Seanad debates

Thursday, 3 June 2010

11:00 am

Photo of Terry LeydenTerry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I join the welcome to Dr. Ian Paisley - Lord Paisley - and his lovely wife, Baroness Eileen Paisley, to this House. It is an historic day for all of us when we have such a wonderful man and his lady wife in this House. I extend a céad míle fáilte to both of them. Today will remain in our memories and it is great that the Cathaoirleach is present today as well.

I support Senator Rónán Mullen's point on the question of human trafficking. Legislation, including the Bill, is vital. I compliment Senator Mullen on his work at the Council of Europe where he has played a very important role. His may be a lone voice crying in the wilderness sometimes but he is being heard there and in this House. I hope the proposals will be brought forward because there is an issue about the users of brothels and other places used by those involved in human trafficking, and that issue should be debated in this House. I call on the Deputy Leader to arrange a debate on this issue as soon as possible and to bring forward all the documentation. This should be seen as a European issue, not just an Irish one. There should be a pan-European decision to ensure trafficking becomes illegal in every country in the European Union and the Council of Europe.

I support the point made by Senator Glynn on flooding. Some €888,000 has been allocated to County Roscommon by the Minister of State, Deputy Martin Mansergh, for relief from the flooding that took place and to ensure it does not recur.

I support the proposal by Senator Paddy Burke on the question of septic tanks. It is a very important issue and I call on the Deputy Leader to arrange a debate in the House with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy John Gormley, to discuss this matter.

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