Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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The Order of Business is No. 1, motion re establishment of Joint Committee on Standing Orders, to be taken without debate; No. 2, report of the Committee of Selection, which the Leas-Cathaoirleach will introduce from the floor and concerns the appointment of Members to the joint committees and the Committee on Members' Interests; No. 3, statements on agriculture, with the contributions of spokespersons not to exceed 15 minutes and of all other Senators not to exceed ten minutes, on which Senators may share time and which are to conclude no later than 6 p.m., and No. 8, motion No. 10, to be taken from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)
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Does the Leader of the House agree that there is an urgent need to amend the Order of Business for today to provide for statements by the Minister for Transport concerning the railways? While I acknowledge that there is an Adjournment matter in the name of Senator Mansergh, that is not sufficient. All parties and groupings in the House should be able to put questions and express points of view to the Minister today when a very important meeting of the CIE board is taking place. The Leader is well aware of this issue as she was the one, when Minister, who initiated the expert report on the future of rail services. We have a crazy situation where passenger and freight lines could be lost at a time when we need to build up capacity on the rail system. I urgently ask the Leader to provide time by amending the Order of Business to allow all groupings and Members to contribute to the debate on this important issue and ensure the Minister for Transport comes to the House.

Joe O'Toole (Independent)
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I want to raise two issues. The first is that in the course of the last week the new penalty points system for motoring offences was introduced. The House should ask the Minister for the Environment and Local Government to express his outrage at the further exploitation of drivers with the announcement of one insurance company, Axa, that it will increase the cost of insurance on the basis of penalty points. No one would object if the company also decreased them by the same degree for drivers in the opposite position. The penalty points system is meant to lead to safer roads and, as a consequence, lower insurance premia. My outrage is shared by all Senators. We should make it clear to the companies concerned that this is unacceptable. They should be named and shamed for taking further advantage of hard pressed drivers. Will the Leader invite the Minister for the Environment and Local Government or the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, whichever is appropriate, to do that?

The issue raised by Senator Hayes is urgent. I wrote to the Cathaoirleach on this matter this morning, under the terms of Standing Order 29. Although I fully support Senator Hayes, I will not second his proposal because I understand the Cathaoirleach will allow me to come back on this issue in about an hour. I presume that in dealing with this as an urgent matter, as contemplated by the Standing Order, the Cathaoirleach will allow debate.

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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I will announce my decision at 3.30 p.m.

Joe O'Toole (Independent)
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Should I be optimistic that we will have our debate? That west Limerick glint in the Cathaoirleach's eye does not give me confidence.

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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The Senator is an eternal optimist. I will make an announcement at 3.30 p.m.

Joe O'Toole (Independent)
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The putting of thousands of tons of freight on overcrowded Irish roads should be resisted by all parties and by people all over the country. I ask the Cathaoirleach to take a brave stand on the issue so that the people in the House can express their views before the CIE board comes to a decision. I look forward to making that case in an hour and hope the Cathaoirleach will allow a full debate. Perhaps the Leader could confirm that and save us putting the Order of Business to a vote.

Brendan Ryan (Labour)
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As the officially endorsed representative of the younger generation on these benches since the Members behind me claim seniority and therefore recognise—

Joe O'Toole (Independent)
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Seniority but not senility.

Brendan Ryan (Labour)
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Since I do not believe in discrimination on age grounds I am quite happy to defer to the senior citizens behind me on this occasion.

I support Senator Hayes on the issue of the report of the Ombudsman. The delays by the Revenue contrast with the Taoiseach's attitude in the Dáil yesterday to the question of tax exiles who take large sums of money out of the State.

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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Is the Senator saying there should be debate?

Brendan Ryan (Labour)
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No. Senator Hayes did not move an amendment to the Order of Business on the issue of the Ombudsman. He asked the Leader about it. I leave the rail issue to my colleagues.

I ask the Leader for debate on a number of issues while there is not huge pressure of business. The first issue is that of privatisation on which the Leader is a national authority. The recent success of the ESB in America contrasts spectacularly with the abysmal failure of Eircom since privatisation. I hope ideological issues will not result in our having an extraordinarily successful State company privatised and ending up doing the kind of thing Eircom is doing to its customers. For example, Eircom has no longer a public office in the second city of the State. I invite the Leader to have a debate on the issue of privatisation of public services and utilities.

I also ask the Leader for a debate on the issue of race and immigration. Many of us are concerned that on the Fianna Fáil benches it is all right to use race and immigration as an issue to get oneself elected. The chairman of the Committee of Communications, the Marine and Natural Resources did so during the election and he was rewarded by being made chair of a committee. That is not the spirit in which many of us contested the election. We said we would not bring race or immigration into it. To reward the spectacular abuser of the issue with the chairmanship of a prestigious committee is an offence to those of us who kept our mouths shut. It is an offence particularly to members of Fianna Fáil in my constituency who had the courage to keep their mouths shut when their colleague was behaving disgracefully. We need a debate—

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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This is not relevant to the Order of Business. We do not have an input into this appointment.

Brendan Ryan (Labour)
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On the issue of race and immigration, we not only have an input but an obligation and a responsibility. I would like for us to debate the issues of race, immigration and attitudes to it within and without politics. It badly needs to be restated that the rest of us do not approve and reward such behaviour.

Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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Will the Leader provide for an emergency debate on the discussion in the United Nations between our permanent representative and those of other countries on the resolution relating to Iraq? The position is serious and the Seanad must be either relevant or redundant. It must debate the issues that are most important in the world. We must give space and an opportunity to Hans Blix, the UN chief weapons inspector, to carry out his duties in Iraq to discover the truth and not just the propaganda perpetrated about the situation in Iraq. The House should be concerned about the unprovoked attack in Yemen, an independent republic—

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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Is the Senator seeking a debate on this matter?

Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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I am trying to elaborate why I am disappointed this was not—

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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The Senator does not have to elaborate. He need only seek a debate.

Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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I have asked the Leader for one and am explaining why it is vital that she consider providing time in the House, either today or tomorrow. to debate what our permanent representative is signing on our behalf regarding the resolution concerning Iraq to be passed by the United Nations. The Minister for Foreign Affairs should come to the House to outline the exact position.

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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I am sure the Leader understands the Senator's point.

Jim Higgins (Fine Gael)
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I second the amendment moved by the leader of the Fine Gael group, Senator Brian Hayes, on rail freight.

Don Lydon (Fianna Fail)
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I support my colleague, Senator Leyden, in asking for a debate on Iraq. Certain people in the American government seem determined to have war no matter what we do and as a legislative Chamber we have a duty to debate this. We may not be able to add much to it but we should at least talk about it and express our views freely and openly in front of the Minister.

David Norris (Independent)
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I join other colleagues who called for a debate on the report of the Ombudsman. It is unique for the Ombudsman to make this kind of report and it is extremely worrying. Even the report's summary says that the Revenue Commissioners failed to meet the standards required by fair or sound administration in their dealing with the 12 complainants covered in this report. The Revenue Commissioners replied at lunchtime by saying exactly as Senator Higgins has said that there is a legislative requirement. They bounced it back at the Oireachtas. However the Ombudsman addresses this report by saying that the basis on which they decided, i.e. that there is no statutory authority to pay compensation, involves a serious misrepresentation of the position. This is a very serious matter which the House should address. The Ombudsman goes on to say that such misrepresentation is a direct and unprecedented challenge to the authority vested in this office by the Oireachtas.

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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Are you looking for a debate?

David Norris (Independent)
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I am very much looking for a debate, in particular because I know, a Chathaoirligh, that you are a man of kind heart and good sympathy. It is appalling that they should try to extract money from widows while allowing a softer passage for wealthy individuals, banks and business institutions. It is always the vulnerable people who are attacked.

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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That is a matter for the debate.

David Norris (Independent)
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I also support colleagues who have raised the question of the railway network. Two weeks ago, I asked for a debate on transport. Particularly in view of the distinguished presence of the Leader of the House, who was an excellent Minister with responsibility for transport, we should have a comprehensive debate on that topic, including statements from the Minister on the status of the underground.

I ask the Leader to consider giving time to No.12, which states:

That Seanad Éireann urgently desires and requests that all paramilitary organisations, North and South, orange and green, loyalist and republican should forthwith disarm, disband and publicly confirm this action.

It would be relevant to have this either today or tomorrow, because we have had the statement at lunchtime by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Mr. Paul Murphy, during his meeting here in Dublin that this is a critical element in making progress in the North.

I would welcome a debate on Iraq, but I understand that we will shortly have constituted the foreign affairs committee, on which the Leader of the House will also sit. This will be another very useful forum to discuss the issue of Iraq.

Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)
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I join Senator O'Toole and others who expressed concern about the imminent decision of Iarnród Éireann in relation to freight. I come from a county that has fought strenuously for employment over a number of years and has succeeded to some modest degree. The first breakthrough was in the mid-1990s with the establishment of the Masonite company. Many Senators who travel on the N4 through Carrick-on-Shannon to Sligo will be familiar with this company that employs more than 300 people. It is the second largest employer in the county.

I received a letter this morning addressed to John Lynch of Iarnród Éireann, in which there is a threat of the imminent closure of the railhead at Longford. This would result not only in more than 3,000 road movements on to the N4, but would also mean a loss of €500,000 to Iarnród Éireann and all of the subsequent downsizing if there is, as indicated by this letter to Mr. Lynch, a decision to close down freight traffic.

I am as emotional and passionate about this issue as Senator O'Toole, who can rise to the very heights on occasions in this House. While I might not be able to compete with him, I want to convey to you—

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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Are you looking for a debate?

Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)
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I want to convey to you with all the power at my disposal that there has to be a debate to address this serious issue. A board which has been appointed rather than elected cannot take precedence over elected representatives either here or in the Dáil.

Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)
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I second Senator Ryan's amendment to the Order of Business seeking a debate on the interim report of the Flood tribunal. Given that a motion of the Seanad and Dáil established the Flood tribunal, it is extraordinary that we have not had an opportunity since the publication of this important report to debate its contents and note the fact that the issues arising are still matters of major concern to the public and us as Members.

I support colleagues on the potential closure of railway lines. More Members than Senators O'Toole and Mooney are passionate about this issue. That is the reason we need an urgent, wide-ranging debate on it. It affects many parts of the country, including my own. It is an outrage given today's environmental and economic concerns as well as the issue of balanced regional development that the Government only pays lip service—

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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Those are all points that can be made in the debate.

Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)
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In the context of the publication of the strategic rail review, it is extremely important that Senators have an input into the review through such a debate. This is an urgent matter. A recommendation by the board today may influence the outcome.

Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail)
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I ask the Leader to make Government time available for a debate on transport. There has been a lot of talk about the decisions being made outside the House today with reference to specific transport issues. However, there is not just a rail element involved. In my constituency there is the matter of aviation policy, given the decision of the European Court of Justice yesterday on bilateral agreements between the European Union and the United States. There is also the issue of ownership of Shannon and Cork Airports.

If for no other reason than to give an outlet for the passion on display today we should have a debate at the earliest convenience. I ask the Leader to allocate Government time to this, if possible, in order that we have the fullest and widest debate possible, which would allow the fullest participation of Members on all sides

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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I remind the House that there are seven minutes left and several Senators are offering. I ask Senators to be brief in their contributions.

James Bannon (Fine Gael)
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I support my colleagues' calls for debates on the interim report of the Flood tribunal and the proposed closure of rail lines. I also ask the Leader to ask the Minister for the Environment and Local Government to inform the House when he intends to establish the Shannon River Authority. I understand there was a Private Members' motion on this matter some time ago and it must be addressed. Like the Leader, I come from an area where there has been serious flooding in recent months and people are fed up with promises. The last time a committee was set up, but if one wants to delay activity, one sets up a committee. That committee has yielded nothing.

I also call on the Minister for Health and Children to explain his position regarding the scientific evidence of the fluoridation forum that fluoridation will adversely affect the health of Irish children and adults. Given that 98% of Europe has banned fluoridation in its water systems—

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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These are points for the debate. As time is running out, I ask the Senator to be brief.

James Bannon (Fine Gael)
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In Belgium the Minister for Health has even banned by-products which include water that has been—

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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The Senator has made his point.

John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)
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I also support calls for a debate on the proposed closure of railway lines. A debate on Iraq is also particularly important. Saddam Hussein has oppressed a religious and ethnic minority – the Kurds – in his own country. He has attacked two of his neighbours, Iran to the east and Kuwait to the south. He is possibly the most dangerous leader in the world. I note that he was given 100% support in the recent election. I ask that the House debate the issue of Iraq as a matter of urgency given that international matters are of concern to it.

Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)
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It is not the only country that needs a regime change.

Feargal Quinn (Independent)
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This is Fire Safety Week. It is now 20 years since the Stardust disaster. In spite of this, the key recommendations of the Stardust tribunal have not been implemented. This week the Chief Fire Officers Association has asked for an immediate response to proposals made last March by the then Minister for the Environment and Local Government who promised that within five weeks he would bring proposals for an emergency service and funding authority for fire safety before the Cabinet. To the best of my knowledge nothing has happened. I ask the Leader to ensure the new Minister comes to the House to inform us what has happened to those proposals. This is not a matter that can be delayed.

Noel Coonan (Fine Gael)
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I support my colleagues in their request for a debate on the proposed closure of railway lines. There is a lot of passion about this subject in the House which I share. The issue affects my county through which two of the railway lines run.

I ask the Leader to invite Senator Mansergh to make a statement to the House in view of the Taoiseach's comments yesterday in order that the Senator can clarify whether he had any contact with the Real IRA and if any deals were done.

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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That is not relevant to the Order of Business.

Noel Coonan (Fine Gael)
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In fairness to Senator Mansergh, he said he would comment when the Taoiseach had replied.

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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That is a matter for the Senator. It is not relevant to the Order of Business and, therefore, not in order.

Noel Coonan (Fine Gael)
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I am asking the Leader if she would advise or ask the Senator to respond to the allegations and clear up any doubt that might remain.

Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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I support Senators Hayes and Dooley, among others, in regard to the matter of rail freight. It would be a national disaster if the CIE board decides in the way indicated in a newspaper today. National policy needs to be refocused urgently. Our roads are not fit for the size or number of juggernauts and other heavy goods vehicles using them.

John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)
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I suppose the Senator comes to Dublin on the train from Killarney every day.

Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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No, I drive.

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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Has the Senator another point to make?

Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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I have. I am happy to support my colleagues in the Labour Party.

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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Do you support another issue?

Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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The Leader will be aware that two weeks ago I asked a question in regard to the Flood report. Given the passage of time since its publication, it seems a grave discourtesy and slight on this House—

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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The Senator has raised that issue already. He can make his point in the debate.

Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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We are unanimous in approving the resolution.

Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)
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I ask the Leader to include road building projects in the proposed debate on transport as well as the role of the NRA and its lack of accountability to the Oireachtas. All of the funds are going into motorways as opposed to regional roads. I look forward to hearing the view of the Progressive Democrats on this issue. Before the general election they had a different point of view in which they advocated that not of all the money should be spent on motorways. I wonder if they can reconcile their statement before the general election with the reality now that they are back in government.

It has been rumoured in the newspapers that the Department of Transport will be passing on information regarding penalty points to the insurance companies. I ask that the Minister for Transport address this question.

There were also reports in the newspapers about the abolition of the dual mandate on which I have mixed views. This House has a particular interest in the dual mandate because we are elected by councillors. It is time for it to debate the issue, perhaps in tandem with the discussion on Seanad reform.

Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)
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I join those who sought a debate on the rail service. Some Members referred to the passion in the House about it. If only we could inject that same passion into CIE and Iarnród Éireann we might make a little progress.

Joe O'Toole (Independent)
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Let us hope Fianna Fáil has backbone and supports the vote.

Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)
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On the alleged proposed closure of the Rosslare to Limerick line, the closure of that line would put approximately 150,000 to 160,000 tonnes of beet, during the beet season, onto the roads which do not have the capacity to accommodate that satisfactorily.

The Leader might address the issue of penalty points on which the Minister for Transport should be complimented. It is evident that people are becoming more compliant in regard to speed limits. It would be appropriate, however, if a more realistic view of speed limits was taken, particularly in small villages and built up areas. We see speed limit signs of 30 miles per hour extended two or three kilometres outside villages often for reasons which have nothing to do with the control of the speed of traffic. The Leader might look at that issue in the near future.

Joe McHugh (Fine Gael)
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Will the Leader request the Minister for the Environment and Local Government to investigate management systems at Glenveagh national park in light of employee dissatisfaction? Will he investigate as a matter of priority recruitment processes, employee satisfaction and the promotional methods used as a result of the amalgamation of the management structure at that State park which has changed in the last three years?

Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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I appreciate the statements made today but before I respond, I wish to comment on the three references to the fact this House does not seem to be particularly busy. Approximately four times each week I inquire whether there is any legislation to be dealt with. There has been only one new Bill since we returned. That was a money Bill about dormant insurance policies. Money Bills must first go to the other House and then they come to this one. The week after next there will be two new Bills. I hope when we sit on Tuesdays those who spoke passionately about these matters will be in the House ready to speak. I noticed that some of the most passionate speakers were Members I had not seen for some time.

Senator Brian Hayes called for a suspension of Standing Orders to hold an emergency debate on transport. The Cathaoirleach will make a decision on the matter. The Senator also called for a debate on the Ombudsman's report which I also regard as serious, particularly, as was raised by another speaker, the disclaimer by one group as against another as to what has caused the difficulties. It is a serious matter which we must address. I will, or I will have my office, speak to the Minister for Finance regarding a debate on the Ombudsman's report. If we make a decision to debate it, somebody must come into the House to respond.

Senator O'Toole referred to insurance. It is commercial opportunism of the rarest kind to latch on to what is a good measure and to use it against people rather than to reduce the premium of people who do not get a point against their name. The Senator mentioned one company in particular. Under Standing Order 29, he also raised the issue of freight and CIE.

Senator Ryan was one of those who said we were not doing very much work in the House. People have requested that various Ministers – such as the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform or the Minister for Education and Science – appear before the House, and they have. We hope to have the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation here next week. I hope to open up this process so that there is a definite question and answer session at the end of each sitting, enabling Members to request to speak and to ask general questions and get answers. I hope that the week after next, or perhaps even next week, we will meet on Tuesday afternoon and work right through.

Brendan Ryan (Labour)
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Can they be made chairman of a committee if they have transgressed?

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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The Leader of the House to reply without interruption, please.

Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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Senator Ryan wants a debate on the Flood tribunal, as do we all. I am hoping this will be one of the matters we address next week. Senator Leyden raised the issue of Iran and Iraq, about which he is extremely concerned. We all share that concern no matter how pro-American we may be, which most of us are as history binds us. However, this does not blind us to what is going to happen – half a million people could be blithely put to one side in the interests of oil, money and power, all the wrong objectives. The results of the Congressional elections will have hardened the US stance and reinforced the enthusiasm of the current President.

Senator Jim Higgins raised the Ombudsman's report, as did Senator Brain Hayes, and he also wants to amend the terms of reference of the Morris tribunal. It is clear that the McBrearty family are looking for representation and rights with regard to being heard. I know the Taoiseach has responded to this issue and I was seeking his statement earlier today. I hope matters will unfold in a better fashion than at present, and I take the Senator's point and will pass it on to the appropriate office. Senator Higgins also wants a full debate on public finances in Government time.

Senator Norris raised the Ombudsman's report published yesterday and the issue of rail freight. I thank him for the commendation. Senator Norris also proposed a debate on item 12 on the Order Paper, in his name and that of Senator Ross, which seeks the disbandment of all forces of militarism in Northern Ireland.

Senator Mooney raised the issue of freight traffic, and he made a great contribution on that matter through his speech and through the correspondence he has kindly just showed me, which would have very far-reaching implications for one of the major industries in a particular part of the country if the freight traffic were to be slowed down or stopped. Senator O'Meara requested debates on the Flood tribunal and rail freight. Senator Dooley wants a full debate on transport, incorporating all the responsibilities of that Department, including Shannon.

James Bannon (Fine Gael)
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It was rejected in this House.

(Interruptions.)

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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The Leader to reply without interruption.

Joe O'Toole (Independent)
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On a point or order, the Bill was proposed by Senator Brendan Daly and former Deputy Michael O'Kennedy and we look forward to the Government's support on the issue.

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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That is not a point of order. The Leader to reply without interruption.

Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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We will resurrect the Bill.

Senator Hanafin spoke about the railways and Saddam Hussein, two issues on which the House is in general agreement. Senator Quinn raised the matter of the 20th anniversary of the Stardust disaster and the fact that fire safety emergency regulations, expected in the early summer, have not yet come before the House. We will make inquiries on the matter.

Senator Coonan also raised the issue of rail services, particularly in the context of his own part of the country. He also raised the question regarding the Real IRA on which I listened to the Taoiseach yesterday give a comprehensive answer in the Dáil. We must pay tribute to the work of Fr. Alex Reid and his role in the peace process.

Senator Coghlan raised the issue of the Flood tribunal report three weeks ago, before it became an issue, and again raised it today. Senator Browne addressed the matters of the penalty points system and road transport which is a separate issue to the possible closure of freight lines and could perhaps form the basis of another debate. He also wants to have the dual mandate issue discussed for which we will need to send for Deputy Healy-Rae.

Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)
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I do not think he is on his own.

Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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I do not think he is on his own either.

Senator Jim Walsh also raised the matter of rail transport. Senator McHugh raised the matters of staffing arrangements and changes at Glenveagh National Park which would be more suitable for an Adjournment debate. I suggest to the Senator that he proposes this, although it is the prerogative of the Cathaoirleach to decide what matters are debated.

Senators:

Hear hear.

Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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The Taoiseach and I made statements in the Dáil some months ago upholding the importance of freight carriage by rail vis-à-vis road freight. One would not need to progress beyond primary school to know this. I take this matter seriously and it must be debated before damage is done. This is the thin end of the wedge. If one line is closed today, what line is to be closed tomorrow? Which lines are productive and which are not? There is a huge subsidy paid by the Government and spent—

Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)
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On a point of order, have we started the debate now?

Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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No. I listened to Senator Hayes for some time, surely I am entitled to have my say.

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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That is not a point of order. The Leader to continue without interruption.

Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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It is amazing that everybody else is allowed to speak except me.

Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)
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Perish the thought.

Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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I will have my say now. I see nothing is Standing Orders that prevents me from saying something. If I have stolen the Senator's thunder, what harm? It is all towards a good cause. I hope that, together, we can avert the folly before it happens.

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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There are two amendments to the Order of Business.

Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)
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On a point of order, it is normal that when one brings forward an amendment, one has a right to reply.

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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No. The Senator is out of order.

Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)
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Is the Leader refusing to debate the issue in the House today? Without wishing to pre-empt her response to Senator O'Toole's motion—

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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Will Senator Hayes please resume his seat? He has proposed the following amendment: "That statements on rail freight transport be taken today." Is he pressing the amendment?

Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)
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Yes.

Amendment put: "That statements on rail freight transport be taken today."

Tá

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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Senator Brendan Ryan has proposed that a debate on the report of the Flood tribunal be taken before No. 1. Is the amendment being pressed?

Brendan Ryan (Labour)
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Fianna Fáil wants to bury the Flood Tribunal.

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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Is the amendment being pressed?

Brendan Ryan (Labour)
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It is.

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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This vote takes place immediately after the division on Senator Hayes's amendment. The bell will only ring for two minutes and the doors will be locked after four minutes.

Joe O'Toole (Independent)
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I understood that I would be heard.

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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The Order of Business will be disposed of first.

Joe O'Toole (Independent)
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I have not been forgotten.

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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No.

Amendment put: "That a debate on the report of the Flood Tribunal be taken before No. 1."

Tá

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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Is the Order of Business agreed to?

Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)
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No.

Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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Members should not ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food to come to the House again.

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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This will be a four minute vote, as it was the last time.

Question put: "That the Order of Business be agreed to."