It is proposed to take item 1, Committee and Remaining Stages, with business to be interrupted between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Order of Business.
The Order of Business is agreed. In ordering business for the remainder of the session will the Leader ensure that, as far as possible, all Stages of Bills are not taken on successive days? It is bad practice.
A number of important issues may be debated in the House next week. While I support the Leader's proposals will he inform the House of them?
Traffic conditions are very difficult, especially in Dublin. We all support operation freeflow and the clampdown on dangerous driving by the Garda Síochána. However, the extraordinary decline in road manners, which arises out of frustration and the increasingly congested nature of our roads, is being lost sight of. Will the Leader ask the Minister for the Environment and Local Government to mount a campaign to inculcate basic standards of courtesy in drivers? The lack of courtesy by people in a hurry who regard the roads as their own, are responsible for many smaller accidents. It is important that we return to first principles. A major campaign to encourage people to act in a courteous way would go a long way towards helping the traffic situation.
Our agreement is that the Bill will proceed today. There is no question of it being guillotined. The lack of time between Second Stage and Committee Stage of Bills is a crucial issue.
While I am not careful to raise issues that can be dealt with by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, there are matters which need to be discussed by the House. Will the Leader ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs to attend the House to debate the impact of the American blockade on Cuba, which is depriving the country of essential foodstuffs and medical supplies and is having an extraordinary impact on the population, young and old. I hope a debate will lead the Minister to raise the issue with the appropriate US Department.
I agree with the comments made by Senator Manning and Senator O'Toole regarding the ordering of business. All Stages of the Children Bill will be taken today. This is not satisfactory and I urge the Leader to make it easier for Senators to participate properly in debates in future.
There is an alarming increase in hospital waiting lists. Some 30,000 people are now waiting for treatment or surgery. Twenty per cent of those waiting for coronary bypasses die while on the waiting list. An urgent debate is needed on this issue. I am concerned about claims that a saving of £30 million to £40 million could be made if hospitals organised their purchases properly. I draw the attention of the Leader of the House to a report in yesterday's newspapers by the President of the Irish Pharmaceutical Association condemning general practitioners for buying generic drugs, thereby making a saving of £30 million to £40 million to various health boards. The subject of hospital waiting lists and health care generally merits debate in this House.
Two weeks ago I asked the Leader to have the recently published Euro-based report on the drugs problem debated in this House. I repeat that request this morning. I acknowledge there have been successful efforts to come to terms with the problem of supply in recent months and the gardaí have been effective in apprehending drug pushers. I am not satisfied, however, that a systematic attempt is being made to deal with the drugs problem from the point of view of supply. That worries me because the implications for a generation of young people are so serious and far-reaching. I ask that the report be debated fully in this House with a view to a more satisfactory response from Government and State agencies.
Yesterday I mentioned St. Ita's Hospital, Portrane, and the possibility of a debate on the Report on Mental Hospitals, 1995 to which there was a positive response from the Leader. I discussed the matter with my colleagues who concluded that this House should form a delegation and visit St. Ita's in advance of a full debate on the subject. I ask the Leader to consider this request and give an answer to the House as to whether a delegation from the Seanad could make such a visit so that we could get to know the conditions in St. Ita's. I find such visits useful prior to debates on such matters.
I support Senator Manning's remarks regarding traffic management. We are supposed to have zero tolerance, but cars and vans are doubled parked on double yellow lines on Grafton Street every morning. This is being tolerated. Like Paris and other cities, there should be regular hours for deliveries before the normal traffic starts. CIE is not without guilt in this either. Buses park 100 yards out from the kerb and double park on Cathal Brugha Street. We need a debate on this matter and, perhaps, we could include the hiving off of roadworks by our great municipal authorities such as Bord Gáis, ESB and Telecom Éireann to subsidiary companies who take no responsibility for leaving the roads in a deplorable condition.
Does the Leader intend to have a debate on health so that we can indicate to the Minister our concerns regarding the increase in the number of cot deaths in Ireland this year? I have a particular interest in this area. To date 48 babies have died from cot deaths, three more than during 1996. The increase is worrying and there is an urgent need for the funding of research into this problem. I hope the Leader will look favourably on my request for a debate on the matter.
I concur with Senator Manning's remarks concerning aggression on the roads. The lack of courtesy and bad manners on the roads is appalling and I support his request for a debate on the matter.
I ask that we invite the Minister for the Marine or the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs to this House for a debate on the fishing fleet. Due to adverse weather forecasts, the fishing fleet around the south coast from Waterford to West Cork and Kerry is tied up. Deckhands and crewmen are deprived of social welfare benefits while their boats are tied up. Boats can be tied up for ten weeks due to bad weather conditions, boat repairs or fish quota restrictions. Due to a Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs anomaly, 30,000 crewmen are not entitled to social welfare benefits during this time. Many of these people must live off the goodwill of co-ops and credit from shops until they go back to sea. Fishermen are forgotten about.
We cannot have a debate on the matter now.
Another anomaly is that most commercial seagoing people have a special tax allowance due to the difficulties involved, the unsocial hours and so on. This should be extended to full-time fishermen and I ask the Leader to discuss the matter with the Minister for Finance or the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs.
I would inquire whether Senator O'Donovan wants this special aid to apply only to the 20 per cent of fish caught in our national waters by Irish fishermen or whether it should apply to the 80 per cent caught by foreign fishermen? Perhaps the fundamental point is that most fish caught in our waters is not caught by Irish fishermen. That is what we should be addressing.
As somebody who lives a long way from the city, I would point out that this is Seanad Éireann not Seanad Baile Átha Cliath and that Bord Gáis and the ESB are not municipal authorities. If people are worried about parking in Dublin, they should get themselves elected to Dublin Corporation, and not be bothering Seanad Éireann with the problems of parking in Dublin.
(Interruptions.)
Senator Ryan, on the Order of Business.
The practice of putting various Stages of serious legislation together without a time interval for proper reflection essentially means that no amendments will be accepted and no amendments will, therefore, be seriously discussed. I profoundly regret that and I hope there is not a precedent here for serious legislation to be rushed through. Perhaps there is no other business, but we can offer the Leader lots of ideas for business if that is the only problem.
I support Senator O'Toole's call for a debate on the criminal sanctions imposed by the United States on Cuba for the past 40 years. Will the Leader ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs to debate this matter in the House with a view to a group of us approaching the United States Ambassador to ask why it persists in this criminal activity?
Mr. Cregan
I received a report this morning on the oil spillage in the lower harbour in Cork from the refinery manager, Mr. O'Carroll. I would have expected it to have received it from either the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources or the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, but it seems neither of them can agree as to which of them should report on it. The manager's report stated that more oil was spilled than first thought, about 25 tonnes. He also stated that much money and time was spent on cleaning it up and many people were involved.
Can we have the facts? Will people please stop saying one thing while meaning something else? Many people say the position in the lower harbour in Cork is very serious, and they cannot all be wrong. What Minister will explain to this House what exactly happened? For example, the manager's report states that a rationalisation programme has been implemented in Whitegate refinery and £40 million has been spent on upgrading it. It further states it was regrettable that one section of piping broke but that the rest was in excellent condition. Was it known that the rest of the piping was in excellent condition but that one part was not? It stated further that 72,000 tonnes of oil was spilled in Milford Haven last year, but that was from a ship.
I remind Senator Cregan we cannot have a debate on the matter on the Order of Business. I have given him a lot of latitude.
Mr. Cregan
I appreciate that, but I have been listening to debates on the Order of Business for the past two months and have seldom contributed. I am not seeking a debate, only information. I would appreciate it if the relevant Minister would explain the facts to the House because we are entitled to them. Cork harbour is our best natural harbour resource. Some £40 million will be spent improving facilities there. Let us not destroy the area by not doing a good job.
I support the call made yesterday for a debate on local authorities. The Minister for the Environment and Local Government indicated he will restructure local government. Will the Leader ask the Minister to attend a debate on that issue in this House? We should also have a debate on waste management and there should be a national policy on it. Will the Leader ask the Minister to discuss this issue at length with the House?
I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Davern, and compliment him on his announcement that the last manifestation of the landlords has been removed from rural Ireland with the cancellation of turbary rights held by the Land Commission. It may not affect everyone, but it is an important and welcome decision in my area. I acknowledge the Minister's involvement in this welcome announcement.
Will the Leader arrange a debate with the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment on the review of the various European funds, for example, the International Fund for Ireland and the Peace and Reconciliation Fund? They have been in existence now for three years and are due a review. This House should have an input into that, and it can best be done by the Minister debating the issue with the House. It is fundamental for local authority members to have the opportunity to speak with the Minister on this matter.
On Tuesday in the Dáil, the Minister for Health and Children stated the health boards have procedures and protocol for dealing with children in their care who become pregnant. These do not seem to be widely known by professionals and they should be made more widely available. Will the Leader ask the Minister to publish these protocols and procedures, because they would be of great interest not only to all professionals involved but also to those in both Houses of the Oireachtas and to members of the public?
I support Senator Henry. Will the Leader of the House ask the Minister for Health and Children or the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to ensure the legal and constitutional mess before the courts caused by the utter confusion surrounding the role of the Eastern Health Board, or any other similarly responsible State agency, which has in its care a 13 year old raped and pregnant child, is resolved? Will he ask the Minister to tell this House who has the duty to ensure all constitutional rights, both of the child and her family, are upheld? Will he also ask the Minister's view on what appears to be the entry into this now celebrated case of well known public campaigners on one side of this issue? It is our duty as legislators and as Members of the Oireachtas to raise in this House issues of major public concern and interest.
I support the call for improved safety on our roads. Driving lessons should be taught at second level. This measure has been proposed to me by numerous interests in road safety. I would like to see more cycle lanes provided.
We also need a debate on our rail network. Many people now commute 50 or 60 miles to work. Much of the rail network has been closed in many parts of the country. Will the Leader initiate a special debate on the rail network? Perhaps the improvement of the permanent way and the rolling stock will contribute to this facility. It is ironic that many parts of the country are no longer served by rail. The line between Athlone and Mullingar has been discontinued for passenger traffic and that is a travesty of justice for the people I represent.
Yesterday, we established the terms of reference of all Oireachtas committees except one. When is it proposed to establish that outstanding committee? When is it envisaged these committees will start meeting?
I know all Ministers like a good photo opportunity and, last weekend, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform looked very well photographed beside packets of drugs which had been seized. The same Minister did not seem so keen last night when the current debacle arose. Will the Leader pass on the concern of the House that we be as diligent in apprehending those responsible for importing these killer drugs as we are with finding the drugs?
Will the Leader ask the Minister for the Environment and Local Government to put pressure on Dublin Corporation to provide more public car parking to alleviate the problem of illegal parking? Dublin is one of the worst cities in the world for providing public car parking spaces. One of today's newspapers stated that the corporation is seeking tenders from European firms to provide a car clamping service. One can imagine what will happen if a private company is given such a contract; cars will be clamped everywhere. Many people park illegally because they have no alternative. The problem would be solved if Dublin Corporation provided high rise parking for which there are plenty of sites. The Leader should ask the Minister for the Environment and Local Government to raise this matter with the corporation.
I agree with Senators who have spoken about the traffic, particularly in Dublin. Senators coming to Dublin more often than in the past to attend the House are experiencing at first hand these terrible traffic problems. CIE has a role to play. Travelling to Dublin by train this morning, I was amazed at the number of people who had to stand because there were no seats available. This is not the way to entice people to use public transport. Everyone has a role to play in this matter.
Coming from a rural constituency, I am sure that the Leader is aware of the alarming increase in outbreaks of brucellosis. The figure has breached the 300 restricted herd limit which means that Ireland would automatically——
Is the Senator seeking a debate on this matter?
Is the Senator aware that his county is one of four which are free of brucellosis?
The Senator must think nationally.
Debates such as this are not in order on the Order of Business. The Senator may request the Leader to arrange a debate.
I wish to know what action the Minister is going to take to deal with this very serious matter. Meetings are taking place today but is the Minister aware that this matter is of huge concern to everyone?
I echo the comments of Senators opposite in relation to the tragic case of a 13 year old girl who is a rape victim. I would like to know more about who has the duty of care and responsibility for such a child. How far does the in camera rule extend in such cases? Undoubtedly, extraordinary pressure has been put on this child and her family because of the public notoriety of the case.
I wish to raise the appalling situation of elderly people in nursing homes. Many of these people have sold their family homes so that they may enjoy a comfortable old age and be looked after when family members are not able to do so. We need to examine the subventions to nursing homes where people, literally, have no money. Nursing home costs have escalated considerably over the past few years yet subventions have not increased. This matter should be addressed to the Minister for Health and Children and the health boards.
Will the Leader and the Government notify the press of a statement issued by the Irish Traveller Movement's spokesperson in one of today's newspapers? This statement concerns the case of the young 13 year old pregnant girl. The spokesperson rightly makes the point that travellers, by their deprived status, are vulnerable and helpless and attract media attention in cases such as this. Anyone with a sense of decency, compassion or generosity of spirit must feel for this young person and her family. They already have a huge trauma to deal with without being subjected to a media circus. A request from the Leader and the House could bring a result in this case. It is shameful and intolerable that this young woman and her family are subjected by the media——
I have given the Senator a lot of latitude each day.
This is a very important matter. This is another unwarranted assault on this family by the media and it should stop.
As far as possible, Second and Committee Stages of Bills will not be taken in the same week. I thank the House for its understanding of the position I have found myself in this week. Senators Manning, O'Toole, Costello, Norris, O'Donovan and Glynn raised concerns about traffic and the increased volume of traffic. I will arrange a debate on this issue at the earliest opportunity. I support Senator Bohan's view that Dublin Corporation should create additional car parks. Perhaps we can discuss these matters in a special debate with the Minister for the Environment and Local Government. He was in the House yesterday for a Private Members' Bill. He is a forthcoming Minister and I do not envisage any difficulty in his conceding to a request from Members.
Senator Manning inquired about next week's business. I will give careful consideration to the many requests for debates. I propose to debate the Santer proposals for agriculture next Wednesday. Following requests from Senator Quill and other Members, I propose to take statements on the annual report of the EU Drugs Monitoring Service on Thursday. Many Senators called for a debate on the famine in Korea. I hope to arrange such a debate for next Thursday afternoon in the presence of the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Senators O'Toole and Ryan called for clarification of today's Committee and Final Stages of the Children Bill. These Stages are open ended so there will be no time constraints. Senator Costello raised the issue of hospital waiting lists. This serious concern must be alleviated. I was pleased, as I am sure the Senator was, that the Minister for Health and Children allocated an additional £40 million. Everything is being done. Health costs are increasing yearly and are one of the major drains on our economy. It is mind boggling that, despite the efforts of previous Governments and the Department, the waiting lists seem to get longer.
I will consider Senator Norris's proposal regarding St. Ita's in Portrane and we will discuss it at the Committee on Procedure and Privileges later today. I have no objections to his proposal. Senator Cox proposed a debate on cot deaths. This is a very serious issue and I agree to her request. I am happy to agree to Senator Glynn's call for a debate on the rail network and also his proposals for reopening the Mullingar/Athlone railway line. I know there is a hardworking committee in his county working on this issue and perhaps he will bring these issues before the House. I would be happy to allow time for such a discussion.
Senator Cosgrave raised the appointment of the various committees which I hope will commence work next week. The two remaining committees will hopefully come before the House next week for approval. The praise from all sides of the House for the committees was most welcome and I conveyed the good wishes of the party leaders in the House to the Taoiseach and the Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach, Deputy Brennan.
I am sure Senator Hayes, following his many requests, is pleased that a debate on agriculture will take place next week. Senator Keogh called for a debate on health and the elderly in nursing homes. This might be a matter more appropriate for an Adjournment debate; we will have to look at such issues in the context of Adjournment debates. We only have one matter on the Adjournment today. I am thinking in particular of Senator Cregan's motion which he brought before the House last week. The Senator might table a motion for consideration on the adjournment next Wednesday and I would be happy to work with the Cathaoirleach and the Senator in having the Minister come before the House to reply to the queries raised.
Senator O'Donovan raised the question of a debate on the fishing industry and the difficulties being experienced by the Irish fleet. I would be pleased to provide time for a discussion on this matter and perhaps it could be raised on the Adjournment. Alternatively, we will facilitate the debate as part of Fianna Fáil's Private Members' business.
Senator Burke is always anxious about local authorities and their needs, as are most Members. He will have an opportunity to raise this issue in debate on a Bill soon to come before the House for which I will be looking for his and his party's support. Perhaps he too could raise the issue of waste management on the Adjournment.
Senator McGowan made a very good proposal, namely, to have a debate on future international funding for enterprise and employment. With the agreement of the House I will make this one of the priorities in the next session. Perhaps a debate can be arranged for the first or second week of the next session.
Senators Ó Murchú, Henry and O'Meara raised their concern regarding the tragedy of the 13 year old girl. I concur with Senator Ó Murchú's wishes that the media give the family space. They are in a dilemma. I concur with Senator Henry's request to inquire from the Department of Health and Children the protocols for health boards. I will communicate with the Senators during the day in relation to this.
Order of Business agreed to.