Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That is the best I can do for the Senator. It would be welcomed by everybody if the Bill went through both Houses by Christmas. Senator Bacik noted that we will shortly be exiting the bailout and getting back our economic sovereignty. That is to be welcomed by all and the people will recognise it as a milestone.

In regard to the report on prostitution by the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality, I will arrange for a debate when the report issues. We have had a number of debates on school patronage but if there is a need for further debate in the new year we will facilitate it. Senator Barrett welcomed the establishment of the data analytics centre, which was announced this morning, and outlined the benefits that will accrue from it. He also mentioned John Major's speech in Iveagh House last night to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Downing Street Declaration. I had the pleasure of attending that event and I thought his address was excellent. The event was also attended by George Mitchell and many other dignitaries.

The efforts of John Major and Albert Reynolds were highlighted. Everybody involved should be complimented on their efforts that dated, as George Mitchell stated, from the Anglo Irish Agreement and all of the way up. They were all stepping stones to the restoration of peace on the island.

I accept Senator Paul Coghlan's amendment to the Order of Business, to debate No. 15 before No. 1 in order to allow the Bill to be printed.

Senators O'Sullivan and Mulcahy mentioned the Shannon LNG project. I shall bring the matter to the attention of the relevant Minister. However, I cannot give a guarantee to Senator O'Sullivan that a sub-committee, or anything like it, will be set up immediately.

Senator Kelly and several Senators mentioned wind energy guidelines, various aspects of the technology, cost benefit analysis and so on. We have had several debates on the issue with the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Rabbitte, in attendance. I suggest that the relevant Oireachtas joint committee is best placed to have a detailed debate. We can debate the issue again when the committee has produced a report, or a further report. I note the genuine concerns of many Members but we have debated the matter and changes. I suggest that the Oireachtas joint committee is the correct fora to tease out the details and then we can debate the matter in the House.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh mentioned the issue of justice for the undocumented in Ireland and referred to the matter yesterday. He also raised the issue of the Coimisinéir Teanga again today having done so on four occasions over the past two weeks. He has tabled it as an Adjournment motion for today and the Minister will be in the House to deal with the matter.