Joe O'Toole (Independent)

Approximately one month ago I asked the Leader for a debate on both parts of the Morris tribunal report and she indicated she would be happy to accommodate that request. A debate during Private Members' business tomorrow night will not allow enough time to deal with the issues. The matters raised in the Morris report must be discussed seriously.

If the Garda Commissioner had not taken any action and the five gardaí were suspended, drawing their salaries and sitting at home, people would have been critical. The fact that the Commissioner took certain action by moving the officers is welcome — it was all he could do at this time and it is up to the Director of Public Prosecutions to take the next step. A balance must be struck in these matters.

I agree with Senator Brian Hayes that the issues arising from the Morris tribunal report should be taken on board within the Garda Síochána Bill, which is not happening at present. The practical suggestion of allowing more time for the Bill would enable such issues to be accommodated within the legislation.

Cúpla lá ó shin fuair muid an scéal ón mBruiséil go bhfuil stádas oifigiúil faighte faoi dheireadh ag Ghaolainn san Eoraip. Tá sé tábhachtach go dtarlaíonn sin. Tá a lán ag tarlú ansin atá níos tábhachtaí ná a lán de na moltaí seafóideacha atá in Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla. Cúpla seachtain ó shin, mhol mé don Cheannaire go mbeadh míniú ón Aire cén fáth go raibh cumhacht aige logainm mar Dingle a athrú go dtí An Daingean gan dul i ngleic le muintir na háite. Tá sé thar a bheith tábhachtach go mbeadh díospóireacht againn ar an méid sin. For the rest of the country, there must be a full local plebiscite, referendum or consultation with the people if the name of a street, never mind that of the town, is to be changed. I recall how two years ago, the town of Moyvane in Kerry, which is officially known as Newtownsands, attempted to change its name to Moyvane. The fact that sufficient numbers did not vote in the plebiscite — a certain number had to vote in order to officially change the name — meant that the town was not entitled to change its name. At the same time, the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs can do this by the stroke of a pen. It seems completely at odds with what the people want and we need to examine that.

We need an early discussion on café bars. We have had many discussions here on drink culture. The Leader has been good enough to arrange debates on the issue at least twice in the past year and these have been quite informed. As an Independent Member, I would like a debate on the matter now, apart from discussing the heroes on either side of the debate or whether the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform backed down or moved on. We need to know exactly what is being proposed. It is a serious issue. I have certain regrets that the café bar idea has died but I would certainly like to know what is being put in its place and where it is going. I would prefer if this debate were held before we consider legislation because that is what we have done twice already. It would be very helpful if the Minister came here and elaborated on his views.