Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I formally second the proposal by Senator Norris concerning No. 19, motion 36 on the Order Paper regarding the plight of Ms Ingrid Betancourt in Colombia.

When does the Leader expect that the electoral Bill, giving legislative effect to the changes proposed by the boundary commission, will be published and introduced in the House? Senator Ellis beat me to the punch in referring to the comments of the Tánaiste and Taoiseach-designate, Deputy Brian Cowen, who suggested that there might be a possible interim stage in future arrangements regarding the workings of the commission in that we may have a draft proposal or draft documents which could be discussed in both Houses. There may be some merit in that and the Tánaiste was careful to say he intended that such a process would not in any way detract from or diminish the independence of the commission, which would be vital. I look forward to hearing the Leader of the House, given he is a conduit between this House and the Government, on current Government thinking on this matter.

I agree with my colleagues regarding the long-running and ongoing pharmacy dispute. We all know that this cannot be settled without dialogue. There will be no resolution without dialogue. I plead with the Leader to use his good offices with the Government to ensure a structure for dialogue is put in place immediately. No one wants to see a situation where the weakest and hardest-pressed people in our society are unable to obtain their drugs and medicines from 1 May.