Seanad debates
Tuesday, 10 December 2002
Order of Business.
Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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The Order of Business is No. 1, Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill – Order for Second Stage and Second Stage, with the contributions of spokespersons not to exceed 15 minutes and those of all other Senators not to exceed ten minutes and on which Members may share time. Business is to conclude at 7 p.m.
Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)
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I presume we are taking only Second Stage today.
Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)
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Colleagues may debate the other Stages at another time.
Will the Leader join me in recognising the great heroism and bravery shown by two young members of the Garda Síochána, Garda Colm Finnerty and Garda Jim O'Donoghue, who rescued four people late on Saturday evening in Cork and Dublin? The Garda Síochána has gone through a difficult time in recent months, particularly in terms of the allegations made in Donegal. It is worth recognising that the best traditions of the force have been upheld by the brave acts of these two young gardaí. Too often we forget about the contribution made by members of the force and ignore their bravery and the fact that they put themselves at risk for the public good. On behalf of all colleagues in the House, I recognise their contribution.
Will the Leader make time available in the next two weeks for a short debate on electronic voting? She is no doubt aware of a critical report issued at the weekend concerning the operation of electronic voting, which the Department of the Environment and Local Government has rejected. There is a degree of scepticism on all sides of the House about this provision, which the Government wants to put in place for the next general election. A debate on this matter with the Minister would be useful and perhaps we could devise an all-party recommendation on the future of electronic voting. The Government needs to listen to all sides and all Members of both Houses because it does not have a font of wisdom on the issue. I would welcome a debate on this matter at the earliest possible opportunity.
Joe O'Toole (Independent)
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I strongly support the first point Senator Brian Hayes made about the Garda. In recent media discussions on Garda corruption, I made a similar point that there were decent members of the force who risked life and limb for us and the instances to which Senator Hayes referred are classic examples of this. All the mail I received afterward was negative and inquired how I could dare to defend the indefensible. I support the points made by Senator Hayes, while also recognising that there are aspects of the Garda Síochána that we do not accept or support and about which we are concerned.
The House recently discussed the fishing industry at some length. What is happening in Europe today is a disgrace. Our fishermen are being told they can no longer fish in our waters while foreign boats are still allowed to do so. It might be a Christian thing to starve our families while we feed strangers, but it is unacceptable. We are depleting a natural resource and wrecking an industry, culture and jobs. It cannot be allowed to continue. This is the type of decision that gives Europe a bad name. This is not how it should happen and it should not be allowed.
The Taoiseach is meeting a number of people this afternoon. Will the Leader bring to him the strongest possible message from the House that, on the basis of our recent debate, we want the country to take a stand in favour of its fishing industry? The Taoiseach will go to Denmark at the end of the week and this issue will be on the agenda. I appeal to him to take with him our support and make the strongest possible point in this regard.
We cannot afford to let this decision on the fishing industry proceed. Many aspects of life are wrapped up in the sector in the form of jobs, communities and rural development. The decision gives ground to the anti-European lobby. It is unacceptable and we should say it is wrong, unfair, inequitable and should be stopped because it damages everything we hold dear in those areas of the country affected.
Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)
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I ask for a debate as early as possible on the future direction of health spending and the Government's health strategy – if there is one – in the light of the very public row between the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Health and Children. Where is the health strategy now? What is the direction of health policy, particularly in the light of the cuts in the number of jobs in the health area? This issue needs to be addressed urgently.
I agree with Senator O'Toole's comments on the fishing industry. It is nothing less than a scandal that the industry is prevented under EU law from operating at a time when foreign fleets can fish in our waters. Why should rules drawn up more than 20 years ago still be in operation in circumstances that are clearly different?
I also support calls for a debate on electronic voting following the very critical report published in recent days. Those of us who initially were very supportive of the idea are now having doubts. This is the time to discuss the matter in some detail before the local elections when I understand electronic voting will be widely used and which is likely to be the next outing to polling stations. Will the Leader of the House ask the Minister for the Environment and Local Government to listen to our views before proceeding further?
John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)
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I join the leader of the Fine Gael group in thanking the young gardaí mentioned for their bravery. In what they did they represented the vast majority of members of the force who guard our safety and protect our rights.
As someone who comes from an inland county, I find it extraordinary that fishermen should not be able to fish just because their quota has been filled and that others can come into the same waters and continue fishing. It is probably the case that over several Governments the interests of fishermen were sacrificed in the interests of other sectoral groups. That is to be regretted and something to which I am sure the Minister will have regard when he deals with the issue. To draw a comparison, it is like saying a farmer would have to leave one quarter of his field for somebody to come in and harvest the crop he had grown.
John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)
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I accept the point the Norris makes – it could be three quarters. That should not be contemplated for one second. We need to see the matter in that context.
I am an enthusiastic supporter of electronic voting, although not of the way the results were announced at some elections. The issue highlighted was with regard to the integrity of the ballot paper and the capacity for interference. There is that capacity within the existing system. The Department of the Environment and Local Government has given assurances with regard to this aspect. However, it would be useful for the House to look at the issue.
Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)
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I support Senator O'Toole's comments on the fishing industry. Recently the Minister and representatives of the industry addressed the Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when they outlined their concerns very strongly. We discussed the issue in this House and hoped the Minister would come here in advance of the December talks in order that we could ask him questions. We are entering a critical juncture for the industry.
Based on personal experience at the last general election, I am strongly in favour of electronic voting. In the past returning officers mistakenly failed to frank voting papers placed in the ballot box which were later declared invalid. This is unsatisfactory. There is no subsequent way to investigate from where those unmarked papers came or which returning officer made the basic error. The people concerned are usually appointed for election after election. Electronic voting is important, provided it is done in a humane way with regards to the dissemination of results. Anybody who has been subject to a recount knows the emotional trauma and the wringer through which everybody is put. The victors joyfully retire to the nearest hostelry, while the other candidates must remain for the entire saga. It is for this reason that I favour electronic voting.
The surprising, farcical aspect of this issue is that the Department of the Environment and Local Government commissioned a report, the results of which it proceeded to rubbish.
Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)
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I wish to make that point very strongly.
Cyprian Brady (Fianna Fail)
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I warmly welcome the yesterday's announcement by the National Safety Council regarding the recent decline in fatalities on our roads. The NSC attributes this fall in the main to the introduction of the penalty points system. The Minister for Transport, Deputy Brennan, is to be commended on introducing the system. I ask the Leader to request that Departments of Transport and Justice, Equality and Law Reform ensure the continued enforcement of the system because there is a perception abroad that it may be allowed to slide. The Garda Síochána is doing an excellent job and it is essential we ensure it continues to do so.
David Norris (Independent)
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I join colleagues in praising the actions of the young gardaí at the weekend. We all share the same sentiments on this matter. It is good to have this kind of positive news about our police force. I will not say anything further on the issue because I have just finished writing a newspaper article.
As this is International Human Rights Day, we should remember the Falun Gong and Falun Dafa in China, which are under a good deal of pressure. There was a demonstration outside Leinster House today and I understand representatives of these organisations will make a submission to the sub-committee on human rights of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs.
I support Senator O'Toole and other Senators who spoke on fishing, an issue we debated some time ago. It is important that we keep up the pressure. We are in a nonsensical position in which we have less than 5% of our own resources, while the remaining 95% goes directly to the countries that have destroyed their own fish stocks. We are now inviting them to destroy ours as well. We should be very careful. I have seen figures which suggest that, as a result of the considerable value of fish taken from our waters by continental fishing boats over the years, the European Union, not Ireland, is the net beneficiary of our relationship. If true, this would be astonishing.
I will quickly make two very unpopular points. Will the Leader indicate whether there is a timescale for the conclusion of the tribunals? At the outset of the tribunal process I was one of its most enthusiastic supporters. However, while we want openness, transparency and accountability, the tribunals have gone on for too long. Ultimately, we get no more than far from explosive conclusions and huge amounts of money being paid to the legal profession. I read in a newspaper today that in an exchange of letters with the European Commission, the Commission stated the tribunal process was perfectly in order. We will go off on a wild goose chase on this matter.
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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Does the Senator wish to make another point?
David Norris (Independent)
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Yes, I thank the Cathaoirleach for reminding me of my final point which is on the issue of tribunals. Today a gentleman will spend his fifth day reading his submission into the record of one of the tribunals. Why can this not be done as we do it, namely, by using the form "I move" and allowing others to read the submission? This would save at least €4,000 to €5,000 per day. Surely people can read.
I turn to my second unpopular point. While I have always been on the "green" side with regard to legislation, I am concerned by newspaper reports that another illegal dump has been found in County Wicklow and I request a debate on the matter. The largest of the previous finds amounted to 300,000 tonnes of waste, including hospital waste, and we already know that the latest find is even bigger. On the same day people in Cork are objecting to a properly managed dump, others have stated they will not tolerate an incinerator. As somebody who is concerned about environmental issues, I believe we must start building incineration facilities and supporting the courageous employees of local authorities and the courageous Minister.
David Norris (Independent)
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I would welcome the opportunity to make these points in a debate.
Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)
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I support the positive comments regarding the Garda Síochána. We are fortunate to have one of the finest police forces in the world. It is wrong that, because a small number step out of line, it is presented as a reflection on the entire force. We all know of examples of the courage and community service of members of the Garda. We should convey these positive sentiments to the Garda Síochána because what has been happening is neither fair nor right.
Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)
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Will the Leader arrange for an urgent debate with the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Ó Cuív, following the announcement today of the pending abolition of the Western Development Commission? There was a severe cut in funding for the Western Development Commission in the Estimates from €6.35 million to €2 million. From an appraisal of its history in Government, we are aware that Fianna Fáil was never a staunch supporter of the idea of the Western Development Commission. It is outrageous to suggest that the reason for the proposed abolition of the commission is due to duplication in areas involving the community enterprise boards, the Department, Údarás na Gaeltachta and so on. The west and areas served by the Western Development Commission do not need a further body blow.
Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)
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I am calling for an urgent debate.
Will the Leader communicate with the Minister for Social and Family Affairs regarding to today's announcement of what is an additional mini-budget for many people? The Minister proposes that people will have to be unemployed for five years before they will be able receive the important back to work allowance which previously encouraged people to return to work. The Minister has taken a retrograde step and I hope she will change her mind.
Brendan Kenneally (Fianna Fail)
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As Fianna Fáil spokesperson for marine issues, I am delighted so many Members referred to the fisheries industry. It is important that this issue is raised in as many fora as possible to show our neighbours in Europe how concerned we are about it. Fishermen in this country are facing a serious situation. A couple of weeks ago we sent our best wishes to the Minister in his negotiations on the Common Fisheries Policy and we should reiterate those wishes today. It has again been proven how difficult a job he faces. Unfortunately, he had no choice in doing what he did yesterday in relation to the closing of certain fisheries but it makes a nonsense of the quota system that Ireland has exhausted its quota. Perhaps it is an historic mistake.
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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Is the Senator supporting the call for a debate?
Brendan Kenneally (Fianna Fail)
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I take this opportunity to state that the House supports fishermen and the Minister on this issue. A protest is being organised throughout the country on Friday and I hope as many people as possible support it.
Joanna Tuffy (Labour)
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I support previous calls on the need for a debate with the Minister for Education and Science on the cutbacks in education affecting second and primary levels. However, I would also like debated, as a matter of urgency, the cutbacks affecting the third level sector. There have been cuts in grants for buildings and capital projects. The postponement of research programmes and the cutbacks in funding for research and development in third level institutions goes against the Government's stated policy to make Ireland a knowledge based economy and to maintain our competitiveness vis-à-vis other countries. The Government is devaluing third level education and I find it amazing—
Joanna Tuffy (Labour)
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I am nearly finished. I find it amazing that anyone could argue that access to third level education could be increased by making people pay for it and by making it a privilege and a commodity people must buy. I reiterate that this will impact badly on low and middle income PAYE workers—
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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The Senator has made her point adequately.
Joanna Tuffy (Labour)
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To my knowledge, the first Irish politician to call for free third level education was James Connolly. Let no one fool themselves that bringing back fees is a progressive measure.
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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That is a matter to which the Senator can refer in any prospective debate. Before calling Senator Dooley I remind the House that only ten minutes remain on the Order of Business and, as a number of Senators are offering, I would like them to be brief.
Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail)
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Will the Leader consider scheduling a debate on competition in the retail sector? I am concerned by a number of headlines in today's newspapers that relate to price fixing and market sharing and rigging in the liquid milk sector at a time when the Government is trying to control to inflation and farmers are poorly paid for milk. This issue needs to be examined. I ask the Leader to consider taking such a debate at the earliest opportunity.
Joe McHugh (Fine Gael)
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Last week in the budget a cutback of 15% in the capital allowance scheme for hotels over seven years was announced. This will prevent investment in hotels. I refer to the BMW region where tourism infrastructure is at an embryonic stage and the tourism industry is not as well established as it is elsewhere. I ask the Leader to contact the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism to establish whether it would be possible to introduce a period of grace of between three and six months prior to the termination of the scheme. Certain individuals have invested upwards of €100,000 in the scheme but banks are not willing to give them a commitment on funding and they have been left high and dry.
I will raise this matter later in the week when the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism comes to the House, but I would appreciate it if the Leader mentioned it to him this afternoon. The BMW region only exists on paper. It must be taken seriously. The country must be dealt with on a regional basis because every decision made centrally affects those who live in peripheral areas.
Michael Kitt (Fianna Fail)
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I join Senator Brady in welcoming the reduction in the number of road deaths so far this year and the fact there were no road fatalities last weekend. I congratulate the Minister for Transport on the introduction of the penalty points system which, with the road safety advertising campaign and the clampdown on drink-driving, has been effective. I ask the Leader to send a message from the House to the Minister and the Government to continue enforcement of the legislation, particularly in the run-up to Christmas and the new year.
Mary Henry (Independent)
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I support the request for a debate on electronic voting and the Zerflow Limited report. It is extraordinary and worrying that a Department should commission a report and then rubbish it immediately on publication. This is not a party political issue and Members would not address it as such.
Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)
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I join my colleagues from the west, Senators Burke and McHugh, in referring to the BMW region. Will the Leader consider providing Government time for a debate on the entire panoply of quangos, semi-State companies, agencies and other non-elected bodies which have been created over the past ten years? I grew up with two issues – saving the west and draining the River Shannon – neither of which has happened. It is highly unlikely that bodies such as the Western Development Commission will add to the generation of prosperity needed in the BMW region. The bodies concerned have been obstructionist in the extreme and of no great advantage.
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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Is Senator Mooney supporting the call of the other Senators?
Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)
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I am delighted the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs has taken the initiative to conduct a mid-term review, not only of the Western Development Commission, but also of the plethora of non-elected agencies which have been set up and developed in parallel with the election of public representatives who have been denied their democratic right to allocate funds to appropriate areas.
Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)
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Perhaps if there was more accountability and public representatives in the west and elsewhere were given the opportunity to allocate funds, we might not still be talking about saving the west and draining the River Shannon.
Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)
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I would be obliged if the Leader asked the Minister for Transport to come to the House to discuss traffic and transport infrastructure in the greater Dublin region. While I recognise how well Operation Freeflow is working, given that there is gridlock at certain times, a traffic corps must be established. This has been mentioned previously. I would like to know what the Minister's plans are in this regard. I would also like to know what the timeframe is for the provision of the metro and the other transport projects included in the DTO's plan. Will it be 2016 before that is delivered? That is the timeframe we now expect.
I would also like the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to address the issue of extending the retirement age for gardaí. I know he has this in mind, but at a time when so many of the force are leaving through retirement and natural wastage, he should progress it urgently.
Noel Coonan (Fine Gael)
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I wish to be associated with my colleagues who have congratulated the student garda on his brave actions. I ask the Leader to extend congratulations to the chief superintendent of the Garda College in Templemore. It is good to see evidence of the outstanding training it provides – good Tipperary training.
Will the Leader make contact with the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Harney, with a view to saving the 250 jobs of the Miza Ireland workers in Roscrea and the 50 associated jobs? This is an urgent matter and nothing short of intervention by the Minister will save them. Will the Leader ask the Minister to consider setting up a fund that will allow firms in a position such as that of Miza Ireland to trade their way out of difficulty? A breathing space would help them do so.
Will the Leader raise the issue of statutory redundancy, the legislation pertaining to which needs to be updated urgently? It is disgraceful that workers will get only half a week's pay for every year they have worked up to the age of 21 under their current statutory redundancy entitlements. The Minister made a commitment in February this year to update the relevant legislation. Perhaps pillow talk with IBEC made her change her mind.
John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)
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I have three points I wish to raise so I will be very brief. I agree with my colleagues about the need for a debate on electronic voting in light of the report produced over the weekend. It is important that the integrity of the ballot be kept—
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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Has the Senator another question? That has already been spelt out adequately.
John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)
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Senator Tuffy raised concerns about media reports of cash crises in third level colleges at the end of this year and looking ahead into next year. It is an important issue and we should debate it in this House.
In light of the increases announced after the budget, motorists comprise a sector of society that is coming under increasing pressure. We should have statements in this House on how motorists are being used as soft targets by the Minister for Finance.
Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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I will be very brief, as ever. I fully support the points made by my colleague, Senator Brian Hayes, and by many others regarding the bravery of the young garda and also regarding electronic voting.
Last week, Members had a brief opportunity to discuss the budget in this House. I do not think they had an opportunity to address fully the matter of stealth taxation.
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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The Finance Bill will be coming into the House.
Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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Moreover, I wish to raise the issue of the increase of 12% in motor taxation after the budget. The Leader has had other calls for a debate in this regard and perhaps she will arrange for the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, Deputy Cullen, to come here.
Coming from Kerry with its vast coastline, I will be shocked if our fishermen are left idle in port over Christmas.
Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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I join Senator Finnucane and all the others who mentioned that issue and called for an urgent debate on it.
Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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The savage cutbacks in the back to work scheme, announced today, will hurt the long-term unemployed severely, as will the cuts already made in the community employment schemes, which affect the most vulnerable sections of our community. Is it Government policy that we decimate all the schemes dealing with the disadvantaged?
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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That matter is not relevant to the Order of Business.
Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)
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It is evident that the House holds the Garda Síochána in high regard. In view of this it is appropriate that the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform should make a statement to the House regarding the early release of Dessie O'Hare, despite the fact that he has shown no remorse for having shot a garda.
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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There are more appropriate ways of raising that matter.
Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)
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It is concerned with legislation on early prisoner releases passed by both Houses.
Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)
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The Minister might also explain how many prisoners have been released under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement and the number of reoffenders.
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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That is not a matter for the Order of Business.
Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)
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I congratulate An Taisce for organising the list of the tidiest towns in the country. It has been criticised in the past, but this latest venture is a good one. The best town in the country headed the list.
Frank Feighan (Fine Gael)
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I also congratulate the two gardaí concerned for their involvement in what was a brave rescue attempt. Garda Finnerty should be especially commended. Senator Coonan said the training ground was Templemore but the raw material came from County Roscommon.
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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That is not appropriate to the Order of Business.
Frank Feighan (Fine Gael)
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The Western Development Commission is the one organisation in which people put their trust to save the west.
Frank Feighan (Fine Gael)
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The Government is undermining the commission, but it should be told that while it can con the country, it will not con the people of the west. The commission is providing a good service.
Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)
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Did the Senator ever deal with it?
Frank Feighan (Fine Gael)
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Yes, and I found it to be a professional organisation.
Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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I thank Senator Brian Hayes and many other Senators for their praise of Garda Finnerty and Garda O'Donoghue who rescued four people late on Saturday evening in Cork and Dublin. The Senator rightly said we like to condemn but seldom like to praise. In this instance the young gardaí concerned acted with great bravery and courage. The Senator also raised the issue of electronic voting, which Senator Henry and I discussed yesterday.
Senator O'Toole said developments affecting the fishing industry were unacceptable. The decision by the European Commission is perverse and out of kilter with the times. The Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and his Department are doing everything possible to seek a change of mind by the Commission. I hope they succeed.
Senator O'Meara also referred to electronic voting and the need for clarification on the future direction of the national health strategy. I do not wish to make a political point when I remind the House that health funding has doubled over the past five years. The Senator also called for a debate on the fishing industry.
Senator Dardis also expressed concern about recent developments regarding electronic voting, for which he remains an enthusiast. I hope the problems identified will be addressed.
Senator Finucane expressed concern about the fishing industry. He also raised concerns about electronic voting, for which he also remains an enthusiast. He questioned the reason the Department of the Environment and Local Government ordered a report which it then appeared to rubbish.
Senator Brady rightly referred to the efficacy of the penalty points system and the link between the system and the welcome reduction in the death rate on the roads. One is always afraid to say that and we cross our fingers in the hope that the trend will continue.
Senator Norris reminded the House that today is International Human Rights Day and asked for a debate on the issues about which people at the Kildare Street gate are protesting. The Senator also requested a debate on the fishing industry. He proceeded to refer to the cost of the tribunals and asked if there is a timescale which governs them. I believe the tribunals are doing excellent work. I do not wish to comment on individuals. The tribunals were set up by an order of the Houses of the Oireachtas so they must, therefore, continue to do their work.
Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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That is up to the head of each tribunal. Senator Norris stated that he has an interest in green issues and pointed out the need for incineration. The attitude of NIMBY prevails when the issue of incineration is discussed.
David Norris (Independent)
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Then they will get an illegal dump.
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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The Leader without interruption please.
Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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Senator Ulick Burke spoke in favour of the Western Development Commission. I am not aware that the commission is being abolished. The Minister, Deputy Ó Cuív, is quite rightly examining all the agencies which do such excellent work to see if they can be streamlined to operate more effectively because we are obliged to seek value for money.
The Senator also asked that the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs, Deputy Mary Coughlan, reduce the period by which the long-term unemployed can claim a back to work allowance. When the allowance was introduced, the long-term unemployment rate was 9.5% while it is now 1.4%. Thankfully, this reduction is a result of the various measures that were put in place.
Senator Tuffy raised the matter of cutbacks in funding for third level research and asked how making people pay would help. I believe the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Dempsey, has suggested that those who can afford to pay will pay and those who cannot afford to pay will not. I see nothing wrong with that. The funds must be used where they are needed and then more people will enter—
Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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I agree with Senator Dooley's request for a debate on the issue of competition and cartels. The "Prime Time" programme will deal with this issue tonight.
Senator McHugh spoke about the about the capital allowance scheme for hotels. He also inquired about the BMW region, an issue in which the Leas-Chathaoirleach has a keen interest.
Senator Kitt welcomed the diminution in the numbers of road traffic deaths and hopes that enforcement will continue.
Senator Henry raised the issue of electronic voting, a subject she and I discussed when we met yesterday. It is clear that the House is concerned about this issue. I will ask the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, Deputy Cullen, to come before the House to discuss it.
Noel Coonan (Fine Gael)
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Chief Superintendent Kevin Ludlow is the man who is doing all the work.
Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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The Senator also requested that the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment should come before the House.
Senator Phelan referred to electronic voting and the cash crisis in third level education.
Senator Coghlan spoke about the bravery of the young gardaí mentioned and raised the issues of motor tax and the fishing industry. He could not come from County Kerry and not raise the latter point, and he is right. However, one need not come from a coastal regions to raise it. Our spokesperson on the fishing industry, Senator Kenneally, also brought the matter up and spoke strongly, but those of us who come from midlands counties like Senator Dardis and I know quite well that if it badly affects the fishing industry, it affects us all badly. We, therefore, share his concerns.
Senator Cummins raised the back-to-work and community employment schemes and made a stirring defence of all such schemes. If money is tight, the effort is to preserve and give it to those who need it most. That is a very sensible option.
Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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Senator Browne raised the early release of Dessie O'Hare who is going to Castlerea, as set out in the legislation which passed through both Houses and formed part of the Good Friday Agreement. There is a parole board in place which is looking at the matter. It decided on this. It is the law of the land.
Senator Feighan praised the gardaí mentioned and stated the garda from the training college in Templemore, whom I congratulate, was originally from Roscommon. He also spoke about the Western Development Commission, on which I have given my opinion, but looking at how members of various commissions and quangos spend their money and try to do the best for the people they serve is surely common sense, not profligacy.
Order of Business agreed to.