Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

The recall of pigmeat is a serious matter and of the utmost concern to farmers in the first instance, producers, up to 6,000 workers and consumers. With turkey, it is a traditional Christmas foodstuff. Questions about the number and effectiveness of the agencies involved in monitoring food safety, including the Department, must be answered. Recent events highlight the need for the establishment of a single agency to monitor food safety. A multiplicity of agencies appear to have responsibility in this regard at present and that makes no sense. I appreciate that a debate will take place on this matter but there is a need to ensure that bacon returns to supermarket shelves as soon as possible. I agree with previous speakers that Europe has a role to play in that regard.

I second the amendments to the Order of Business proposed by Senators O'Toole and Norris. These amendments relate to extremely important matters. I seconded an amendment put forward by Senator O'Toole last week in respect of a debate on education. The Leader is aware that the request for such a debate has been outstanding for some time.

I am completely shocked by the Leader's actions. He got away with not having an Order of Business on Friday last and we hoped that a precedent had not been created. How the blazes is it possible to have the House sit for a day without an Order of Business being taken on that day? An Order Paper is printed for each day's sitting. Without an Order of Business, we cannot discuss any of the items contained on the Order Paper or any of the topical items the House has dealt with so well for many years. As a previous speaker stated, it is a hallmark of the Seanad that it deals with such matters on the Order of Business. I am surprised that the Leader is going to attempt to——