Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I support the call by Senator Fitzgerald to the Leader for a debate on the recently published reports on the health system, and particularly the Portlaoise report. In addition, I fully endorse the comments of my colleague Senator Cummins about Dr. Paisley and his call for a debate on the North, which was also mentioned yesterday. I add my voice to these and hope that the Leader can arrange such a debate as early as possible.

I recently referred to the deaths of two white-tailed sea eagles in County Kerry. Unfortunately, it has since been confirmed that they were poisoned. Sadly, a third eagle that was thought to have died of natural causes was also found to have been poisoned. A drug named Trodax was found in the carcasses along with a licensed poison. I accept that these poisons were put out to catch foxes and other vermin before the lambing season, but these birds have been absent from our shores for more than 100 years and are a wonderful tourist attraction. People are coming from far and wide to see them. Indiscriminate poisoning is wrong, dangerous and contrary to law. I appeal to farmers in this regard. I have total sympathy when it comes to foxes and other vermin, but we have now lost three of the 15 sea eagles reintroduced to County Kerry and we do not want to lose any more. They have been absent for too long. I remind the Cathaoirleach and my other colleagues that they are very welcome to come to Killarney to see these eagles. Hundreds of people are coming to see them, and it is hoped the number will soon be in the thousands. I extend that invitation to all Senators again.

When will the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, which provides for a legal services ombudsman, be taken in the House? I ask the Leader to indicate this.