Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

It is timely that we will review the board's progress under the legislation. Senator O'Toole is a member of the board and it is fortunate to have him assisting it. The board is saving the consumer and the nation an absolute fortune. All Members support the board's chief executive and everyone associated with it and its future.

As was said earlier, the case in question was taken all the way to the Supreme Court. Today, we now know of the huge rip-off in certain areas of the legal profession.

Senators Alex White, Ó Brolcháin, Leyden, Cummins and Hanafin welcomed the future role to be played by the House in the scrutiny of EU proposals. However, I must caution the House that there is a large amount of work involved. I know the report has made suggestions as to how the Seanad can assist in the EU scrutiny process for all Departments. We will await its publication today and it will be discussed in the House before the summer recess.

I intend to propose to the various leaders and the Committee on Procedure and Privileges that we will at least devote one day a month for the scrutiny of EU proposals. The report to be published today will propose the various consultants who assist committees and their chairmen on EU scrutiny matters will assist us in our deliberations on them. Unless we have these consultants and their advice available to assist us, we certainly will not be in a position to deliberate on them. The consultants are the watchdogs, as well as Oireachtas Members, of proposed new EU legislation or changes to existing legislation.

Senator O'Donovan raised a proposed overview of planning in Cork city and County Cork. The planning Bill has been before us for our consideration.

Senators O'Donovan, Buttimer, Coffey, Mullen, Callely and Walsh raised the greyhound breeders Bill which will be back in the House with amendments from the Dáil before the summer recess. I share the concerns expressed by Senator O'Donovan and other colleagues on the experience of how the Bill was dealt with by the House. It is not the norm and I will ensure it will not create a precedent so as to maintain the respect Ministers and Departments must show to both Houses.

Senator O'Donovan called for a debate on fisheries policy which I am endeavouring to have before the summer recess as I have made a commitment to this.

Senator Keaveney raised the drop of 40% in cigarette sales recently but asked if illegal cigarette sales were on the increase. I will pass on her strong views to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The Minister will be in he House before the summer recess and Senator Keaveney can seek an update on this matter if she so wishes then.

Senators Mullen, Walsh, Leyden, Bacik and Quinn raised the Civil Partnership Bill. We have a very accommodating Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and he is very supportive of all the Bills he brings before this House.