Senator O'Toole agreed with Senator Brian Hayes and asked for debate on the matter. I have just been explaining the reason there cannot be one.
Senator Ryan asked how it would affect the Seanad resumption at 3.45 p.m. if there was an amendment in the Dáil to the Redundancy Payments Bill. When I spoke about the resumption of business, I was careful to include the proviso, "If the Bill is passed". If there is an amendment, we will telephone spokespersons and arrange for them to be present for the debate. The Senator also gave us the statistics for those earning over €50,000 or €100,000 contained in the latest Revenue statements.
Senator Cox raised the issue of the home births scheme, an issue which concerns both women and men. The home births and Domino schemes have been a success. The Minister for Health and Children is interested in introducing the scheme in different health board areas. It is important that women have the choice to opt for home births, the money for which should be ring-fenced within the health boards.
Senator Coghlan seconded Senator Ryan's proposed amendment on the issue of third level fees. He also asked how we would tie down builders. The purpose of the review by the all-party committee on the Constitution of the ownership of land and how it can be released is to deal with this issue.
Senator Kitt asked about J1 visas. We will pose a query to the American Embassy.
Senator Henry asked about motion No. 28. Her concern about this important matter was echoed by others. It appears there is mayhem in Iraq. The Senator asked for a debate on the issue in order to seek a correct interpretation of what was happening.
Senator Fitzgerald spoke about a review of third level fees. I agree that the more openness there is about the matter the better. I am not allowed to say what happened. Meetings at which everyone can openly express his or her opinion are a more modern way to do business rather than having a cloak and dagger situation. Clarity is needed. Parents are upset about not knowing what the future holds. The quicker they know the sooner they can make arrangements.
Senator Ulick Burke also spoke about third level fees. He also wants the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to come to the House to discuss the topics of forestry and the availability of housing land.
Senator Dooley asked for debate on sport. Such a debate would be particularly interesting in the light of the proposals relating to stadia. The provision of decent sport facilities is also an underlying factor as an antidote to crime.
Senator Quinn stated Ireland was 11th in the competitiveness league and suggested that the new committee on competitiveness should have members genuinely interested in the topic. Senator Maurice Hayes, taking up what Senator McHugh said yesterday about roaming telephone charges, asked about postal charges and said the imbalance between the two jurisdictions acted as an inhibition on trade.
Senator Browne wants the Minister for Transport with whom we had a good debate yesterday to come to the House again.