The Order of Business is Nos. 1 and 2. No. 1 is the Insurance Bill, 1999 – Second Stage, contributions of spokespersons not to exceed 20 minutes and all other Senators not to exceed 15 minutes. No. 2 which shall be taken at 2 p.m. is statements on the Middle East and contributions of all Senators shall not exceed 15 minutes.
Order of Business.
The Order of Business is agreed. There was a time when Irish people were proud of Aer Lingus and took a great pride in the success of the airline, its high standards, its good industrial relations and the fact that Irish people could run such a complicated industry so well. Today Aer Lingus has become a byword for choas and ungovernability. It is an airline which is inflicting enormous damage upon itself and causing massive inconvenience to the increased number of persons who prefer to fly the national airline and who depend on it. It would be simplistic to blame – I will not do so – the Minister responsible but she has not done much to help. The problems are wider and deeper. I would welcome a fairly early debate, but not in the middle of the industrial dispute as that would not be helpful, when the Minister would come into the House to outline the Government's plans for the future of Aer Lingus and its proposals as to how a repetition of what is now happening will never happen again.
Will the Leader arrange with the Minister for a debate at a fairly early date on the rationalisation of agricultural education to address the serious issues facing agricultural colleges in a number of parts of the country, such as Multyfarnham, Rockwell College and other areas? On a purely technical matter, when will the natural light be restored to the Chamber and when will the blinds be lifted?
I understand that will not happen until all work in relation to clearing the site is completed.
Thank you.
The Leader will recall that in the last session I raised the importance of getting the Minister into this House to deal with the future of transport, including Aer Lingus, and to outline her views in that whole area. I agree with Senator Manning that the debate should not take place while there are problems at the airport.
I wish to raise the issue of education disadvantage. The Government, the previous Minister for Education and Science and the current Minister for Education and Science gave certain commitments about Government policy in the area of education disadvantage. The Minister is about to announce additional new jobs in that area. If that announcement were made in the House it could be made clear that disadvantage is not just an urban phenomenon, rural disadvantage must also be considered. It is important that the views of those around the country are brought to the Minister. A discussion on that area of education disadvantage and how it impacts on rural and urban areas is important in planning further policy. Under the Education Act the Minister is required to have an education disadvantage national policy committee, but that committee has not been established. I ask that the Minister move on that issue quickly.
During the past couple of weeks there has been much discussion about the Minister's argument and row with the Turf Club. The Minister seems to have won that turf war and we all support him on it. It was inappropriate that an undemocratic body, which incidentally bans politicians from membership, should have such power as had the Turf Club.
I would like the Minister to outline this issue. We had two successful debates in this area previously and we could deal with this again. How are the interests of the ordinary racegoer or punter represented? In the outline of the agreement which I have seen, there does not seem to be a representative of the punter or racegoer, whose taxes will be used correctly to fund the industry, on the new authority. It is important that this point is made and we should insist that all interests, including that of the racegoer, are represented on the new overarching authority. I call for a debate on the implementation of the next stage of policy in this area with the appropriate Minister.
I am sure the Minister for Finance will come into the House to discuss a subject dear to his heart. I asked the Leader yesterday when the proposed landlord and tenant legislation would be ready given the current crisis in rented accommodation with wholesale evictions being carried out. Does he have information on that?
Almost every day since the House resumed I have called for a debate on Northern Ireland. Given the moves which have been made in the past 24 hours by the IRA in regard to arms dumps inspections and reopening talks with General de Chastelain and the meeting of the Ulster Unionist Council tomorrow, it would be appropriate to have a debate next week. Perhaps the Leader could arrange such a debate.
An international conference on waste management is opening in Dublin Castle today. I read in the newspapers that Louth County Council is the latest local authority to reject a waste management plan. Waste management policy seems to be a shambles. It has been delegated to local authorities and the Minister for the Environment and Local Government has not given leadership. Will the Leader invite him to the House so that he will be accountable and answerable for breaching EU directives? The deadline for the implementation of waste management plans has passed and very few are in place.
I support Senator O'Toole's comments on the racing industry. I am pleased a compromise has been reached between the Irish Horseracing Authority and the Turf Club, and the Minister is to be congratulated. The integrity of services is at stake and a degree of independence should be associated with those services. We also must applaud the fact that significant extra funding will be made available to the industry, which is necessary. Legislation has been published to permit the National Stud to carry on its good work and to increase its borrowing powers. When that legislation comes before the House, we will be able to analyse the racing industry in detail and the Minister will be present to listen to our views.
I agree with Senator Manning that agriculture education should be debated. There is a major problem regarding the fall in numbers taking up farming and seeking agriculture education but valuable facilities are available which should be used. There is a great deal of expertise in the colleges which is also of value and it is a question of finding new ways of doing the jobs. It would be useful to examine the future of agriculture education in the near future.
Before I call the next speaker on the Order of Business, I wish to make it clear to Senators that the latitude extended to them yesterday will not become the norm on the Order of Business, nor do I intend to allow the Order of Business to become a rehash of "Morning Ireland" or "What It Says In The Papers". I ask Senators who have indicated that they wish to be called to confine themselves to matters relevant to the Order of Business and to put their question or request to the Leader as briefly as possible.
Many people have welcomed the agreement in the racing industry. However, a large number of elderly people cannot go racing and they are disappointed with the lack of coverage of big races by RTÉ. I call on RTÉ to relay more of these races because it is important that elderly people who have an interest can view these races.
I support Senator Manning's call for a debate on agricultural colleges. There is widespread concern about the future of agricultural colleges, particularly those at Rockwell and Gurteen in Tipperary. At a time—
So you are supporting the request for a debate on that matter.
Yes
Thank you.
I am, however, also making the point—
Senator, you can make that point when the debate takes place. I ask the Senator not to pre-empt the debate which has been requested.
It is important that the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development is present to hear the views of Members on this important matter.
I ask the Leader for a debate on men's rights. Many men are victimised, abused and battered. They have no recourse. Nobody, including the Garda, listens to them and it is time we had a debate because this is becoming a serious problem.
I call for a debate on road traffic. I recently read a report where it was conceded that alcohol abuse, speeding, road conditions and weather conditions are not the major causes of accidents. Driver error is the major cause and I have been saying this for a long time.
What about speeding Ministers?
Instead of all the speed cameras and radar guns which torture and persecute people who drive at 45 miles per hour in a 40 miles per hour zone, there should be more—
These points can be made during the debate which the Deputy seeks.
I agree but there will not be a debate before the weekend. It is a bank holiday weekend and motorists should be careful. I appeal to the Garda to put more motorbike patrols on the road—
The Senator is pre-empting the debate he is seeking.
—and permit traffic to flow freely.
Senator Farrell, you have made the case for a debate.
On the last point, I have consulted my medical adviser who is sitting next to me and she informs me that from a medical point of view drivers are more likely to be guilty of error when they are blind drunk.
I refer to an issue which has not been raised on "Morning Ireland" or in the newspapers. Will the Leader give us information on Government plans to introduce legislation on abortion because the Oireachtas has been chastised by the Judiciary for not doing so? There are widespread reports that the Taoiseach has concluded some arrangement with the Independent Members in the other House to have a referendum on this matter, pre-empting the report of the all-party committee.
I am sure the Leader will give whatever information is available to him on that matter.
Thank you.
I thank you, a Chathaoirligh, and the Leader for the expeditious way in which both of you responded to a request I made on the Order of Business last week regarding the non-relocation of library facilities in the Oireachtas. I am pleased that the Library staff were moved back to their original premises on Tuesday and they have asked me to thank the Cathaoirleach and the Leader. They believe that without that intervention they would still be operating in the warren that is the basement of Kildare House. They believe that without the intervention they would still be operating in the warren that is the basement of Kildare House.
In the context of the Leader's decision yesterday to provide time for a debate on the media in November, will he ensure that the relevant Minister puts forward a specific proposal rather than having statements? There have been innumerable debates on the responsibility of the media and the issue of a press council. I ask the Leader to ensure there is a specific proposal in the context of the debate.
I do not wish to pre-empt the debate on the Middle East later, but I intended to ask the Leader to convey to the Minister for Foreign Affairs – I am not sure if he will be present for the debate today – the widespread concern about the anti-Semitic attacks that have been perpetrated on people across Europe. In the context of the Middle Eastern problem—
The Senator can make these points in the debate today.
My point is not related to the Middle East. It is a specific request in the context of a debate on foreign policy to ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs to co-sponsor or consult with his European colleagues about sponsoring a motion.
I understand the Senator is a member of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs. I am sure that would be a more appropriate place to make that request.
I am asking the Leader to request the Minister to co-sponsor or initiate a motion condemning anti-Semitic attacks on people who have nothing to do with what is going on in the Middle East. They have been attacked just because of their religion.
I must confess that I did not hear "Morning Ireland" or "What It Says In The Papers". I assure the Cathaoirleach and the House that the Insurance Bill will have my undivided attention all morning, and I was up early.
Regarding the Bill, will the Leader indicate when it is intended to take the Committee and Final Stages? What are the Government's intentions regarding the local government Bill? We have all received numerous queries over the past few months from local public representatives about this legislation. I ask the Leader to outline the position.
I rarely beg the Cathaoirleach's indulgence. The last time I did so, the days were longer and the mornings were brighter so I hope he will bear with me. I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on the general laws of libel having regard to the current Fine Gael position that there is a need for reformation of the law. The House should debate the issue of libel and the need to appoint a media or press ombudsman. Such an appointment is much needed.
The Leader gave a commitment yesterday that there would be an all day debate on 7 November on matters relating to the media. I am sure all these points in relation to libel can be made during that debate.
I am glad to hear that.
I would not wish that debate to be pre-empted on the Order of Business.
Unfortunately, I was attending a sub-committee meeting yesterday and I missed the Order of Business. I am glad there will be such a debate because it is required.
I travel most mornings from a remote part of rural Ireland and I ask the Leader to use his influence with the Minister for the Environment and Local Government to ensure that the problem of many young people and the elderly not wearing arm bands on winter mornings or dark evenings is addressed. A pilot scheme in this area should be introduced involving old age pensioners and young people.
On a number of occasions at 8.30 a.m. I have encountered groups of young people waiting for buses in remote areas who are not wearing any form of reflective clothing. This issue should be addressed if it could save one life or avoid one serious accident. The Minister for the Environment and Local Government should consider the matter and, in conjunction with the Department of Education and Science, introduce a pilot scheme.
This matter could be more appropriately raised on the Adjournment.
I may do that, but this issue should be considered in the context of the debate on road safety.
I support Senator Manning's and Senator Tom Hayes's call in relation to a debate on agricultural colleges. This debate should include the issue of the funding of such colleges because the money available to them is totally inadequate.
Will the Leader arrange a debate on the BMW region? Such a debate would be timely. I would like a progress report to ensure that each area is getting its fair share of the funds. This is most important.
I support Senator Coghlan's call in relation to the Local Government Bill. Estimates meetings will take place in each local authority over the next six weeks and it is important, prior to the introduction of the Bill, that the Minister comes to the House to discuss the funding of local authorities. There will be financial obligations on local authorities in relation to waste management. I ask the Leader to invite the Minister to the House for this urgent debate.
Will the Leader arrange a debate on smoking by young people and other drug abuse issues? Many parents are particularly concerned about the increase among young people of habitual smoking. While there are controls on the sale of cigarettes over the counter, vending machines are readily accessible. Despite the health warnings and the anti-smoking campaign, young people are still being targeted through the glamorisation of cigarettes. We owe it to young people to give them a fair start in life.
I reiterate the point raised by Senator O'Toole in relation to a debate on educational disadvantage. Perhaps the debate could be broadened to include the White Paper on Adult Education. This is linked to educational disadvantage.
There was a call for a debate on men's rights. I would worry about such a debate given that there are only two or three women Senators present.
Where are they? There is no solidarity.
The debate should be broadened.
We are not having the debate now.
I wanted to make that point in the context of any debate in the Chamber about men's rights. I am anxious to ensure the debate is widened to include Senators' rights, in all walks of life.
I support Senator Burke's call for a debate on the BMW region. At a seminar recently in Ennis, the Minister, Deputy Dempsey, outlined the commitment in the national development plan to the BMW region. It would be worthwhile to discuss those details because the seminar was most informative for the people who attended it. The Senator's request is worthwhile.
I also support Senator Costello's call to ask the Minister for the Environment and Local Government to come to the House to discuss the waste management plan. There is a need for a clear indication in relation to the direction that will be taken. Some county councils have accepted the principle of waste management but others have succumbed to the pressure of the "not in my backyard" syndrome. It has created a position where there is no definitive direction in terms of how our responsibilities will be managed in relation to waste. In the interests of Members' and others' responsibilities, such a debate with the Minister would be worthwhile.
I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on asylum seekers and refugees. There have been many emotive debates in the past 12 or 14 months on this issue. We should have reached the stage where we can talk rationally about the matter.
It has always been discussed rationally.
People have been in Ireland for months or years and we should now discuss the issue. In view of the recent UNHCR report which suggested that things were not as bad as might have been portrayed, we should have a debate to see where these people are going and how we, as a society, are dealing with the matter.
Senator Manning expressed his concern about Aer Lingus and called for a debate on the future of the company. There are major difficulties among the staff, particularly concerning pay and rewards for endeavour. I wish everyone well in the coming weeks in attempting to resolve the dispute. Aer Lingus is the national carrier and has flown the Irish flag with pride, honour and distinction for many years. The sooner all these difficulties in the company can be successfully resolved the better for passengers, the company and the country generally. I will certainly allow time for a debate, with the Minister present, to discuss the Government's plans for this important company.
Senators Manning, Hayes and Burke called for a debate on the future of our agricultural training colleges, including Multyfarnham, which is in my own area, following the proposals by Teagasc, which are alarming to say the least. When the country is awash with money what plans have these organisations got for the future confidence of agriculture? It is a shame and it is regrettable. They have been extremely selective as regards the proposals they will discuss on 1 November. Are they proposing to leave the entire midlands region without an agricultural training college? No Government worth its salt could preside over such a decision and as far as I am concerned, it is a general election issue.
It would be helpful if the Leader could communicate that to the Minister.
Senators O'Toole and Ormonde called for a debate on educational disadvantage and I can have time left aside for this. As regards Senator Manning's other question, I understand that the lighting and other works next door will be completed within a month, as the Cathaoirleach has said.
Senators O'Toole and Dardis called for a debate on the Racing Board and horse racing in general. I understand that legislation will be before the House in the coming weeks to increase allocations to that body, and this would be an opportune time to discuss the future of racing.
Senators Costello and Chambers called for a debate on Northern Ireland. As I told Senator Manning yesterday, I will allow time for such a debate.
Senators Costello and Chambers also called on the Minister for the Environment and Local Government to attend a debate in the House on waste management. Senator Costello was selective in mentioning Louth County Council's deferral of a decision on this matter last night. He did not state that Meath, Cavan and Monaghan County Councils have agreed to and passed the proposals before them. In the midland counties we have deferred the decision to obtain information on health reasons, but I understand that this will progress favourably in the coming months. Waste management is the single greatest challenge that will face all local authorities over the next ten years. Everybody must be cautious because the health of our population is vital. Everyone wants to do the right thing and local authorities are correct in seeking further health information on this matter. The attitude of councils would be favourable if the health issue could be clarified.
Senator Farrell called for a debate, and Senator Ormonde expressed her own views, on men's rights. I will pass their views on to the Minister. Senator Farrell called for a debate on road traffic and I will arrange time for that.
Senator Norris called for a debate on the abortion issue. I understand that the All-Party Committee on the Constitution will report to Government within the next four to five weeks. When this report becomes available I hope to allow time for such a debate.
I note Senator Mooney's contribution about the media and the all-day debate which will take place here on 7 November. Senators Coghlan and Burke inquired about the Local Government Bill which, I understand, will go to Government on the third week in November. With the budget coming before the Dáil in early December, I anticipate this Bill will be with us in mid-February. Opposition Senators can assure all their local authority colleagues that the Bill will receive the full support of the House and will be dealt with as speedily as possible. When the Bill is presented to us, I will be affording all the debating time necessary for Senators to express their concerns. Many local authority members are anxious about the Bill. It is important that we get it right for the long-term future of local government. The Bill was published last May and my understanding is that all relevant sections will be from last May.
Senators Burke and Chambers sought a debate on the fair allocation of funding in BMW areas. I am only too pleased to arrange time for such a debate because I understand that the Border and western areas are getting their fair share, but the midlands are lagging a long way behind.
That is another general election issue.
I will be making that clear to the Minister, personally. Senator Ó Murchú called for a debate on smoking and drug abuse, and I will arrange time for such a debate. Senator Lanigan called for a debate on asylum seekers and refugees, and I will also arrange time for that.
Order of Business agreed to.