Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

Human rights and the United Nations are very strange bedfellows. I hope anyone joining the organisation will chart a genuine human rights formula for the UN. Any organisation like the UN that speaks with duplicity and out of one side of its mouth purporting to promote human rights while from the other side seeking the killing of the unborn definitely brings its credibility into question and disrepute.

Is the Leader prepared to indicate when Senator Feargal Quinn's Bill will be restored to the Order Paper? It is an excellent Bill and it is essential it is passed without further delay. Many people in my constituency have been caught badly by main contractors going into liquidation or receivership and, as a consequence, their business, livelihood and employees have been left high and dry. I commend Senator Quinn on this essential legislation which should be passed without further delay.

I have raised previously the issue of legal fees in tribunals. I am sure other Members will join me in my dismay at reading the amount of money that the Curtin case has cost. There is a report of €1.9 million having been spent, with the case about to be adjudicated upon, but I am told a further €2 million has already been paid on the case. It is shameful that someone can contest a position and ultimately resign, leaving the taxpayer to pick up the bill while the person picks up a pension. That is the kind of abuse of privilege we should not allow.

I urge Members and people working in the public service to be very slow to take cases to the High Court or Supreme Court which are run at the expense of taxpayers and which may not be well founded. Legal people will give advice on cases and often it is in their interest rather than ours. I put that note of caution, particularly for the day that is in it.