David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

First, I want to ask two technical questions.

Will the Leader give some guidance on whether he intends to take Private Members' motion No. 3, which seeks to protect the Seanad by ensuring the holding of committee meetings does not conflict with the Order of Business? We should be treated with respect. The resolution on the armed conflict in the Congo will be taken without debate and it will be without dispute.

With regard to Coillte I share the passion of my two colleagues, Senators O'Donnell and Whelan. This country was raped of its forests to provide timber for the British navy during the late medieval period. Now we are doing the same. It is more like the teddy bears picnic than joined-up Government; if one goes down to the woods today one is in for a big surprise because, as Senator Whelan stated, they may very well be gone. The issue with regard to the Bacon report is extremely serious. This is a man previously commissioned by the Government to provide excellent reports which were never acted upon. He has demonstrated with absolute clarity the economic justification for his proposal is no longer sustainable and that if we sell off this we will expose ourselves to ¤1.3 billion of further consequences, so in fact it is a financial farce and is tying us into something. I know something about this because my family sold off considerable acreage in the 1930s, but the trees were left there and the land was unusable. It bankrupted people. It is important that we discuss this. Mr. Bacon states this action would effectively liquidate Coillte as a viable entity. Is this what the Government is doing? This is all supposed to be an attempt to create economies in the country. We are discussing this on the Order of Business and I salute Senator O'Donnell for bringing it so passionately and effectively before us.

Later we will pass a Bill which will give effect to the very favourable loan arrangements to the Greeks whereby they will be allowed to move it out for 30 years. I am very glad we are. The loan arrangements are being deliberately softened. We are being stymied. We are the good student of Europe.