John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

Senators Ryan and Kenneally spoke about the need for a health debate. Senator Kenneally raised the matter of oncology. The Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, has always been amenable to discussing her brief in the Seanad. I am sure she will do so again, if requested, and we shall see if this can be done.

As regards the report on the Shell pipeline raised by Senator Finucane, I note it was prepared by the Centre for Public Inquiry. The author of the report was one of the unsuccessful applicants for the Government report. With regard to contacts that were made with An Bord Pleanála and so on, it was a major national project that was subject to exhaustive public consultation and to the proper regulatory process.

I echo what Senator Kenneally said about the policing of fisheries. There is a disproportionate concentration on the smaller, more vulnerable fishermen and perhaps not enough on those who are doing the most damage. The Senator makes a reasonable point about policing being proportionate and his comments should be brought to the attention of the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.

There will be two hours to debate the motion on Iraq, the use of white phosphorous and so on. It is standard practice for an amendment to be put down in the name of the Leader of the House. I will be supporting the amendment.

Senator Walsh spoke about criminal gangs. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform made the point that it may be difficult to secure convictions in this area, but the measures being brought forward by the Minister are needed and they respond to many calls made in this House to deal with these matters. We look forward to debating that legislation when it comes before the House.

Senator Feighan made a good point regarding obesity. It is particularly a problem with children. There are on-going campaigns on this issue, one of which was prominent in yesterday's newspapers. Senators Feighan and Bannon referred to this issue and there is more progress to be made in this area.

Senator Quinn referred to the report of the Director of Public Prosecutions which stated that one third of cases do not reach the courts. It could be interpreted that gardaí are attentive in bringing forward the evidence they have and it is up to the DPP to make an independent assessment. It could be said that the gardaí are doing their job properly, but that if there is not enough evidence, the DPP must make a decision on whether the case should proceed or not.

Senator Coonan spoke about local government in this State and the planners that work in them. I sympathise with his complaint about the service the local authorities provide because we have all had the experience of being put on hold when calling their offices, only then getting through to voicemail. It is just as well he did not have to listen to "Puppet on a string" when he was on hold. We have had many debates on local government and perhaps we should have another one in the near future.

Senator Ross spoke about multinationals. That matter can be examined tomorrow when there is a debate on the Estimates. It is a matter of national sovereignty for us to determine our own tax rates, which has been institutionalised in the various European treaties that we signed.

I have much sympathy with what Senator Bradford said about the Residential Institutions Redress Board. I know that some institutions have been excluded, including the Magdalen laundries. Senator Fitzgerald raised the matter of the orthopaedic hospital in Clontarf. I am not sure what we can do about that, but I will bring it to the attention of the relevant Minister. Whether institutions are within the scope of the scheme or not, people who have been badly dealt with by the State should have some form of redress. Senator Fitzgerald also spoke about education.