Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Brian Hayes, the Leader of the Opposition, spoke about the new investigation to be undertaken by the Revenue Commissioners. He asked that the Revenue Commissioners and the Minister for Finance disclose whether the insurance industry will be investigated for supplying these products to investors who will, of course, be called to account. That is a fair point and I will contact the Revenue Commissioners on the matter.

The Senator also paid tribute to the off-duty garda who acted heroically and suffered a grievous stab wound as a result. He did not have to intervene. We should convey our commendation to the Garda Commissioner.

Senator O'Toole spoke about the Gama workers and how compliant employers do not get contracts as they cannot compete on price. As the Senator pointed out, this is a European issue. When we debate the European Constitution, we will be trying to sell the idea that Europe has a properly regulated market. Even though we congratulate Deputy Joe Higgins, this is not just an issue for one party or one man. It is an issue for everyone who is interested in the employment rights of people.

Senator O'Meara also raised the issue of migrant workers. We will have a chance to debate that issue tomorrow. We are inclined to concentrate on the Gama issue, but there are many other examples which this issue highlights. The Senator also asked that the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government appear before the House to give an explanation on the environmental standards to which we are not adhering.

Senator O'Meara also raised the issue of child care, which has been debated many times in this House. Senators White, O'Meara and others have spoken strongly on it before. If it is now being discussed as an issue, we should be glad that others have seen the light.

Senator White pointed out that one of the final issues to be decided in Westminster before the dissolution of the Parliament was the format of the inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane, about which Judge Peter Cory was scathing. The Senator claimed that the debate was being neutered and she called for a debate here with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

Senator Finucane also raised the issue of the Gama workers. He called for the strengthening of the labour inspectorate in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The inspectorate issued a startling report which was highlighted in the newspapers. It could not perform its duties as there was not enough inspectors to check up on employers that employ migrants. It is a huge area of activity.

Senators Maurice Hayes and Norris also requested a debate on the inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane. Senator Norris also raised the human rights issue surrounding Irish Ferries. Senator Leyden also raised the issue of employment rights and wondered why the report on Gama was not being published. Apparently, Gama sought a court injunction to prevent publication. The Senator wondered how the company could do that when this House wishes to read it. He requested me to ask the Minister to release the report to the House, but the Minister is under a court order not to do so.

Senator Terry spoke about another murder in west Dublin and demanded that the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform explain why the proper resources are not being deployed in that area. Senator Morrissey, speaking as an employer, requested the view of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment on the issue of work permits for migrants. I would like to know how the permits can be issued if the forms are being completed incorrectly. I presume Gama will maintain it arranged that so much money in the name of the workers would go to some other country. However, I am puzzled as to how that arrangement could have been entered into.

Senator Browne referred to the Garda Síochána report and the variance in the numbers of gardaí around the country. I suppose some areas are better at coping than others. The Senator also wanted the House to pay tribute to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Dermot Ahern, and I will do so on behalf of Members.