Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I support the amendment to the Order of Business proposed by Senator Fitzgerald and second the amendment proposed by Senator O'Toole. As colleagues have noted, the number of messages and e-mails Senators have received in recent days indicates that major problems have arisen on the issue of adoption. These problems must be urgently addressed as it is unfair to leave large numbers of parents in the lurch and suffering from despair and anguish as a result of the current circumstances. The Leader will, I am sure, accept the urgent need for the Minister to come before the House to clarify the position and answer the many questions Senators have on the issue.

I refer to the unfortunate and tragic accident which occurred on Sceilg Mhichíl some days ago when a visitor lost his life as a result of a fall. The island belongs to the State and is in the care of the heritage section of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. However, the guide service on the island is run by the Office of Public Works. The Department and Office of Public Works must liaise better on this issue and, failing that, responsibility should be transferred in full to one or other body.

Similar circumstances pertain regarding other national monuments, with the Office of Public Works having one role and the wildlife service of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government having another. Guides are not yet operating on Sceilg Mhichíl. Given the paramount importance of safety and the steep incline of the island, I repeat the call made by Councillor Michael Cahill in County Kerry that, at a minimum, a rope bannister or other type of rail should be erected on the island. We should not put lives at risk, as is clearly being done at present. I ask the Leader to use his good offices to have the matter addressed. I also intend to pursue it with both relevant Ministers.