Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

I support the call by Senators Quinn and Glynn for a debate on the Competition Authority report. Telecommunications was one of the two areas highlighted. As we are in the Single Market, we should ensure we get the benefit of competition but this is not happening in the industry. Also, there have been many calls for a debate in regard to legal fees. Senator Quinn is correct in saying the Law Library will not regulate competition in that area. It is ironic that a body which will articulate the various arguments in a case involving a breach of the provisions of the Competition Authority is effectively immune from the provisions of that authority. That is wrong and the Government needs to correct the situation.

Will the Leader provide time for a debate on the taxi industry which has moved from quantitative to qualitative control? It is fair to say, when one sees the criminal elements which have infiltrated the industry, that quality type criteria are patently not being applied. We not only have anecdotal evidence in that regard but also evidence from recent court cases where it is clear that unsavoury characters have become involved in the industry. There is an onus on the State to ensure quality controls applied in any other industry are strictly applied. We do not have a great record in that regard.