Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Brian Hayes raised the need for an all-island approach to dealing with the release of convicted paedophiles. He understands that an individual who broke the terms of his probation order in Northern Ireland and is now resident in the South need only report to the Garda once, after which he is free to go about his business without any ongoing monitoring. The Senator believes there should be a common security area in this regard and that the wider implications of the travel plans of persons such as this should be examined. Senator O'Toole also raised this issue in the context of the Europol (Amendment) Bill 2006, which allows for co-operation among police forces in various states. That Bill was only recently passed and we must examine whether such arrangements can be put in place in the context of ensuring safety for children.

Senator O'Toole also referred to the report of the three wise men on salmon fishing. It seems an honest debate is finally taking place on this issue. I commend Senator Kenneally who spoke about it this morning on "Morning Ireland". The only way it will be settled is if there is an attempt to gain common ground. Senator O'Toole expressed the wish to have everybody on side but there will never be total agreement. Perhaps the only topic that would get everybody on side is the wish that we may all go to Heaven. There will be no agreement about salmon fishing. There are, however, attempts to have a useful ongoing debate.

Senator Morrissey said he is aghast at developments in Aer Lingus and asked for the Minister to come to the House for a debate on this matter. Senator Finucane spoke about the Health (Nursing Homes) (Amendment) Bill 2006. We will debate this Bill shortly and the Senator will have an opportunity to put forward his good ideas, either on Second Stage or through Committee Stage amendments. The Report and Final Stages of the Bill will finally be taken next week in the Dáil and it will come to us after that. Much correspondence has come in about it. Senator Finucane also pointed out that the 21% VAT imposed on responsible charities is penal and unnecessary.

Senator Mooney said that the response given by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Mr. Hain, to a query about the development of the Ulster Canal was that the British do not have the money and we do. This seems a cavalier attitude. The Senator seeks a debate on the general progress of the North-South Implementation Bodies.

Senator Norris asked why the Government rejected the expertise of Aer Lingus's former chief executive officer, Mr. Willie Walsh. He also pointed to No. 17 on the Order Paper, a motion proposed by him and his Independent colleagues on salmon driftnet fishing. Senator Norris went on to raise the matter, as he has done passionately on several occasions, of the dangers posed by hostels. In some of these facilities many people are crowded together and, in some cases, the electrical wiring has not been updated and is faulty. He forecast there will be deaths as a result of a fire at one of these hostels and asks whether action can be taken to prevent this.

Senator Jim Walsh called for a debate on planning and spoke about the abuses within the system. I agree that some objections are made purely on competition grounds. He also raised the matter of collusion between the British security forces and loyalists in Northern Ireland and he condemned the recent attendance of the English monarch at the stepping down of the UDR.

Senator Terry raised the matter of domestic violence and the campaign that will begin on 25 November for six days to highlight this issue. We will endeavour to ensure a useful debate in the House. It is woeful to consider that 124 women have been murdered in the last decade, 78 of them in their own homes.

Senator Glynn spoke about planning and wished to add his name to the calls for a debate on that. He referred in particular to the incidence of commercial interests objecting on competitive grounds. Senator Tuffy spoke about the lack of design and overall aesthetic of many of the apartment blocks being constructed and called for this aspect to be included in the debate.

Senator Ulick Burke spoke about the importance of the knowledge economy and referred to the lack of modernity at both primary and post-primary level in terms of computer facilities in schools. Senator Hanafin called for a debate on credit institutions and argued the benefits of microcredit schemes for communities. The Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Deputy Brennan, has announced a significant strengthening of the Money Advice and Budgeting Service, MABS. I am sure many Members advise people who are experiencing financial difficulties to use this service. I have found it very helpful and easy to deal with.

Senator Quinn spoke about Mr. NicolasSarkozy, the French Interior Minister and possible candidate in that country's upcoming presidential election, who introduced a policy of zero tolerance in regard to road deaths and all associated crimes. I hope Madame Ségolène Royal will be the successful candidate in that election but that is another kettle of fish. Senator Quinn proposes the consideration of new regulations to the effect that young drivers' insurance policies would expire after 10 p.m. There was another tragic road death at 5 a.m. on the road outside Kilbeggan in County Westmeath.

Senator Coonan called for a debate with the Minister for Agriculture and Food on the issue of the penal capital gains tax for which farmers subject to compulsory purchase orders are liable. I hope this issue can be examined.

Senator Coghlan argued that the policy put forward by the Progressive Democrats Party on stamp duty is leading to instability. However, his own party is increasing that instability with its new proposals.