John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

Senator Norris made a fair point about the protection of consumers. In recent years, a great deal of legislation has been introduced to protect consumers and enhance their rights. However, there are many gaps in the enforcement of that legislation. I am conscious of the decision that was made about the oil merger. The explanation that was given was that someone thought there were 31 days in the month in question, rather than 30. It was an administrative slip. I can understand how that might happen, but I accept it should not have happened. This matter was also raised by Senators Coghlan and Quinn. Perhaps we should try to arrange a debate on the issue.

I am not aware of the particulars of the case mentioned by Senator Ó Murchú. It seems extraordinary, on the face of it, that such a thing should happen in a modern society. It seems very insensitive and wrong. In the past, one could not get out of debtor's prison without paying back the moneys one owed. In other words, one stayed in prison until one's debt was discharged. Happily we have moved on from those days. I will raise the matter with the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

Senator Coghlan highlighted the deer fencing programme that is being pursued to protect oak woodlands under the EU habitats directive and the UNESCO guidelines. I am not too familiar with the case in question. I will ask the Minister about it. Perhaps it could be usefully discussed on the Adjournment, with the permission of the Chair.

Senator Mansergh referred to the budget and the benchmarking survey. Senator Quinn raised a related matter. I agree with Senator Mansergh's comments about the Minister, Deputy Cowen, who has done a very good job. I am sure that will continue in the budget that will be introduced next month.

Senator Mansergh said that the Northern parties did a pretty good job yesterday when they received a commitment from the British Government that more than £50 billion would be invested over ten years. We hope the commitment will be one of the factors that will lead to devolved government in Northern Ireland. On the issue of corporation tax, I am aware it has been argued that because it is a national aid, Northern Ireland cannot be singled out from the rest of the United Kingdom. In other words, there cannot be a different rate there. I would have thought that something of that nature could be done under the regional policy of the EU. If Northern Ireland can have devolved government, one would imagine that it could be treated in a sympathetic manner by the EU, which is anxious to facilitate peace and economic development there.

Senators Quinn and Norris spoke about privacy, which is an important matter, in the context of the installation of CCTV systems. It is a difficult debate. Basic infringements of civil liberties are taking place in many areas. On the other hand, the State has to use modern technology to eliminate vandalism and crime, as Senators Lydon and Glynn remarked. We need to strike a balance. The House could usefully debate this topic in a more extensive manner than it has done on the Order of Business this morning. We could reflect on the related issues of the protection of data and the use of the information about citizens that is held by various organisations. People have to register to act in this manner — they cannot do so willy-nilly. Perhaps we should consider this significant issue.

Senator Glynn spoke about vandalism. There has been an increase in the removal of telephone kiosks, but I understand that they are being closed because of a lack of use. I read about a telephone kiosk that was taking an average of €1 per month. The growth in the use of mobile telephones is an important factor in this regard. I do not think the vandalism of telephone kiosks is a good enough reason for the withdrawal of such services. There should be a way of overcoming such problems.

The use of fireworks, which was mentioned by Senator Lydon, is a serious issue. The Tánaiste was quite vocal about the matter last week, when he said that people who bring such materials across the Border can expect to have their vehicles seized, etc.