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<title>Rory O'Hanlon - Recent appearances (From KildareStreet.com)</title>
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<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-11-12.789.0&amp;m=672#g810.5">
	<title>Vaccination Programme: Motion (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-11-12.789.0&amp;m=672#g810.5</link>
	<description>Like every other Member, including the Minister, I would be delighted to see the introduction of the cervical cancer vaccination programme at this point in time.  However, as a former Minister...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="810.2">Like every other Member, including the Minister, I would be delighted to see the introduction of the cervical cancer vaccination programme at this point in time.  However, as a former Minister for Health and Children, and in fairness to the Minister, Deputy Harney, who has done excellent work in her Department, we must recognise that there are choices to be made.  No Government in the world has the funding to do everything it would like to do in the area of health provision.  I recognise the work that has been done, including the appointment of Professor Tom Keane, a dedicated man of ability, as director of the national cancer strategy, and the additional funding the Minister has provided for 2009.</p><p pid="810.3">In a choice between a vaccination programme and the national cervical screening programme, I would have absolutely no doubt that the latter is by far the more important for women aged 25 to 60 years.  The screening programme will reduce the incidence of cervical cancer by 80% in the population as a whole and by up to 95% for an individual.  These are the types of figures we aim to achieve.  The vaccine is effective against four human papillomaviruses, of which there are almost 100 that can cause cancer.  It has an effectiveness rate of 70%.  During my time as Minister for Health and Children, we decided not to introduce testing for hepatitis C because it had only a 70% success rate.</p><p pid="810.4">The girls who would receive the vaccine at 12 years of age will still require pap smears because the vaccine on its own will not be sufficient to ensure they do not develop cancer.  It is important to note that the 12 year olds who receive the vaccine will not be denied pap smears in the future.  The cervical screening programme will be quality assured.  The vaccines are relatively new, one of them being licensed in 2006 and the other in 2007, and there is uncertainty as to whether they are effective for longer than five years.  Side effects have been reported which require further investigation.  The vaccine has not been introduced in at least seven European countries.  My colleague, Deputy McDaid, referred to the <i>New England Journal of Medicine</i>.  An article that appeared in this reputable journal on 21 August 2008 set out several reasons to be cautious in regard to human papillomavirus vaccination.</p><p pid="810.5">We must all work hard in this House towards the objective of preventing, diagnosing, treating and eliminating all diseases.  However, all Members know it is not possible to have the funding to do everything we would like to do.  I am pleased the Minister is pushing ahead with the cervical cancer screening programme, although, like every other Member, I would have liked it to be possible also to introduce the vaccination programme.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-11-12T19:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
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<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-07-09.466.0&amp;m=672#g505.0">
	<title>National Development Plan: Motion (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-07-09.466.0&amp;m=672#g505.0</link>
	<description>Deputy Crawford remembers it like I do: tax rates of 65% with 8% pay-related social insurance, unemployment at 18%, bank interest rates of 20% and the highest level of industrial disputes per...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="505.1">Deputy Crawford remembers it like I do: tax rates of 65% with 8% pay-related social insurance, unemployment at 18%, bank interest rates of 20% and the highest level of industrial disputes per thousand workers in the EU.  All that changed, but at that time and in those circumstances very tough decisions had to be made and implemented by Government.  One lesson that can be learned from 1987 is that Fine Gael, led by former Deputy Alan Dukes, adopted the Tallaght strategy and supported the changes and difficult decisions that had to be implemented, as did the social partners.  The Irish people accepted them and we brought about an unprecedented level of prosperity in the country.</p><p pid="505.2">While we do not want to return to the 1987 situation and we do not like to see a slowdown in the economy, in particular to see people lose their jobs, there are totally different circumstances today.  We are still one of the most prosperous countries on this earth and are well placed to deal with the temporary difficulties facing us.  I will enumerate some of the economic and social factors in our favour.  We have a young, dynamic and adaptable workforce with 2.1 million people in employment.  The size of the workforce puts us in a much better position to support our far more extensive social programmes.  We have flexible markets, including the labour market.  These markets are characterised by a light regulatory burden.  Greater flexibility in the labour market has been the key to the creation of 700,000 jobs over the past decade.  We have a pro-enterprise environment in which the burden of taxation on both capital and labour is low.  This has facilitated greater entrepreneurial success and the significant growth in small and medium sized enterprises that are key to greater balance in regional economic development.  General Government debt is forecast to be approximately 26% of GDP at the end of 2008, one of the lowest ratios in the euro area.  This low level of general debt gives us the possibility to borrow modestly to invest ambitiously in key infrastructure.</p><p pid="505.3">One of the issues that must be addressed by Government, all the Members of this House and everybody working in the public service is that we should seek to effect the required savings through efficiency rather than a reduction in the level of service.  For example, this year the health service is receiving €16.1 billion.  When I was Minister for Health in 1987 I received a budget of £1,100 million, approximately the same in euro as the five big Dublin hospitals receive today for one year.  That is an indication of the progress that has been made in the level of funding available to support our health service.  With a budget of €16 billion and more than 100,000 people working in the service, everybody should look to see how they can effect efficiencies.  For example, they could eradicate duplication.  Given the multidisciplinary nature of the health service, there is a question of better communication to ensure patients will not wait longer and will not be kept in hospital any longer than necessary.  If we all look to see how savings can be effected through efficiencies we will minimise any fall-out from the measures that have to be taken.</p><p pid="505.4">I support the motion.  I am satisfied that the economy is better placed to emerge from the current difficulties than it ever was in the past.  We are still one of the most prosperous countries in the world and it is important that we do not talk ourselves into any more difficulty than we are experiencing.  I believe it will be short term as a result of the measures the Government is taking.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-07-09T17:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-07-09.466.0&amp;m=672#g503.0">
	<title>National Development Plan: Motion (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-07-09.466.0&amp;m=672#g503.0</link>
	<description>In 1986 we were borrowing 15.2% of our public sector requirement.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="503.1">In 1986 we were borrowing 15.2% of our public sector requirement.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-07-09T17:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-07-09.466.0&amp;m=672#g501.0">
	<title>National Development Plan: Motion (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-07-09.466.0&amp;m=672#g501.0</link>
	<description>I thank the Minister, Deputy Hanafin, for sharing time with me.  I support the motion and commend the Government on taking action at this time.  It is important to take it now so the pain will be...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="501.1">I thank the Minister, Deputy Hanafin, for sharing time with me.  I support the motion and commend the Government on taking action at this time.  It is important to take it now so the pain will be short-lived.  In his contribution, Deputy Deenihan referred to Fine Gael in government from 1983 to 1987.  He did not tell us all the story but he referred to the national debt, which doubled from €12.5 billion to €25 billion in those four years.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-07-09T17:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-05-15.248.0&amp;m=672#g255.0">
	<title>Democratic Process in Zimbabwe: Motion | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-05-15.248.0&amp;m=672#g255.0</link>
	<description>I congratulate Deputy Miche&Atilde;&iexcl;l Martin on his appointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs and wish him success.  I also pay tribute to my neighbour, Deputy Dermot Ahern, for the excellent work he...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="255.1">I congratulate Deputy Micheál Martin on his appointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs and wish him success.  I also pay tribute to my neighbour, Deputy Dermot Ahern, for the excellent work he did as Minister for Foreign Affairs.</p><p pid="255.2">When I was growing up there was a world war in Europe which killed 60 million people.  When I look at the problems around the world today I am reminded of how Europe was able to settle its difficulties, having devastated itself for 1,000 years.  We now have the European Union of 27 member states, only seven of which have a long history of democracy.  Today the European Union — while I recognise that the record in Africa was not great — is committed to peace, democracy and the rule of law.</p><p pid="255.3">It is always very sad to see trouble spots around the world and Zimbabwe is a case in point.  It is sad to think Zimbabwe was one of the most successful countries in Africa a generation ago but suddenly has gone into decline.  The reason for that decline is President Mugabe and the destructive policies of the regime he has led.  Life expectancy is 34 years, the lowest in the world, and 2,500 people per week die from AIDS.  Some 4 million people have fled the country and inflation is running at over 100,000%.  The World Food Programme feeds 3 million people there.  In addition, there is torture, repression, violence, intimidation, evictions and executions in every province in Zimbabwe.</p><p pid="255.4">This morning, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Martin, referred to the fact that people who have been brutalised are not allowed medical care so it is a very serious situation.  Chris McGreal, a correspondent with <i>The Guardian</i>, wrote on 10 April:</p><p pid="255.5">The patients at Louisa Guidotti hospital said there were eight men, one carrying a shotgun, another with an AK-47, others with pistols, and they went from bed to bed forcing out anyone who could walk.</p><p pid="255.6">Nurses were dragged away from the sick.  Motorists driving by the hospital, 87 miles north east of Harare, were stopped and taken from their cars.</p><p pid="255.7">About 70 people were gathered in the grounds.  Then the lecture began.  “This is your last chance,” said one of the armed men.  “You messed up when you voted.  Next time you vote you must get it right or you will die.”</p><p pid="255.8">Later in the article, he writes how the men said they would make an example of anyone supporting MDC, the opposition party, and asked the people to point out who they were, but no one did.  Mugabe, he writes, has unleashed Zanu-PF militia shock troops.  Davidson Maruziva, editor of <i>The Standard</i>, was arrested on 20 April for publishing an article by one of the breakaway MDC groups and this is totally unacceptable to anybody who lives in a democracy.  Human rights are fundamental and we must all stand up at all times to champion them.</p><p pid="255.9">The recent elections in Zimbabwe have precipitated a further crisis.  The violence and intimidation that helped deliver perverted election victories to Zanu-PF three and six years ago were absent from the presidential and parliamentary ballot on 29 March, which Mugabe lost.  Now those practices appear to be returning with a vengeance.  There are concerns about people voting who might not have been entitled to vote, people who did not vote because they were not on the register, their names having been removed, and people who had fled the country.  That leads to some suspicion.</p><p pid="255.10">The democratic rights of people must always be respected, particularly at election time.  If people go out to vote, and they queued for many hours to exercise that right in Zimbabwe, they are entitled to the result so it is appalling that the result of the presidential election has not yet been announced.  I happened to be in South Africa in 1994 for the first democratic election.  It was run in an excellent fashion and despite all the difficulties such as the lack of an electoral register and the fact that people had no identification, the election was very successful and brought about the result for which the people wished.  It is unfortunate we do not see the same in Zimbabwe.  Good governance is essential for democracy, to show respect for the people and ensure there is a proper standard of living and people do not live on subsistence, as they do in Zimbabwe as a direct result of mismanagement of the economy by Government.</p><p pid="255.11">We want an immediate end to repression, freedom of movement for observers and the media and a fair and free election process.  Most influence rests with the African countries.  President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa has an important role to play.  The South Africans recognised there is a crisis.  It is to the credit of the South African dockers that they refused to unload arms from the Chinese ship <i>An Yue Jiang</i>.  It is important that every country in the world uses its influence to stop the export of arms, not just to Zimbabwe but to anywhere there is trouble and they are likely to be used in a civil war.  The Southern African Development Community has a role to play, as has the African Union.</p><p pid="255.12">The motion commends the Government’s efforts to move forward in finding a solution.  Ireland has never been a coloniser.  On the contrary, we have a long association with Africa, particularly through the work of the missionaries for over 100 years and the work of Irish Aid.  The immediate concern is a satisfactory outcome to the election.  I would like to see observers from Europe present.  Hopefully there will be a change of regime and then we must all work together to end poverty, improve health services, provide further education and rebuild Zimbabwe’s economy.  There is a major role for all the countries of the world, particularly the developed countries, the World Bank, the UN and the EU.  No doubt Ireland will play its role.  I am delighted we have a united voice in this House in condemning what is happening in Zimbabwe and calling for a return to the democratic process.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-05-15T13:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-04-30.417.0&amp;m=672#g419.0">
	<title>Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (EirGrid) Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-04-30.417.0&amp;m=672#g419.0</link>
	<description>I preface my contribution with a brief comment on today&acirc;��s events in Washington.  I have just watched the live television broadcast of the Taoiseach&acirc;��s address to the joint Houses of Congress....</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="419.1">I preface my contribution with a brief comment on today’s events in Washington.  I have just watched the live television broadcast of the Taoiseach’s address to the joint Houses of Congress.  This was a great honour for the Taoiseach and for our country.  He did this House and the people of the State proud.</p><p pid="419.2">I welcome the Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (EirGrid) Bill 2008.  It enhances the role of EirGrid, which is responsible for the transmission of electricity.  EirGrid has stressed the importance of ensuring a safe, sufficient, secure and reliable supply of electricity.  The east-west connector will make a major contribution to the functions and objectives of EirGrid.  We are all agreed on the need for another North-South interconnector.  A North-South interconnector was built some 40 years ago close to my home place, but the IRA ensured it was not functional for 30 years.  After being blown up, it was left unrepaired until ten years ago.  It is now making a significant contribution to meeting our ever increasing need for electricity.</p><p pid="419.3">The Bill provides for EirGrid to continue to own and operate the interconnectors provided it has a licence and the authorisation of the regulator.  There is a global debate on the provision of energy.  It is an issue about which we should all be concerned and the debate should include such issues as the impact of traditional energy sources on climate change and the increasing scarcity and growing cost of these commodities.  We must look to alternative sources of energy, as the Minister observed in his opening speech.  When the Minister comes to examine the possibility of increasing the electricity generated from wind turbines, I ask that he and his colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, consider the introduction of tax credits for private individuals who supply electricity to the national grid.</p><p pid="419.4">There is some concern about the amount of land being taken up for the cultivation of bio-fuels.  We do not want a situation to develop where we have plenty of fuel for motor cars but inadequate food to feed our population or to provide for those in other parts of the world who are more in need of such food supplies.  There is also the question of how nuclear energy should be addressed.  The use of interconnectors means that some of the electricity supply to the State will be provided by nuclear reactors in other jurisdictions.  There must be a comprehensive debate on energy supply into the future.</p><p pid="419.5">This Bill has implications for the provision of interconnectors.  There are two in the pipeline and we already have the east-west interconnector.  We will also have the Meath, Cavan, Monaghan, Armagh and Tyrone North-South interconnector.  I recognise the need for and support the provision of interconnectors to secure future supply, increase competition and reduce costs.</p><p pid="419.6">The North-South interconnector will run through Cavan and Monaghan in my constituency.  While serious concerns are raised with regard to it, the provision of interconnectors to ensure supply is supported.  With my constituency colleagues from all parties, I attended numerous meetings during the past six months.  Up to 500 or 600 people attended these meetings, which is unprecedented.  I have been in this House for 31 years and many of the meetings, which were held in practically every parish in the areas affected by the route of the new North-South interconnector, were the largest meetings I have attended.</p><p pid="419.7">While the concept of the interconnector is supported, serious concerns were raised, including with regard to the size of the cables and the level of voltage they will carry throughout the countryside, which is 400 kV.  I referred to the impact on the environment and climate change, greenhouse gases and the carbon footprint which would remain.  In agriculture the question of pylons on land was raised.  It is difficult for farmers to work around these.</p><p pid="419.8">Another issue raised was the value of property and land and the implications for applying for planning permission, which will be more difficult.  In this context, it is important that whatever happens in any part of the country — not only farmers but also the rural community will be at a loss — this is taken account of and a way is found to compensate these people.  The question of tourism was raised, particularly the visual impact on tourists coming to our green isle.</p><p pid="419.9">Health concerns were discussed in great detail at all the meetings I attended.  People are concerned about the risk to their health.  At the meetings I attended, I pointed out that there is no evidence to suggest there is a risk to health.  On many occasions over the years, I raised the question in this House of the World Health Organisation’s view of electromagnetic fields.  The most recent question was tabled on 5 December 2007 and the reply contained the following:</p><p pid="419.10">The consensus of scientific opinion to date regarding possible adverse health effects from electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure is that there is no evidence of a causal relationship between such exposure and ill health.  The World Health Organisation (WHO) has assessed the many reviews carried out in this area and has indicated that exposures below the limits recommended by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) in their 1998 Guidelines do not produce any known adverse health effects.  These guidelines are based on a careful analysis of all peer-reviewed scientific literature and include thermal and non-thermal effects.</p><p pid="419.11">I accept this and I am happy to do so.  It is unreasonable to raise the issue, particularly where people know the World Health Organisation experts are satisfied there is no risk to health.  The Department of Health and Children will continue to monitor the situation but as of now there is no risk to the health of the people.  That does not mean there is not a fear of risk.  Of course there is a health concern and it does not really matter, if one is lying awake at night, whether there is a real risk to one’s health or it is just a fear because the fact that one is worried is enough to damage one’s health.  It is important that people’s fears are addressed and taken into consideration.</p><p pid="419.12">On the basis of these concerns, the unanimous view at every meeting I attended was that cables should go underground.  The question of alternative sites was raised, as was the question of whether it is possible to put the North-South interconnector under the Irish Sea along the coastline.  Every meeting I attended was unanimous in that a feasibility study should be carried out.</p><p pid="419.13">I attended a meeting in Armagh which was arranged by me, Dominic Bradley, the SDLP Member of the Legislative Assembly, and officials of EirGrid and Northern Ireland Electricity.  I am very grateful to the officials who attended.  We had a useful and frank discussion and recognised the need to co-ordinate the approaches of North and South to ensure best practice.  Representatives of the people on both sides of the Border in our respective constituencies reiterated the view the there should be underground cabling.</p><p pid="419.14">I am glad to see the Minister in the House and I thank him for commissioning an independent study.  When the Minister notified us of the establishment of a review group, he pointed out the concerns expressed to him by the people and the concerns and desires of the Members of this House to ensure such a study would be commissioned.  On opening the debate on the Bill, the Minister stated:</p><p pid="419.15">my Department has commissioned a study to provide the best available independent professional advice on the relative merits of constructing and operating overhead transmission lines as compared to underground cables. The study will focus on technical characteristics, reliability, operation and maintenance factors, environmental impact, possible health issues and cost of both types of electricity infrastructure.</p><p pid="419.16">I welcome the Bill which is necessary.  I welcome this study and I commend the Minister on establishing the independent review group.  We look forward to its deliberations and its report which will be of great interest to the people I represent.  I look forward to supporting the Bill.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-04-30T17:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-04-10.134.0&amp;m=672#g145.0">
	<title>Twenty-eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-04-10.134.0&amp;m=672#g145.0</link>
	<description>The European Union is the second greatest achievement of politicians in the history of the world, the first being democracy.  The major contribution has been peace in Europe.  When one considers...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="145.1">The European Union is the second greatest achievement of politicians in the history of the world, the first being democracy.  The major contribution has been peace in Europe.  When one considers the history of Europe, one can see how it devastated itself, century after century, for the past 1,000 years.  Two world wars took place in the last century and 60 million people were killed in the second one.  There now is peace between the nations of the European Union and for more than 60 years there has been no war between those nations.  I refer to the insistence on the rule of law, human rights, civil rights and respect for human dignity.  It is always important to remember such features when discussing the European Union because people seem to stress the importance of the economic and social benefits for the citizens of Europe, which of course are of fundamental importance.</p><p pid="145.2">Ireland always has been a good European country and the Irish always have been great Europeans.  This extends as far back as the fifth and sixth centuries, when we sent our highly learned scholars abroad to establish centres of learning throughout mainland Europe, where they flourished for centuries.  In recent days, colleagues in this House have referred to numerous incidences of close links between Ireland and Europe through the centuries.  Ireland joined the European Union in 1973.  We struggled for 800 years to secure our sovereignty and, having enjoyed it for 50 years, we sacrificed a little of it to become members of the European Union.  However, in so doing we enhanced our sovereignty because for a country of 4 million people, we play a role that is out of all proportion to our size on the world stage and this relates closely to our membership of the European Union.</p><p pid="145.3">Why should we ratify the Lisbon treaty?  First, the Lisbon treaty contains little when compared to, for example, the previous treaties such as the Single European Act or the Maastricht, Amsterdam or Nice treaties.  Its main purpose is to make the European Union more manageable.  The same structures manage the European Union today as obtained in 1953, when there were only six member states, as opposed to the present total of 27.  The three institutions that drive the European Union are the European Parliament, the Commission and the Council of Ministers.  The role of the European Parliament will be enhanced in respect of input into legislation and policy for the member states and citizens of Europe.  Membership of the Commission has been reduced from 27 to 18 and it is important to remember this measure is not new to this treaty, because we already agreed in the Nice treaty to reduce the number of Commissioners.</p><p pid="145.4">An important point for the Irish people is that we will have equality with all other member states.  Although our population is only 4 million people, we will have a Commissioner on exactly the same terms as Germany, with a population of 80 million people, and all the other member states of the European Union.  Moreover, the five bigger states, namely, Germany, France, Italy, Britain and Spain, had two Commissioners until 2004.  However, they will only have one Commissioner, in exactly the same way as Ireland, that is, in every 15-year cycle there will be a period during which member states will not have a Commissioner.</p><p pid="145.5">Qualified majority voting already exists and will be increased to combat certain areas such as crime and global climate change.  It is of benefit to have 480 million people represented while addressing these issues, rather than trying to address them on our own.  An important aspect of the new treaty is that it makes no change to the position on taxation.  We will continue, as will the other member states, to implement our own taxation structures howsoever we wish in our own country.  It is disingenuous of people to suggest otherwise as the treaty does not change our way of dealing with taxation in this State.</p><p pid="145.7">The same applies to defence and section 15 of the Bill continues the prohibition on Irish involvement in a European Union common defence.  We now have five different legislative provisions to ensure we cannot join a common EU defence.  The most important of these is the requirement on the part of the Government to get the people’s opinion through a referendum before signing up to a common defence policy.  Our neutrality is completely protected in this treaty, as it has been in every other treaty since we joined the EEC in 1973.  It is interesting that the people who oppose the present treaty came up with the same chestnuts in every previous referendum.  None of the predictions they made in the past has come true and they are certainly wide of the mark on this occasion.</p><p pid="145.8">The same applies to socio-moral issues, in which regard we have total control of our own destiny.  The treaty will give more power to the Oireachtas in terms of input into policy and preparation of legislation.  The Charter of Fundamental Rights, which is very important to the citizens of Europe, will be enshrined in the Lisbon treaty.</p><p pid="145.9">Ireland has benefited both economically and politically from the European Union.  The greatest benefit is probably our membership of a market of 480 million people, which not only has been an advantage to farmers and the agricultural economy in general but has also made us attractive to foreign direct investment.  The number of people working in Ireland has doubled since our accession to the EEC, with an additional 1 million people in employment in the past 20 years alone.  <i>Per capita</i> gross domestic product has increased from 60% of the European average in 1973 to 143% today.  In the agricultural sector, as the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has pointed out, €41 billion has been paid out through the Common Agricultural Policy to date and a further €12 billion will be paid between now and 2013.  Furthermore, Structural Funds and regional funds have totalled €17 billion.  Therefore, we have greatly benefited as a nation.</p><p pid="145.10">Ireland is the only member state out of 27 which will hold a referendum to allow people to decide on the Lisbon treaty.  Other states are ratifying the treaty through their parliaments.  It is interesting that states with considerable numbers of eurosceptics, such as the Tories in Britain, are ratifying the treaty through parliament. It is also interesting, although not surprising, to see Sinn Féin line up with these eurosceptics in opposing the treaty.  Only four out of the 166 Members of this House have spoken against the treaty.</p><p pid="145.11">It is important that people are informed about the arguments in the weeks before 12 June, that Members who support the treaty canvas and answer questions on doorsteps and that literature is circulated to every household so people can make a well informed decision.  The European Union, including Ireland, will benefit from the changes to management structures proposed in the treaty.  It is important to vote “yes” on 12 June because we want the world to see our commitment to the European project and ensure we remain at the forefront of the development of the new Europe by maintaining and enhancing the benefits for the citizens of the EU.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-04-10T12:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-04-10.134.0&amp;m=672#g143.0">
	<title>Twenty-eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-04-10.134.0&amp;m=672#g143.0</link>
	<description>I wish to share time with Deputy Peter Power.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="143.1">I wish to share time with Deputy Peter Power.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-04-10T11:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-02-07.117.0&amp;m=672#g131.0">
	<title>Killing of Paul Quinn: Statements | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-02-07.117.0&amp;m=672#g131.0</link>
	<description>The murder of Paul Quinn on 20 October was an appalling atrocity.  Although months have passed since it occurred, our feelings still go out the parents, family and relatives of Paul Quinn, and to...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="131.1">The murder of Paul Quinn on 20 October was an appalling atrocity.  Although months have passed since it occurred, our feelings still go out the parents, family and relatives of Paul Quinn, and to the members of his community.  Two issues arise from his murder, the need for the perpetrators to be brought to justice and the need for proper law and order in south Armagh.</p><p pid="131.3">A few weeks after the murder, I called to the Quinn household in Cullyhanna in the company of councillor Geraldine Donnelly.  Despite the enormity of the tragedy, I was impressed by the dignity of the family.  Briege Quinn told me she desired two things, that Paul’s name be cleared of allegations of criminality and that the perpetrators be brought to justice.  Paul Quinn’s name has been cleared by the Government here and the Taoiseach spoke to Briege.  I was present at the meeting.  The Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party also accepts that Paul Quinn was an innocent victim.</p><p pid="131.4">On Mrs. Quinn’s second desire, that the perpetrators be brought to justice, I was impressed by the fact that she wanted to achieve this within the law and in no other way.  As I have done many times since the murder, I appeal to anybody who has any information whatsoever to give it to the Garda or the Police Service of Northern Ireland, PSNI.  I am very impressed with the level of co-operation and the manner in which the investigation has been carried out by both the Garda and PSNI.  It is very encouraging to those of us who live along the Border.</p><p pid="131.5">The second issue of fundamental importance is the restoration of law and order to south Armagh.  The overwhelming majority of people in the region are decent and law abiding but there are thugs who take the law into their own hands.  It is encouraging at present to note the burning desire of so many to see a restoration of the rule of law and a normal society re-established.  This has been highlighted by the hundreds of people who have attended the meetings organised by the Quinn’s support group throughout south Armagh and in my constituency of Cavan-Monaghan, one of which was held in Castleblayney.</p><p pid="131.6">It is important that so many people, particularly locals, are prepared to speak out very strongly about the fact that they want to see the perpetrators of the crime brought to justice and that they want a restoration of normality to the locality.  It is the first time in a generation in such circumstances that so many ordinary people — a small number was always prepared to come forward — have spoken so strongly about the need to bring the perpetrators to justice and restore law and order.</p><p pid="131.7">There is now an opportunity to re-establish the rule of law in south Armagh.  We must all work together, including the people in the locality and those in the wider Border area.  The two Governments must grasp the opportunity that exists because it may not last.  The Garda and PSNI also have an important role to play.</p><p pid="131.8">Who is afraid of normality?  We all want to see normal community policing sooner rather than later and due process in the courts of law.  I hope that people will never again live in fear of external sanctions or be beaten to death with iron bars in Oram or anywhere else.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-02-07T12:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-02-07.117.0&amp;m=672#g129.0">
	<title>Killing of Paul Quinn: Statements | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-02-07.117.0&amp;m=672#g129.0</link>
	<description>I wish to share time with Deputy Kirk.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="129.1">I wish to share time with Deputy Kirk.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-02-07T11:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-02-06.566.0&amp;m=672#g567.6">
	<title>Poultry Industry. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-02-06.566.0&amp;m=672#g567.6</link>
	<description>I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing me to raise the loss of 130 jobs at Grove Turkeys in Smithboro, County Monaghan.  It is devastating for the workers, their families and the local...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="567.2">I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing me to raise the loss of 130 jobs at Grove Turkeys in Smithboro, County Monaghan.  It is devastating for the workers, their families and the local community with all the consequences of unemployment.  There is also an impact for 85 farmers on both sides of the Border who are the producers, as well as for the contractors who support those producers.  The main problem is the inability to compete with low-cost countries.</p><p pid="567.3">The main problem for the poultry industry — a very important industry in my constituency, especially in County Monaghan — is the cost of feed, which has increased by €150 per tonne in recent years.  There is increased global demand and much of the land is being used for bio-fuel, although it is important we do not end up in a situation where we have petrol for our cars but no bread.  The pig industry also suffers from the high cost of feed and that is also an important industry in my own constituency.  We cannot compete with cheap imports coming into the country, especially from Brazil.  In recent times, the devaluation of sterling by 12% against the euro has had a major impact.  The problems are not confined to Ireland because the number of turkeys killed in the UK have been reduced from 45 million to 15 million in the past ten years.  The question is what needs to be done.</p><p pid="567.4">I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Mary Wallace, for coming to the House to take the question.  The issue of food labelling rests with her Department.  There is no doubt the consumer prefers Irish produce.  It is important that when they go to the supermarket they can identify it.  There must be labelling so they can identify the country of origin.  There are two markets in Ireland for turkeys.  There is a seasonal market at Christmas and Easter where people like a fresh turkey.  We are well able to compete in this market.  However, for the remainder of the year we deal with cheaper commodity poultry and we cannot compete.</p><p pid="567.5">I ask the Minister of State to speak to her colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, to ensure the workers at Grove Turkeys have every opportunity to find new jobs.  I call on the State agencies that have a role to play to do urgently what needs to be done.  This includes skills assessments and retraining if necessary.  IDA Ireland owns land in Monaghan town and perhaps the time is right to build an advance factory and new office space.  The county council economic sub-group should get the support of all the resources in the State that are necessary to ensure new jobs are found for these workers.</p><p pid="567.6">There has been substantial investment in Monaghan in recent years, especially in roads.  One can now drive from Monaghan town to Dublin without passing through a town or a village.  There has also been investment in education, especially DKIT in Dundalk, as well as in buildings in the county such as M-Tek 1 and M-Tek 2.  Monaghan was never more attractive for the creation of new industry and I hope there will be work for those who are losing their employment in Grove Turkeys.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-02-06T21:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-01-31.290.0&amp;m=672#g303.0">
	<title>Barron Reports: Statements (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-01-31.290.0&amp;m=672#g303.0</link>
	<description>I recognise the input of the Taoiseach, who established the original investigations which led to the publication of the Hamilton report, the Barron report, the McEntee report and the Cory report....</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="303.1">I recognise the input of the Taoiseach, who established the original investigations which led to the publication of the Hamilton report, the Barron report, the McEntee report and the Cory report.  The various investigative commissions, which did great work to bring us to where we are today, have produced excellent reports.  The conclusions in the fourth interim report confirmed what many of us living in Border areas knew for some time — that there was collusion in many of the atrocities.  A report published by an Oireachtas sub-committee states that there is “no doubt that collusion between the British security forces and terrorists was behind many if not all of the atrocities that are considered in this report”.  That is obviously a matter of great concern.  The sub-committee states in its report that it dealt with 25 cases, involving 76 murders, and found evidence of collusion with the security forces in 24 of those cases, involving 74 murders.  As a representative of a Border area which is obviously close to counties like Armagh, Tyrone and Louth, I am concerned by the sub-committee’s findings, particularly in relation to the Dublin and Monaghan bombings.</p><p pid="303.2">I recognise the contribution of Justice for the Forgotten and people like Don Mullen over many years.  It is encouraging that so much progress has been made at this stage.  However, it is a matter of concern to everyone in the House that the different commissions, the Oireachtas sub-committee and the Oireachtas joint committee, which is also entitled to some praise, were unable to conclude their work because they did not get the co-operation of the authorities in Britain.  It is not too late for those authorities to hand over their documents.  It would help to bring these investigations to a conclusion, satisfy the people and, above all, bring some comfort to the relatives and friends of the victims.</p><p pid="303.3">Some 3,700 people were killed and approximately 40,000 people were injured during the Troubles.  While we can look at individual atrocities, it is important that we recognise that every one of the atrocities in which those people were killed or injured was a tragedy for the relatives and friends of the deceased.  We must be sensitive to that when we select some cases for further examination.  It is important that we recognise that it does not matter which side of the community or the Border those who were killed and injured came from.  Recently, there was an appalling atrocity in my constituency.  A young man, Paul Quinn, was beaten to death with iron bars and it is alleged that the perpetrators came from County Armagh.  This murder has rightly been condemned by all Members of the House and all decent people outside the House.  It is important that people who have information about this crime, of whom there must be many, go to the Garda or to the PSNI.  This is not just so that the Quinn family can have some closure in this tragic situation but also because it is important, particularly for the people of County Armagh and for those of Ireland, that the perpetrators of such crimes are brought to justice.</p><p pid="303.4">We gratefully recognise the establishment of the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly and the progress that has been made over the years and we look forward to a much more normal society in which people can live.  However, it is important for the victims of the many atrocities that have taken place and for their families, relatives and friends that we bring closure to these cases.  This can be achieved, from the point of view of today’s discussion on the Barron report, if the British Government comes forward and gives the information it has in its possession.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-01-31T14:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-01-31.290.0&amp;m=672#g301.0">
	<title>Barron Reports: Statements (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2008-01-31.290.0&amp;m=672#g301.0</link>
	<description>I wish to share time with Deputies Conlon and Finian McGrath.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="301.1">I wish to share time with Deputies Conlon and Finian McGrath.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2008-01-31T14:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2007-11-13.401.0&amp;m=672#g402.8">
	<title>Electricity Generation. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2007-11-13.401.0&amp;m=672#g402.8</link>
	<description>I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing me to raise this matter, and the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Killeen, for coming in to...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="402.2">I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing me to raise this matter, and the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Killeen, for coming in to deal with it.</p><p pid="402.3">I fully support the North-South electricity interconnector.  There has been a great change since the last one was put in place, which lay idle for 30 years because of the violence in Northern Ireland.  We are pleased with the present level of co-operation North and South because it will ensure the supply of electricity in a growing market and will hopefully reduce the cost.  Nobody at the meetings I attended opposed this connector.</p><p pid="402.4">I am aware that this is primarily a matter for EirGrid, not directly for the Government.  My colleague, Deputy Margaret Conlon, and I attended many meetings in County Monaghan where concern was expressed about the visual impact of the interconnector.  EirGrid will consider this in the planning process under the strict guidelines of the Strategic Infrastructure Act.  The issue of prime concern is health, and people were unanimous that the cable should be underground.  I ask EirGrid to consider whether this is possible.</p><p pid="402.6">The health concerns expressed are similar to those expressed when telephone masts were erected.  However, I am satisfied that there is no serious health risk regarding low frequency power lines.  I believe the State bodies involved will adhere to the strict guidelines laid down by the International Commission on Non-ionising Radiation Protection, the World Health Organisation and the European Union.  This does not, however, solve the problem of those who fear they are at risk.</p><p pid="402.7">The most important point I will make tonight relates to communication.  EirGrid must communicate with all stakeholders, including those who live along the proposed routes from which one will be selected.  EirGrid must contact each household and ensure people’s health fears are alleviated because, while this matter poses no direct risk to one’s health, lying awake at night worrying about a perceived risk could damage a person’s health.  I ask that EirGrid examine the possibility of running cabling underground as this would alleviate the fears of all concerned.  The company must also ensure that factual information on this issue is made available to the public because there was a great deal of misinformation at the meetings we attended and many people are frightened by what is happening.  It is important that these fears are dealt with and this can be done if EirGrid contacts all householders and invites them to attend explanatory meetings where the relevant information is available and people can make up their own minds.</p><p pid="402.8">We support this project and hope to see it proceed but would like to see it supported by local stakeholders, which can be achieved if their anxiety is alleviated.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2007-11-13T21:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2007-10-23.135.0&amp;m=672#g145.0">
	<title>Death of Former Member: Expressions of Sympathy.     | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2007-10-23.135.0&amp;m=672#g145.0</link>
	<description>I join the Taoiseach and my colleagues in paying tribute to John Wilson.  First, I extend my sympathy to Ita, John, Siobh&Atilde;&iexcl;n, Maria, Lucy and Claire.  John was a big man, in stature and in heart,...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="145.1">I join the Taoiseach and my colleagues in paying tribute to John Wilson.  First, I extend my sympathy to Ita, John, Siobhán, Maria, Lucy and Claire.  John was a big man, in stature and in heart, who had tremendous intellectual ability.  He had a burning desire to work for the people of Ireland, never forgetting his roots in Cavan.  I got to know John in the early 1970s when he was TD for Cavan and, in 1977, when Cavan-Monaghan became a constituency for the first time, we were both elected to the Dáil.  John was a great constituency colleague and was always supportive of any initiative that would better the lot of the people in both Cavan and Monaghan.  As a Cabinet colleague he was very loyal and used his talents to very good effect.  When he left the House he became the commissioner for victims of the Troubles in Northern Ireland and his work was very much appreciated, particularly in the Border counties.  He was a distinguished sportsman, a distinguished scholar and a great raconteur, and it was always great to be in John’s company.</p><p pid="145.2">As Members will appreciate, I fought seven elections with John.  At election time there was always fair competition for votes in Cavan-Monaghan and John allowed, on a number of occasions, that he had no difficulty consulting me as a doctor at any time but would certainly not do so during election time.  I think he was afraid I might send him home to bed.  Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2007-10-23T17:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2007-10-03.404.0&amp;m=672#g446.0">
	<title>Health Services: Motion (Resumed) | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2007-10-03.404.0&amp;m=672#g446.0</link>
	<description>I thank Deputy Finneran for sharing his time.  It is important for the people I represent to have the highest level and quality of medical care for any illness from which they may suffer which...</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="446.1">I thank Deputy Finneran for sharing his time.  It is important for the people I represent to have the highest level and quality of medical care for any illness from which they may suffer which equates to the level of service provided anywhere else nationally.  I recognise the Minister’s argument that the necessary level of service cannot always be delivered by the smaller hospitals and that people must travel to receive certain forms of treatment.</p><p pid="446.2">Significant changes have taken place over a number of years in the delivery of day-care services and primary care and these have given rise to concern at a number of hospitals including Monaghan General Hospital in my constituency.  Monaghan General Hospital provides a very good medical service which is comparable with services available elsewhere and it should continue to be provided there.  Day cases in surgery at the hospital are being dealt with very efficiently as are many others.  While a new regional hospital is to be provided, it is imperative that existing services continue to be provided in Monaghan.  We should be considering opportunities for the development of further services up to the time the regional hospital is provided.  A good example is the development of the ear, nose and throat service at Monaghan under the HSE transformation programme.</p><p pid="446.3">Adversarial politics does not always serve the best interests of people who are ill.  To exaggerate circumstances and provide misleading information frightens patients.  I would like those who are constantly critical to look more objectively at the true circumstances and consider how they can contribute to the actions necessary to ensure that everyone has equal access to state-of-the-art health care having regard to developments over the past 25 years.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2007-10-03T19:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2007-04-26.553.0&amp;m=671#g557.2">
	<title>Job Creation. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2007-04-26.553.0&amp;m=671#g557.2</link>
	<description>We will get to it.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="557.2">We will get to it.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2007-04-26T17:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2007-04-26.536.0&amp;m=671#g541.2">
	<title>Irish Language. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2007-04-26.536.0&amp;m=671#g541.2</link>
	<description>Not for priority questions, but these are ordinary questions.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="541.2">Not for priority questions, but these are ordinary questions.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2007-04-26T16:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2007-04-26.536.0&amp;m=671#g539.2">
	<title>Irish Language. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2007-04-26.536.0&amp;m=671#g539.2</link>
	<description>Next  is Question No. 9, in the name of Deputy &Atilde;� Caol&Atilde;&iexcl;in.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="539.2">Next  is Question No. 9, in the name of Deputy Ó Caoláin.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2007-04-26T16:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>
<item rdf:about="http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2007-04-26.509.0&amp;m=671#g529.2">
	<title>Departmental Travel. | D&amp;aacute;il debates</title>
	<link>http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2007-04-26.509.0&amp;m=671#g529.2</link>
	<description>We are running out of time.</description>
	<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p pid="529.2">We are running out of time.</p>]]></content:encoded>
	<dc:date>2007-04-26T16:00:00+00:00</dc:date>
</item>


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