Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael)

I thank Senator O'Donovan for his acknowledgement. I also thank Senator Ormonde and other Senators on the other side of the House who spoke in favour of Fine Gael amendments to the Dog Breeding Establishments Bill which they saw as credible and realistic. It was disappointing to hear Independent Members and backbench Fianna Fáil Deputies debating matters in the media. Two months ago we tabled reasonable amendments which we told the Minister we would withdraw if he was prepared to table amendments. The Leader needs to take note and ask all Ministers to give proper consideration to amendments tabled in this House. We are debating the issue of the relevance of the Seanad.E However, what has happened in respect of this Bill constitutes an insult to this House and its Members. As a Member who worked hard on the Bill and who tabled many amendments that apparently are about to be accepted in Dáil Éireann, although they are as yet unseen, I certainly took this as an insult. All Members should note this for future consideration with regard to any legislation coming before this House.

More than one year ago, I asked for a debate on the future of waste management. I refer to the fairly public and serious conflict between Dublin City Council and the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government with regard to the Poolbeg incinerator. In common with Senator O'Toole, on occasion I have raised the point that multiple incinerators are planned through the various regional waste management plans. However, there is no overall national waste management strategy and no co-ordinated plan to decide on the future for waste streams. Waste infrastructure is vital for competitiveness in business, residences and local authorities and it is important to have clear direction and a clear plan and strategy for this. Consequently, I ask the Leader to provide for a debate on the subject either during this session or early next session and to bring this matter to the attention of the relevant Department.