I join with Senator Dardis in welcoming Senator Honan back to the House. We missed her and are glad to see her back.
Senator Wright asked about the Credit Union Bill about which I hope to have precise information today or tomorrow.
Senator O'Toole asked what would happen in the event of an equality of votes in the election of a new Cathaoirleach. He raised this issue with me before and I now have the information. Although it is the item after next on the Order of Business, I will answer it now. A vote is taken separately on each candidate if there is a contest so there would be no equality between the two candidates. If there is an equality of votes on the first vote, the Clerk will then decide the issue in the negative. She does not have freedom of action in the matter. A vote then takes place on the second candidate. If there is an equality, a decision is again taken in the negative by the Clerk. That is the procedure and I trust it clarifies the matter.
Senator Dardis asked about the debate on economic and monetary union which will be on Wednesday, 4 December.
I do not have the resumption date for the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, 1996, about which Senator O'Kennedy asked but I expect it to resume within two weeks.
Senator Norris asked about the Refugee Bill, 1996. I have detailed information from the Minister for Foreign Affairs about its implementation which I will make available to anyone who wants it.
A number of people raised the issue of transport. I have no difficulty with a debate on transport in the near future. I do not think the Government can do much by intervening to resolve the French dispute which is bitter and nasty. It is possible that outside intervention, apart from being ineffectual, might make things worse. I was heartened to hear Irish officials in the Embassy in Paris being praised for the help they are giving to people who are caught up in a quarrel which is not of their making, which is doing terrible harm to Irish industry and which is a disgrace to the way the French carry out their public business. It is sad that the innocent people are affected but I was pleased to hear the Embassy staff praised for its efforts.
Senator Townsend asked for a milk quota debate. Item 12 on today's Order Paper will be taken shortly and should provide plenty of opportunity for Senator Townsend and others to ask questions.
Senator McGowan asked for a debate on local authority funding. That will take place and I will try to have a date for him today. I expect it to take place within two to three weeks and before the Christmas recess. His request for a discussion on the National Roads Authority would come under a transport debate.
On the question of libel and the Ombudsman, I have no difficulty with a debate on the libel laws if Senator Farrell is concerned about them.
Senator Honan and a number of other Senators raised the issue of the threatened nurses' dispute. It is a matter of the utmost gravity and I am sure everything is being done to resolve the matter.
Senator Maloney, Senator Haughey and others asked for a debate on Northern Ireland. I have no difficulty with that debate taking place between now and the end of this session and I will see if it can be organised.
Senator Haughey raised the issue of BSE and I will convey what he said to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry as it has very serious implications.
Senator Norris, Senator Magner and Senator Sherlock raised the issue of the State pathologist. The suggestion made is sensible and I will see if it can be passed on.
Senator Rory Kiely and Senator Farrelly mentioned the behaviour of bouncers. That is a cause for concern. It is an issue we could discuss and I will make time available.