Seanad debates

Wednesday, 21 January 2004

3:00 pm

Photo of Mary O'RourkeMary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

That is right. I apologise, I was thinking about something else. Senator Finucane referred to the remarks of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform in respect of funding for Sinn Féin. I will ask the Minister to clarify those remarks and indicate what he is doing about that matter.

Senators Finucane and O'Toole referred to the Minister for Transport and the Aer Rianta dispute. I understand that discussions are taking place at present and I hope that they prove fruitful. Senator O'Toole also referred to people's right to put forward their views about their jobs and job security. Senator O'Toole also spoke about the decent work done by councillors throughout the country.

Senator Ryan asked about the Criminal Law (Insanity) Bill. I inquire about that legislation periodically and, as stated previously, many hundreds of submissions have been received in respect of it. When it reappears, it will be a completely new Bill. However, there is no likelihood that this important legislation will come before us in the short term.

Senator Ryan also stated that we are supposed to be receiving better service from Eircom, which is clearly not the case. He went on to talk about the airports and their possible break-up, etc. The Senator also referred to the most recent annual accounts of a university for 2000 and of a major health board for 2001. It is not good enough that accounts detailing the conduct and activities of those bodies in the intervening years have not yet been produced. When he was Taoiseach, Mr. Haughey insisted that State boards and other organisations should submit their end of year reports within six to nine months. The bodies to which the Senator referred must be reminded of their responsibilities in this area.

Senator Ryan has withdrawn from the Sub-committee on Seanad Reform. The sub-committee has done its work and the Senator was there until the end. I thank him for his contribution and I hope he might reconsider his position.

Senators Dardis and Ormonde expressed good wishes to the Taoiseach during Ireland's Presidency of the EU. I am glad to inform the House that the Taoiseach will be present on Thursday of next week to discuss our plans for Europe and for enlargement. I am sure Senator Ormonde will be my party's lead speaker during that debate.

Senator Higgins requested a debate on high prices and rip-off Ireland. Members of the Senator's party and Senator Leyden will have a great deal to say on that matter. Senator Leyden was involved in a debate on it on his website. Such a debate should be held. It is amazing that, despite what appear to be price rises, our inflation rate has fallen so low.

I thank Senator Quinn for his compliments about the amount of good work the House did during the last session. Senator Mooney referred to the constituency review. I wish to place on record my opinion that the review is independent.

Senator Coghlan expressed concerns about native red deer and the fact that they are in danger. I will endeavour to arrange for the Minister for Agriculture and Food to come before the House for a debate on that matter. The Senator also referred to the need to introduce planning reform as soon as possible.

Senator Morrissey referred to Aer Rianta. Workers have a constitutional right to take strike action. I do not agree with the threatened strike at Aer Rianta. However, as a general principle, workers have a right to strike which is enshrined in our Constitution. I hope the talks will be successful and that the strike will not proceed.

Senator Bannon is not here.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.