Seanad Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Dec 2007

Vol. 188 No. 1

Order of Business.

Senator Donie Cassidy

Cathaoirleach, I would like to be associated with your kind expressions of welcome to the magnificent seven here today, who served our country with great distinction. Senator Tom Fitzgerald was Government Whip in this House when I was Leader.

The Order of Business is No. 9, motion re Regional Fisheries Boards (Postponement of Elections) Order 2007; No. 10, motion re Fisheries (Miscellaneous Commercial Licences) (Alteration of Duties) Order 2007, back from committee, to be taken without debate at the conclusion of the Order of Business; No. 1, Defamation Bill 2007, Committee Stage, to resume at the conclusion of Nos. 9 and 10 and to adjourn not later than 6 p.m., if not previously concluded.

Senator Maurice Cummins

I join with others in welcoming former colleagues to the House. Last night's "Prime Time Investigates" programme highlighted the amount of drug use and the availability of drugs throughout the country. The dangers to people's health were highlighted. The violence on the streets was frightening and this part of Celtic tiger Ireland is not something to be proud of. It presents many challenges for the Government and for society. Those taking cocaine for so-called recreational purposes must get the message that they are involved in a very dangerous and criminal activity. It is killing people and lining the pockets of dangerous criminals. If they know that a party is going on where drugs are freely available, citizens have an obligation and a responsibility to report it to the Garda. They cannot turn a blind eye and leave it to somebody else.

The Garda Síochána and customs officials must be given the necessary resources to tackle this problem. There is just one scanning machine to cover all of our ports, which is unacceptable in this day and age. We on this side of the House are willing to support any legislative proposal by the Government that may assist, but greater urgency is required to tackle this problem which is ravaging the country. I call on the Minister to outline to this House his proposals to tackle this problem.

Last week a report on emergency services for the homeless disclosed that many of the hostels that house homeless people leave much to be desired and do not comply with fire safety regulations. It also stated that a significant proportion of residents have mobility problems and poor physical health and that standards set out in the fire regulations for hostels need to be addressed. Governments and societies are judged on how they treat the weakest. We have some way to go before proper accommodation, assessment and appropriate support is provided for our homeless. I ask that a debate on this issue be taken as a matter of urgency in the near future.

Senator David Norris

This lunch time the report on rendition by the Irish Human Rights Commission was published. Some of us heard on the radio news the comments of a senior person there which make it clear that the country has not met its human rights obligations. More importantly, that person made detailed reference to exchanges between the Department of Foreign Affairs and the IHRC in which it was clear that the Government and its agents were attempting to lean on the IHRC and interfere in a way that transgresses the boundary of separation that should exist between an independent human rights commission and the Government. This is a serious matter. The Seanad is aware of this kind of thing as the commission we were on the way to establishing was dismantled because the Government was afraid of what might emerge. I ask for a full debate on this important issue next week.

The IHRC has called for an effective inspection regime for the aeroplanes at Shannon, advance information on the nature of the flight and details of personnel held on board well in advance of any aircraft landing. I quote IHRC commissioner Ms Suzanne Egan:

In the context of three pan-European investigations into the issue of extraordinary rendition flights through the territory of European states the IHRC has conducted a comprehensive review and concludes that in its approach to extraordinary rendition the Irish State is not fully complying with its human rights obligations. The State's reliance on diplomatic assurance is not enough to satisfy these obligations.

Many in this House have been saying this and have given clear evidence collected by ordinary citizens such as Mr. Tim Hourigan at Shannon Airport detailing the flight pattern of these aeroplanes. Without question Ireland has been involved in rendition. We must open up about it and take this report on board in the light of a number of reports from Europe. The European Parliament report in February 2007 included a resolution deploring Ireland's involvement. The Marty report by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe said simple assurances from heads of state have no legal force. I call for a detailed, open and honest debate on this, which was stifled by the previous Government.

I agree with Senator Cummins about last night's horrifying "Prime Time Investigates" programme. This situation can be approached only on a global basis. I also agree with him on the homeless. The Seanad should examine the report issued by the Simon Community today, which indicated that 55 homeless people who had contact with their agency died on the streets in 2006. Their average age was 42 years. This is a reproach to us.

Can the Leader confirm today's reports that an officer of the immigration services charged with examining people as to their categorisation as asylum seekers, refugees or otherwise was the subject of an action in the courts on the grounds that he had never allowed a case? The individual who took this case won it and the judge decreed that this man's case should be transferred to another examiner. If this is true, will the Leader communicate urgently with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to the effect that if that man is unfit on those grounds to try that case, he is unfit to try any case, and should be dismissed at once?

Senator Dominic Hannigan

I second the call by Senator Norris for a debate on rendition. It is important that we have such a debate next week, if possible.

I also want to raise the issue of the impact of lifestyles on health, and ask for a debate on this matter. The release of more studies yesterday by the Department of Education and Science make for depressing reading. Once again, they refer to the lack of indoor spaces in schools for physical education. The lack of indoor facilities means many children and their teachers have to cancel physical education exercises because they are at the mercy of the weather. It is the Minister for Education, Deputy Mary Hanafin, who should determine the physical education curriculum, not Jack Frost. It is no wonder there is a growing level of obesity in our society when schools lack the basic facilities to allow physical education to take place. If we are serious about encouraging exercise, we need to start early.

Yesterday, a report by Ipsos Mori on the participation of elderly people in active life suggested that three out of five of them have sedentary lifestyles. Only one in five takes a sufficient level of exercise to maintain and improve his or her health. Last night the Irish Association for Emergency Medicine stated that one of the biggest problems facing accident and emergency departments is the persistent and excessive level of overcrowding. Is it any wonder the accident and emergency departments are so overcrowded when, as a nation, we fail to promote and encourage exercise in the community?

We need to start by encouraging exercise in our community. It is not just about providing more hospital beds and getting more doctors, we can reduce the level of such overcrowding by encouraging exercise. I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on preventative measures to ensure we see lower levels of heart disease through encouraging participation in sport and investment in school buildings to allow children to exercise indoors during physical education periods.

Senator Denis O’Donovan

Last week I called for a debate on the question of the Cork-Swansea ferry. As I am not sure whether it is too late for such a debate, I ask the Leader to urgently intervene with the Minister in question since I understand a boat has been identified and there is a window of opportunity. We missed the boat, so to speak. The situation has cost the west Cork and Kerry economy upwards of €70 million this year. A boat has been identified and an entrepreneur, who had hoped to raise additional funding through American sources, regrettably had his application declined because of financial uncertainty with the banks there. It will not be good enough if the Cork-Swansea ferry is not in place for the communities I serve in that region of both Cork and Kerry. Apparently boats such as the one that has been identified, are very scarce. Only certain types of boat are capable of this ten or 12-hour journey, and can double as a passenger ferry and a freight or car ferry. The matter is extremely urgent, and perhaps the Leader could make contact with the Minister today. I am disappointed, given my own channels of investigation, about what can be done at this stage, and time is running out.

I want to add my voice and support to the matter raised by the Leader of the Opposition, Senator Maurice Cummins, on the issue of drugs. The matter of the closure of coastguard stations at Cahirciveen and Malin Head was raised last week. A substantial portion of drugs comes ashore off the south-west coast. The busiest shipping lanes off Europe pass close to Fastnet Rock, Mizen Head and the south-west coast. This year, to the good fortune of the Customs and Excise Service and the Garda Síochána, the largest haul of cocaine ever found off Ireland or the UK came ashore by accident.

Cocaine abuse is a serious issue. Rather than close the coastguard stations, a strategy of extra surveillance along the coastline should be put in place and spearheaded by the Garda Síochána, the Customs and Excise Service and all those concerned. For the one success we had this year I imagine four such consignments were landed. It is not conducive to the health of people in general and society's attitude needs to change. If the recent deaths and tragedies have a silver lining it is that people might realise that society accepts that cocaine is the in-drug and this attitude will change.

Senator Eugene Regan

I wish to speak on the cocaine epidemic and the tragic events of the past week. An issue is raised of human rights and the political philosophy on which we operate. This goes back to John Stuart Mill's principle of individual liberty and that we restrict the individual only to the extent it is necessary in the common interest.

We know a link exists between individual usage of cocaine and crime, the destruction of lives, violence and gangland crime. We also know we can do only so much to restrict the supply side through the best efforts of the Garda Síochána and co-operation at European and international level. If we do not examine the demand side we fail to tackle this problem. I call for a debate on the specific matter of the demand side. It must be done by a combination of persuasion, penalty and fines.

The Leader of Fine Gael, Deputy Enda Kenny, proposed voluntary random drugs testing in schools, to which the Taoiseach responded positively. However, a case can be made for mandatory random drugs testing in places of employment, universities and public institutions. This could start with the Oireachtas. This is a serious subject and it would be an extremely serious measure. However, if we are serious about tackling the usage of drugs and the downstream effects of this usage, it is a mechanism that could be considered. Already, we have random testing of drivers for alcohol. It is in the common interest.

Senator Larry Butler

I rise to extend my sincere sympathies to the families who have lost their sons and daughters to drugs during the past week. I thank people on the other side of the House for their support. We have a duty and a job to do together in this House and the way to do it is unanimously. We must think outside the box in terms of how we will reduce the supply of cocaine. I agree with the Leader of the Opposition that one x-ray machine at one of our main ports is not enough. We are playing while dealing with professionals. If we do not approach in a professional manner what is done by the Garda Síochána and other organisations available to the State we will not be successful in the fight against drugs.

The "Prime Time Investigates" programme on RTE last night was an example of excellent, methodical reporting. It is appropriate that Senators should comment when the public broadcaster does a good job. The programme makers left nothing to chance and showed how the lives of young people and their families have been taken over and destroyed by drugs. It is frightening to have had such large loss of life in such a short time, with two young men in Mullingar still on life support machines. The House has a responsibility to the wider community to consider introducing roadside drug testing, which is in place in Spain.

An Cathaoirleach

The Senator may raise these matters if the Leader arranges a debate on the issue.

Senator Larry Butler

The "Prime Time Investigates" programme indicated that people from all walks of life are using cocaine. Train drivers, airline pilots and bus drivers may be using it. Occupational groups which have a responsibility to members of the public should be subjected to drug testing. A bus driver is responsible for 50 or more people.

An Cathaoirleach

The Senator has made his points well. I hope the Leader will be in a position to facilitate his call for a debate.

Senator Larry Butler

Security is very important in the context of drugs. We should use satellites and other technologies to reduce the volume of drugs entering the country.

Senator Ivana Bacik

I support the calls made by Senators Norris and Hannigan for a debate on extraordinary rendition. The report of the Irish Human Rights Commission makes serious claims which should be debated in the House as a matter of urgency. It is important we ensure Ireland does not breach human rights obligations in this regard.

In response to the calls for a debate on the drugs issue, while all Senators are deeply sympathetic to the families of the young people who have died, calls for mandatory drug testing in all sorts of fora, including schools, universities, hospitals and even the Oireachtas, cannot be taken seriously because they would be much too great an encroachment on the civil liberties of us all.

Senator David Norris

Hear, hear.

Senator Eugene Regan

We are in a very serious situation.

Senator Mary M. White

It has to be done.

Senator Ivana Bacik

A strong case can be made for roadside drug testing as we already have roadside alcohol testing. The knee-jerk hysteria we hear whenever the issue of drugs is discussed is not the way to tackle the problem or help the real victims.

Senator Mary M. White

It is not knee-jerk hysteria.

Senator Larry Butler

Senator Bacik is soft on drugs.

Senator David Norris

Senator Butler is an old poseur. He should withdraw that remark.

An Cathaoirleach

Allow the Senator to continue without interruption, please.

Senator Ivana Bacik

Accusing people of being soft on drugs is typical of the kind of hysteria that accompanies this debate and does not help anybody, especially the real victims such as the unfortunate couriers and others shown on the streets in the "Prime Time Investigates" programme last night.

Senator Mary M. White

A serious and speedy response is needed.

Senator Ivana Bacik

Our concerns should be with the real victims. The Simon Community has produced a report showing that many people are homeless on the streets as a result of drink, drugs and psychiatric problems. Homelessness is linked to the issue of prison. If the House debates homelessness, and I called for such a debate last week, it should also debate prison policy because many of those who leave prison re-offend and return to prison in a terrible cycle because no provision is made to shelter or accommodate them. The Simon Community report makes chilling reading for us all.

Senator Eoghan Harris

I join the call to have a debate on drugs with the Minister whom I commend on the calmness and lack of hysteria with which he has approached the tragic deaths of a number of young people. Discussion of this issue can easily turn hysterical and there is a danger of knee-jerk reactions. I choose my words deliberately and may not be popular on this side of the House for doing so. Ten years ago I would have believed everything that was said on this side but I have done a great deal of work on the drugs issue and given it considerable thought.

Senator Jerry Buttimer

Was that before the general election?

Senator Eoghan Harris

I have done so for the past ten years.

The taking of drugs like the taking of alcohol or any other substance is fundamentally a matter of individual choice. If people want to kill themselves, then the same numbers of people who kill themselves with alcohol will kill themselves with cocaine. What is causing the disruption, agony and the horror of society is the fact that drugs are illegal and the criminal classes have attached themselves to the body of society.

Senator David Norris

Hear, hear.

Senator Eoghan Harris

No one is being shot in the back of the head because of addiction to alcohol. The war against drugs has lasted the best part of a century in America. At the end of it, the addiction problem and the criminal problem is great. If we are to have a debate it should be open and free, with thinking the matter through to the bitter end.

I honestly confess that much of the stuff about cocaine and drugs was a mystery to me and still is. I pay tribute to the "Prime Time Investigates" programme last night. We have often said hard things about RTE in respect of the recent ridiculous carry on following Ms Justine Delaney-Wilson's book. The truth is, most RTE programmes are of the standard of Ms KeelinShanley's brilliant "Prime Time Investigates" programme last night. The factual area of RTE, which has come in for criticism, has been responsible for brilliant programmes on Liam Clancy, mental health, Coolacrease, Frank Aiken and the "Hidden History Series". When the joint committee on communications meets I hope it will balance on the scale all the good work RTE does against the odd error it makes. On the scale on balance RTE comes out well ahead on factual and investigative programmes.

There are two problems in relation to drugs that we might flag for this debate. The first is the problem of adults taking drugs which raises the questions raised by Senator Regan. He began with a statement on human liberty, the supply and demand side. We have to deal with the right of adults to decide what to do with their lives. Second, is the need to protect young people from drugs, the way we protect them from alcohol, smoking and so on. Let us face the fact that none of the young people was watching "Prime Time Investigates" last night.

Senator Jerry Buttimer

That is right.

Senator Eoghan Harris

I talked to the Minister of State before coming into the Chamber and told him how right he was to go to Bebo and Facebook and the areas where young people are engaging with young people. Young people think they are immortal, whether living in South Hill or taking drugs as teenagers. They do not think they are going to die. If one is to engage with them one cannot wag fingers at them from the adult world, one has to use their language and their way of thinking. Part of their way of thinking is to engage with them at the sensory level.

Senator Michael McCarthy

Speech.

Senator Eoghan Harris

If they are getting satisfaction from PlayStation it is not beyond the wit of man to devise programmes that will meet the needs of young people in that sensory area. If we are to have a debate let us think the unthinkable in this debate. Let us think about whether the question of the criminalisation of drugs must be seriously addressed as part of the debate on drugs.

Senator David Norris

Hear, hear.

Senator Jerry Buttimer

I join with my colleague, Senator O'Donovan, in asking the Leader to press the Minister to come into the House for a debate on the Cork-Swansea ferry. It is critical to regional development in the southern region and particularly in the Cork-Kerry tourism area.

I join with Senator Cummins in raising the issue of drugs and, in particular, "Prime Time Investigates" last. Like Senator Harris, I congratulate RTE on its approach to the problem. The programme last night would have been lost to the generation to which it is most applicable. I appeal to RTE to put the video of the programme on youtube where it can be accessed by thousands of young people.

Taking on board the views of Senator Bacik, I call for a debate on the whole issue of sentencing as regards drug use, including those who deal in and sell drugs. The Judiciary has a critical role in stopping this problem. Unlike Senator Butler I do not think those who deal in drugs are professionals, they are low life and we should not call them professionals.

I call for a debate on the whole issue of the housing strategy and homelessness in the context of the Simon Community report today which has highlighted the death of 55 people. It behoves all of us today to take cognisance of the fact that there are families suffering as a consequence of choices made by individuals. This is about fellow human beings and I hope we can have a constructive debate. We had the Minister here a couple of weeks ago and he is a decent person. The national drugs strategy needs to be reviewed urgently and I ask the Leader to arrange for that debate in the context of the drugs strategy.

Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú

I join Senator Harris in complimenting RTE not just on last night's programme but on being a quality station generally. It has done excellent work and it is not long since it screened an exposé of alcohol abuse, which is linked with the abuse of drugs. What we saw last night may have come as a surprise to some but in the main we are aware this is taking place.

An ordered society always requires constraints on individual rights. We can sometimes park our car in one position, for example, whereas at other times we cannot. We must watch the speed at which we drive and we are told how many drinks we can have before we drive a car. If individual rights were being debated, it would not be unusual to decide it is, at the end of the day, a matter of the lesser evil and the greater good.

I am in favour of zero tolerance with regard to drugs given what I see happening at the other end of the scale. Old people are being terrorised as a result of drug abuse. I have no doubt much of the criminality in this country is as a result of addiction to drugs and the money required to feed that addiction. I have no doubt we will all find ourselves virtual prisoners in our own society and community if we do not take a stand. We will come to a point where we will not be able to redirect society to ensure the quality of life for the people.

No message should go out from this House that we are in any way soft on drugs. We should push for zero tolerance because the ordinary citizen deserves this from us.

Senator Mary M. White

Hear, hear.

Senator Alan Kelly

For a number of reasons, I call for a debate on the future of the technology sector. The House will discuss later today broadband and small and medium enterprises, but the future of our economy in many areas is based primarily on the future of technology and this issue is not being taken seriously enough.

While I have many concerns, most of which I will not refer to here, a specific concern is the role of Enterprise Ireland, the reports of which, while often worthy, leave gaping holes. I am also concerned by reports that the so-called Silicon Paddies who have gone to Silicon Valley seeking investment in their enterprises have stated this week they received no worthwhile help from Enterprise Ireland and asked for it to desist from helping them. This is a serious concern. I ask the Leader to discover why these people felt they did not need the help of Enterprise Ireland. SMEs in Ireland are discovering they cannot get investment and cannot access tax breaks. An opportunity was missed in the budget in this regard.

The people have the education and skills to put them at a level whereby they can bring forward technology and technology companies but, unfortunately, we do not have second generation networks for broadband or the required investment. That is the concern.

An Cathaoirleach

That is a matter for the debate. The Senator has made his point.

Senator Alan Kelly

I thank the Cathaoirleach. On another issue, today was a day of great concern to me because, unfortunately, I had to deal with a person I will call the Chemical Ali representative of the Health Service Executive in terms of press relations. As some Members may be aware, I visited Nenagh hospital last week with Labour Party colleagues and press photographers when we were denied access to a CT scanner that has been lying idle for eight months.

An Cathaoirleach

The House can do nothing about the management of the HSE at local level. The Senator has made his request to the Leader. If the Leader can do something by way of a request to the HSE——

Senator Alan Kelly

With all due respect, I have only spoken for two minutes in comparison with other Senators who have spoken.

An Cathaoirleach

I have been very fair to the Senator on a number of occasions.

Senator Alan Kelly

I will wrap up. From the point of view of the HSE there seems to be some form of new agenda when it comes to dealing with public representatives and the press.Inaccurate comments were made about me, so I went directly to the person concerned to seek redress but I was told I had gone through the wrong channel. How long will it take me to get around to the correct channel and contact the right person? I went to the right person in the first instance. The HSE should stop dealing with people in this manner and treat them in a dignified way.

Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill

I wish to raise two issues. The first concerns the undocumented Irish to whom I have referred on a number of occasions in this House. We are now approaching Christmas, the season of goodwill, when families want to be together, yet between 40,000 and 50,000 Irish individuals in the United States of America — the so called undocumented — will not be able to return home to their families for the holidays. I am seeking an update from the Minister for Foreign Affairs to determine the current stage of the debate.

Second, I support all that has been said about drugs. Like everyone else in the House, I watched "Prime Time Investigates" last night. It was a harrowing replay of what occurs daily on the streets of Ireland. Drug pushers are exposing young people to real risks. Even in a rural county such as Donegal, drug pushers are actively engaged in selling illicit drugs to young people. This situation must be challenged and I support what all Senators have said in this regard. We must strongly support the Minister of State, Deputy Pat Carey, who is doing his utmost to deal with the issue. I also support Garda Commissioner Murphy, who today called for communities to name the people who are destroying lives, young and old. People should make any information they have known to the Garda Síochána so that the miserable actions of drug dealers can be targeted and stopped. We should have a debate on drugs in society. I agree with Senator Harris's point about the adult population, minors and the pushers who are targeting them.

An Cathaoirleach

We can discuss all that in the debate.

Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill

I ask the Leader for such a debate as quickly as possible.

Senator Dominic Hannigan

We had one three weeks ago.

Senator Mary M. White

We do not need a debate, we need action.

Senator Nicky McFadden

I acknowledge your consideration of my Adjournment matter, a Chathaoirligh, and accept your decision. However, I am increasingly concerned as to who is responsible for transport, which was the subject of my Adjournment matter. Who is responsible for health?

An Cathaoirleach

I will not allow a discussion on a ruling of the Chair.

Senator Nicky McFadden

That is all right.

An Cathaoirleach

That matter was ruled upon and if I could have allowed it, I would have done so.

Senator Nicky McFadden

The Minister for Transport should attend the House for a debate on the reopening of Killucan railway station with a park and ride facility, as well as the Mullingar-Athlone rail link, which is a pressing matter. I have raised the latter issue before now.

Senator Maria Corrigan

I support the calls by other Senators for a debate on drugs. Such a debate should seek the integration of the alcohol and drug strategies. It is no longer acceptable or appropriate to view alcohol abuse and drug or substance abuse as two separate issues. In reality, alcohol is most frequently the gateway to drug abuse. If we are concerned about early intervention through an effective drugs strategy, there must be a seamless integration of the alcohol strategy within it. I refer to the right of individuals to choose to take drugs. That issue must be viewed in the context of the implications for others of people taking drugs.

Three issues need to be considered. The first is that the taking of drugs fuels criminal activity as a result of which innocent people are being injured with increasing frequency and, in some cases, killed. The second is that there is a real chance that the taking of drugs will impact detrimentally on a person's motor and visual skills and on the integration of both. That has implications for anyone for whom such a person taking drugs has responsibility.

The final issue is that there is an area with which we are not familiar, namely, the implications for people taking drugs in later life. We now have the research to back up the fact there is a direct link between the onset of mental health difficulties and mental illness as a result of taking drugs. We must ask in that context how we can afford individuals the absolute right to take drugs.

Senator Michael McCarthy

I join other speakers in calling for a debate on drugs. I congratulate the "Prime Time Investigates" programme makers and RTE on last night's forceful investigative programme and look forward to tonight's follow-up programme.

I refer to the policing of our shoreline and waters. The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority received €14 million in the budget to persecute fishermen around the coastline. We depend on the goodwill of fishermen to police our waters by bringing to the attention of the authorities any finds they make, of which there are many. We need to bear in mind that a co-ordinated and integrated approach is required not only among political parties, as I said last week. Political parties came together to fight subversives in the 1980s and the same type of political approach is now required. We need an integrated approach and to bear in mind that fishermen, in effect, police our waters.

I welcome the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government's green budget last week. It is a good move and is indicative of the Green Party's involvement in Government. I look forward to it being rolled out. I refer to low emission cars. Will the Government lead by example in respect of the ministerial fleet? Has any Volvo or Mercedes-Benz been replaced by a Toyota Prius or a car with low emissions? The Government must lead by example. I understand the Minister of State, Deputy Trevor Sargent, is using a Toyota Prius, an initiative taken by Niall Ó Brolcháin when he was mayor of Galway. I would like such an initiative to be taken in respect of the entire ministerial fleet. If we expect the ordinary citizen to drive low emission cars, the Government must lead by example.

Senator Paul Coghlan

I join Senator Cummins and others in calling for a debate on drugs. As was said, we have often been critical of RTE but it did a super job in last night's programme bringing to our attention, in a forceful way, the shocking availability of drugs in our country. Traces of cocaine were found in 92% of places surveyed. Sadly, it is being made available too freely not only in clubs but in colleges. The late night, needless violence on streets in particular locations has also been referred to. There is an issue of education and I hope the Minister of State is doing his best in that regard.

As Senator Cummins said, we are quite prepared to back the Government in making available the maximum resources needed to deal with this problem. Perhaps more effective deployment is needed. We know where drugs are being, or are likely to be, made available. Perhaps that is something the Minister of State will examine in conjunction with the Garda so there is a more focused approach. We must resist and fight against the acceptability of this damn drug — cocaine.

Senator Donie Cassidy

Twenty-one Senators raised the issue of the "Prime Time Investigates" programme. I also compliment RTE on the professionalism it displayed last night in bringing the scourge of cocaine abuse to the attention of the nation. We all await with bated breath the second part of the programme tonight. As a national broadcaster, RTE must be commended. It was said that we are often dissatisfied, to say the least, with certain programmes but this was one of the best programmes I have seen on RTE this year.

Many good points have been made on the Order of Business. Next week is legislation week in the House. I am prepared, however, to——

Senator David Norris

One week a term; that is great.

Senator Donie Cassidy

I am prepared to forgo Private Members' business on behalf of the Government side to give Senators as much time as possible to make their contributions on this issue, starting at 5 p.m. next Wednesday. I will discuss with the Leaders after the Order of Business on Thursday morning how to prepare and make proposals to address the concerns of the House in respect of that matter.

We had a debate three weeks ago with the Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Pat Carey. He is a very young, enthusiastic and energetic Minister and long before he or I entered this House, I knew of his great work with young people. As some older Senators probably will be aware, I have been a Member for quite a long time. They would respect the wide knowledge, experience and expertise of the Minister of State.

Senator Mary M. White

Hear, hear.

Senator Donie Cassidy

Everyone, not just those in the political system but the entire country, must come on side in respect of this challenge. Many good proposals have been made. The Garda Commissioner said today that he needs the total co-operation of everyone in the State. Thank God for closed circuit television systems and for private enterprise which is making CCTV systems available to gardaí to assist them in their efforts in this respect.

Fear left the law in respect of alcohol but is now coming back with random breath testing. Fear must enter the law in respect of drugs. The views of a professional such as Senator Corrigan who has considerable experience in a certain area of expertise, which she relayed to the House today, must be taken on board.

I appeal to those who were eminent legal people before they became Members of this House and those who were directly involved in the health services to convene this week in a sub-committee of all parties in the House. I will ask Senator O'Donovan, the former Chairman of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Constitution and a man of great expertise and immense experience, to chair that sub-committee this week to see how best we can serve the House next week in respect of the Government's allocating Private Members' business to have a meaningful debate. Such a debate would help us to see how we can progress and assist the Department, Minister, Government and the people in the challenge that lies ahead in respect of the horrific experiences everyone on this island has had, especially the poor unfortunate families of those who have died so young and so tragically over recent days and weeks.

Many of these things were not planned. Accidents are never planned but just happen. Unfortunately, these things have happened and we must come together as a community to deal with them. If there is one thing for which the people can be acknowledged, it is their spirit and willingness to rally to the cause whenever they are called upon to do so. I call on the people to come together and eliminate the scourge of the drug abuser and drug pusher from society.

I live in a small village called Castlepollard of which I am very proud because I was born and reared there. Last weekend, there were 11 break-ins in two nights in our community. A group of old people were watched going to Mass on Saturday night. Three individuals with a particular accent came to our village, broke into their houses and stole their duvets, all the various candlesticks and everything that could be stolen and put into car boots. They then had the audacity to break into the priest's house. Mass was supposed to finish at 8 p.m. but it finished at 7.55 p.m. and luckily Fr. Moore was in the house when they arrived. This took place for money to pay for drugs.

The case of the housewife struck me last night. She had to pay a drug taker money every week or he would beat her up. This is outrageous, citizens are becoming prisoners in their homes. As legislators, we have responsibility for this. The talking has been done and it is time for us to get together, under Senator O'Donovan, in the sub-committee which will be convened by tomorrow morning. We will be able to report progress and confirm when the meeting is taking place.

Senators Norris, Hannigan, Bacik and others expressed views regarding the human rights report and extraordinary rendition. We have much legislation in the House next week. I have given Government time to the drugs debate. I have no problem having a debate on this at the earliest possible time.

Senator Hannigan called for a debate on lifestyle and health of senior citizens, school goers and all sections of our community. It is a worthwhile suggestion. Walking is the easiest and cheapest form of exercise. Without trivialising the issue, the Labour Party asked one question at the last general election, asking people if they were happy.

Senator Dominic Hannigan

We asked other questions as well.

Senator Donie Cassidy

The people gave their response last May. They were happy.

Senator Jerry Buttimer

They are not happy this week.

Senator Donie Cassidy

Walking is the cheapest and the best form of exercise. He should ready his colleagues in the Labour Party to go walking again.

Senator Dominic Hannigan

We are ready anytime the Leader is.

Senator Donie Cassidy

Members on this side of the House have proved they are champions at walking. I am not trivialising the matter, it is a worthwhile subject of debate.

Senators O'Donovan and Buttimer highlighted the serious challenge to the Cork-Swansea ferry. After the Order of Business I will see what I can do by contacting the Minister's office to assist this serious situation. Senator Kelly called for a debate on technology and particularly on the role of Enterprise Ireland. We will debate broadband in the House, and enterprise with the Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy McGuinness, attending. As Chairman of the previous Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business I found Enterprise Ireland to be an excellent State agency. It is a credit to the country. We are fortunate to have Mr. Frank Ryan as chief executive. There is no better person for the job. I was in the Silicon Valley in the USA and the Silicon Valley in Bangalore, India. In each case Enterprise Ireland is in situ, working day in, day out. If the Senator has experience of Enterprise Ireland not playing a part I would like to take it up with the chief executive because it is not our experience of the agency.

Regarding Senator Kelly's query, public representatives of the people have a direct communication line with the HSE. If a new procedure is emerging we, as Oireachtas Members, want to know about it. In fairness to the HSE in the midland region we have a direct line with the executive in the area and can communicate on a daily basis with senior people regarding urgent matters. If the Senator wants me to take this up with the chief executive or the Minister I will do so.

Senator Ó Domhnaill referred to the undocumented Irish in the United States. The Taoiseach has been honoured as one of the few in the western world to address a joint sitting of the Houses of Parliament in the UK and the US Congress, comprising the House of Representatives and the Senate in a joint sitting. I hope to have the honour of representing this House when the Taoiseach delivers his address.

Senators

Hear, hear.

Senator Donie Cassidy

It will be an historic occasion and it is incredible that our Taoiseach is acknowledged and recognised outside the country.

Senator Jerry Buttimer

He is following in the footsteps of previous Fine Gael Taoisigh.

Senator Donie Cassidy

Some within the country may not acknowledge what he has done but we must give credit where it is due. The Taoiseach gave a commitment at the weekend to continue to treat the question of the undocumented Irish as a top priority. He will deal with the matter during his address to the joint sitting of the United States Congress.

Senator McFadden requested a debate on transport, especially in the context of the reopening of Killucan railway station and the position on the Athlone-Mullingar railway line. I have no difficulty in arranging for the Minister for Transport, Deputy Dempsey, who is responsible for representing north Westmeath since its inclusion in the constituency of Meath West, to come to the House following the Christmas recess to debate the matter.

Senator McCarthy called on members of the Government to lead by example by using low-emission or green cars as their preferred means of travel. I will pass on his views in respect of the matter.

Order of Business agreed to.