Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Brian Hayes welcomed the Coroners (Amendment) Bill 2005. I reported last week that I had met Deputy Rabbitte and I am glad it is to be debated here today. I wish to correct something I said earlier on the Bill. I said the Minister was to be called to reply not later than five minutes before the conclusion of Second Stage but I should have said the proposer of the Bill, Senator Tuffy, will be called upon five minutes before the end to conclude.

This is a great use of Private Members' time and instructive for all of us. We have had Senator Leyden's Bill and I understand Senator White has prepared a Bill. Senator Norris is returning with a revamped Bill on civil partnerships and now Senator Tuffy is proposing the Coroners (Amendment) Bill 2005. I look forward to debating it.

Senator Brian Hayes also raised the matter of the Iranian President describing the Holocaust as a myth. He will turn into an urban myth if he continues like that. The memory of the Holocaust should not be forgotten. The Senator asked that we register our disgust through diplomatic channels and I will put that to the Minister for Foreign Affairs when I meet him.

The Senator also mentioned Albert Reynolds's call for further aid for Pakistan. We discussed that last Monday at the reform meeting. He also suggested that former taoisigh come to the House to share their wisdom on particular matters, without voting as Members. That must be considered by the Committee on Procedure and Privileges and I will be glad to forward the proposal to it. They have valuable experience which should be tapped into. Former Taoiseach John Bruton's experience from his role in America would be particularly valuable but we could ask all of them.

Senator O'Toole raised the issue of seven workers in A1 Plastering who are paid €2 per hour. It happens all the time and I agree with Senator Finucane that the instances reported in the newspapers are only the tip of the iceberg. If somebody comes to a country where they know nobody and have very little money they must go to an employer to gain work. That employer then pays what they want and it is nauseating to hear business people say the minimum wage is too high. Businesses can manage.

I am glad the Irish Ferries dispute has worked out reasonably satisfactorily and that partnership talks can get moving again. Low wages demean those who pay them and those who receive them and are not acceptable.

Senator O'Toole also said he was contacted by the Coimisinéir Teanga who told him there was no need for hard copies because they can be accessed on the web. That is good because it is much cheaper. I am glad to know peace has broken out between Senator Ryan and Senator O'Toole on the language issue.