Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I am concerned the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill 2009 — a long title for a Bill — is to be rushed through this House next week. The Leader has stated the Bill will be taken in the House next Wednesday at 8 p.m. From memory, we, in both Houses, do not do a very good job when we pass legislation in this manner. Rushed legislation is usually bad legislation. I recall the Leader, following a point made by Senator Ross in regard to legislation being debated in this House some six or seven years ago, coming into the House at midnight and informing us the Bill was being dropped. Legislation which receives attention is usually better legislation. The Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill was published yesterday and the first opportunity which this House will have to debate it will be at 8 p.m. next Wednesday. I urge the Leader to ensure this House gives more consideration to this legislation.

A number of Senators spoke about energy and electricity. It is time we debated energy in general. I am concerned we are not considering this issue in the long term. We import practically all of our power. I gather that if we do manage to obtain sustainable energy, be it wave, tidal or wind — it is unlikely to be solar — it is likely to be of only minimal benefit during the next 20 years. We should debate this issue and should not exclude from such debate the issue of nuclear energy. I am not proposing we use nuclear energy as I do not know enough about it. However, I read earlier in the week that 43 countries in the world have nuclear energy. Two thirds of the world population live in countries that have nuclear energy. We have decided not even to consider nuclear energy or include discussion of it in our debate. I suggest we have a debate on energy which includes all options.

I am concerned at the closeness of crime to normal business. I learned this week of a debt collecting agency which has employed a person known to have been a criminal in the past. I am concerned at the acceptance of this as a means of collecting debt. I was impressed to hear this week that a shopkeeper in Galway seeking to recoup debts for some years has displayed on his window the names of his debtors.