Dan Boyle (Green Party)

-----to ensuring it is passed today. Senator Alex White referred to the proposal regarding the introduction of a Tobin tax. I would be supportive of such a tax. This would require some degree of international co-operation. The proposal was put forward as an international development issue by the previous French President, Jacques Chirac. We could find allies within the European Union in regard to having such a tax considered. It is a tax on international currency transactions. I believe this House should have an opportunity to debate the issue.

Senator Ó Murchú referred the ending of the political career of Dr. Ian Paisley who has been a personification of all the issues that have been part of the history of these islands for the past 50 years and asked that this House wish him well on his retirement. The more pertinent point made by Senator Ó Murchú related to religious tolerance here and in other jurisdictions. I am not too sure if the Senator was making a request for a debate on the issue but the point is well made. There may be opportunities during particular debates to raise the issue again.

Senator Leyden referred to the illegal weddings that have taken place in embassies here, a point for the newly appointed Minister to address. I will bring the matter to his attention. Senator Coghlan asked about legislation in regard to local government and Government reform being brought before both Houses. As I understand it, there is a process involved in respect of the legislation for the election the Lord Mayor of Dublin and the White Paper on local government. Legislation is also required for Seanad reform. This matter is being dealt with in that order by the relevant section of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The priority is first to produce the legislation for the election of the Lord Mayor of Dublin. A Cabinet sub-committee is dealing with finalisation of the White Paper on local government. It is hoped announcements in this regard will be made fairly soon.

Senator McDonald called for a debate on the helicopter rescue service in the south east. The Green Party is holding its annual convention in the Waterford area this weekend.