conscious of the fact that if we do not properly resource the Garda, we will have a different type of debate to the one we are having today, in that we will be discussing lives lost in the force. It is a pure and utter miracle that gardaí have not lost their lives yet and it is important to prevent this from happening.
I call on the Leader to invite the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to the House in the new year to discuss a review of the gun amnesty which was a complete and absolute failure. We have seen the results of it this week in numerous shootings.
We can ask people to leave them in churches.
Sorry.
Senator Browne should be allowed to speak without interruption.
Would a church collection be better?
Senator Mansergh should please allow Senator Browne to speak without interruption.
In fairness, Senator Jim Walsh cannot afford to be smug on this issue. I draw his attention to the fact that a similar scheme in Sweden resulted in 17,000 guns being handed up while we got only 300, most of which were relics. Numerous shootings occurred this week and whatever about the high level of crime, if criminals have guns, fatalities will occur. This has been proven recently, both in Kilkenny and in Dublin. The Government cannot afford to be smug on this issue.
I agree with Senator Terry on the need for a debate on gender equality and equal pay. I am not in favour of gender quotas, as is the case in some countries, because they are the worst form of sexual discrimination. When I was abroad last week I was asked why there are so few women in Irish politics. That is a difficult question to answer. All Members have encouraged people of both sexes and all ages to enter politics. It is difficult to convince people to become involved. It would be worthwhile to have a debate to see how we can encourage more people into politics and other professions.
Senator Finucane, in his capacity as acting Leader of the Opposition, raised the issue of gangland killings, as he has done forcibly on many other occasions. He called it a national emergency. There is a clear definition in the Constitution of what constitutes a national emergency. He said no gangland killer has been convicted and if an individual is killed, the vacuum is immediately filled. New people emerge following a spate of killings. He wants the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to pull all the pieces together, be it legislation, resources, rhetoric and whatever else, and to submit a composite package.
Senator O'Toole called for a debate on mandatory sentencing. This is a theme to which he constantly refers. He stated the Judiciary can draw inferences from the use of the right to silence etc. It would be useful to debate this topic.
Senator O'Toole also drew attention to the information received by all Members from the library and research service. I have just skimmed it but it appears to be a most worthwhile publication. I thank the service for producing this unbiased document. If we could get more of them we would have much information at our fingertips which is often difficult to source.
Senator O'Meara expressed the opinion that the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform was ineffective in dealing with murderous crime. I think he is an effective Minister. Members should not all jump up shouting and try to beat me up. I mean that metaphorically speaking.
I would never do that.
We will smile lovingly at the Leader.
We will leave that to Deputy Cassidy.
I believe Deputy McDowell is an effective Minister. It is unfortunate we are living in dreadful times. Previous Ministers served during murderous times also.
Senator Ó Murchú spoke about the little girl whom he said was the star of the "Late Late Toy Show". I am sure Pat Kenny thinks he is the star of everything.
We cannot discuss Pat Kenny now.
I apologise, I do not mean that. Senator Ó Murchú is correct, she was the star of the show.
What about Senator Ross, surely he is a star.
He was not on the "Late Late Toy Show".
He should have been on it.
What an extraordinary omission.
I did not see him though perhaps he was in disguise.
Order, please.
Some 50% of the residents in the estate in which the family is to be rehoused have objected to their being housed there. I support Senator Ó Murchú's request that they open their hearts and minds to this family.
Senator Bannon raised the issue of post offices. Sadly, some 4,000 post offices in the UK, funded by Government to the tune of £150 million last year and requiring a further £300 million this year to remain open, are to close as they are losing money. Thousands of people will gather at Westminster today in protest. It has been suggested that the Internet has ruined things for post offices because people can now do much of their business via the Internet from their homes. What is an advantage to some, is a disadvantage to many others. I know the matter is one of serious concern for Senator Bannon.
Senator Bannon also spoke of the fear of God in everyone as a result of lawlessness. This type of activity is confined to particular areas. Expecting that any Minister could ride out and, by one edict, stop all such crime would be incorrect. Senator Jim Walsh noted that in many debates in the Seanad, and other forums, the libertarian views receive prominence. It is important we keep that aspect in mind. Senator Norris suggested there may be a need to establish a special court. He also said he had heard people say, in regard to the criminals shot at and taken out, that "it serves them right". That is not right, no one has the right to take life. Senator Norris also praised the availability of research material, in particular the facts on sexually transmitted diseases. He then referred to the family in Limerick and to the fact that hedges along minor roads are not being trimmed. I suggest that the farmer or landowner should trim the hedges himself or herself, as is the case in Westmeath. That is what he or she is expected to do.
They are obliged to do it.
There is a series of landowners involved.
A letter is issued by the local authority in March setting out the dates on which this can be done in order not to disturb nesting birds. I have often noticed how well maintained the hedges are on some minor rural roads. The Senator might advise his constituent accordingly.
I very much doubt he would be satisfied with that rejoinder. It is the responsibility of the local authority and it is abrogating that responsibility.
I am only stating the position for the Senator. The man should get out his clippers.
That is one vote less for Fianna Fáil in Mayo.
I ask the Leader to reply to the Order of Business and to refrain from advising Senators as to what they should do with their constituents.
I enjoyed listening to Senator Cyprian Brady's clear and logical interview on "Morning Ireland" this morning. What he said was not decried in the response from the Labour Party spokesperson. Senator Brady correctly stated that the Army is an aid to the civil power. Senator Cummins spoke of gangland crime, drugs and so on. One often wonders following an event what led the particular man or woman to become involved in that type of gangland lifestyle. I believe they get involved early in their lives.
Senator Glynn asked that we invite the Minister for Health and Children to this House for a debate on hepatitis C. He also referred to the words of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell to the Judiciary, an issue which we also need to discuss. Senator Daly spoke of the Moyross initiative. I hope Mr. Fitzgerald's appointment will have good effect. Senator Ulick Burke spoke of the availability of only three gardaí in the drugs unit because all of the others were in court waiting to give evidence. He also stated there is a lack of confidence in the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell. I have encountered the opposite, namely, there is a belief in his prowess and in what he can do. There is no doubt we are living in dreadful times. However, the Minister inspires confidence in many people.
I have read the report to which Senator Terry referred. I spoke on it on "Newstalk". It deals with issues such as why women are not getting involved in politics and why 83% of our teachers are females, 48% of whom are principals. Two fine women parliamentarians will throw in the towel come May or June 2007, namely, former Minister for Education and Science, Deputy de Valera and Deputy Mildred Fox. Deputy Fox who is a young woman from a rural area has stated she can manage her commitments to the Dáil but that she has no time with her children when she goes home because she has to attend protest meetings about masts, farming, roads and so on. Deputy de Valera wants to pursue her studies further. I cannot understand why the feminist groups did not comment on the decision of these two women to opt out of public life, which will be all the worse for their leaving. I believe Deputy de Valera brought great status to public life. Also, Deputy Fox is wonderful evidence of a young woman, living and rearing her family in rural Ireland. Issues such as nurturing arise. While some men make great fathers it is, ultimately, the woman who bears and rears the children. Even the best of child care does not ease a woman's pang at having to be away from her child at certain times.
Senator Mansergh said he believed the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform had the confidence of the people and political system. I will not comment on what else he said as it could lead to another row, although I recall quite clearly that to which he referred. Senator Coghlan asked about proposed legislation on new judges and said we need many more initiatives like the Moyross initiative. He also asked me yesterday about audits. There is no legislation promised. However, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Roche, is to establish a local authority watchdog committee on finances and is encouraging all county councils to do likewise.
I understood legislation was promised.
Not as yet. I discussed the issue with the Minister yesterday. I would like to speak later with Senator McHugh as I did not understand the point he made earlier. The issue could, perhaps, be discussed with the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Tim O'Malley when he comes to the Seanad after the Christmas recess. Senator McHugh also said he worries about the gardaí. He is right, they are extremely brave people given the times in which we live.
Senator Browne asked about the gun amnesty. He stated some 17,000 guns were surrendered in the amnesty in Sweden. It must be a lawless country if it had that many guns knocking around. I understand Fine Gael wants them in churches.
We want them placed in sealed containers outside churches and youth centres.