Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Brian Hayes asked whether primary legislation for electronic voting is now needed. This is an issue that was not fully resolved yesterday. I understand the Minister spent 15 minutes answering questions on this matter, which was very commendable. I have received a note indicating that the Government has asked the Attorney General to give a ruling on the technical aspects as to whether primary legislation is needed or a ministerial order would suffice. As soon as the reply from the Attorney General comes to hand, we will be aware of it.

A man who was convicted of grossly abusing all his children is scheduled to be released shortly and Senator Brian Hayes asked for a debate on sentencing policy. Judges vary and we have a system of justice that works very well by and large. It would be very difficult to have a sentencing policy and I could not envisage such a policy working positively or correctly. Circumstances vary from case to case. I have no difficulty with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. We find the Minister most agreeable and accessible at all times. While a difficulty arose with the Immigration Bill, that was a separate matter. I will ask whether we can have a debate on sentencing policy. To my uninformed mind about legalities I cannot see judges bobbing their heads in the one way on a particular crime because of the variance in the background to each crime.

Senator O'Toole asked about the auctioneering report. When the House next meets, I will have a reply as to when we will get that report. I will take a note of it and ensure we get a definitive answer. The Senator also spoke about housing and the lack of accuracy on precise housing starts and completions. We will endeavour to have the Minister of State with responsibility for housing give us an update on housing.

Senator Ryan asked for a debate on the Middle East and he mentioned Iraq in particular. Last week we had a debate on Israel and Palestine to which many worthy people contributed. It would not be possible to have another debate on the matter. The Senator also spoke about the Revenue Commissioners. I do not know how we can comprehend that issue. I will make inquiries of the Department of Finance.

Senator Higgins spoke of the rise in the number of redundancies. I noted those figures and as the Senator said, behind each of those figures is an individual. I hope and expect this to lessen because of the modest economic upturn. I will ask the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform about amending the Coroners Act.

I agree with Senator Higgins that lap dancing is atrocious. The young women who come here to participate in the industry are obviously fleeing from something. However, they are entering an employment which is degrading to them despite the fact that they get paid a great deal of money. The only way in which their employers can be apprehended is under employment legislation, rather than on moral grounds. I do not approach the issue from a moral point of view, but I feel that it degrades the dignity and self-worth of each individual and which women who work in this industry could not have.

Senator Norris requested a debate on Iraq and raised the issue of a Nigerian woman who is to be stoned to death after being buried in sand. I do not know the details of this case so perhaps the Senator could furnish them to me. Senator Feeney requested a debate on sentencing and the need for rehabilitation and counselling for people who have been involved in crime because, otherwise, they rejoin the cycle of crime.

Senator McCarthy outlined the need for the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Brian Lenihan, to address the issue of the young offender who has gone back into Cloverhill Prison for the fifth time, about which there is a major newspaper story today. I understand a resolution of the issue is imminent, but I will inquire further into the matter.

Senator Hanafin commended the Minister for Communication, Marine and Natural Resources on the manner in which he has dealt with competition in the mobile phone market. In regard to Senator Ulick Burke's point, I do not think the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is in favour of allowing big business away with not paying environmental levies and I have not read anything in that connection. We are endeavouring to have the Minister come to the House to discuss various matters and the Senator's issue can be one of them.

Senator White requested debates on human rights and Travellers, both of which are good issues. Senator Henry stated that two or three years ago she raised on the Adjournment the situation between the Minister for Health and Children, the indemnifying bodies and the hospital consultants. A serious situation has developed in that regard. There was an airing of views on the issue on "Morning Ireland" this morning, the net result of which is that we still do not know any more. However, does anyone want the State to bear €100 million in costs for a failed indemnifying company which has decided to pull the plug? It is a difficult issue.

Senator Moylan stated that the NCT is not required before people tax and insure their vehicles. I was surprised by this because the NCT is about having safe vehicles on the road to allow for better traffic management. I will ask the Minister about the matter. Senator Bannon requested a general debate on health and stated that the Minster for Health and Children should not criticise the national body which was set up. The Minister's point was about scaremongering rather than the setting up of a national body. Senator Mooney requested a debate on Palestine and Israel, but we cannot have another debate on the issue.