Senators Manning and O'Toole called on the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to clarify the position regarding the refusal to allow Polish visitors into the country during the past number of days. I will convey their concerns to and seek clarification from the Minister on the issue. I will also inform the House tomorrow morning of the legislation that must be processed before the end of this session.
Senator Manning has called for a debate on the report and delay in providing pension rights on numerous occasions. I will set aside time for such a debate.
Senators O'Toole and Ridge expressed their concern about the poor taxi service in Dublin. I agree with their sentiments and I will set aside time for a debate to take place before the end of this session.
Senator O'Toole called on the Minister for the Environment and Local Government to have a debate and to publish a report on road accidents. During the local elections in County Westmeath the electorate did not raise many problems on the canvass over the past four weeks. The most important issue raised – 75 per cent more often than anything else – by residents and parents in towns and villages was the speed of traffic. I had thought it was just a case of one or two people getting anxious at our cumainn and comhairle cheantair meetings, but having canvassed door to door and having spoken to mothers, families and schools, I will allow time for a debate and will ask the Minister for the Environment and Local Government to attend. It is certainly the most important issue in rural Ireland. I put it down to the major investment made by the Government in upgrading the road system and to the new fine top tar system used.
Senator O'Toole called for a debate on pension rights for teachers and delays in that regard. He again called for mandatory reporting, an issue on which I have assured him we will have a debate before the end of this session. Senators Costello, Dardis and Cox conveyed their experiences of polling day and called for the Minister for the Environment and Local Government to come to the House in the light of the low poll turnout. Senator Dardis mentioned the register of electors. Those canvassing early and who called to people's doors before the Monday of the week preceding the election could have had people added to the register, particularly students. This was done in most areas and is the reason the Minister included this provision.
The low polling is a feature in cities rather than in rural areas. In rural areas, local radio has taken over, is widely listened to and is, in the main, very positive. National television, national press and radio are hammering politicians and the political system, saying it is not good and that it does nothing. They are brainwashing people into believing there is no point in voting. The economy and the achievements of this country are thanks to former Taoisigh and politicians. The sooner the media stops knocking the political system the better. I thank local radio and the local press for the positive role they have played. In my area, there was a 65 per cent turnout, which I believe was due mainly to the local media being so positive and relaying the good news.
Senator Costello also called for the Minister for the Environment and Local Government to allow the purchase of houses and flats for the millennium. This was proposed in the Dáil by Deputy Noel Ahern in no uncertain terms, and I fully agree with the sentiments expressed. I will allow time for this issue to be debated in the House and will pass on the request to the Minister's office today.
Senator Coogan and Senator Burke called on the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources to come to the House for statements to bring us up to date on the gas find off Galway. Senator Cox also called for such a debate before the local elections and I will leave time aside to debate this issue. Senator Coogan wanted to know the up to date situation on the radiological report, and I will see at what stage it is after the Order of Business.
Senator Glynn expressed views on the referendum which relate to the previous remarks I made. He also called for a debate on child abduction. The Senator has highlighted this issue many times on the Orders of Business and it is a cause of considerable concern. I will allow time for such a debate. Senator Ross expressed concerns as a professional as well as a public representative about banks making unsecured loans available to people to purchase Telecom Éireann shares on flotation. I noted his remarks and will pass them on to the Minister for Finance.
Senator Finneran and Senator Ross called for the regulation of lobbyists, and for regulations to be put in place to govern lobbyists in the Houses. This can probably be included in the new ethics legislation which is due before the House shortly.
Senator Finneran called for a debate on the increasing drugs problem and drug dealers and I will allow time for this. Senator Paddy Burke called for a debate on the waiting lists for orthodontic treatment and I will also allow time for this. Senator Walsh called for recognition by the Minister for the Environment and Local Government of those who have served for a long time in public office as local authority members and who were unfortunate in not being re-elected. Senator Walsh is a former president of LAMA and has wide experience in this area. I welcome his support for the call which I made earlier.
Senator Quinn called for as much time as possible for Committee Stage of the Copyright and Related Rights Bill which will be taken tomorrow and I assure the Senator this will be done. I remind the Senator that last year one third of all legislation was initiated in the Seanad and this year at least one third will be initiated in the Seanad. I will also pass on Senator Quinn's views about the World Trade Organisation and I fully agree with the sentiments he expressed.
Senator Ryan expressed concerns about No. 3. This will be taken before the end of the session. Regarding the Taoiseach or the Minister for Foreign Affairs coming to the House for statements on the Cologne summit, I will see what I can do in relation to bringing the Minister to the House. Senator Ryan also raised the licensing regulations. As Members are aware, the licensing laws will be updated in the autumn. I will see how this is progressing and will return to the Senator on the matter.
Senator Lanigan again called for the establishment of a press council. I promised the House that I would allow time for a full debate on this matter and will do so at the earliest possible opportunity.
Senator Norris pointed out very serious concerns about a visitor from Japan. I will inquire about the matter from the offices of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on the conclusion of the Order of Business and will return to the Senator on it.