John Whelan (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I refer to the future of Coillte, an issue raised by colleagues from all sides. There is consensus in the House that Coillte should remain in public ownership.

As my colleague, Senator Comiskey, has pointed out, the Government has moved to appoint a new Minister of State in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Tom Hayes, and I wish him well in his work. He will have responsibility for Coillte, and in that context, I ask the Leader to invite him to come before this House and to finally make a categoric statement on the matter. We have had some interesting mood music about this issue, including various winks and nods that the hills will remain free to roam on, but I would like to see that in writing to be sure that is really the case. Approximately 7% of our land is covered in forestry. It is an important resource, in a strategic sense, as well as being an important tourism, recreation and leisure amenity for people throughout the country, not least in counties Laois and Offaly and the midlands in general. The Government must finally lay to rest any uncertainty regarding the future of Coillte in order that the company can get on with strategic planning and development. The question should be laid to rest before the summer recess.

I also ask the Leader to address the question of when the Government proposes to hold the referendum on the abolition of Seanad. We do not have a definite date or knowledge of the timetable. It was sharp practice for the Bill to be launched last week when the Houses were in recess. That left a lot to be desired in terms of public discourse and providing Members with an opportunity to engage on the issue. Whoever came up with that idea knew we were not sitting last week. In the same regard, it would be pre-emptive and unfair if the Seanad were to be shot in the nest. Even pheasants know when the shooting season starts. There are rumours circulating that the referendum could be held as early as 11 September, immediately after the summer recess. If that is the case, it would stymie fair and public discourse on a matter that is very important. Even a condemned man before the gallows is allowed a few last words. The Seanad should be permitted at least to make a case for its future. An early referendum is unnecessary, given this Seanad will run its course until the next general election. A stand-alone referendum in the autumn will cost the taxpayer €30 million-----