Senators Manning, Dardis, Avril Doyle and Glennon called for another debate on Seanad reform. As has already been stated, there is a sub-committee under the chairmanship of Senator Manning in place and its deliberations on Seanad reform are at a very advanced stage. It is hoped we will have concrete proposals to put before the Seanad for consideration early in the next session. We have seen the proposals on Dáil reform. We have proposals that I am sure the Seanad will approve, which will enhance its proceedings, broaden its whole operation and include facilities for MEPs, North and South, to speak and enable us, on Fridays, to discuss European reports with our European colleagues. It is nice to see Senator Avril Doyle here this morning.
Senators Farrell and Quinn called for a debate on the insurance industry. Senator Quinn highlighted that 380,000 people have a provisional driving licence. I will pass his views to the Minister. It certainly is an enormous number. It is much too high. I hope the matter will be addressed in the near future.
I call on the insurance companies to show their concern by doing something to encourage people not to drink by giving a 25% reduction in premium to members of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association. It is time the 200,000 people in Ireland who respect the spirit in which driving licences were given to us by the Government got some encouragement. We should encourage young people, in their early years at least, to realise that there is an alternative. There is the sporting life and enjoyment without over-indulgence in alcohol. Unfortunately some young people, having over-indulged, take the keys of their car and drive and the result is what is perhaps the most unpleasant experience any family endures, the loss of a son or a daughter through driving while under the influence of drink.
I will pass Senator Coghlan's view to the Minister. I know he would wholeheartedly congratulate the Government on creating 150,000 or more new jobs since it come into office in 1997. I will pass Senator Ó Murchú's views about the Red Cross to the Minister.
Senator Henry called on the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to come to the House to explain what is happening in terms of the Human Rights Commission. I will pass her views on to the Minister also.
Senator Bonner congratulated the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Fahey, on negotiating a very difficult trade deal at the EU which concluded only at 6.00 a.m. today. I congratulate everyone involved and all who were successful in having the Irish proposal for conservation measures accepted. Ireland is such a small country, but such an important one in the context of the fishing industry. The Minister, Deputy Frank Fahey, all his officials, Joey Murrin and everyone associated with the fishing industry can be proud of the job they have done under extremely difficult circumstances.
I will pass Senator Ridge's views on to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
I take Senator Ross's point once again. However, he labours the point every day. Is a Minister, Senator, Minister of State or Dáil Deputy to speak only on issues with which they are familiar? That would not be fair. There is precedent over the years for Ministers of State coming to the House as a result of requests to me as Leader of the House to facilitate Senators' calls for Bills, statements or debates. The Senator is perhaps being a bit mischievous but it is not reasonable that he should continue to make these demands. Senator Ross has been known as a reasonable man in the 20 years he has been a Member of this House and he should not change coming up to Christmas.
In response to Senators Doyle and Quinn, I can inform the House that on Tuesday, 3 February, we will have a full day's debate on the Nice Summit.
I will pass Senator Taylor-Quinn's views on to the Minister. I understand the Minister for Foreign Affairs is meeting the foreign affairs committee this morning at 11 o'clock and that matter will be discussed. I will pass Senator Glennon's views on to the Minister for Education and Science.
I want to congratulate you, Cathaoirleach, the Leas-Chathaoirleach, the Deputy Leader, Senator Dardis, Senator Manning and all the other leaders of groups in the House, the Government Whip, Senator Fitzgerald, who has done a magnificent job—