Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Not only is morale within the Reserve Defence Forces very low, but it is also low within the entire Defence Forces. Perhaps we could have a discussion on the issue another day.

Senator McDowell raised a very important issue in regard to a Bill passed by a previous Seanad, which went to the Dáil, was amended there and is possibly returning to the House next week. Over 80% of the membership of the House is different from when the Bill was passed. It would be appropriate for Standing Orders to be amended to allow the Bill to be discussed by the new Seanad and afford over 80% of the Members who have not had an opportunity to contribute to us to do so. I look forward to a positive response from the Leader in that regard.

I support the comments of Senator Gavan and Senator Landy on Tesco. If what they have outlined to us is going on, it is appalling. It is important that clarity is brought to the situation urgently because if, as Senator Gavan said, over 900 people have already lost their jobs, how many more will lose their jobs or be intimidated into giving them up? I propose that the relevant joint committee invite Tesco before it to ensure clarity can be brought to the situation as a matter of urgency.

I refer to privilege in this House and the Lower House. It should only be used properly, but I would always defend the right of any Member of this House or the Lower House to bring to the attention, in the public interest, a matter they believe to be in the public interest.