Order of Business (Resumed).

Senator David Norris

I take a more temperate view. We made fools of ourselves and did not manage this matter very skilfully. We cannot blame the press for the interest it took in this. I certainly will not work seven days, or 24 hours. I often leave this place at 11 p.m. and I do a damn hard day's work, but if anyone thinks I will work on Sunday, they can forget it. I go to St. Patrick's Cathedral and I propose to continue doing so. By making exaggerated and intemperate claims, we make fools of ourselves. We were a laughing stock and I laughed like a drain when I heard it. It was very funny but it was not demeaning the place. I considered writing to Senator Cassidy to ask, since we were following the British Tory lead, if I could have my wisteria clipped, my moat drained and the chandeliers cleaned. It makes the whole thing look asinine.

There is a practical side to it in that we do not know whether we are meeting at 10 a.m., 2 p.m., 2.30 p.m. or 3 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. One cannot arrange a diary. I had to go to an important meeting of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs. I have chastised that committee for organising its meetings to coincide with the opening of the Order of Business but I cannot blame its members if they never know when the Order of Business will be. A second committee wanted me to attend for it to be quorate but I refused because I thought it would be insulting to the Seanad. If we insult it ourselves, we cannot blame anyone else for insulting it.

I refer to the case of Mr. Willie Corduff and Shell to Sea. Disgraceful attacks were made on Shell to Sea in an attempt to smear the campaign by attainder. I was called a fool. I am not afraid to be a fool in the interests of virtue. If I am a fool, so is Archbishop Tutu of South Africa, who said that a peaceful protester, Goldman international award winner, Willie Corduff, was physically attacked under cover of darkness by the agents of a multinational corporation resulting in him being hospitalised and left severely hurt and traumatised. That is a matter we should raise and I ask the Leader to raise it. I ask for a proper inquiry. This is a man beaten by thugs in the employ of Shell Oil. What is the response from this Parliament? The victim gets attacked. It is not good enough. I was told that some of the supporters have links with the dissident IRA groups but one cannot impugn an idea by attacking the motivation of some of the fringe elements of the support.

Senator Terry Leyden

We need the gas.

Senator David Norris

Senator Leyden's Government gave it away for nothing and the Minister who did so went to jail. We know all about that.

I ask for the debate we were promised on human rights, especially in the light of death sentences currently being passed on people in Tibet.

Senator Denis O’Donovan

I rise with the same passion and fervour as other speakers but concerning the fishing industry. I have sought a debate on it. There is an old saying in my area of west Cork that one never kicks a man when he is down. The fishing industry from Donegal down the western seaboard to west Cork and Kerry is on its knees, unfortunately.

I am greatly concerned that not for the first time in Baltimore, west Cork, there was a dawn raid like one would see in war, where officials from the Criminal Assets Bureau or the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority raided a small fishing factory that is closed more often than it is open. When I looked for an explanation for this from the Minister, he said it was beyond his control. Where will we end up on this?

The fishing industry is in crisis and those owning 70% of the boats in Castletownbere cannot even meet their mortgage payments. We have a very hard-line enforcement section that is more appropriate to the Second World War than today, and we should not condone it. Perhaps this is a matter for the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform rather than the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. It is quite serious when one sees this going on. If the bodies were dealing with drugs, drug lords or criminal gangs, this same type of attention would not be given. Similar incidents have occurred in Donegal and in west Cork two or three years ago. We were told we would see fruit from this investigation but I have yet to see any results or court cases emanating which prove that this type of action is justifiable.

It is a serious matter because the coastal communities have gone totally against Europe. The fishermen were let down by the EU in 1973 and in some places along the coast, 90% of the electorate was against the Lisbon treaty because of how the people have suffered. The type of action today in west Cork — it does not matter if it is in west Cork, Kerry, Galway or Donegal — cannot be condoned.

I spoke publicly against the draconian powers of the Sea-Fisheries Protection Agency and in my view it is the sea fisheries persecution agency. It is draconian and unfair in its ways and it is certainly not lending a hand to a fishing industry which is ailing and on its knees.

Senator Fidelma Healy Eames

I was shocked by the heading in the newspaper today that the Seanad was to be suspended on Tuesdays for the month of May. I did not know about that and I am a Member of the House. I resent the Leader deciding on the schedule without consulting Members, going on a solo run and bringing this House into disrepute. The Leader is bringing me and my work into disrepute too. I was elected to this House in good faith, I am a hard worker and that is the way I would like to be known rather than being attached to this type of image, which is really appalling.

For some time I have not been happy with the quality of the Leader's responses in this House. The Leader tells us what we want to hear, and either these comments are hypocritical or else the parliamentary party is not listening to a thing he says. This is the Upper House and we must regard it as such. We are elected by the people for the people so it is time we addressed the programme of work and the quality of both the work and the leadership.

I also wish to address the spot closure of libraries throughout the country, which comes under the remit of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Gormley.

Senator Jim Walsh

It is under the remit of local authorities.

Senator Fidelma Healy Eames

He is dilly-dallying around Dublin currently discussing the issue of a directly-elected mayor.

Senator Jim Walsh

It is a matter for local authorities.

Senator Fidelma Healy Eames

It is far more important for him to ensure there will be no more spot closures of libraries. This is a hit on reading, as it were, and reading is power. Oranmore library is closed some afternoons, which is unfortunate for kids coming in after school, and also on Saturday mornings. The Westside library in Galway city is the same way, as I am sure are libraries throughout the country, for the sake of €13.50 per hour.

An Cathaoirleach

The Senator's time is up.

Senator Fidelma Healy Eames

That is the cost of the relief work.

An Cathaoirleach

I call Senator Mary White.

Senator Fidelma Healy Eames

I ask that the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and local authorities address this serious matter. Finally——

An Cathaoirleach

I call Senator White. The Senator's time is up.

Senator Fidelma Healy Eames

I decry——

An Cathaoirleach

I am tied to a time limit of two minutes for each Member. I call Senator White.

Senator Fidelma Healy Eames

As my final word——

An Cathaoirleach

I will take the Senator's contribution in the morning. I call Senator White.

Senator Fidelma Healy Eames

——I decry the lack of an out-of-hours service——

An Cathaoirleach

I cannot take that now. The Senator had her two minutes and I will now take Senator White. The Senator can raise her matter tomorrow morning.

Senator Mary M. White

I am glad the Cathaoirleach challenged Senator Healy Eames, who tarnished my reputation last week. That is something I deeply resent. If a person dares to challenge my reputation for working diligently and carrying out my duties, I will deal with that individual in an appropriate manner.

An Cathaoirleach

The Senator should put a question to the Leader.

Senator Mary M. White

Senator Healy Eames should not smile at me.

An Cathaoirleach

That matter is not relevant to the Order of Business. Senator Mary White should put a question to the Leader.

Senator Liam Twomey

What Senator Mary White stated is a threat. Members cannot issue threats in the Chamber.

Senator Mary M. White

Yesterday I attended the launch of the report into the tragic deaths in April 2007 of Adrian and Ciara Dunne and their two children at Monageer. The report to which I refer is a complete waste of time because 27 pages of it have been blacked out. Why is that the case? What is the point in publishing a report when it is not possible to read 27 pages of it?

Senator Paul Coghlan

I thought the Minister of State, Deputy Barry Andrews, explained why parts of the report have been blacked out.

Senator Mary M. White

The report attempts to state that perhaps this tragedy may not have happened or could not have been prevented. I do not accept that. Unfortunately, Ciara and Adrian Dunne both had physical and emotional problems. As children — as a result of the fact that they each had disabilities — they were provided with special education services. They met, fell in love and, to all intents and purposes and according to the evidence in the report, had a happy and loving relationship. Their children were always well dressed and properly nourished. However, as a married couple, Ciara and Adrian still had emotional and physical problems. I am of the view that the HSE took its eye off the ball and that the system let this family down.

In my document, What can we do about Suicide in the New Ireland, I called for a social work service to be available on a 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week basis.

An Cathaoirleach

The Senator should conclude.

Senator Mary M. White

The Republic in these islands does not provide such a service. If there had been such a service in place and even if the family in question had been able to access it——

An Cathaoirleach

The Senator must conclude.

Senator Mary M. White

I have to finish this point.

An Cathaoirleach

The Senator's time is exhausted.

Senator Mary M. White

This is a matter of human life. The undertaker in the case in question could have rung a freefone line, if one had been in place, in order to highlight the fact that the Dunne family was experiencing serious problems.

Senator Maurice Cummins

I salute the mayor of Limerick and the large numbers of people who live in that city who came out to express their revulsion at recent killings and criminal activities which have occurred there and which were carried out by a small number of criminal thugs. For a number of months, Fine Gael Senators have been calling for strong measures to be taken in respect of gangland crime. The perpetrators of this form crime are running amok at present. On Sunday last, the Minister for Defence stated that the Cabinet was to meet this week to discuss the introduction of strong measures to combat this type of crime. Those of us on this side of the House would fully support any initiatives in this regard. When will legislation to deal with this matter be introduced? We need measures of the type to which the Minister referred to remove these criminal thugs from our society.

If a Member on one side of the House makes a threat against a Member on the other side, he or she should be obliged to explain his or her comments. I will not name names in this regard because everyone is aware of what was said earlier. When comments are made to the effect that a particular Senator was castigated by another Member of the House, the person bringing the charge should be asked to explain his or her comments. I do not believe those types of comments should be allowed to be made in the House without being backed up.

Senator Fidelma Healy Eames

Hear, hear.

Senator Geraldine Feeney

I support the calls of my colleague, Senator Mary White, for a debate on the Monageer report. I agree with her that it would have been better to leave blank pages rather than blackening out 29 pages.

Will the Leader write to the Simon Community, which is 40 years old today, to congratulate and commend it on the wonderful work it does in large towns and cities?

In the past month, many Members have called for a debate on the relationships which the recipients of mortgages and hire purchase agreements have with the banks. We have called several times for a debate on the impasse being experienced by small and medium-sized businesses with the banks. Small businesses' access to credit is being blocked by the banks. It sickens me to see a large van on Baggot Street advertising Bank of Ireland as a bank looking for business people and entrepreneurs when its doors are closed to them. I would like the Leader to take this matter seriously and schedule a debate on it.

When I heard "Morning Ireland" this morning, I was as surprised as everyone else about the golf arrangements and the sitting days for May. Like Senator MacSharry, I agree RTE picks up on negative spin. I am sorry it is a negative spin but we are bringing it on ourselves. I, for one, will come in here any day I am asked to do so. I take my duties as seriously as every other Member. I have gone out to support the workings of this Chamber on umpteen occasions.

An Cathaoirleach

Thank you Senator Feeney, but your time is up.

Senator Geraldine Feeney

My two minutes cannot be up. Other Members went over their time.

An Cathaoirleach

I have the time carefully monitored and your time is up. I call Senator Mullen.

Senator Geraldine Feeney

If I may reply to Senator Cummins.

An Cathaoirleach

I will give the Senator an opportunity to do so tomorrow morning.

Senator Geraldine Feeney

We will name Senator Healy Eames who did a great injustice to Senators on this side of the House.

Senator Mary M. White

Hear, hear.

Senator Geraldine Feeney

Last week she used a serious debate for her own political gain.

An Cathaoirleach

I ask Senator Feeney to resume her seat. I call Senator Mullen.

Senator Fidelma Healy Eames

On a point of order, I would like Senator Feeney's claim clarified for the House. I am completely unaware of what this is about. It is a threat.

Senator Geraldine Feeney

Senator Healy Eames made political gain——

An Cathaoirleach

A point of order can only be raised on a procedural matter.

Senator Geraldine Feeney

She tried to use a personal attack in a debate last week for her own political gain.

Senator Terry Leyden

I thought it was a bit odd and that was only half of it.

Senator Rónán Mullen

When the Kerry football team was on the rampage in the 1980s, my father used to say one had to be twice as good as them to beat them. To those politicians who feel the media is reaching for the low-hanging journalistic fruit in sensationalising the fact the Seanad did not sit yesterday, the answer is the media should not be given that opportunity.

Senator Joe O’Toole

Hear, hear.

Senator Rónán Mullen

We must recognise there is a crisis of perception in so far as politics is concerned. While I am the first to criticise the media for sensationalism, we should not make that opportunity available to it. Yesterday, I was in these precincts working and I would have liked the Seanad to sit. People may well go on an outing from time to time, but that is not a reason to suspend the business of the House. If we had more bipartisanship in the House, with the Opposition and Independent benches being allowed in on the legislative process, it might be possible to keep the business going.

Among the matters I believe would be useful and important subjects for debate in the Seanad, regardless of whether there are golf outings, is the Spirit of Ireland initiative. Would it not be wonderful if, at this time of crisis when we are in the dock of international opinion for the way we allowed our banks to operate, the Irish people were seen to come up with a solution to make us energy independent, perhaps saving us €30 billion over ten years by not having to purchase energy abroad and become a source of clean energy for domestic use and export? I would like the Seanad to debate the specific, optimistic and morale boosting proposals that have come from Spirit of Ireland and to hear the Government's response to them.

I also call for a debate on overseas development and where precisely the swingeing cuts of €100 million will affect our overseas aid budget. The Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Peter Power, has stated that bilateral aid would be ring-fenced. One wonders why bilateral aid is to be preferred in light of the commitments made on the hunger taskforce. We should focus our efforts on hunger alleviation and, given our agricultural traditions, we should help people in developing countries improve their agricultural economies. I argue we should ring-fence this area rather than bilateral aid. Perhaps such a debate would do something to address the public's perception of politicians. When politicians are held in contempt, politics will also suffer and that is bad for our democracy.

Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú

I join Senator Cummins in saluting the people of Limerick on the example they set for decent society. Despite knowing the risks involved, they took to the streets with dignity and courage with the aim of winning back the city for their community. I hope some way will be found for officialdom to identify with these people. Perhaps Uachtaráin na hÉireann could host them at the Áras or this House could invite in their leaders, including the courageous mayor of Limerick. They are seeking precisely these types of support and if we do not demonstrate our solidarity, the people against whom their protest was directed will believe we lack the courage or will to stand against the brutal gangs operating in this country. There was another innocent victim yesterday. When might our own turn come?

I learned a long time ago not to believe everything one reads in the newspapers. The debate this morning about not sitting yesterday pertained to a news story. We have not yet heard the facts of the matter. I have not seen some of these organs of the media protect or defend democratic structures in the past. If anything, they deliberately set out to undermine the confidence of the people in the democratic structures of this country. We should not give them any oxygen. I do not intend offence against the Members opposite when I make this point. Extreme views were expressed regarding the Leader without hearing his side of the story. In my time in this Chamber, I have never heard anybody accuse him of being unfair, of not doing a good job or of failing to represent this House with dignity. He has always been well received, so what has happened? We take a single story and we believe it despite the background of misrepresentation in order to take a cheap shot against the Leader.

Senator David Norris

Nonsense.

Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú

That does not help any of us.

Senator Liam Twomey

As a society, we are just coming to terms with the scandal of institutional abuse. I find it insulting that Government Members should stand up for the children who have been neglected given that the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, who is responsible for children in danger, refuses to pay the €15 million required for 24 hour social worker coverage.

Senator Geraldine Feeney

He only said there was a better way of spending the money.

An Cathaoirleach

Allow Senator Twomey to continue.

Senator Geraldine Feeney

He is misrepresenting what the Minister for State said.

Senator Liam Twomey

The Minister of State is measuring children's lives as a value-for-money issue.

Senator Geraldine Feeney

No, he is not.

Senator Liam Twomey

That is what is happening.

Senator Geraldine Feeney

That is wrong.

An Cathaoirleach

Senators, please.

Senator Liam Twomey

If the Senator does not understand that, perhaps she needs to speak to the Minister of State because that is exactly what he said.

Senator Geraldine Feeney

The Senator should listen to him.

An Cathaoirleach

Senator Twomey without interruption.

Senator Liam Twomey

He said he is weighing it up as a value-for-money issue and that is what is happening. I have no doubt that what happened in Monageer could happen again. At this time there are children at risk of violence within the home from abusive parents involved in alcohol and drug abuse, and at risk of general neglect. No one is available out of hours or on weekends to protect them if anything happens.

Senators

Hear, hear.

Senator Liam Twomey

The job of the Garda is not to kick in doors to see what is going on inside people's houses nor is it the job of the local parish priest or the doctor on night duty. That is the job of a trained professional. The Senator belittles the role social workers play and insults children with such comments.

Senator Geraldine Feeney

Pat Kenny did not agree with Senator Twomey earlier.

An Cathaoirleach

Senator Twomey, without interruption.

Senator Geraldine Feeney

The Senator is——

Senator Fidelma Healy Eames

Is Pat Kenny running this country? Who is in charge here?

An Cathaoirleach

Senator Twomey, without interruption.

Senator Liam Twomey

Senator Feeney is insulting children.

Senator Geraldine Feeney

Senator Twomey is making political gain out of this issue for Fine Gael.

Senator Liam Twomey

I would prefer if I was not interrupted.

An Cathaoirleach

So would I and I appeal to everyone to stop interrupting.

Senator Liam Twomey

I would also like a debate on the national children's hospital. A sum of €3.5 billion is being given to Allied Irish Banks while wards are being closed and children will not be treated in Crumlin children's hospital for the sake of €10 million. I would like answers to my questions rather than interruptions.

Senator Ivor Callely

As we find ourselves in the most severe and difficult economic bunker, will the Leader outline progress to address issues associated with Ireland's competitiveness? Measures need to be "teed up", parked or amended such as the regulations that are in place, the EU directives imposed on us and legislation we have imposed on ourselves to introduce a minimum wage and so on. Could the Leader arrange a briefing on the issues, the measures which are, hopefully, under consideration, and on the progress made to improve our competitiveness?

Senator Paddy Burke

I would like to be associated with the good wishes to Mick Phelan on his retirement. He has provided a great service in this House for a long number of years.

I support Senator Twomey's comments on the children's hospital in Crumlin. We should have a debate on what is happening there and in the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dún Laoghaire. One must join a waiting list to get into the NRH.

The waiting lists for the driving test are absolutely scandalous, as is the inability of applicants to get through to a test centre. Will the Leader contact the Minister for Transport to establish what is the problem at test centres? Many applicants would have jobs if they passed their test but they cannot get a job because they cannot get an appointment for a driving test. The impossible task of trying to get through to a test centre is a scandal.

Senator Jim Walsh

I welcome the Monageer report. Some of the comments made by previous speakers were inaccurate. In our locality, people who know the undertaker regard her as a person of the highest calibre who runs a tremendously professional service. By contacting the Garda, she did the responsible and correct thing and I would not like anybody to imply criticism of failure to go elsewhere.

With regard to the recommendation in the report alluded to by others, this unfortunate tragedy had no relationship whatsoever to out-of-hours services. Contact was made during the normal working day. The undertaker reported it to the Garda during the working day and the report states a social worker would not have been the correct intervention for the situation that, unfortunately, unfolded. It would have required a psychiatrist. There is every possibility that even with that intervention the unfortunate tragedy would have not have been averted.

With regard to the redacted portions, we should accept that for legal reasons parts of the report had to be redacted but it is important that the redacted portions are available to the Department and to the Minister to interpret and act upon. That should be done, and we should refrain from trying to make political points about these issues. I extend my sympathy to both families on what was a most unfortunate tragedy.

I join Senator Leyden in wishing our usher, Mick Phelan, well. Everybody will testify that Mick is a gentleman. He has given tremendous service in these Houses for 27 years. He served in the Army for 21 years. In many ways he epitomises the courtesy and helpfulness all Members receive from the ushers. I am sure everybody will join with me in wishing him well in his retirement.

Senator Nicky McFadden

I would like to be associated with those remarks. Mick Phelan has been a dote to me since I came into this House, and I very much appreciate him.

I want to comment briefly on the extraordinary general meeting of AIB this morning and the idea that a shareholder had to throw eggs to voice his concern. He could only afford two eggs; he was unable to afford the half dozen.

Senator Paul Coghlan

Did he miss?

Senator Nicky McFadden

He has lost all €20,000 of his savings and was relying on the dividend. Commissioner McCreevy, in the great town of Athlone with which the Leader will be very familiar, said that we should look not for heads to roll but for consensus and that we should not engage in Punch and Judy politics. I do not agree with the Commissioner. Who will represent the people who believe they have to throw eggs to get answers? The shareholders in attendance at that meeting this morning are the people affected. It is we, the taxpayers, who have recapitalised and guaranteed the banks. How will these people be punished? I ask the Leader to ask the Minister for Finance to come into the House and explain that to the Seanad so that we can tell the people who are canvassing how these people will be punished.

An Cathaoirleach

A number of Senators are offering but the time has concluded. Before I call the Leader I would like to comment on the retirement of our usher, Mick Phelan. He is one of our senior ushers and is a familiar face to all of us in the Seanad. This is Mick's last day with us and on behalf of all Senators and staff I wish him good luck in his retirement. May he enjoy many years of health and happiness. I know he will continue to make a huge contribution to his family and the community, especially his local GAA club, Parnell's. All Members thank Mick sincerely for his outstanding contribution to this House.

Senator Donie Cassidy

I second that vote of congratulations and join other colleagues, Senators Leyden, Walsh, Cummins and Burke, in their comments about our team leader with the ushers, Mick Phelan who, as the Cathaoirleach said, is carrying out his final day of duty in Seanad Éireann. Tomorrow, 14 May, will be Mick's last day of service in the Houses of the Oireachtas. He has given long and dedicated service within Government Buildings and especially in the Parliament. He served under many Governments, going back to the mid-1970s when Liam Cosgrave was Taoiseach. His time was spent between his military period as a member of the military police and in the Superintendent's section of the Houses. His friendly disposition and ever helpful and courteous manner, which we have all experienced, makes him one of the most popular ushers that has ever served any Parliament since the foundation of the State.

As the Cathaoirleach said, his great interest in the Gaelic Athletic Association, especially his native county, the Lilywhites, is well known in the House. We wish Mick, his wife, Patricia, and his family a very happy early retirement and look forward to his friendship for many years to come.

Senator Paul Coghlan

Hear, hear.

Senator Donie Cassidy

Senators Fitzgerald, O'Toole, Prendergast, Buttimer, Quinn, Coghlan, MacSharry, Norris, Healy Eames, Mary White, Cummins, Feeney, Mullen and Ó Murchú commented on the reports in the media today about the House not sitting yesterday. Never was it further from the truth that this House would have anything to do with a golf event. It had nothing to do with a golf event. As everyone knows, I have done everything I possibly could to facilitate the requests often made of me, which I have always listened to, by the leaders of the groups, the Whips, and all Members for debates on whatever issue in this House.

Regarding the position on the Tuesdays in May, since I first became Leader of this House in 1997, I have offered the hand of friendship to the leaders of the various groups, a courtesy which to my knowledge was not offered before my time, by facilitating a weekly meeting with the leaders of the groups in the House, which I found useful and helpful. I have often thanked the leaders of the groups for their assistance to me. However, last week no leader turned up for the meeting. Today, Labour and Fine Gael turned up for the meeting. Last Tuesday, the business proceeded and the Cathaoirleach correctly pointed out to the House last Thursday, when the Government Whip proposed that we would sit today at 2.30 p.m., that there was no objection to that.

Senator Mary M. White

Hear, hear.

Senator Donie Cassidy

I have reviewed, honestly and truthfully, the proceedings of this House for the past three Tuesdays. I invite anyone to check the record in that respect. I now extend an invitation to the party leaders to meet me tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock before the Order of Business when I will listen to their views on the proceedings that took place here on the past three Tuesdays.

I met the Government Chief Whip prior to the sitting of the Seanad today to discuss forthcoming legislation. I am pleased to inform the House that the Government will have in the region of 12 to 14 Bills for our consideration before the end of this term.

Senator Maurice Cummins

Bring them on.

Senator Donie Cassidy

I will meet the party leaders in the morning. Whips and colleagues of various groups can brief their leaders. If the leaders agree I will meet them tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock. If there is business to be discussed and legislation to be debated, approved or amended, we will do it. I point out that a Bill has never been guillotined in this House.

Senator Maurice Cummins

They are rushed through the House and if 12 Bills come to the House, they will be rushed through also.

Senator Donie Cassidy

I did not interrupt the Senator.

An Cathaoirleach

The Leader, without interruption.

Senator Donie Cassidy

I have fully respected the Senator's position in this House, and I did not interrupt him.

Senator Maurice Cummins

The Leader is inviting comment.

Senator Donie Cassidy

I want the message to go out loud and clear to the responsible media in particular that under no circumstances was it ever contemplated that this House would not sit because of a game of golf. To my knowledge, the event that took place yesterday was arranged last January. One Member on this side of the House played, namely, myself, as well as three colleagues on the opposite side to honour former Members. Some colleagues played at 7.30 a.m. That event was to honour former colleagues. One day a year we get together to appreciate what former colleagues did as former Members of both Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann. I hope I have made myself clear in this regard.

Senator Prendergast called for a debate on the HSE——

Senator David Norris

On a point of order, the Leader has not made himself clear. This House is entitled to an explanation why the House did not sit.

Senator Jim Walsh

That is not a point of order.

Senator David Norris

He promised one. He has not given it. He has talked a lot of rubbish, which brings the House into worse disrepute, about playing golf at 7 o'clock in the morning to honour——

Senator Frances Fitzgerald

On a point of order, the Leader had ample opportunity to talk to us last week.

Senator David Norris

I understand they do not allow women on that team.

Senator Frances Fitzgerald

I met him before the Order of Business last week.

An Cathaoirleach

Senator Norris must resume his seat. The Leader is replying to the Order of Business and should not be interrupted. The Senator can question him in the morning.

Senator David Norris

He said he is giving an explanation but he has not given it. This House is entitled to an explanation why we did not meet yesterday.

An Cathaoirleach

The Senator can raise the matter with him in the morning.

Senator David Norris

There is plenty of legislation to be dealt with, including the civil partnership Bill which has been promised a long time but we have not seen.

Senator Donie Cassidy

Senator Prendergast called for a debate on the HSE with regard to St. Luke's and funding for mental health. I have given a commitment to hold such a debate. The Minister of State, Deputy John Moloney, is very supportive and is willing to come to the House when invited to debate any matter related to his portfolio.

Senator Martin Brady and Senator John Hanafin brought to the attention of the House the cost of estate management fees, which are certainly exorbitant. I will convey the Senators' strong views to the Minister after the Order of Business. They also asked that the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Coughlan, be invited to the House to discuss the many challenges facing business enterprises. I have put that request to the Minister and am awaiting a date for it to take place.

Senator Terry Leyden asked for a debate on landlords and tenants, particularly the 128,000 persons who have tenancies. It is timely to have such a debate and I will allocate time for it.

Senator Feargal Quinn and Senator Marc MacSharry spoke about the waste of paper and the report of the Irish film organisation which was produced on DVD. This is very welcome. Many organisations are moving to do something on this issue. I thank the Senators for drawing it to the attention of the House and I will convey their strong views to the Minister. Senator Quinn also raised the poisoning of birds and the damage being caused to the environment. There is a wonderful radio programme each afternoon, "Mooney Goes Wild", which has been particularly good in the past few weeks. It brings a huge amount of attention to wildlife and everything associated with it. It is timely for Senator Quinn to bring the issue to our attention. Senator MacSharry called for a debate on Standing Orders and matters pertaining to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. I have no problem with ensuring this takes place.

Senator David Norris expressed his strong views on the Shell to Sea campaign and the many challenges and difficulties being experienced in Mayo. I will allocate time for that debate. He also raised prison sentencing for people in Tibet. That issue could probably be dealt with by way of Private Members' business. If not, I will facilitate the Senator by organising a debate when legislation is not available. With so much legislation being produced, it will be difficult to find time to discuss many matters but I will try to prioritise them in the best way possible with the assistance of the other leaders.

Senator Denis O'Donovan outlined the serious plight of the fishing industry. It appears there are regulations for the Irish fishing industry that do not seem to be in place for neighbouring states that fish in Irish waters. If that is the case, it is unfair and I have no problem with bringing it to the attention of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and having it debated in the House before the end of the session.

Senator Fidelma Healy Eames outlined her serious concerns about local authority libraries and the situation in Galway. She called for a debate on the matter and I will give the request serious consideration.

Senator Mary White, Senator Geraldine Feeney, Senator Jim Walsh and Senator Liam Twomey expressed their strong concerns about the Monageer report and the tragedy that took place. As Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú and many others said, it was a tragedy. Our hearts go out to the families concerned. I will try to have the matter debated in the House in the presence of the Minister at a future date.

Senator Maurice Cummins and Senator Ó Murchú congratulated the people and the mayor of Limerick and the family who called on the people of Limerick to march in large numbers last Sunday to let the rest of the country know that they seek respect and protection of the law. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform is due to bring very strong legislation before the House to deal with this issue. I, too, congratulate the people who participated last Sunday in such large numbers to let the country know their strong views. As Senator Ó Murchú said, they must be congratulated on their courage.

Senator Geraldine Feeney sought a debate on the Simon Community. I congratulate the organisation on its 40th anniversary. I will allocate time for that debate. The Senator also called for a debate on mortgages and small and medium-sized businesses. I would add the issue of fixed mortgages. A substantial percentage of couples is caught in the trap of fixed mortgages. It is time the banks confronted the difficulty in which young people find themselves, particularly young couples where the breadwinner has been made unemployed. Something must be done in this area. I have no difficulty with allocating time for that debate.

Senator Rónán Mullen called for a debate on the Spirit of Ireland, energy independence and how we can take advantage of our geographical location in Europe in terms of being a supplier of energy to Europe in years to come. This is a very worthwhile request and I will allocate time for it. The Senator also sought a debate on overseas development and where funding will be made available in the coming years of scarce resources. Ireland has been one of the top six or seven nations in the world in its contributions per capita to overseas development. I will allocate time for this debate.

Senator Liam Twomey asked me to convey his strong views about the children's hospital in Crumlin and funding for that hospital. It is a serious concern. Senator Frances Fitzgerald also raised this issue previously. I will convey my colleagues' strong views to the Minister. If a debate is required, it can be arranged.

Senator Ivor Callely sought a debate on Ireland's competitiveness. As I have said frequently on the Order of Business, our biggest challenge is our competitiveness. We can organise a debate on the matter with the Minister for Finance in the next two or three weeks.

Senator Mary M. White

The Tánaiste, Deputy Mary Coughlan, said she is willing to come to the House.

Senator Donie Cassidy

Senator Paddy Burke asked me to bring to the Minister's attention the problem being experienced by many people in communicating with driving test centres. This is a serious issue and I will convey the Senator's strong views to the Minister.

Senator Nicky McFadden raised the AIB shareholder meeting that was held today. Many people have lost their savings and, perhaps, even the savings they inherited from their parents. They participated in the share scheme but the value of shares can go down as well as up. It is dreadful for people, particularly those in the autumn of their careers or in retirement. It took them 40 or 50 years to accumulate their savings. It is a matter we will discuss with the Minister in the House in the near future. As I said previously, we will discuss the economy every week, and we have been doing that. I hope there will be another meeting with the Minister or the Minister of State in this regard in the next week or two.

Seanad Éireann debate - Wednesday, 13 May 2009

Senators

Tá

Níl

Seanad Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 13 May 2009