Seanad debates
Thursday, 6 May 2004
Order of Business.
10:30 am
John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)
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The Order of Business is No. 1, a motion, to be taken without debate, referred to the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights, which has completed its deliberations, concerning the exercise by the State of the option under the fourth protocol to the Treaty of Amsterdam in respect of a Council decision establishing the European refugee fund for the period 2005 to 2010; No. 2, Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Bill 2004, all Stages to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business and to conclude not later than 1.30 p.m., with the contributions of spokespersons not to exceed 15 minutes and all other Senators ten minutes and Members may share time; No. 3, Twenty-seventh Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2004, Report and Final Stages, to be taken at 3 p.m. and to conclude not later than 5 p.m.; and No. 4, to be taken immediately and without debate on the conclusion of No. 3, concerning the information the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government will be issuing to voters in respect of the forthcoming referendum and which will already have been discussed during the course of the passage of the Bill. There will be a sos from 1.30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)
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I have no difficulty with the Order of Business as proposed by the Deputy Leader. I understand that my party's spokesperson supports the taking of all Stages on No. 2. While it is unusual that all Stages would be taken in one day, I understand that this is a minor matter.
As the Deputy Leader is aware, the process is well under way for the selection of a new President of the EU Commission. A decision on the matter will be taken by the EU leaders at the June Council meeting which will take place in the next five weeks or so. The Government has an unprecedented opportunity to put forward the name of the President of the European Parliament, Pat Cox, MEP, for that post. Mr. Cox has considerable experience and is intimately familiar with the new accession countries and their leaders because enlargement has been a pet political project of his for the past five years. He is head of the European Parliament and one of the first tasks for the new Parliament when it meets in Brussels after the European elections will be to ratify the nomination from the European Council. In addition, Mr. Cox comes from a small country which is a major advantage in Europe at present in light of the difficulties between France, Germany and Britain.
This is an unprecedented opportunity for the country to support the candidature of Pat Cox whose appointment to the position of President of the Commission would be good for Ireland and the European Union. In order to assist and bolster his case, the Government should state that its first choice in terms of the selection of a new EU Commissioner from this country would be Pat Cox. However, if he were to be appointed President of the EU Commission, the post of Commissioner would fall to someone else.
This is a gigantic political prize, which awaits Ireland and the European Union. I do not believe that political preferment should be used to select someone to be the new president. In the interests of this country, other small countries throughout the EU and the new accession states, Ireland should get behind the nomination of Pat Cox and put his name forward because he would make an excellent President of the EU Commission. Jacques Delors, one of the great EU Presidents, drove many of the advancements made in the 1980s. We need that kind of dynamic new vision for Europe and the country should get behind Mr. Cox.
Joe O'Toole (Independent)
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I have no difficulty with the Order of Business. The Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Bill is a classic example of an instance where all Stages should be taken in one day. The legislation is more like a schedule to a Bill than an actual Bill.
On the issue raised by the Leader of the Opposition, Senator Brian Hayes, I wish to indicate my great admiration for the retiring President of the European Parliament, Pat Cox, MEP, who has graced the House with his presence on a number of occasions. I also recognise that the Government has been open enough to appoint Deputy John Bruton, for example, to the constitutional committee in Europe and Mr. Alan Dukes to another senior position. However, as a disinterested Independent politician, I would be happier if the next Irish European commissioner was somebody with a hands-on rooted position in Irish politics. I said that on the previous occasion although I have no problem with the current commissioner. I would prefer to see somebody move from Irish politics to European politics. Mr. Pat Cox has a role to play in Europe and I support much of what he does. He has a huge contribution to make there. However, in terms of representing the needs of Ireland at this crucial time, I would like to see somebody who is rooted in Irish politics, of whatever party, get the nomination.
Over the past few days we have seen some changes in the movement of our economy. Ireland has moved up the competitiveness league and chief executives are paying themselves huge annual bonus increases. They are obviously rolling in money. We are also facing a new national agreement negotiation and the Government has found an unexpected extra €500 million in the bank. In the context of those changes, it would be useful to debate how we might help the Government to spend the €500 million. It should share it equally with workers and producers and spend it in the areas of health and education, particularly special education, which are crying out for support. It would be useful for us to go on the record on those issues. Health and education are raised on the Adjournment almost every night. We should say that we want this money spent in those areas and that we want it spent soon.
Michael McCarthy (Labour)
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I welcome yesterday's statement by the Sisters of Mercy which unequivocally and unconditionally apologised to all those who had suffered while in institutions under their care over the years. It is time such an open and transparent apology was made. I welcome the fact that most victims' groups, if not all, have broadly welcomed the apology.
I agree with Senator Brian Hayes with regard to the merit of Mr. Pat Cox for the position of President of the European Commission. It is important that the Taoiseach seeks to find the best possible candidate for the job of Commissioner. We missed a glorious opportunity to appoint a fine Irishman, Mr. Peter Sutherland, to the post in the past. We should not miss this opportunity. I pay tribute to Mr. Cox. As an independent MEP he made a strong mark in European politics despite not having a political party behind him. He has also done a fine job as President of the European Parliament.
This morning's papers report that the Minister for Transport, Deputy Brennan, is threatening to remove the power to set speed limits from local authorities.
Michael McCarthy (Labour)
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It will not make much difference in the many parts of the country where people are continually stuck in traffic jams. The Government has continually chipped away at the powers of local government over the past six or seven years. We recently debated the setting of the charges for refuse collection which is no longer a function of the elected members of county councils. It is disgraceful that five weeks before local elections and before the people return over 800 elected local government members, the Minister, Deputy Brennan, the Minister for press statements and for doing nothing, threatens to remove more powers from local democracy.
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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He is the Minister for Transport and other references are unnecessary.
Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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I did not realise that Mr. Pat Cox's application was being processed by the Seanad this morning. It is rather unusual.
Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)
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It is a job one cannot apply for, unlike the Senator's.
Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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I ask the Deputy Leader, Senator Dardis, to request the Minister for Education and Science, after meeting the four Deputies from the constituency in which Tom Sweeney resides, to come to the House this evening or tomorrow morning to make a statement on the progress, or lack of it, on the negotiations and discussions in his Department. The Department is aware of the situation regarding Mr. Sweeney who is on the 22nd day of a hunger strike.
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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While I admire the Senator's humanitarianism in this matter, I advise him to raise this issue on the Adjournment when we could have the Minister here.
Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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An Adjournment debate would be inadequate. The Minister should come to the House and make a statement to clarify the issues because the redress board is an independent organisation. I believe the board should meet today, overturn its decision and restore the allocation and compensation.
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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That is a matter for the redress board, which is independent of this House.
Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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The family requested me to raise the issue and I am prepared to stand up and do so. I was in touch with the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Education and Science this morning and spoke to officials. I also hope that the solicitor acting for Mr. Sweeney gives him proper advice in this regard.
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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Order please. We are not discussing the matter. While I said I admire the Senator's humanitarianism, he is going too far.
Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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I resent that young man over there making comments.
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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He is a Senator and Leader of the Opposition.
Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)
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Has the Senator said all he wants? He makes King Kong look good.
Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)
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I support the remarks of our leader, Senator Brian Hayes, with regard to Mr. Pat Cox. Many of us have read the eulogies to his performance in the newspapers over the past few days. He has been an excellent ambassador for Munster, the constituency he represents, over the past 15 years. A senior appointment in Europe for him would be significant as he would be an excellent ambassador for our country. I look forward to seeing some positive development in that regard.
I support the remarks made by Senator McCarthy concerning the Minister chipping away at the powers of local authorities. In the context of speed limits, is the Minister aware that local authorities have an agreement with the Garda and that it must usually approve the speed limit restriction signs before the local authorities implement them? The Minister should not have to chip away at the powers of the local authority because gardaí are already involved and have a significant input.
Reference was made to the excessive salaries of many chief executives in this country. Last weekend the newspapers reported on the chief executives of various banking institutions. I can understand the gall of many people when they consider the advice they received from such bankers on accounts and bogus accounts in the past. Many of those bank officials have been promoted. They earn excessive salaries and this causes much resentment because some people are almost penniless as a result of advice they received.
At last, the earnings of senior programme staff in RTE have been published for 2002. These people receive significant endorsements outside those earnings.
Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)
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These people have chat shows and consistently chip away at politicians and what they earn in salaries and expenses.
Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)
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In that context, they subject us to much cynicism and ridicule. When I compare what they earn to what we earn, it is a case of the kettle calling the pot black.
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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The Senator has made his point adequately.
Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)
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As a person who straddles the divide between RTE and politics, I would be happy to show my colleagues on all sides of the House how much I get from RTE. I assure Members that it comes nowhere the figures mentioned in the past week although I wish it did.
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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Senator Mooney, on the Order of Business please. That is not relevant.
Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)
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I am not a star or celebrity unfortunately.
I am sure the Deputy Leader will respond to the unfair allegations about the Minister for Transport. It is extraordinary that the Opposition has twisted and turned the simple and sensible suggestion he made.
In the absence of the Leader who is a former Minister for Education, and a good one, will the Deputy Leader comment on surveys from the National Youth Council of Ireland published in this morning's media? It should be of real concern to all politicians in both Houses that a nationwide survey of youngsters aged between 15 and 17 years indicates that not only do most of them not know who their MEP is, but they find it very difficult to name even one Dáil Deputy in their constituency and, most appalling of all, more than half of them cannot name a local councillor. Who is teaching the thousands of school children who have been coming through this and the other House over the years as a result of the very welcome introduction of civics into the school curriculum, and what are they being taught? Surely there is an obligation on us as politicians.
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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I do not know what we can do about that here.
Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)
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If the Chair would bear with me, I would like to ask the Deputy Leader whether he would consider inviting the Minister for Education and Science to the House to discuss how we as politicians could respond to this very stark and shocking survey. We talk about the threat to democracy but the greatest threat of all is apathy.
Joe O'Toole (Independent)
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Teachers teach the curriculum. When the names are included in the curriculum the teachers will teach them.
Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)
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I am not suggesting there is anything wrong with the teaching. I am referring to the responsibilities of politicians.
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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Education is not under discussion here.
Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)
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I knew Senator O'Toole would immediately react. I want to put it on the record that I was not casting any reflection on teachers. It is important to say that.
Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)
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It is a pity Senator O'Toole is so defensive.
Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)
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I will be happy to do so. However, I hope Senator O'Toole understands I am not trying to cast aspersions on teachers.
Mary Henry (Independent)
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Yesterday Senators from both sides of the House raised concerns about the advertising of spurious cures for serious illness by some medical and non-medical practitioners. As Senator Feeney pointed out, if they are advertised by a medical practitioner, something can be done about it. However, there is little that can be done if they are advertised by a non-medical practitioner. There has been legislation from the Department of Health and Children over the past 15 years to try to cover, with rules and regulations, the various professions such as physiotherapy, physical therapy and so forth. However, nothing has been done regarding the gifted amateurs who make these claims and apparently make a great deal of money from them. Will the Deputy Leader arrange for the Minister for Health and Children to come to the House to hear the suggestions Senators might have as to how we could deal with this? It is obviously a very serious issue all over the country.
Camillus Glynn (Fianna Fail)
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I call on the Deputy Leader to arrange a debate on animal welfare as soon as possible. Recent media reports on the operation of puppy farms has caused justified revulsion among all right-thinking people and legislation is necessary to address this very serious matter. The people involved in this practice are in it for gain. As a dog owner with a strong affection for the animal, I believe what is happening is nothing short of barbaric. I therefore call on the relevant Minister to come into this House as soon as possible and indicate what proposals he has to correct this inhumane practice.
Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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I support everything Senator Brian Hayes said regarding the President of the European Parliament, Mr. Pat Cox MEP, who has done a wonderful job for the Parliament and, I am sure, would do an equally good job for the Commission.
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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Senator Coghlan, on the Order of Business.
Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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I would never ignore the Chair here or anywhere else.
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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I know that. There is no need to emphasise it.
Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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I thought the Chair was going to admonish me and tell me I should ask a question of the Deputy Leader.
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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On the Order of Business, Senator. You know we must adhere to a timeframe.
Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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I do. The Chair knows how speedy I am. The Deputy Leader will be aware, as are many Members of the House, of the appalling service provided by Iarnród Éireann in the south-west. We have the worst carriages and a substandard second-class set-up. Passengers who change trains at Mallow must use pre-war carriages. The Minister for Transport must start taking notice and communicate with Iarnród Éireann regarding the unsuitability of carriages on the line. If we are to improve our tourism we should have luxury carriages. In addition, the people of the south-west should be treated similarly to people in other parts of the country. The service is appalling. I appeal to the Deputy Leader to use his good offices with the Minister in that regard.
John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)
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On numerous occasions I have listened to debates here and they are well ordered, incisive and worth listening to. I am disappointed the media consistently refuse, for whatever reason, to take note of what is said in this House. As a matter of interest, Mr. Peter Sutherland, Mrs. Mary Robinson and President Mary McAleese have something in common — they failed to be elected to the Dáil. This House offers very good debate but that does not seem important to the editors of newspapers. I call on the Deputy Leader to contact the editors and ask them to include a report on the Seanad in their papers. We get good coverage on "Oireachtas Report". However, I am sad the useful debates that take place in an ordered manner that can be listened to are not being reported in the newspapers.
11:00 am
David Norris (Independent)
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I was somewhat amused by the squawks of self-interested protest from Members of this House regarding the Minister's courageous and appropriate action in addressing the scandalous issue of speed limits. I have been saying this for the past two years here and I am glad somebody has taken notice. One cannot get respect for speed limits if one does not have two things, fairness and consistency. The local authorities have signally failed given that there are dual carriageways with 30 miles an hour speed limits. How could anybody respect that? It is a money-making exercise and a promotion of certain aspects of the Garda Síochána. The Minister should take the power away from the local authorities and leave them only an advisory role. I would certainly support him in that and in dealing with the situation because citizens are entitled to a fair deal.
I would like to ask for a debate on the setting up of a press council. There have been a number of calls from all sides of the House for this. A very important decision was handed down yesterday by the House of Lords in Britain in the case of a woman media star who was photographed by the Daily Mirror leaving an addiction clinic. She lost her case in the High Court but the Lords upheld her right to privacy on appeal. That is a very interesting and important decision that will have consequences in this jurisdiction as well.
I ask again for a debate on Iraq. I saw Mr. Bush on television. I cannot call him a liar. The Chair would not allow it. However, he is certainly estranged from the truth. Will he now give an undertaking, since he is so horrified by torture, to stop the known exporting of people from the United States of America to Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Egypt to be tortured, which is well documented by Amnesty International?
Regarding moves to remove patent protection from areas of micro-technology, in which this country is extremely advanced, I request the Leader of the House not necessarily to draw the Government's attention to it because it knows about it, but to express to the Government the support of everybody in this House for protecting these rights. I understand the European Commission takes a different view to the Parliament. We should strongly support our Government in protecting rights in an interest that is vital to our economy.
Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)
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I call on the Deputy Leader to request the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to come to the House as a matter of urgency to indicate what steps the Government intends to take regarding the housing crisis, particularly in the area of social housing. There are 60,000 families on housing lists throughout the country. The ESRI report on housing, poverty and wealth in Ireland, which was published in recent days, gives a clear indication of the direction in which we are going. Between 20% and 35% of local authority housing starts were in the social housing category in the 1970s and 1980s, but the rate has decreased to 10% today and continues to fall. It is impossible for unemployed persons and single parents to access the rental market. Rents have increased by 300% over the past five years. The Government seems to have a complete lack of policy ideas aimed at tackling the problem. Local authorities do not have any land banks. Members have tried to highlight the fact that 150,000 people are waiting for housing, which is a clear indictment of——
Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)
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I ask the Deputy Leader to invite the Minister to the House to indicate clearly the policies, if any, he intends to promote to rectify the crisis I have mentioned.
Michael Kitt (Fianna Fail)
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I agree with those who have called for a debate on Iraq. In particular, we should discuss the treatment of prisoners and the quality of life of ordinary Iraqi people who are caught in the crossfire.
I also ask the Deputy Leader to organise a debate on the western rail corridor. Some of my colleagues and I have met the Minister for Transport in various towns along the corridor. Having listened to the Minister's comments this morning, it is clear that progress is being made. I hope that the development of commuter traffic to Galway city will be a priority. Although a suitable railway line is in place, no commuter service is being provided. I hope Iarnród Éireann, which has done all it can to create obstacles in the past by taking up sections of the railway line and removing signalling equipment at Athenry, will support on this occasion the service being sought by the Minister and public representatives in the west. The redevelopment of the passenger rail service between Sligo and Limerick should involve, in the first instance, the introduction of a commuter service to Galway.
Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)
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I support Senator Kitt's call for a debate on Iraq. If one reads the Official Report of the debate in this House before the invasion of Iraq, one will find that many of the apprehensions outlined by Senators at the time have, unfortunately, come to pass. Such a debate would be timely because current events in Iraq are sowing the seeds of conflict for a considerable time to come.
I would also like the House to debate the National Roads Authority soon. Having listened to some of the comments made by Senators about speed limits, I have to say I am not confident that a transfer of powers from local authorities to the NRA would bring about a significant change. I mentioned last week that millions of euro have been spent on improving the N11, on which I travel frequently, to dual carriageway standard between Glen of the Downs and Kilmacanogue. I understand that the road in question has speed limits of 40 mph and 50 mph at different sections at the direction of the NRA. I do not think one can have great confidence that we will see improvement if responsibility is passed to the NRA. I ask for a debate on the NRA because it is important that we get value for money from the current level of investment in the roads network. The roads being built at present will have to stand the test of time and meet the needs of the transport industry.
Shane Ross (Independent)
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I would like to take up Senator Hanafin's fair point about the Seanad not getting proper coverage from the media. We should examine the reasons we do not get the sort of coverage we would like to get. It is not the case that the House does not do important work, because it is involved in important and effective work. The media does not necessarily cover matters that are important or bodies that work effectively. The media is governed by other, more immediate, considerations. The House should examine the fact that the media does not consider it to be particularly relevant. Senator Hanafin rightly mentioned that RTE reports the proceedings of the House, but I contend that it does so because it has to cover us, rather than because it wants to cover us. It broadcasts Seanad reports late at night because nobody is watching late at night. RTE is obliged to cover the Dáil and Seanad because it has a public service obligation.
Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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Some 60,000 people watch the coverage.
Shane Ross (Independent)
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In the context of the ongoing reform of the Seanad, we should examine the possibility of making the House more relevant, more appealing and more immediate in its powers and effect.
John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)
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I thank Senator Brian Hayes for agreeing, as Leader of the Opposition, to take all stages of the Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Bill 2004 today.
Senators referred to the presidency of the European Commission. We have been extremely impressed by the work done by Mr. Pat Cox as MEP and as President of the European Parliament. As he retires as MEP for Munster, we wish him well in his future endeavours. I am sure his constituents will miss him. I do not doubt that he would make an excellent President of the European Commission. I would like him to be appointed to the post because he has all the qualities that one would hope for. Those of us who were fortunate to attend the accession function in Dublin Castle will be aware that he gave a tour de force performance at the press conference afterwards, accompanied by the Taoiseach and the current President of the European Commission, Mr. Prodi. I would like him to be appointed to the post. I am sure the matter will be discussed as the Taoiseach visits the capitals of the EU member states to discuss the proposed EU constitution.
I would like to add that Mr. David Byrne has been an excellent Commissioner. He was denigrated when he was appointed as Commissioner on the basis that it was not a job at all, but it has proven to be an important job. He has fulfilled his remit extremely well.
John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)
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Senator O'Toole made the point that it might be preferable to appoint a person whose feet are firmly planted in national politics, but I think Mr. Cox fulfils that criterion.
John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)
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We may have to judge whether the intervention of Senators Brian Hayes, Finucane and Coghlan on behalf of Mr. Cox was helpful. Perhaps another forum can adjudicate on the matter.
Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)
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He left the Progressive Democrats for other reasons.
John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)
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Mr. Cox is a member of the European Liberal, Democratic and Reformist Group.
Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)
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The Progressive Democrats does not have an MEP.
Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)
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The Deputy Leader has no interest in Europe.
John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)
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I welcome figures that have emerged in the last 24 hours reporting that revenue of €750 million was collected from taxation in April. The Minister, Deputy McCreevy, has shown himself to be extremely capable of managing the economy efficiently and prudently. I am sure that will continue.
Joe O'Toole (Independent)
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Perhaps he will allocate more money to special education.
John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)
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We look forward to the budget later this year to see how the Minister will distribute the funds available to him. I am sure that a debate on the issue would be helpful. I do not disagree with such a proposal. I will try to organise such a debate.
I share Senator McCarthy's sentiments in respect of the welcome statement from the Sisters of Mercy. It gave victims the reassurance they require. It was gratifying to see the reaction of the victims to the statement. This probably needs to be done on a broader basis.
Senators McCarthy, Finucane, Mooney, Norris and Jim Walsh raised the issue of speed limits. I heard the comments of the Minister, Deputy Brennan. I do not doubt that there is a huge inconsistency about the manner in which speed limits are operated on national roads. The Minister or the local authorities need to do something to add coherence to the overall policy. The Minister and Mr. Conor Faughnan of the AA said that these problems are undermining the enforcement of speed limits and the penalty points system. People get frustrated when driving on certain sections of road on which it is possible to drive safely at a greater speed than the speed limits allow. This matter needs to be dealt with.
Senator Leyden raised the issue of Mr. Tom Sweeney's hunger strike. From a humanitarian point of view, one would wish to see it resolved as quickly as possible. I know the Minister for Education and Science, along with a deputation from the Department, met the four Deputies who represent Mr. Tom Sweeney. My only hope is that it will be concluded successfully and quickly and that anything to promote this will be done.
I know Senator Finucane's views on salaries in the private sector, particularly in banking. With regard to RTE, it is annoying that Members are subjected to vilification for what they earn, while there was total silence on what was earned by high profile people in the national station. I do not disagree that good broadcasters should earn high salaries as do good footballers. However, it is important the public knows what these people earn.
I am not interested in what Senator Mooney earns but if he wishes to tell me afterwards, I would be grateful. I note the Senator's comments on the National Youth Council of Ireland report. I heard the report this morning that one in two young people could name their local Dáil Deputy and nine out of ten could not name one single MEP. However, when we were that age, none of us had an idea who our local Deputy was and some may not even have known who was the Taoiseach. It is a characteristic of young people that they are not interested in these matters.
Joe O'Toole (Independent)
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Except the young Progressive Democrats.
John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)
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That is not to say that they should not be encouraged to be interested in politics.
Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)
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Yet up to 70% of them want to vote.
Mary WhiteJohn Dardis (Progressive Democrats)
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I do not regard that as surprising.
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy Leader without interruption.
John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)
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I agree with what Senator Henry said on spurious cures and that there are different criteria for medial practitioners and others. Either everybody should be regulated or nobody should be. I noted the appalling consequences of one treatment given for cancer. These matters will be brought to the attention of the Minister for Health and Children. It would also be appropriate to debate the matter in the House.
Senator Glynn raised the issue of animal welfare and we are all appalled by what is happening at these puppy farms. There have been improvements in animal welfare. The Department of Agriculture and Food regulations on the transport of animals, both domestically and internationally, have done much to improve matters. However, there should be consistency across the board.
Senator Coghlan will be pleased to hear that I recently had the privilege of travelling by train from Killarney and it was a pleasure.
Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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Did the Senator have to change at Mallow?
John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)
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The sojourn on the platform at Mallow was a pleasure. One meets all sorts of interesting people on that journey and I am sure Senator Coghlan would fall into that category. Investment in the rail infrastructure is ongoing and hopefully it will apply to the Killarney line.
Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)
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Progressive Democrats missionaries must have been on the train.
John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)
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Senators Hanafin and Ross raised the issue of media coverage of the House. I accept that only rows in the Houses attract the media's attention while important legislation is ignored. Deputy Cassidy, when Leader of the House, with members of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges met the national newspapers and RTE——
Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)
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He is hardly ever mentioned in this House these days.
John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)
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——to express our concerns about coverage. Perhaps the Cathaoirleach will consider another meeting through the Committee on Procedure and Privileges.
Joe O'Toole (Independent)
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This is classic in terms of the Fianna Fáil-Progressive Democrats Government. There is plenty of coverage but we do not deal with the issue. The e-government report could have been dealt with by the House and it would be covered in every newspaper in the land.
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy Leader without interruption.
John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)
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I agree with Senator Norris that the establishment of a press council should be debated along with the whole issue of citizens' rights to privacy. The use of long focus lenses to photograph chief mourners at private funerals is increasingly prevalent. It is objectionable that people under pressure at the funeral of a loved one are splashed across the national media, particularly when the circumstances are tragic. It is a different standard for public figures.
Senators Kitt and Jim Walsh joined with Senator Norris in calling for a debate on the situation in Iraq. Everyone is appalled at the infringement of human rights there. There is a perception that the West is the sole custodian of human rights issues. It now transpires that is not the case as there can be serious transgressions in the West as anywhere else. One wishes to see this rectified.
Senator Norris also referred to the patentability of computer implemented inventions and technology. That matter is being discussed by, the Sub-committee on European Scrutiny of the Committee of European Affairs with representatives from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The directive has damaging consequences for the industry in Ireland but it is hoped to rectify it under the Irish Presidency of the EU.
I agree with Senator Ulick Burke's call for a debate on social housing. Senator Kitt raised the issue of the western rail corridor and I heard the comments of the Minister for Transport, Deputy Brennan, this morning. Happily, an expert group will examine it and I hope, as a result, the corridor will be developed to facilitate commuters to Galway.
Joe O'Toole (Independent)
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Will that be before the local elections?
John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)
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I doubt it will be in time for the local elections.
John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)
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I am sure a decision in principle will be reached. Senator Jim Walsh referred to the National Roads Authority and a wider issue of the speed limits. The National Roads Authority has been the subject of debate in the House before and it should be again.