Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

With the permission of the Cathaoirleach, I will first address the major issue that is occupying the minds of Senators. When one reads that Seanad representation is to be involved in a joint committee, every Senator called upon would want to behave in the correct fashion, possess the correct knowledge and work to agreed procedures. It is proper that Members would take such duties seriously. Arrangements will be made to brief the leaders of the various groups in the Seanad and I hope to do so today but that is subject to verification. Contact will be made with the offices of those Members to make suitable arrangements. That may meet the concerns expressed in much of the discussion that took place earlier in which many helpful proposals were also put forward. This would be a good beginning to the provision of information and a means of empowering us to know what faces us. I understand from the Taoiseach's statements that it is hoped to have a motion before both Houses next Tuesday for the setting up of a joint committee. It would be wrong to wait for that to come before us on Tuesday and to be passive participants. This has never happened before. We need to be fully briefed and have a constitutional duty to ensure we are informed.

The Attorney General is meeting Opposition spokespersons from the Dáil this morning to brief them on the matter. Arrangements will then be made to meet the leaders of the groups in the Seanad to brief them also. It is better that both groups are briefed separately because although it will be a joint committee, the motion will come before each House. Leaders of Seanad groups will be contacted today to make the appropriate arrangements for such a meeting. Senator Brian Hayes went into the matter in detail and was quite correct to raise it. I suggest we wait until after the meeting before deciding on our next move. I appreciate the fair way the Senator raised the issue and the spirit of co-operation shown by him. The Taoiseach also made it clear that this is not a partisan political matter, quite the opposite.

Senator O'Toole commented on what happened last week. The Cathaoirleach has ruled that matter out of order. On the procedure for next Tuesday's motion, it is important that we are well briefed and know what we are about.

Senator O'Meara said this deals with uncharted territory. It is difficult terrain for us. Senator Dardis said we need clarity on the issue, which is correct. We need to be very careful about what we say on the matter.

Senator Kitt raised the matter of radon gas and requested a debate. A long time ago somebody told me that if I kept my window open at night, I would not have radon gas in the room. I sleep with an open window all the time, winter and summer — a notion I took when I was told that.

Senator Norris referred to the proposed motion. He also asked about inspection of military aircraft through Shannon Airport and mentioned the possibility of people involved in army misbehaviour in Iraq passing through. He asked also whether the American vessel in Dublin Port has hardware of a deadly nature on board. I will make inquiries on that matter.

Senator Maurice Hayes asked about the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. I thought of that also but we will take the proposed route first. He also asked for the Minister for Health and Children to be invited to the House to discuss proposals to discourage promotions by manufacturers of alcoholic drinks at sporting events. I will do that.

Senator Terry asked that the Tánaiste be invited to the House to discuss insurance. The PIAB is due to commence work this week or next.