Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senator O'Toole, whom I really respect, expressed strong views on best practice in the area of industrial relations. I admire the good work he has done in his time as a Senator and in his previous walk of life, and what he has done for the social partners. I will certainly pass his views in this regard to the Minister.

Like Senators Leyden and Healy Eames, I would like, on behalf of the House, to congratulate the Garda Commissioner and the gardaí from Oranmore Garda station on the great and heroic work they have done in recent days. I refer in particular to the two young gardaí who risked their lives to protect the Flynn family. The local parish priest spoke on television last night about the Trojan work that has been done by his community. The Garda Síochána is to be highly commended. I want to put that on the record of the House. I thank the Senators who brought this matter to my attention.

Senator Leyden called for the Minister to ensure we get proper remuneration in respect of gas finds off our shores and other possible energy-related finds. He also asked for the up-to-date position on Rockall Island. I will come back to the Senator in due course in that regard.

Senator Quinn highlighted the terrible case of people on bail committing crimes. He referred in particular to eight murders committed by people on bail. That is unacceptable. If it is the case that we must revisit legislation as a matter of urgency, we should do that immediately. I agree with the Senator's expressions on the issue. The Senator also mentioned the Stability and Growth Pact and I will pass on his strong views to the Minister.

Senator Feeney expressed strong views and the hope that those who are asked to appear before committees of the Houses will give the matter consideration. I understand that where legal advice is given to a possible witness invited to appear before a committee, that legal advice must be considered. As Senator MacSharry stated, due process must be taken into account in all of these areas. It is a serious state of affairs in respect of those in the banking world who are being asked to appear before committees and everything must be taken into account, including legal advice.

Senator Feeney also referred to the two senior counsel who were paid an extra €1 million for their services in the tribunals. It is a matter for the two senior counsel but if an error has been made in good faith by a civil servant, we will wait and see what happens in regard to that incident.

I will pass on to the Minister, Senator Hannigan's views regarding the licences being retained in SR Technics. I agree with the sentiments expressed.

Senator Callely referred to the energy grant available from SEI, those who intended to do work, new applicants and so on. I will pass on the Senator's views to the Minister and try to get a response to the points he made.

Senator Healy Eames raised the issue of the Western Development Commission and making money available for projects, particularly in the BMW region. I reside in Westmeath and Senators Glynn and McFadden would know about that also. We want to see as much as possible coming to the BMW region. I agree with the Senator in that regard.

Senator Norris raised issues pertaining to the Order of Business which come before the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. I suggest the Senator discusses that with his leader because that is where we take the views of the various groups in the House. We may be able to progress the proposal and determine how we can make it relevant to the Senator's proposal which he outlined to the House earlier.

Senator Bacik asked when it was proposed to take the immigration Bill. I will come back to the Senator on that.