Joe O'Toole (Independent)

Yesterday we spoke about the garda sergeant shot on the south side in the course of his duty. At the time most of us had not read the details of the incident. The garda was on duty outside a home, preserving the scene of a crime, when someone came up and shot him. It did not happen as part of an assault; it was a cold, calculated shooting. This goes straight back to the drugs trade and the issue of importation of drugs, which is linked to the matter raised by Senator Brian Hayes. It is a much wider issue than that of airport security. The same applies to boats or ships coming into the country. There is no check on these, a matter I have raised before. Air traffic control and the Irish Coast Guard should always refer incoming traffic to the appropriate authorities but this does not happen. There is a requirement on people entering the country whether by boat or aeroplane to report to customs. This puts pressure on honest people and provides an escape route for those wishing to break the law. The current system has not and is not working and must be changed. Also, our failure to sign up to the Schengen Agreement creates all sorts of complications at our borders.

No. 7 on the Order Paper in my name and that of Senator Coghlan is the Official Languages (Amendment) Bill. We have chosen to delay moving that legislation until late next month. To credit Kerry County Council and the Kerry county manager they have, by a substantial majority, supported the holding of consultations with the people of Dingle, An Daingean Uí Chuís, in regard to naming their town. Members will be pleased to note that those consultations will take place in the next couple of weeks. They may also be pleased to note that local authorities very often have more understanding of local issues than Ministers in Government.

During the recess, the opportunities to study tré Gaeilge sa chathair seo are almost imithe. Tá sean-Ghaeilge tóghta de churaclam UCD agus ní féidir anois gnáth-Ghaeilge a chur mar ábhar céime i UCD on night courses. I believe the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs would make better use of his time dealing with such issues.