Seanad debates

Thursday, 17 November 2005

11:00 am

John Minihan (Progressive Democrats)

Senator MacSharry raised the issue of the Rural Ireland 2025 report. His call for a debate on the west was supported by a number of other speakers, including Senators Ulick Burke, Kitt and Feeney. We have a basis to seek a debate in the House on the report. I will raise the matter with the Leader and seek to arrange one.

Senator Daly raised the issue of law and order in Kilrush. That is an operational matter for the Garda. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform is not directly involved, it is a matter for the Garda and I am sure that would be the reply from the Minister to any query on the issue. There will be an opportunity to raise it in the proposed debate on law and order and people's rights.

Senator Ulick Burke also spoke about the west. Senator Ó Murchú referred to Iraq. Senator Bannon sought a debate on agriculture. It is some time since we had a debate on this matter in the House and I will seek to arrange one. Senator Bannon may also wish to use his party's Private Members' time for such a debate.

Senator Norris sought information on genetically modified foods. I would be happy to speak to him afterwards about that and I will endeavour to get the information he seeks. He also proposed an amendment to the Order of Business which was seconded by two Members. The Committee on Procedure and Privileges is currently reviewing the area of time limits for the Order of Business. The matter will be further considered by the committee after the Christmas recess. In the light of this information I am not sure if Senator Norris will wish to proceed with his proposed amendment. If he is happy with what I have said he may wish to withdraw it.

Senator Kitt sought a debate on the ambulance service, particularly in the Tuam area. Given that we will have a debate on the west in general we could integrate this matter into such a debate.

Senator Coghlan raised the issue of gangland crime, Garda confidence and the new force announced yesterday to deal with this matter. The deployment of gardaí is an operational matter for the Commissioner and the Garda authorities. I am sure discussions took place between the Minister and the Commissioner but it is an operational matter. I do not have any information that the Garda is unsatisfied in any way with——

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