Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator O'Toole also raised the matter of the Kyoto Protocol which the Russians will not sign. As we know, the USA will not sign it either. The Senator said the Department of Foreign Affairs should take up the matter. He also asked about the report on auctioneering and I will inquire as to its status and the point about the vendor carrying out the survey. I notice that a Government sponsored pack is available in the UK which provides any person who wishes to buy a property with the advice he or she needs.

Senator Ryan mentioned Commissioner Prodi. The leader of the Commission is sometimes very enthusiastic in what he says – I use the word "enthusiastic" as a code word. He sometimes says things which are a little off centre. To take up Senator Quinn's point, it is a wake-up call which tells us all that we must watch it. On the other hand, one cannot be dictatorial. All countries are meant to be brought along in consensus. There was also a call for a rounded debate on competitiveness. Senator Ryan raised the matter of the former Bishop Eamon Casey. The Cathaoirleach decided the matter was not to be discussed.

Senator Leyden raised the competitiveness report which we should seek to have debated in the House. He says Tesco is putting pressure on its producers to stop supplying Aldi. The Senator may have information on the matter, but I do not. Senator Leyden also praised Senator Quinn.

Senator Finucane supported Senator O'Toole's position on the Kyoto Protocol. Senator Finucane noted that the USA was almost the worst offender and it has now been joined by Russia. What hope do small nations have of making their contribution to Kyoto when two large countries have opted out?

Senator Mansergh spoke about procedural motions. Such motions should be considered as part of Seanad reform. I thank the Senator for bringing that to the attention of the House. The Senator also called for a rounded debate on competitiveness.

Senator Norris raised a matter related to the Judiciary. I do not intend to speak about the Judiciary, although I acknowledge the Senator called for a comprehensive debate on the matter. He does not want the personal feelings of judges to influence the sentences they hand down. Senator Norris praised the Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach, Deputy Hanafin, on an article she wrote recently.