I omitted to thank the chairpersons who assist the Cathaoirleach and the House and without whom the work could not proceed as smoothly and efficiently as it does.
Senator Wright referred to the new Garda Commissioner. It is salutary that all sides of the House accept that the best person for the job has been selected. There is full support for him and the people, as never before, want him to succeed in his job. That is no reflection on Patrick Culligan who was an excellent Garda Commissioner. However, it is a new time and there is a new mood and the new Commissioner is the man for the job.
I agree with Senator Dardis it is about time the ongoing scandal of the row between the GRA and Garda Federation was brought to an end. The public is sick and tired of this unedifying spectacle. At a time when everybody's priority is the elimination of crime, the public is tired of the spectacle of gardaí squabbling in public. It is up to these bodies to not just mouth nice things about what has happened in recent times and condemn politicians but also to show by example and leadership that they too are serious about this issue.
Senator O'Toole asked for a debate on Northern Ireland. A debate on Northern Ireland at this point would not be helpful. If it is considered helpful during the recess I will consult Members and the House will be recalled. However, it would have to be a helpful debate. The Senator also referred to Bord na Móna. Like other Members, I would like to see that problem resolved. The best advice was offered by Senator Quinn. I hope what he proposed at yesterday's meeting of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Commercial State-Sponsored Bodies, which contained a great deal of common sense, will be the line followed.
Senator Mooney referred to the National Sports Council. It deserves to be welcomed. I will be happy to organise a debate on the National Sports Council and on lottery funding, which was raised by Senator Finneran, early in the new session. The same applies to the new task force. On a lighter note, I am glad Senator Enright realises that the times of the Munster and Leinster hurling finals next Sunday have been changed. Those of us who have not received tickets from Senator Kiely can now watch both matches. It was common sense because the GAA is competing in a television age and needs to take advantage of the great sporting spectacles it can offer.
Senator Norris raised a number of questions. I will not dwell on his retirement from the university. Sometimes, although not in the case of Senator Norris, it is hard to tell the difference between people who have retired and those who have not. He also called for a debate on foreign policy. The trouble with that is getting all the members of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs in the country at the same time, but I will look at that in the new session.
We all know that Senator Enright will be fighting for a seat in Laoighis-Offaly and my money is on him. Senator Daly raised the question of transport and I will convey his views to the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications.
I agree with Senator Magner about the tone of the remarks by the leader of the vintners' association. It is one thing to come here and speak in a very civil way to Members from all parties but quite another to issue a public threat. Regardless of which parties are in Government or Opposition, those bullying tactics will not get them anywhere. I deprecate what was done and I ask them to reconsider. There is no place for that sort of language.
I agree with Senator Dan Kiely about those glossy EU publications, which I also received today. I cannot see the point of them. They are enormously expensive to produce and not particularly effective. It is a waste of public money to engage in such publicity.
I will convey the question raised by Senator Honan to the Minister. I will also convey the point made by Senator Henry but, as the Minister will be here shortly, the Senator might raise it again with her.
I promised Senator McGowan five times that we will have the debate which he requested early in the new session. I said five times that there will be a debate on the funding of local authorities. For the sixth time, there will be a debate.