Seanad debates

Tuesday, 20 May 2003

2:30 pm

Photo of Paul CoghlanPaul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I formally second Senator O'Toole's proposed amendment to the Order of Business in regard to the schools building programme. I do not know who has been misleading who. I am not making allegations against anybody but there has been a frightful level of misinformation and the matter needs to be cleared up urgently.

On a separate matter, will the Leader outline to the House, in so far as she may be aware of it, as I am sure she is, the Government's current thinking on the groceries order? Last week the Tánaiste seemed to indicate that she might be in favour of its repeal, in spite of the fact that on 24 October 2000, following extensive consultations, she had upheld the order. In a press release at the time she stated she was doing so in the interests of consumers. We are aware that the Consumers Association of Ireland, farming bodies, ISME, the social partners and many others have all spoken in favour of its retention. I am not aware of any clamour for its repeal. I do not believe it would do any good, rather it could do a good deal of damage. I look forward to hearing what the Leader has to say on the matter.

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