John Kelly (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the reopening of the Fr. Niall Molloy case by the appointment of a senior counsel. Senator John Whelan and I have been calling for action on the issue for several years. After 28 years of inaction by politicians, campaigning by Fr. Molloy's family and the great work done by Gemma O'Doherty of the Irish Independent, matters are now moving in the right direction. What remains to be seen are the terms of reference and a roadmap for the investigation. In particular, we must have an indication of the envisaged timeframe. I hope the senior counsel who is appointed will eventually recommend an independent commission of inquiry. I thank Members of this House for their constant support on this issue and the Minister for allowing the door to be left open so that we can hope eventually to get to the truth.

An issue being raised in the Dáil today concerns contractors who transport large round and square bales of hay the length and breadth of the country. With the introduction of new regulations last week, they are now limited to stacking their cargo two bales high as distinct from three bales high, as was the case heretofore. We are told this is a health and safety issue, but there have been no accidents as a result of loads being stacked more than two bales high. The problem now is that round bales will cost farmers one third more in future. Will the Leader bring this to the attention of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine? He knows it is an issue, because I have raised it with him already, but I am anxious to ensure it is addressed with urgency.