Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Brian Hayes made a passionate statement about the current anti-racism week. He also asked about the worker permit Bill. This issue was also taken up by Senator O'Toole. There is no doubt that it is one of the biggest issues facing this country. Perception in this issue is important and has far-reaching effects. We all profess to be non-racist, to be in favour of the welcoming agenda and making proper provision, not only in a paternalistic sense but in a true sense of comradeship. That, however, does not happen.

This House has a responsibility in this issue. If the leaders of the groups agree, we could come together to table a suitable motion which would have the approval of the entire House. Strong statements are needed and I hope we can discuss this issue. I will find out about the worker permit Bill and ask the Tánaiste if she will introduce it in this House, following the initiative which I hope will happen.

The Senator also asked if I could give a pledge to hold a debate on transport. I would say to Senator Ryan that the programme for next week was formalised last night and I hope all his wishes will be fulfilled. The Minister for Transport will come to the House next week to debate transport.

At the behest of the House, I initially confined the debate to the proposed closure of passenger and freight lines, which was the main issue yesterday. I have, however, extended the debate to include other transport related matters. The immediate concern is to stop what is being proposed and I do not want the debate to be taken up with other issues, but I suppose I will have to leave that up to the good intentions of those involved.

Senator O'Toole raised the issue of race and equality and spoke about the polarised positions. He is right that it is difficult for proper avenues of transition to be worked out satisfactorily. It is a huge job of persuasion because people, through perhaps no fault of their own, have in-built and long held misunderstandings about the issue and we must work on that.

Senator O'Toole also raised the fishing industry, a matter which was echoed by many others. I agree the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Dermot Ahern, should come to the House. Our programme is full next week, but I hope we can fit him in the following week if he accepts our invitation, which I am sure he will. I agree it is an important industry.

Senator Ryan asked when the two tribunal reports will be debated. The Flood and the Lindsay tribunal reports will be debated next week and I hope he will be here. In case there is a rí rá in respect of the Flood report, it is referred to as the Second Interim Report of the Tribunal of Inquiry into Certain Planning Matters and Payments. It is not labelled the Flood report as we are following what was done in the other House. The Senator also raised the issue of the fishing industry and the need for a debate on the Ombudsman's report and the value systems it shows up.