The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on the Government's Irish Aid strategy, to be taken at the conclusion of the Order of Business, with the contributions of spokespersons not to exceed 15 minutes, those of all other Senators not to exceed ten minutes and on which Senators may share time with the agreement of the House.
Order of Business.
Last week Senators across the House were very keen for the Minister for Health and Children to address the Seanad and discuss the crisis in breast cancer care services and the fact that women had been misdiagnosed. I am disappointed the Minister was not in the Seanad last week and apparently will not be in the House this week either. Will the Leader comment on that and let the House know precisely what is happening as regards her coming to the Seanad?
Hear, hear.
There are two more very disturbing reports today, which make it even more urgent that she attend the House. It is shocking that somebody had enough energy to make some calls to RTE, which led to Professor Crown——
There is no truth in that. It is merely an allegation.
Somebody had the energy to make calls, which mysteriously led to Professor Crown not being on the panel.
(Interruptions).
It is a case for Inspector Morse. Call on Inspector Morse.
The highest man in RTE has said there is no case.
Senator Fitzgerald, without interruption, please.
It seems nobody in our health service has the management expertise, the commitment or whatever needed to ensure our hospitals are able to meet hygiene standards. I want to quote from the report released today to the effect that not one of our country's 51 hospitals has been found to have very good hygiene standards, according to a new hygiene audit.
We have had ten years of the Celtic tiger and management of the health service by a Fianna Fáil-led Government. The first independent national hygiene audit, published today, says that not one of the country's 51 public hospitals has been found to have very good hygiene standards. It goes on to make recommendations that there should be a national set of indicators for monitoring hygiene, infection control and performance. It is about time because many people have had parents in hospitals where they have contracted MRSA and some have died as a result. Last week we heard about dirt on a machine in Portlaoise.
This is a very disturbing report. It is compounded by a second report on an international study of mortality from breast cancer. This says Ireland has one of the highest rates for breast cancer in the western world. We certainly need the Minister to attend the Seanad and it was a cross-party wish last week that she should be in the House to discuss the serious issues raised which have been added to by this week's two reports.
Will the Leader request the Minister for Health and Children to come to the House because the Seanad should be in a position to raise these matters with her, ask questions about the role of the Department of Health and Children and the Health Service Executive, and hear who will be accountable for the types of reports we are seeing today?
I support very strongly what my colleague, Senator Fitzgerald, has just said. A strong request was made last week on this crucial issue. This is the type of issue that loses relevancy for the Seanad. Everyone is discussing it on radio talk shows, in the newspapers, in the pubs, etc. The Seanad should deal with it as well. I am disappointed that it is not in prospect at the moment and I ask the Leader to look at this.
I wish to raise the hygiene issue. I would like to see a debate on that. I have a very different view on this matter than that of the Opposition in general. I am too long in the House to get sucked into blaming Ministers for everything that goes wrong and do not want to call for the resignation of a Minister or chief executive because staff cannot keep their hospitals clean. We should be clear that there are different levels of accountability and responsibility. Over the weekend, in the belief that we would be discussing the health service this week, I re-examined the Health Act 2004. I would recommend to Members to read what we all supported when it was enacted. I object to one line in the Act pertaining to the appointment of a chief executive: "In carrying out duties under this section, the chief executive officer shall not question or express an opinion on the merits of any policy of the Government or a Minister . . ."
Hear, hear.
For ten years, I have been saying the inclusion of this line in legislation is a disgrace. There is no point in politicians from either side of the House criticising a chief executive who does the Minister's bidding if that chief executive is not allowed to contradict the Minister. The role of the chief executive is outlined in the Act and we therefore require clear thinking. Where there is a requirement to be responsible, let us demand that it is met, and where there is a requirement for accountability, let us demand it. Where hospitals are not being kept clean and where consultants are using dirty equipment and appeasing their consciences by writing a letter to the chief executive, I would expect a bit more. Let us have accountability at every level in the hospitals. It is crucial that we debate this and I ask the Leader to find a way in which to do so this week.
The Government has indicated it intends to publish two important employment Bills in the coming weeks or months. Will the Leader indicate to this House the likely dates of publication of the Employment Law Compliance Bill 2007 and the Employment Agencies Regulation Bill 2007. There is consensus in the wider debate on immigration that it is vital that employees who come to this country not be exploited and have the same standards applied to them as are applied to Irish employees. There is no better way of allaying fears over Irish workers being undercut by foreign workers, as is often alleged to occur, than to have properly enforced legislation in place to ensure those who come to Ireland have proper terms and conditions of employment.
I have referred previously to the Agency Workers Bill, which is proposed to be introduced soon. If it and the relevant EU directive, which has not been supported by Ireland to date, were implemented, they would ensure that workers brought to Ireland by agencies would be employed by employers rather than those agencies. We have a proper licensing system for employment agencies and there are many very professional and solid agencies with a respectable and reputable background, but there are others that are not so respectable and reputable and therefore need to be dealt with in legislation.
Will the Leader invite the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment or, perhaps more appropriately, the Minister of State with special responsibility for labour affairs, to the House to explain why Ireland, along with just two other EU countries, has no legislation to provide for the equal treatment of agency workers? Why have we blocked the draft EU directive to ensure the issue will be addressed? Will the Minister explain the lamentable attitude of the Government to this directive?
I am concerned about the proposed Aer Lingus strike next Tuesday and Friday, which will upset the travelling public greatly. It is regrettable that I cannot even ask the Leader to invite the Minister for Transport to the House because the latter is no longer accountable for Aer Lingus as it is a private company. All I can do is appeal to both sides, particularly SIPTU, to enter negotiations to agree on outstanding issues. The Labour Relations Commission should become involved as a matter of urgency. The Aer Lingus workers have shares in the company amounting to approximately 15% and they are only killing the golden goose in this regard. I ask the Labour Party, which was funded by SIPTU during the general election campaign and whose Senators and Deputies get a nice contribution from that union during election time, which I, as a Member——
From where does Senator Leyden's party get its funding?
The question of where they get their funding is not relevant to the Order of Business.
I appreciate that.
Will the Senator tell the House from where he gets funding?
As a paid-up member of SIPTU, I do not receive any grant from that organisation to contest elections.
From where does the Senator get funding?
I got no funding whatever——
From anybody at all? Pull the other one.
I was affected by the strike last August. It is very difficult to make alternative arrangements for those members of the travelling public. What confidence can the public have in Aer Lingus if strikes are being threatened every few weeks? One will go elsewhere to obtain travel.
The point has been made. I call Senator Coghlan.
Which Government privatised Aer Lingus?
You were there.
A Senator
So was Senator Leyden
Senator Coghlan, without interruption.
We all agree that self-regulation is not a good thing and is a natural recipe for conflicts of interest. While the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal is not wholly an example of self-regulation, it is perceived as such to a large extent because of its membership. We now know that public trust in the legal profession is at an all-time low for perhaps understandable reasons, even if it is only caused by a few bad apples. Among other things, undertakings have not been put in place and have been dishonoured. Has the Government proposals for an independent regulatory authority? I look forward to the Leader's comments on that.
In respect of the Gaelic Players Association and the totally unnecessary delay, we are all well aware that the funding of €5 million is available. When will common sense be allowed to prevail?
Senators
Hear, hear.
Can the Leader kick it into play and give Members an update? Who is the nigger in the woodpile? What is wrong?
Senator Coghlan is not allowed to use that word anymore.
I apologise.
As it is national science week, I welcome the moneys announced today for universities and enterprise and the link between the two because it is very important for us to continue to be innovative in respect to how we sell ourselves.
I also extend good wishes to Sophie Cashell from Balbriggan, who is a finalist in the Classical Star competition on BBC2.
We are on the Order of Business. That item is not relevant.
I will move on to the question if the Cathaoirleach will allow me. Will the Leader to raise with the Minister for Education and Science and the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the current situation in respect of the academy of music which was to have been established in Ireland so that people such as Sophie Cashell would not have to leave at the age of 13 to pursue their professional musician qualifications in London?
As a result of an Oireachtas committee report on music and young people, we received €100,000 in funding two years in a row for a music project in Donegal. Will the Leader ask the Minister for Education and Science whether this pilot project can be rolled out throughout the country because it has been recognised as very useful in Donegal and in two other projects?
Will the Leader ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs to come to the House to discuss the current status of the peace process, given recent deaths, attacks on the PSNI and hoax bombs, and to give Members the chance to say that we do not want to see any return to where we were? I request the indulgence of the Chair to pass my sympathies on to the family involved, Monsignor Donnelly and the people of Omagh on the most awful tragedy that happened today, namely, the death of that family in a fire today.
Senators
Hear, hear.
I must raise a serious issue which affects the women of Longford-Westmeath, namely, the closure of the breast cancer unit at the Midland Regional Hospital in Mullingar. This is the most scandalous thing to have happened to our area in a long time. I am in favour of centres of excellence but am not in favour of 630 women being disenfranchised, which is what is happening.
I have a statement from the Health Service Executive which says that local arrangements will be put in place to transport people to the proposed new centre of excellence at the Mater Hospital. There is no mention of anything new in this report beyond the existing service. There are no extra resources for the people of Longford-Westmeath to attend the Mater Hospital. I am angry on behalf of these women. A statement from the Minister through the HSE suggests no new patients will be seen at this hospital. That is an outrage. What will Fianna Fáil do about it? The Minister promised there would be no cutbacks and there is a freeze on employment in Mullingar Hospital. Phase 2B has stood idle for 12 years despite pre-election promises that it would be opened after the election. This will be the downfall of Mullingar Hospital, the slippery slope at the end of which the facility will be closed. I know that is alarmist but I seek commitments from the Minister and a debate on transport and resources for care for these women in the Mater Hospital, which is already full to capacity.
I call for a debate on the excellent report of Dr. Carol Coulter on the family law reporting pilot project and reform of the family law courts. The backlog of cases in the District Court and Circuit Court is a result of the family law setup in Ireland. It is crying out for reform. Offenders are re-offending by the time their initial cases are heard and we must take family law out of the District Court. We should set up a separate facility for family law. The current situation causes domestic violence because there is no closure when it takes three or four years for a case to be heard. I call for portions of the report to be implemented.
The Pere Charles and the Maggie B were raised last week, almost a year after tragedy befell the families of the victims. It is not good enough that there was a delay of one year. Marine life would have damaged any evidence on the seabed in that time. Ireland needs a rapid response unit, especially for counties based on the seafront such as Wexford. It is not fair that families must hope that something will be found when, realistically, it will not be. I call for a debate on this and may raise it on the Adjournment.
I ask the Leader to contact the Ministers for Social and Family Affairs and Finance and arrange a debate on the following matter. Some 40,000 people receive non-contributory pensions in Ireland, under a means tested process. Up to 30,000 of these are women who were forced out of the workplace because of the marriage ban. For reasons outside their control they do not have enough credits to receive the contributory pension. Many of those concerned are small farmers who would not show up on a means test as ineligible.
The cost of administering the means test is greater than or equal to any saving. The bulk of people are eligible for the non-contributory pension and much more. There is a process of inspection and supervision, with a battery of inspectors, for the sake of catching a few people who are marginally above the limit. This costs the State a colossal amount of money, more than is saved. I would like to know that figure and whether a net saving is made. I suspect the contrary is the case.
It is unfair on those who, through no fault of their own, do not have sufficient PRSI contributions or could not afford PRSI contributions. Most people have either private or PRSI pensions. The numbers at issue are, therefore, quite small. There is a need for immediate reform in this area. Instigating that reform is one way the Oireachtas could show that it is compassionate and relevant. The situation is bizarre.
Will the Leader make time available for a debate on the fishing industry? I make this request because in recent days the EU sanctioned a €60 million package for the decommissioning of vessels, particularly those of the white fish fleet. In the coming weeks, the EU will also be deciding quotas in respect of various species of fish. The fishing industry has reached a watershed. The fishermen with whom I am familiar would prefer not to decommission their boats or receive compensation. There is a lack of faith and confidence among members of the industry.
Perhaps before the Christmas recess we might debate the fishing industry. Such a debate could be addressed by the Minister of State with responsibility for fisheries or the Minister for Transport, who has responsibility for the marine. I am delighted responsibility for the marine has been transferred because it was not appropriate that it was previously included with communications and natural resources. I accept that fishing is a minority industry and that not many people in the House have an interest in it. However, it is important to the people I represent and to the nation going forward.
Some 60,000 people in Dublin left their homes to catch buses this morning. While these individuals may be used to buses running late, for many of them there were no bus services at all today. The Government and the Department of Transport should be intervening in this matter much more actively than currently appears to be the case. Many discussions relating to transport refer to bodies over which, unfortunately, we do not have any control. I refer, for example — as did a previous speaker — to Aer Lingus.
The position relating to Dublin Bus is somewhat unique. Each year the Department of Transport pays the company a subvention allowance in respect of the number of passengers it carries. This allows the Department to make a contribution to the costs of the company, which gives it direct influence on the latter's operational and other decisions. We should be dealing with this matter in a much more urgent fashion than at present. Three things should happen.
Is the Senator seeking a debate?
I am seeking a debate and requesting a response from the Minister on three matters. First, why are those bus lanes that are unoccupied at present not being opened up for use to other buses and cars? Second, if the affected routes are not going to be used by Dublin Bus, tenders should be invited from other operators in respect of their use in order that we might ensure passengers on the northside of Dublin are not held hostage as a result of the company's inability to make two routes work. Third, I can think of few other issues that illustrate the need for a strong and powerful Dublin transport authority to be put in place. Such an authority would be in a position to intervene quickly in matters of this nature and to encourage other agencies and bodies to do so as well. As a result, we might avoid situations where 60,000 people are obliged to stand at bus stops and wait while nothing turns up.
A great deal is said, and rightly so, about the importance of education and of investment therein, particularly in the context of the future of the economy and the well-being of citizens. People will, therefore, welcome the emergence of the new post-primary education forum, part of the brief of which is to lobby for increased funding for second level education. I am seeking a debate on this matter because second level education is underfunded. Only four other OECD countries have higher pupil-teacher ratios than Ireland. According to the post-primary education forum, the average school with 500 pupils has nine fewer teachers than its counterparts in other European countries.
This should not continue and it should be dealt with on the floor of the House. Not only is there a need for equalisation of funding between second level education and other sectors, there is also a need for equalisation for funding within the second level sector between voluntary secondary schools which are underfunded in terms of capitation and other voluntary and community schools. It is interesting to note that ten years ago the Government stated funding mechanisms would be developed to ensure all non-fee-paying second level schools would be funded on an equitable and transparent basis and this remains to happen.
The Senator seeks a debate on education.
And funding thereof.
I join with the leader of my party in the House, Senator Fitzgerald, in calling on the Minister for Health and Children to come to the House. I am disappointed the Minister will not be here this week. Last week, we were assured she would be here. We also discussed Seanad reform last week. Surely the relevance of this House should be to debate current affairs such as the health crisis of last week.
I call for a debate on the independence of RTE. I welcome the new-found interest of RTE and "The Late Late Show" in balance in its programming. It is a pity "The Late Late Show" did not have balance prior to the general election.
Does the Senator seek a debate?
Senator Buttimer's party did not win it.
We heard a great rant from a panel prior to the election which was left go unchecked as Senator Feeney knows well.
We will get Senator Buttimer tickets.
It was the contract which let down Senator Buttimer.
We know who here was rewarded for being on "The Late Late Show" prior to the election.
Senator Buttimer's party signed the contract and that is where it fell down.
It is a fact that we had no balance on "The Late Late Show" prior to the election and we saw what happened afterwards. We do not need Einstein to tell us.
Senator Buttimer is sitting in on a Friday watching "The Late Late Show".
I call for a debate on the serious matter of the impending GPA strike. Will the Leader allow Fianna Fáil, the party which claims to be the party of all things in this country, to allow the most important element of our culture go on strike?
He is not on strike. James Joyce is still active.
Does Senator Buttimer seek a debate on this matter?
The Ministers for Finance and Arts, Sports and Tourism have allocated moneys to the GAA which they know cannot distribute the funds because of the rules of the organisation. Will the Leader invite the Ministers for Arts, Sports and Tourism and Finance to the House to have a debate so we can avert this impending crisis which is not of the players' making?
I support Senator Fitzgerald in her call for a debate on the health service and for the Minister for Health and Children to come to the House. She took on a difficult position but serious questions have been raised. We should also debate the matter of balance on "The Late Late Show". If we allow this situation to continue we will allow censorship by default. If the Government refuses to produce spokespersons the debate can be seriously vitiated in the alleged interest of balance. Two empty chairs should have been labelled "Minister for Health and Children" and "Chief Executive of the HSE" and people should have been let make up their own minds.
I was extremely concerned at the comments of the Taoiseach in the Dáil when he referred to Mr. John Crown and the dossier he had. Are there dossiers on all of us in public life? I do not like the idea of being watched by "Big Bertie". It is not appropriate. If we seek talent we should bring people like John Crown on board to help us and not subject him to this.
Senators
Hear, hear.
On numerous occasions, I raised the question of hygiene, particularly in accident and emergency units where approximately 75% of cases over a weekend are caused by alcohol and people behave in an extremely unhygenic fashion. I ask the Minister for Health and Children come to the House to discuss the following ideological element. As a result of the notion of competition and capitalism in action we do not have an efficient cleaning service but a specified number of hours of cleaning provided per week. When the 100 hours are completed the staff pack up their mops and leave, regardless of whether the place is clean. These are the issues we need to address.
I also seek a debate on the Shell oil company and the Corrib gas field in light of the granting of a licence for the development at Bellanaboy. On Saturday I attended an anniversary commemoration of the judicial murder by Nigerian authorities of Ken Saro-Wiwa, in which Shell was at least marginally implicated. It is clear his brother entered into negotiations with senior executives of the company who indicated that if the campaign for the Ogoni people was called off, they would intervene to save his life. I wonder if that is acceptable. A film screened at the commemoration showed the way in which oil pipelines were driven through the native people's land, polluting and destroying it. The organs of the state were used to force that through.
Senator Norris is looking to the Leader for a debate. We can have that debate on another occasion.
I am precisely seeking a debate. I have the greatest of respect for the Garda, members of whom were at our demonstration and were as helpful, courteous and polite as they usually are. However, it is not appropriate they should be used in the west as the shock troops of a discredited multinational combine and it is not fair on them because it places them in an invidious position.
I hope I am not being parochial when I call for a debate on the transport system and, in particular, a small but important element of it. Dublin City Council has apparently decided to turn Mountjoy Square, one of our finest 18th century squares, into a car park for private commercial bus companies. Irrespective of the fact that a nursery school and a playground are located there and even leaving aside the architectural significance of the place, it is a danger to children. We ought, as responsible representatives, to investigate the matter.
I support the call for a debate on cancer services. I commend Senator O'Toole, who is a rock of good sense.
I thank the Senator. She is a great judge.
God knows they are few and far between in this House. Every time I picked up a newspaper or listened to a news bulletin, the only two men at large were the Fine Gael spokesperson on health, Deputy O'Reilly——
He is very good.
——and Dr. John Crown.
Two rocks of common sense.
I do not want the Senator to name anybody who is not here to defend him or herself.
Both men received extensive coverage over the non-issue of who should be on "The Late Late Show."
The Senator is being defensive.
That was not the issue.
The highest levels in RTE have said it was not an issue.
What about the adviser?
It was done because of balance.
The Senator has sought a debate.
If the main Opposition party listened to what is being said, we would be better off. I ask that the two men move off the stage so that attention can be brought back to cancer services.
That was what Dr. Crown was doing.
This is the third or fourth consecutive week in which I have sought a debate on tourism. I wonder if the Leader can provide an update on the matter in light of the decline in British tourist numbers, the scandalous decision to deregulate self-catering accommodation, which will affect regional tourism, and issues of access. This House has debated the decision made by Aer Lingus and the impact it will have on tourism. I ask the Leader to arrange a debate before the budget is announced because the contribution made by tourism to this country's economic wealth is often underestimated.
As a member of the Gaelic Players Association and having attended the awards, I concur with Senators Coghlan and Buttimer regarding the potential GPA strike. The possibility of action is very real, although the players do not want to strike. This issue has been raised previously and the possibility was suggested of a cross-party meeting, which I would welcome. I understand from the GPA executive, with which I am in regular contact, that it is available to meet us. The Cathaoirleach has been asked to arrange that. We should decide on that later today and we can get in contact with it.
I understand this is a very simple issue to solve. There seems to be a blockage somewhere and we need to get to the root of it. The issue will affect our national games and if it is allowed to go on for much longer, the contribution of the GAA and the players, in particular, who deserve something, will be affected as will the cultural contribution the GAA makes. This should be dealt with as a matter of urgency.
It was suggested in the House of Commons yesterday that up to 20 republicans were involved in the killing of a young man, Paul Quinn, in Northern Ireland. It was also suggested that ten men in overalls and surgical gloves beat the young man to death and that the community was told not to give any information to the forces of law and order in the Republic and Northern Ireland. There have been similar killings, such as the Robert McCartney and Joe Rafferty ones, which have not been solved and, therefore, the murderers have not been brought to justice. It is time the republican movement decided whether it is supportive of the PSNI and Garda Síochána. Action would be better than some of the words we have heard uttered over the past couple of weeks.
It is also very serious that so-called dissident republicans are shooting off-duty members of the PSNI in Derry and Newry. It is probably time we had a debate on the situation in Northern Ireland. Let us hope the gun will be totally taken out of politics in Ireland. I welcome the declaration of a ceasefire by the UDA. Let us hope we can truly see peace and not have these hooligans killing people and attempting to kill members of the forces of law and order on this island.
Senator Keaveney mentioned the tragedy in Omagh. I express my sympathy to the relatives, neighbours and friends of the family who were victims of the fire this morning. I join with colleagues who have expressed concern about the possibility of a strike by the GPA. I urge the Government and the Ministers for Finance and Arts, Sport and Tourism to intervene. It seems like a problem which could easily be resolved. I am not a member of the GPA. Unlike Senators Leyden and Kelly, I am not much of a union man by tradition but I still play a bit of——
I did not say I was not.
——junior B hurling if one could count that——-
I am a member of a union.
I know. I said "unlike" Senator Leyden.
I am a union supporter.
Senator John Paul Phelan without interruption.
I said the Senator was. He should listen. The proposed strike could be averted if a concerted effort was made by all concerned and I hope it is made as soon as possible.
I agree with previous speakers who called for a debate on health. Two reports were published today, including the OECD report on standards of health care and different health problems across 30 countries, including Ireland. It showed that Ireland has the third highest level of deaths from breast cancer in the 30 countries surveyed. It also showed that Ireland had a 6% or 7% higher rate of prostate cancer than the OECD average. It strikes me as strange at a time when such reports are being published that we are talking about closing services in Mullingar, which is only the tip of the iceberg in that cancer services in a number of other hospitals are due to close, including in my local hospital, St. Luke's in Kilkenny. We should have a debate on this issue.
The idea of centres of excellence is correct but Senator McFadden is right in that no centre of excellence is proposed for a whole region of the country, namely, the midlands. Significant worry is being caused by that.
I also call for a debate on the interesting report published today by the Health Information and Quality Authority, which was established recently. The document highlights the level of dirtiness in public hospitals. This issue is surely at the kernel of the health service. If we cannot have clean hospitals, what are we at? I asked a number of weeks ago about the Health Service Executive and the Department of Health and Children. I do not know who is running the shop as things stand.
Is the Senator seeking a debate on health?
What role does the Department have in the provision of health services as distinct from the functions of the HSE? We should have an urgent debate. It is unsatisfactory and unacceptable that just seven hospitals were found to have an adequate level of cleanliness. I agree with Senator Norris's remarks on contract cleaning practices.
The Senator can discuss that matter during the health debate.
This is an area in which we should not penny-pinch. We should have a debate as soon as possible.
It is wholly inappropriate that the fact that managers of city and county councils are writing to Members of the Oireachtas around this time to invite us to Christmas briefings is being used as a pathetic excuse for the lack of regular meetings with those of us who were disenfranchised by the abolition of the dual mandate under which we could serve on local authorities. I reiterate the call I have made previously in the House for a debate on local government reform. I would like the Leader to arrange for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Gormley, to come to the Seanad to debate local government, its reform and the issues relating to the role of Members of the Oireachtas which are not being adequately dealt with by local authorities. We are at a disadvantage because the system as it is operated by county and city managers disconnects us from local authorities and impedes our ability to perform our functions as public representatives.
I support Senator O'Donovan's call for a debate on fisheries. I suggest that the debate should be broadened to cover all aspects of marine affairs. The need for the Government to create a single marine Ministry covering all areas of this sector, including inshore fisheries and marine science, should be at the fore of any such debate. It is not helpful in a political sense that four or five Departments deal with various aspects of the marine industry.
I wish to respond to the comments of Senators Fitzgerald and McFadden about the centres of excellence. I do not think it is good enough that the centres of excellence are not yet up and running at a time when the level of service is being downgraded.
That is the problem.
It is as simple as that.
That is the basic point.
Nobody disagrees in principle with the establishment of centres of excellence, but it is unacceptable to begin to slash the existing services before those centres are brought into existence.
I welcome last Sunday's announcement by the Ulster Defence Association that it intends to end its campaign of violence. We were all delighted and heartened to hear that the members of the UDA have been ordered to bring an end to their violent acts. I am sure every Member of the House will welcome this significant UDA statement which I hope signals a further step towards the ending of paramilitarism in Northern Ireland. It is important that the Seanad welcomes this announcement. We should remember the victims and survivors of the violence of the UDA over more than 30 years, just as we remember those who suffered as a result of paramilitarism and violence from every source. It is my enduring hope that the days of violence are gone and that we have brought such days to an end forever.
Hear, hear.
On the Order of Business, I am pleased to inform the House that the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, will come to the Seanad next Tuesday to contribute to our open-ended debate on breast cancer services. I hope all other health matters can be discussed on that day. I propose that we have an open-ended all-day discussion, with time limits on Senators who wish to speak. Every Member who wishes to participate and contribute will be able to do so next Tuesday. The Deputy Leader endeavoured last week to hold the debate this week, but the constraints of the Minister's diary meant it was not possible. The Minister, Deputy Harney, has been to this Seanad twice in this session. When she gave Senators a lengthy update on various sectors of the health service, she was complimented by many Members.
This is a difficult time for the Minister, as she tries to tackle these problems, which are not caused by money and which we have spent years trying to solve. I would love to hear statements from all political parties. I can remember all political parties who participated in Government over the years saying, "Yes, the people need it, we would love to do it but we have no money". The Government is giving the HSE almost €15 billion but now the recipe is wrong.
The country is suffering without the contribution of the hard-working nuns of Ireland who managed our hospitals so thoroughly and so well over the years.
Senators
Hear, hear.
I speak as one who comes from the Mullingar electoral area. I would like to think I have represented the people of Mullingar with distinction in Dáil Éireann for the past five years and in this House for 20 years——
(Interruptions).
If I want a squeak, I know where to call.
This is a serious matter. Senator McFadden is a dear colleague of mine and we represent the people of County Westmeath to the best of our ability in this House on a cross-party basis when it comes to an issue such as this. A total of 630 women will have to travel to Dublin to be tested. An excellent service was provided in Mullingar by Dr. McGill and his staff. Thankfully, only 26 of those ladies needed treatment last year but 630 people must now travel the distance to Dublin. Those of us in County Westmeath will have questions for the Minister when she comes to the House next week. Mullingar hospital is the hospital for Longford-Westmeath and it is the number one hospital in Ireland for value-for-money and the most efficient hospital in Ireland. Where does the Mater Hospital come in such a pecking order? Mullingar hospital is the number two hospital in Ireland for hygiene standards. The administrator in Mullingar hospital must be congratulated. This is an incredible success story. Why are the administrators from neighbouring hospitals coming to Mullingar to see how it is being done?
I compliment the Minister, Deputy Harney, for whom I have the highest regard——
Who is in Government?
The Senator is not in the county council now.
The Leader of the House is in Government; he cannot abdicate responsibility.
The Leader to reply without interruption otherwise I will ask people to leave the House.
The Leader of the House is part of the Government.
I will endeavour to respond to this very serious matter that has been raised today and which concerns women. I have full confidence in everything the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Mary Harney is doing. However, she stated in this House, if I recall correctly, that the hospitals which provided value-for-money and did their best to achieve good hygiene standards, would be provided with additional services. Mullingar hospital has lost the breast cancer unit but we want to see stage two, phase 2b, completed. We also want another service in Mullingar for the people of Longford and Westmeath to enhance the excellent service.
As all Senators have expressed concern about this issue, we will have an all-day debate on the issue after the Order of Business next Tuesday. I thank Senators for their patience and understanding on the question of the Minister coming to the House on a day suitable to her diary of appointments.
Senator Alex White asked about two new Bills and I will reply to him later this afternoon with information as to their position in the Government's legislative programme. I fully agree with some of the sentiments expressed by the Senator.
Senator Leyden expressed his concerns about the threatened strike in Aer Lingus. He is a former Minister of State with much experience in both Houses of the Oireachtas and I will pass on his views to the Minister.
Senator Coghlan raised the issue of the regulation of solicitors. He called for the establishment of an independent regulatory authority. I will pass on his views to the Minister following the Order of Business.
I reiterate that 99% of solicitors have the trust of the people of Ireland and they have provided a wonderful service down through the years. We fully support them but we wait with bated breath in the hope their executive will put their affairs in order and it will not be afraid of the challenge that lies ahead. The Oireachtas would rather leave it to the professionals to do that as quickly as possible.
Senators Coghlan, Buttimer and Kelly commented on the dispute between the GAA and the GPA. We all hope common sense will prevail and an accommodation can be found. If mediation is needed, I am sure the Cathaoirleach and like-minded Members who wish to see a resolution to this problem will be available to assist.
Senators Keaveney and John Paul Phelan raised the issue of the academy of music and the pilot project that was so successful in County Donegal. I support their call and I will pass on their views to the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism. Senator Keaveney also called on the Minister for Foreign Affairs to come to the House to discuss the peace process and I will seek a date in his diary. I agree with the Senator that last night's horrific fire in Omagh, County Tyrone, was a terrible tragedy. Our hearts go out to the relatives of the family involved. No one would like this to happen in any town or village or to any family.
Senator McDonald called for the implementation of the Carol Coulter report. I fully support her request and I will pass on her views to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform regarding family support, rapid response and other issues. I will establish whether the Minister can attend the House for a debate on all these matters
Senator O'Reilly raised an important issue regarding women who had to retire when they married in the 1960s, particularly in rural Ireland. This issue acutely affected the wives of small farmers. I will ask the Department of Finance to carry out a costing to establish the amounts involved and to ascertain whether 40,000 people in receipt of non-contributory pensions are affected by this. A small number of people are involved but when administration costs are deducted, the net saving may not be that much. I will ask the Department to carry out this over the next week and I will come back directly to the Senator.
Senator O'Donovan sought a debate on the fishing industry. I will provide time for a debate before Christmas, as requested by him.
Senator Donohoe expressed strong views on the effects of the bus strike and he made valuable suggestions regarding the establishment of a strong powerful authority. Fine Gael has Private Members' time next week. Perhaps Senator Fitzgerald could facilitate a debate on one of the extremely urgent issues raised by Senators. I have no difficulty passing on Senator Donohoe's views to the Minister for Transport.
Senator Mullen called for a debate on education. I gave a commitment on this previously and I am endeavouring for this to happen.
Senator Norris referred to the licence granted for the operation of an oil refinery at Bellanaboy, County Mayo. If the Senator wishes, perhaps we arrange for the Minister responsible to come to the House to debate this issue.
Thank you, Senator.
Senator Kelly called for a debate on tourism. As I said in response to the matter raised by Senator Donohoe, perhaps Fine Gael would make provision for the inclusion of one of these matters in its Private Members' time next week. Tourism is important and it should be discussed prior to the budget. The Minister for Finance spoke on pre-budget submissions in the House recently and submissions were made on tourism. Tourism is one of the three planks on which the economy and the Celtic tiger were built. As a large number of people are employed in the services sector with the tourism industry accounting for a large number of employees, I can agree to our having another debate on this issue.
Senator Cummins referred to comments made in the House of Lords yesterday and the naming of the persons in regard to the horrific murder of a young man in County Monaghan. I am in favour of anything we can do to strengthen the hand of the PSNI and the Garda Síochána. The House fully supports the sentiments expressed by the Senator in that regard. I hope that all these endeavours will in no way interfere or impinge on the great work that has been carried by all political parties on the island of Ireland in regard to sustaining and hoping to improve on the Good Friday Agreement.
Senator McCarthy called for a debate on local government reform and asked that the Minister, Deputy Gormley, come to the House to discuss the role of Oireachtas Members. I have complimented the Senator on many occasions in this House since I became Leader again but on this occasion I point out to him that we have a great working relationship with local government officials in Longford-Westmeath, which Senator McFadden can confirm. Once every three months Oireachtas Members representing the area meet the county manager and all the directors of services in counties Westmeath and Longford. We have great co-operation. If this is not happening in another part of the country, that is not our experience in the Londford-Westmeath area.
It is not happening elsewhere.
If that is the case and Senator McCarthy insists on having a debate on this matter, I will endeavour to arrange for the Minister to come to the House to discuss it.
Order of Business agreed to.