Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

Last Tuesday I called for a debate on the nitrates directive which I am now seeking to extend to include farm inspections. Farmers should be given the courtesy of 24 hours, if not 48 hours, notice of an inspection. Given that so many operate on a part-time basis, it is the least they deserve. It is totally unfair that inspectors can arrive at a farm claiming to cover up to 1,200 items without telling the farmer what they are examining. I was amazed to learn recently that more than 1,600 inspectors were employed by the Department of Agriculture and Food. Some 54 staff are employed to carry out inspections in nursing homes, yet both sets of inspectors deal with approximately the same number of clients. Is the Department of Agriculture and Food trying to make work for its staff and make farmers' lives a misery? Out of courtesy, farmers deserve notice of inspections.

I also support Senator Bannon's comments on the provision of defibrillators which have been proven to keep people alive for longer. They are successful and, given that many parts of the State are isolated, ideally suited to treating people who do not have access to a local hospital.

Will the Acting Leader ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will establish the working group to examine the prenuptial issue? We agreed to the substance a few weeks ago in the House but disagreed on the methodology. I suggested the involvement of the Law Reform Commission, while the Tánaiste suggested the establishment of a working group because it would be quicker. However, four or five weeks later, its terms of reference have not been agreed and the group has not been established. This is a serious issue which should be examined. I do not understand why the working group is not up and running, its establishment having been agreed unanimously by the House. Why the delay?