Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Ivana Bacik raised the issue of the report of the expert group, which will be placed before the Cabinet next week. I gave an undertaking to the House that we would discuss it when published. I hope it will be published immediately after the Cabinet receive it.

I propose to accept Senator Feargal Quinn's amendment to the Order of Business, that the Employment Permits (Amendment) Bill 2012 be taken before we deal with No. 1, motion re the revision of Standing Orders. This will allow the Senator's Bill to be published.

The Senator also called, as did a number of other Members, for a debate on the situation in Gaza, an issue raised by many Members last week on the Order of Business. We all share the widespread concern about the ongoing exchanges of fire into and from Gaza. In a statement issued on 15 November the Tánaiste made the Government's position clear. He called on both sides to avoid an escalation of hostilities and refrain from further attacks. Yesterday, Monday, 19 November, he discussed the situation in Gaza with his EU partners at the GAERC Council meeting in Brussels. The Council made a similar strong call for a de-escalation and restraint on all sides. Much attention has focused on the casualties caused by Israeli air strikes and the use of heavy weapons in the crowded and built up area of Gaza. It is essential that the exchanges of fire stop on both sides. We simply cannot ask one side to stop. Intensive efforts are under way on the part of Egypt and others to communicate with both sides to bring about a ceasefire to restore a sense of security for the ordinary people of Gaza and Israel. The UN Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, is in the region where he is due to visit Israel and the Palestinian Territories today. As I mentioned, EU Foreign Ministers discussed the issue at the Foreign Affairs Council yesterday. Ireland has already stated it is disposed to supporting a balanced and reasonable resolution of the issue which this House has been to the forefront in highlighting on many occasions. I will endeavour to arrange for the Tánaiste or the Minister of State to come to the House to discuss it as soon as possible, I hope this week if that can be arranged.

Senator Feargal Quinn also raised the issue of penalties for smuggling not being adequate and the need for more resources for the Garda and the Customs service. I will ask the Minister for Justice and Equality to come to the House to address these matters. I agree with the Senator that the penalties are insufficient.

Senator Martin Conway and several others mentioned the television drama programme "Love/Hate" which is broadcast on Sunday nights and called for a debate on media standards in drama programmes.

The programme referred to is certainly shockingly violent, but it is clear when one reads newspaper articles written by people who were in the police force for many years that it is indicative, unfortunately, of what is going on in many areas of this city. I will see what I can do to get somebody in to discuss this question. While it is shockingly violent, as I have said, I think it is an excellent production by Irish people, who are to be commended. I agree with those who have pointed out that it is not something children should be watching, as it is very difficult viewing.

Senators Moran, Harte and Comiskey referred to the exciting news about the G8 summit announced by the British Prime Minister, Mr. Cameron. We all hope it will go off successfully and will be a boost for tourism in the north east and the whole island of Ireland.

Senators Healy Eames and Crown, as well as other speakers, referred to the need for an independent inquiry rather than a HSE inquiry into the Halappanavar case. I share the concerns expressed by Senator Crown about the composition of the panel in question. I cannot get the Minister in here today, but I can certainly agree to ask him to come to the House to address the matter as soon as possible. I can inform the House that the Minister's office has confirmed that the three consultants who were previously named will not now be part of the inquiry. I think that addresses some of the points made by Senator Crown. Three new appointments of people who have nothing to do with University Hospital Galway will now be made to support the chairperson in his work.