Today's Order of Business is No. 1, Planning and Development Bill, 1999 – Committee Stage; No. 17, motion 16. Business shall be interrupted between 1 p.m. and 2.30 p.m. No. 17, motion 16, shall be taken from 6 to 8 p.m.
Order of Business.
The Order of Business is agreeable. The office of the Director of the National Library has been vacant for three years. There was an excellent Acting Director but recently a further attempt was made to fill the office and no appointment was made. The reason for this is quite simply that the salary being offered is lower by about two points down the scale than for those working in university libraries, in other words, the salary being offered to head up the most prestigious national cultural institution is derisory. It is well known that good candidates cannot be attracted and the position is almost permanently vacant. This is not good for the National Library or for our reputation in cultural terms. I ask the Leader to make immediate representations to the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands and to the Department of Finance, which is where I believe the real problem lies. If not, will he allow time for a debate on the matter in the next couple of weeks?
I would like this House to indicate its total support and confidence in Mr. John Lonergan, the Governor of Mountjoy Prison, whom I believe is being subjected to an excruciating attempt at zero tolerance and moral arbitration by some of the media this morning.
This matter is not appropriate to the Order of Business. To allow the matter to be discussed here this morning would be to establish a precedent we might all regret in the future.
I absolutely agree that there should not be a debate on the matter at this time. I raise the issue in the context of the need for a discussion on the press council and related matters. The Leader said recently that he intended to raise this matter. If we reach a point where the news that a leading public servant who has done a good job might owe the Government the cost of a stamp takes up half the page of a national newspaper, I think it has gone beyond the stage of tolerance. It will do the media no good if they now take the place of the hierarchy in the past in deciding on moral arbitration for the rest of this country. This is unfair and we, as public representatives, should be prepared to say that there should be balance in media coverage. If things are wrong, they should be rooted out and if not, we should also say so clearly.
I support Senator Manning's call that the position of Director of the National Library should be filled without delay. It is long overdue that we address the matter. If it is a question of finance, this is something that should be dealt with urgently.
It is galling to read in the newspapers today that the vote which took place yesterday in the other House on the Partnership for Peace is presumed to be a fait accompli and that there is no requirement for any reference to this House in relation to the matter. It is bad enough that the issue has not been put to the people in a referendum as promised by the Fianna Fáil-Progressive Democrat Government, but now this House is not even being consulted about the matter. That is disgraceful. It may not be a statutory requirement to refer the matter to the House, but I would like the Minister to explain the position when he comes to the House next week. It is a slight on the House that the decisions to send Army Rangers to East Timor and to join Partnership for Peace were taken without reference to it. Will the Leader bring it to the attention of the Government that that is no way to treat this House?
Will the Leader ask the Government the position on the incorporation of the European Convention on Human Rights into law? This was reported in newspapers, especially The Irish Times, where Patrick Smyth had an article on 27 October stating categorically that this would happen. Denis Coghlan had an article in the same paper on 1 November saying it would not happen and that the Government had yielded to pressure from anonymous conservative groups within the country. That is very worrying and the House is entitled to know what is going on. Will the Leader ascertain the position?
Will he arrange for a debate on the question of the limiting of access to certain medicinal products, such as St. John's wort and other such items? They may have funny names which are easy to laugh at but it seems extraordinary that people will need a prescription for simple things like evening primrose oil and garlic pellets. It is a complete nonsense and someone is making money out of it. Can we have a debate on this issue?
I support Senator Norris's last point. Perhaps the House, or the Minister if it is not in order for the House to do so, could discuss the move by the Irish Medicines Board to classify certain herbal remedies as needing a prescription. In terms of issues which have hit a nerve with the public, I have not had as much correspondence in a long time on an issue as I have had on this one. The annoyance of the public is palpable because it neither accepts nor understands why St. John's wort this week or another herbal remedy next week is classified in such a manner. Perhaps the House could turn its attention to and discuss procedures which classify herbal remedies as medicines and as needing a prescription.
I wish to raise the embarrassing position in which Ireland has found itself in Europe recently. Will the Leader allow for a debate or statements on this matter some time between now and Christmas? It concerns the recent four occasions in the European press where the European Commission condemned the Government for failing to transpose matters of environmental and health and safety legislation and a range of other areas into national law. When one is an MEP, one represents Ireland. As far as the Europeans are concerned, all Irish MEPs are the Government and we are all Irish. I am very embarrassed by the four occasions – 19, 25 and 29 October and 9 November – when the Commission issued press releases condemning Ireland with regard to the health and safety directive, the major accidents hazard directive and for failing to respond to complaints. Others include the habitats directive, the birds directive, the pollution of rural drinking water, the directive on dangerous substances, waste management plans, sheep overgrazing in the west and environmental impact assessments. The list is as long as my arm.
I have allowed the Senator a great deal of latitude in making a case for a debate on this matter.
I appreciate that. This is an important issue where Ireland stands indicted in the transposition, in part or all, of European law. Could we have a discussion or debate on, or give serious attention to, this issue?
I support Senators Norris and Avril Doyle regarding the recent announcements that ordinary preparations which have been accepted as and are part of daily life are to be brought under the control of the Irish Medicines Board. This is an attempt by the medical profession, chemists and the Irish Medicines Board to create a monopoly. It is all about money and control. A debate on the matter would be relevant at this time. The majority of the public does not want these preparations to be brought under the control of the medical profession and associated bodies. I ask the Leader to afford us an opportunity to debate this matter.
I am very concerned about the 350 jobs in the Great Southern Hotel Group in County Kerry and the future of the families of the people involved. The hotel group employs many people throughout the State but the Government is continuing to fudge on this issue. The hotels have always been in State ownership and it would be wrong to sell them on the basis of Aer Rianta not wanting them. We can be sure Aer Rianta will cherry pick and hold on to the hotels at Dublin and Shannon Airports and the one due to be built in Cork. Will the Leader ask the Government to arrange immediately that an independent analysis or report will be carried out on how the hotels can best remain in State ownership? The hotel group has a proud and honourable history and tradition and staff members have provided great service over the years, particularly in County Kerry where the group has three hotels. The staff would clearly prefer the hotels to remain in State ownership. I would like to hear the Leader's views on the matter.
I welcome Senator Doyle's intervention and am glad to note that one of the terms of the Maastricht Treaty is now being implemented, namely closer liaison between the European and domestic parliaments. I welcome the interchange of ideas.
Thank you, Senator Dardis.
I agree with Senator Finneran's comments on herbal remedies in regard to powerful vested interests in the drugs interest attempting to exercise control. However, it is worth stating that some naturally occurring substances can be equally or more toxic than manufactured products. There must be some degree of regulation in the market but I concur that the Irish Medicines Board may not be the appropriate body to exercise that control. A debate on the issue would be useful.
I welcome the vote which took place in the Dáil yesterday on Partnership for Peace. I know the Leader will deal effectively with Senator Costello's request. It will be useful when we come to debate these issues.
I want to raise the issue of the heritage grant for buildings of architectural and historical merit. As a result of the overwhelming response and demand from the public, will the Leader ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands to extend the closing date for applications which are still being processed? The building must be completed between now and the end of the year and if the applications are still being processed I do not know how it will be possible for anyone to adhere to such a tight timescale.
Mr. Ryan
I support Senator Costello. It is a matter of great regret that this House is being ignored in regard to decisions on matters such as PfP and the deployment of Defence Forces overseas. I do not remember that happening before and I have asked the Leader to inquire about it on successive occasions. Perhaps he will do so now when the matter has been brought to his attention yet again.
As a matter of urgency, will the Leader arrange for a debate on the report of the Inspector of Mental Hospitals? It ought to be a specific commitment of whoever is in Government that these conditions in our prisons and hospitals will be brought to an end within the term of Government. We no longer want promises about additional funding. Nobody in any prison or hospital in Ireland – many hospitals are effectively prisons – should have to remain in those conditions any longer.
The role adopted by the Irish Medicines Board on herbal remedies is extraordinary. There are vested interests involved. There are drugs on sale in the State which do not require prescription and are potentially lethal, for example, paracetamol. We know some drugs are lethal but the risk is deemed to be acceptable. Now we are imposing a burden of proof of harmlessness for many remedies people have been using for generations. This is a classic example of someone who has not enough work to do in their own field and tries to find other work to interest them. This should be brought to a halt.
I support Senator Doyle's concern about a number of issues. We are allowing our waterways to be destroyed by increasing pollution, as the Environmental Protection Agency has identified. This will continue as long as we have a Government and a Minister for Finance who believe we should not increase public expenditure. We have the most reactionary Minister for Finance in the history of the State and we are going to have a national disaster—
We cannot have a debate on the Minister for Finance.
Mr. Ryan
—if he does not change his mind and recognises that prosperity demands expenditure, otherwise this country will choke on its own waste.
I support issues raised by Senators, particularly the plea made by Senators Manning and Costello for action in relation to the filling of the directorship of the National Library. It is a disgrace that this premier institution cannot attract people. It is clear that they are not paying the market rate.
I also share the concerns of Senators about the attempt to over regulate the field of herbal remedies. I would like the debate to be widened to include the relationship between alternative medicine and general health provisions. I share some of the concerns expressed by Senator Dardis about toxicity. This issue could be dealt with under trade descriptions, by proper labelling or letting people know what the preparations are.
Senator Doyle made a helpful intervention on our failure to implement a number of European directives. Would it be possible to have a league or audit table once or twice a year against which we could see where we are falling down?
I support what Senator Doyle said about EU directives, particularly about waste management. Direct responsibility for agricultural waste management and its conversion into energy is divided between the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, the Department of the Environment and Local Government and the Department of Public Enterprise.
Mr. Ryan
And the Department of Finance.
Can the Leader tell me if there is any advancement on a Government policy to deal with this matter? This issue is causing havoc, pollution and a lack of development in the Border counties, particularly Cavan and Monaghan.
Yesterday An Bord Gáis announced a new pipeline from Dundalk to Athlone, Galway, Limerick and Cork. Can the Leader arrange for the Minister for Public Enterprise to come here as a matter of urgency to explain why this pipeline could not be extended to Mayo? Recently a major gas find off the Mayo coast in the Corrib basin was announced. It is unbelievable that An Bord Gáis has announced a new pipeline without taking into consideration a county with the largest gas find in the history of this State.
Mayo and its associated territories.
I ask for the Minister to come here as a matter of urgency.
When is it hoped to take the Fisheries (Amendment) Bill? This is an important Bill which includes significant changes in the set up of the various boards under the control of the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources.
Will the Leader bring to the attention of the Minister for Health and Children the continuing crisis of the supply of nurses to our health services and hospitals? It is a disgrace that, as we approach the new millennium, hundreds of people are lying on trolleys in hospitals and are not able to be admitted to medical wards because there are no nurses to man them. Agency nurses are not available to fill this demand. We need to fast track a scheme to get former nurses back into the service or, if necessary, to find nurses abroad. Something must be done about this matter immediately.
While I appreciate Senator Ryan's views that the Minister for Finance would entertain proper funding for the different issues he mentioned, we have had sufficient opportunities over the past two weeks to debate these issues, and I am sure the Minister is well aware of the needs. Will the Leader ensure the Minister for Finance provides adequate funding for the National Development Plan over the next seven years and provides funding for different amenities and facilities for the disabled? Substantial money was provided in the last National Development Plan and there is a great need for—
This evening's Private Members' business is a motion which deals with the problems of the disabled and I would not wish the Senator to pre-empt the debate.
I respect your opinion, a Chathaoirligh, and accept that.
I support Senator Burke's request in relation to the gas pipeline. When the first gas pipelines were introduced and after the connection to the Scottish finds, there was a proposal to have a pipeline from Dundalk to Sligo. That pipeline got as far as Kingscourt in County Cavan. Like Senator Burke, we in the north-west lack basic infrastructure and he is right, there has been a huge find off the Mayo coast. I would like the gas company to take into consideration the fact the west and the north-west do not have these facilities. It was intended that the pipeline would go as far as Sligo. On the northern side of the Border, it is proposed to construct a line from Belfast to Coolkeeragh to the power station. There has been much talk but nothing is happening. I fully support Senator Burke on this issue.
Senators Manning, Costello and Maurice Hayes expressed concern regarding the position of Director of the National Library. As Senator Manning stated, this post has been vacant for three years, which is totally unacceptable. I will pass on the Senators' views to the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands and the Minister for Finance after the Order of Business.
Senator O'Toole called for a debate on the setting up of a press council. I will arrange such a debate before the Christmas recess. Senator Costello and Senator Dardis raised Partnership for Peace. I, too, welcome the decision of the Dáil yesterday. We will have a full day's debate on this matter on Thursday next. I look forward to many Senators being present—
Yes, definitely.
—and participating in the debate.
Senators Costello, Norris, Hayes, Finneran, Dardis, Avril Doyle and Ryan called for debates on various matters relating to the European Parliament, reports from and matters pertaining to Europe. It is a matter which I am discussing with the leaders of the House to see how we can facilitate the considerable number of reports and proposed legislation from Europe, tease out how relevant they are and what recommendations the House can make to Ministers and Departments.
I made a specific request on the European Convention on Human Rights.
Senators Avril Doyle, Finneran, Dardis and others called for debates on health matters. We will have a debate on that before Christmas, if possible. I will pass on Senator Coghlan's views on the Great Southern Hotel Group. I know the 300 jobs in Kerry are of great importance to that area's economy. The Great Southern Hotel Group has been a great credit to the country. Their facilities have provided a flagship for the country for many years. Long before the tourist boom and the private sector became involved in the hotel business, the Great Southern Group played its part. The people of Kerry, Senator Coghlan and other Kerry Deputies are worried about this matter and I will pass on their views to the Minister.
I will convey Senator Jackman's views on the timeframe for heritage grants to the Minister. Senator Ryan raised the Mental Health Bill, which is to come before the House. I will allow time for a debate on this Bill, which is to be published before Christmas.
Senator Burke called for the gas pipeline to be extended to Mayo. As Senator Dan Kiely said yesterday, there are a lot of advantages to this project and I hope the gas pipeline goes to every county to sustain the rural population.
Mr. Ryan
The Aran Islands too.
Senator Bonner wanted to be associated with this request. Senator Burke also raised the Fisheries (Amendment) Bill. This is a Dáil Bill and will be published this week. We hope to debate it here before Christmas.
I will pass on Senator O'Dowd's views to the Minister for Health and Children. Senator Leonard called for a debate on waste management. I can facilitate the Senator but not before the Christmas recess. There is a lengthy list of legislation to debate before Christmas. Today we are to take Committee Stage of the Planning and Development Bill and so far 356 amendments to the Bill have been put down. This shows that there will be a heavy workload for the House to deal with before 16 December. I hope to allow time for Senator Leonard's debate early in the next session.
Order of Business agreed to.