Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I do not have a difficulty with No. 1 on the Order of Business, which is due to be taken without debate. However, I would like the matter to be discussed when it has been dealt with by the relevant committee. People should reaquaint themselves with the Schengen Agreement. Our attitude towards the latter is the reason we are still obliged to show our passports when passing through half the member states of the European Union when we should not have to do so. We should reopen the debate on the agreement.

It is regrettable that the nurses' dispute has reached its current stage. I would not normally comment on industrial relations matters but this matter was referred to those at the highest level in the national implementation body and they failed to resolve it. However, progress was made and it would be helpful if people reread the report issued by the body on Sunday afternoon last. The report indicates that significant progress was made on the issue of working hours and that the management side indicated that it was prepared to deal with this. Progress was also made on the issue of the differential between nurses and non-qualified people. However, progress was not made on the 10% general pay claim.

There is a great deal to be said for revisiting the national implementation body with a view to examining what is happening and recognising that progress can be made on two of the three issues. Time possibly could be then made available to deal with the 10% general pay claim. I think people recognise that nurses have made a fair argument, that the issue can and should be addressed and that structures exist for that purpose. The parties should, therefore, return to the national implementation body.

Last week, while debating the Carbon Fund Bill 2006 with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Roche, I pointed to the incandescent light bulbs in the Chamber and asked whether they could be replaced——