We are now an hour and five minutes on the Order of Business. I have to suggest that many of the matters raised by many Senators were totally inappropriate to the Order of Business. There is no chance of some of them being raised. Certainly we will look at many of them and see what we can do. Senators raising these matters knew in their hearts they were just getting up to speak. I do not think it is appropriate for a House of the Oireachtas to continue like this. Certainly I am not impressed.
Senator Manning asked for a debate on South Africa. We had a debate on South Africa some time ago, a fairly long and worthwhile debate, an excellent debate, in fact. I have no plans for a debate on South Africa in the very near future. Reference was made to Senator Ó Foighil and his campaign. I congratulate him for that and also, as Senator Lanigan said, Nioclás Ó Conchubhair, a former Senator, and, indeed, a former Cathaoirleach and Leader, who was very active in the early days in having this service brought into being.
Senator O'Toole asked about the Environmental Protection Agency and asked that we might sit late this evening. I have indicated that we are sitting this evening on this Bill. We could have had a half an hour of it over by now if Senators were fair. I certainly will consider his point for next week. I believe it will go on next week. It is a Bill in which many Senators have expressed an interest. On this side of the House alone, we probably have another 16, 18 or 19 speakers and the same, I know, applies to the other side. Certainly we will not have a late sitting today but we can think about it for next week. Senator O'Toole also asked for an extension of Private Members' Time. I have no plan for an extension at this time. He also asked for a debate on education. Again, I have to say I have no plans for a debate on that.
Many speakers asked for a continuation of the debate on the Gulf. We had a full debate on that two weeks ago. We have no plan for a further debate on that. We have very important legislation to discuss for the rest of this month. I have always said that my priority was legislation. We have the very important Environmental Protection Agency Bill that we are very pleased to have in this House and we plan, and rightly so, to do justice to that Bill. We also have the important legislation which many people are crying out for, the Child Care Bill. That will be taken as a priority during this month.
Senator Mooney talked about the Gulf war and South Africa and he asked about developments in the EC. Again I have to say there are no plans for a debate. Senator O'Reilly expressed anxiety about the health boards and health matters. I say there is no plan for Government time for a debate on health. We will have, hopefully this month, a continuation of the debate on the Appropriation Bill. Surely that is one way he can do it. The other way, as the Cathaoirleach rightly pointed out, is in Private Members' Time if he wishes to use that. Equally, I have no plan, as Senator Murphy requested, for a debate on Northern Ireland, He also mentioned the Gulf war.
Senator Cullen asked about a foreign affairs committee. In regard to this committee there are ongoing discussions with the Taoiseach and other parties. I hope that there will be Seanad representation on this committee. Again, he asked about matters dealing with South Africa. I have no plans, Senator Neville, for a debate on item No. 7. Senator Norris talked about a Dáil or all-party foreign affairs committee. I repeat what I said earlier. I am hopeful that there will be Seanad representation on this. He also asked for a Middle East debate and for a debate on item No. 7.
Senator Hugh Byrne asked for a debate on agriculture and he spoke to me about it. Although we had a debate perhaps six weeks ago on agriculture, there is widespread support for such a debate. I have indicated to many Members that on Government time when we get an opportunity it will be the first thing we will debate. I accept that there are problems in the whole area of GATT, the CAP. As far as I am concerned when we get an opportunity we will look at the possibility of a debate in Government time.
Senator Naughten referred to agriculture and local elections. All I can say is that the elections are due to be held this year. I have noted what the Senator has said in regard to Sunday polling.
Senator Ryan paid tribute to Senator Ó Foighil. He asked about a debate on the Gulf and he mentioned the prison system. This is something on which I have personally given assurances to some of the Senators on the other side. Senator Harte raised the matter in a very positive and diplomatic way some time ago and I am very anxious to facilitate him I will do that at the first opportunity. He also asked about agriculture and he mentioned lowering of farm incomes. Obviously that can be dealt with in the debate.
Senator Rory Kiely asked for a debate on agriculture. I have no plans to take Items No. 1 and 2 at this point in time. Senator John Ryan asked for a debate on health. Again, the same reply goes to him as I gave to Senator O'Reilly. It can be done on Private Members' time or on the Appropriation Bill.
Senator Lanigan also referred to a point that there was never in his time difficulties in getting debates from time to time on matters like foreign affairs or relief matters. That still is the way but it is a question now of getting legislation first and when we find we have time certainly those matters can be taken. Senator Hourigan referred to agriculture and he knows my reply on that.
Senator O'Donovan asked about foreign adoptions and Romanian adoptions in particular. There is no Bill in place. I know the Minister is concerned about this matter and I believe I am right in saying he is considering legislation dealing with it. Obviously we must await developments here.
Senator Ross asked for a debate on South Africa and Northern Ireland. As I have said, I have no plans in those areas. Senator Honan congratulated Minister Daly, and rightly so. Senator Willie Farrell's comments were noted. Senator Cassidy made several points. I wondered was he anxious about "Scrap Saturday"?