Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senators Mooney, O'Sullivan, Brennan and others marked the retirement of David Begg from his position at the head of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, ICTU, and I wish him well too. Mr. Begg gave a very good speech in this House last year and I think we all wish him the best in his retirement.

Senator Mooney also raised the question of the Minister for Education and Skills reviewing the leaving certificate and asked that the Minister come before the House today to address that subject. I know that the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, will come before the House next Tuesday regarding the Education (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill but her schedule is too busy for her to address the matter raised today. There will be an opportunity next week.

The writs for the by-elections have been moved so there will be by-elections in the areas mentioned along with a Seanad by-election. It is specified by law now that by-elections must be held within six months so there is no question of dragging the process out over a year or two as the previous Government did. We await the decision of the people.

Regarding water charges, as I said yesterday, the previous Government signed off with the troika on a €400 flat charge and that would have come into force two years ago. There is no point in the Opposition trying to fool people because people copped on to the last Government eventually.

Senator O'Keeffe and others mentioned the independence referendum in Scotland. We wish the people of Scotland well in their deliberations and hope they make the right choice for Scotland. Senator O'Keeffe also mentioned the alleged activities of the special investigation unit in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and this is a serious matter that must be brought to the Minister's attention. Perhaps the Minister could come before the House to discuss the matter.

Senators Norris, White, D'Arcy, Ó Murchú and several others raised the matter of celebrating the Redmondite tradition and the Irish Parliamentary Party, given that today is the 100th anniversary of Home Rule. The tradition of parliamentary democracy shared by Grattan, Parnell and O'Connell should be celebrated and today such a celebration is taking place in Woodenbridge. The mausoleum of John Redmond in Wexford is to open to the public next year and it is right that we celebrate the achievement of Home Rule, which went on the Statute Book. Irish men fought for this and parliamentary democracy for many years.

Again, I listened with interest to Senator White and certainly would not call any of those involved in any of the events a traitor. I certainly would not call MacNeill a traitor and I would be reluctant to call ---