Feargal Quinn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I support Senator Mullen and all the others Senators, including Senator Bradford, with regard to their call for the Minister to come to the House, but I am unsure whether it is the Minister for Health we want. I believe it should be the Minister for Justice and Equality. If an activity is illegal, either we make it legal or we obey it. It seems that on this occasion if a State-sponsored and State-funded body is accused of breaking the law, we should have an investigation and the Minister for Justice and Equality should come here and either explain why or whether action is being taken.

There is a need for a debate on tourism, especially with regard to the effort to have The Gathering next year.

I fully support The Gathering because it is a wonderful tourist concept. I was disturbed to hear someone I always regarded with high esteem criticise The Gathering and, in a way, damage it. Instead of showing respect for the Taoiseach he referred to him solely by his surname. It would be worthwhile to debate these activities in the Seanad, although not before we debate the matter raised by Senator Mullen. This House has a responsibility to ask hard questions of the Minister for Health regarding activities that appear to be illegal.

It was announced today that Tea Time Express, a company that has been selling products since 1938, will close next month. That is a shame. The company was affected by Government decisions. Every time we make it more difficult for small companies to survive we make it almost impossible for other companies to create jobs. I refer in particular to the threat that hangs over all companies due to the proposal by the Minister for Social Protection to introduce legislation requiring employers to pay for sick leave. That will be a tax on employment and will damage companies. I would like to see a full debate on that issue.