I call on the Leader to conclude her reply to the Order of Business without interruption.
Order of Business (Resumed).
To repeat, the record of the debate shows that I was acting on advice that came to me from the Minister for Health and Children, who reported it from where she got it.
That is the point — did the Attorney General give incorrect advice? Has he advised the Government incorrectly on other occasions?
This House prides itself on orderly debate and I would like to see order now. The procedure is that the Leader replies to the Order of Business without interruption.
As a means of bringing this matter to an end, Senator Ryan suggested that the issue be dealt with at the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. We can then come to a conclusion and all Members can be reported to. In fairness to the integrity of all Members who wished to contribute last night, we need at least a statement from the CPP about exactly what happened in respect of last night's debacle.
I am telling the truth.
I have no problem if the Member wants to put proposals to the CPP.
I agree with Senator Brian Hayes and regret if I caused the Chair some irritation this morning, since it is not my style. I intend fully to pursue the matter through the CPP because that is the appropriate avenue.
Let me be clear, I did not act unilaterally. Obviously, I acted on the advice given to me and if there are 45 tribunals, that is what the answer will be.
The CPP is not a tribunal.
Whatever. There are enough tribunals.
Senator Ryan also raised the issue of Palestine, as did Senator Mooney, and called for a debate. We simply do not have the time on the calendar. The matter will be considered for the future. Senator Mooney also mentioned the report on immigration and integration and I agree with him. It is proceeding in too haphazard a fashion and without any coherence. We should have a debate on the matter when possible.
Senator Bannon mentioned rushed legislation. Neither the Cathaoirleach nor I would agree with rushed legislation, and we always give time between Stages of Bills. I learned from Senators Ryan and O'Toole when I came into the House never to have Report Stage immediately after Committee Stage because amendments must be published. We do not rush legislation but all Legislatures face times, such as we faced last night, when there is a need to pass Bills quickly.
Senator Bannon also asked why County Longford was excluded from the recent tax incentive measures for tourism announced by the Minister for Finance. Both County Longford and County Leitrim participated in the previous tax package for the Shannon region but this is a new package.
This is completely different, the Leader is misleading the House. Longford and the Shannon go hand in hand.
I asked for orderly debate so Senator Bannon must be orderly and respect the dignity of the House.
I am glad that County Westmeath is participating fully in the scheme.
Senator Fitzgerald, from his own knowledge, raised the report on teacher training and called for a full debate on the matter. Perhaps the report has illustrated the need for such a debate.
Senator Norris spoke about what happened here last night but we shall not go back over that. He also mentioned the Defamation Bill and raised the arrest yesterday of a journalist. The Defamation Bill will be before the Seanad again next week so there will be an opportunity to discuss the matter then. The Senator also mentioned the pastoral letter from the Catholic Church on the dangers of alcoholism and we should note that.
Senator Browne called for an independent financial analysis of the VHI, saying that the Minister commented on it last night without elaborating any further. He also mentioned the standards of teaching and the relevance of the curriculum in the teacher training colleges. I am sure that can be considered in the report and perhaps it needs to be considered.
Senator Quinn does not agree with quickie legislation, nor does anybody in this House. I appreciate what he is saying because I do not like quickie legislation. However, I recognise a major financial difficulty when it appears. The point he made about teacher training and the parents is correct. Even parents who did not have children in primary schools were worried about that report, which needs to be fully debated.
Thankfully Senator Coghlan's Private Members' Bill has reached fruition in that he has heard from the Minister of State with responsibility for housing.
Albeit for another——
Staged payments will be eliminated by 30 June. The Senator has done a service to the State by introducing his Bill.
Hear, hear.
Senator Coghlan also asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Roche, to review the different standards of signage for Kerry and Galway. Senator Jim Walsh also spoke about teacher training. I expect a very full debate with widespread participation when the teacher training report is discussed here. All those who spoke will need to attend. Senator Feighan suggested that we should treat our guests respectfully when they come on Friday or Saturday. I am sure many of them are here today. He also spoke about random breath tests and suggested it should be mandatory for people walking on the side of the road to wear reflective gear, with which I agree. Sometimes when driving I come across pedestrians wearing very dark clothes and I wish they had such reflective material.
Senator Terry spoke in defence of teachers in general. I understand promotions take place mostly on the basis of length of service. There is nothing wrong with that. However, the Senator feels it might not allow for an entrepreneurial young teacher to get his or her promotion. She felt it should be on ability as opposed to on years of experience.
I ask the Leader whether the Control of Exports Bill will be still taken at noon.
The Senator will need to wait for some other occasion.
I will need to be ready in a quarter of an hour if it still stands.
Earlier, we had ordained that No. 2 would finish at noon. In case it does not finish then, I would wish to extend the time. However, I do not know by how long it will need to be extended.
I will be on standby.
If it has not been concluded by noon, the Leader can extend the time then.
Order of Business agreed to.