Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

Senator Mullins congratulated the Garda and the Customs and Excise on the seizure of a large haul of cocaine. Members' gratitude is due to the Garda for this act. He also called on the Seanad Public Consultation Committee to consider the question of drugs. While requests have been made for a number of items to be discussed by the aforementioned committee, I certainly will take on board the Senator's views on that matter.

Senator Paul Coghlan also spoke on the insolvency Bill and stated that the taxpayers' interest also must be considered. Senator Keane raised the issue of cash-for-gold shops and the potential necessity to change legislation. As the Senator noted, the Minister for Justice and Equality produced a report on this subject last week and I will endeavour to have the Minister come into the House to explain and discuss that report. Senator Bradford called for a debate on the Middle East and I have asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Gilmore, to come into the House to hold such a debate. The Senator also mentioned a matter raised by Senator Norris, which I have also referred to the Tánaiste, concerning the deputy ambassador of Israel.

Senator Bradford also referred to outrageous comments by a representative of the Iranian Government. We can discuss that matter when we have a debate on the Middle East. The Senator said, rightly, that the Oireachtas will decide on any legislation, and not any expert group.