John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I agree with Senators Morrissey, Quinn and others who have called for a debate on social partnership. I also want to raise the issue of the over 130,000 people who are awaiting driving tests, to whom Senator Morrissey referred. I agree wholeheartedly with him. I am not pushed one way or the other as to whether the solution to the problem is outsourcing or taking on more people within the Department on short-term contracts. Something needs to be done by the Government, however, to ensure the backlog is cleared. The Minister for Transport should take some positive action in that regard as soon as he possibly can.

I also wish to raise another social partnership matter with the Leader of the House, indeed perhaps we should have a debate on social partnership with the Minister for Finance. Community employment schemes are constantly raised in the House and an issue of continuing concern is the cap that exists for people over 50 years of age who must retire from such schemes after three years. That cap should be removed as part of the current negotiations on social partnership. In that way, the vital service many such people provide in various voluntary associations around the country will be allowed to continue. There are not many job opportunities for people over 50, particularly in rural areas. Therefore, the cap should be lifted as soon as possible.

I agree with my colleagues who have raised recent incidents of gangland crime in Dublin. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform should attend the House to discuss his responsibilities, instead of having a go at Opposition spokespersons for doing their various jobs.