Seanad debates
Wednesday, 3 November 2004
Order of Business.
10:30 am
Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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The Order of Business is No. 1, Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Bill 2002 — Report and Final Stages, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business and to conclude not later than 12.15 p.m.; No. 2, statements on the first progress report of the National Advisory Committee on Drugs (resumed), to be taken at 12.15 p.m. until 1.30 p.m. on which Senators may speak for ten minutes each; No. 3, statements on the provision of national sporting facilities to be taken at 2.30 p.m. until 5 p.m. on which spokespersons may speak for 15 minutes and all other Senators ten minutes; and No. 18, motion No. 12 to be taken from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. There will be a sos from 1.30 p.m. until 2.30 p.m.
Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)
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I welcome the Adjournment debate matters tabled by colleagues opposite because they underline the Government's failings and shortcomings in recent years. Perhaps we should have the Adjournment debate at the beginning rather than the end of proceedings since there might be much more political content.
Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)
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You are correct, Sir.
While the US presidential election has yet to be finally determined by the declaration of a winner, it appears likely that President Bush has won a second term. Does the Leader agree that, whatever the result, America should now begin to acknowledge its historic role in the world and use its influence and power through engagement to bring about good in the world? The same commitment demonstrated by the US after the Second World War, with the establishment of NATO and the very significant funding it made available to help rebuild a devastated Europe after the fall of fascism, must now be brought to bear on many parts of the world because it is the only superpower left.
We wish success to whoever becomes US President after this process not only in the reunification of his country but also of the world, particularly in the context of delivering upon many vital issues. Throughout its history America has played a key role in world developments, particularly after the Second World War. The country's isolationist position after the First World War led it to withdraw into itself but it learned lessons from that because the Treaty of Versailles sowed the seeds for the rise of fascism some 20 years later. We must encourage the US President to re-engage with the world and use his influence in a positive manner.
The Leader kindly informed the House that Committee Stage of the Garda Síochána Bill is imminent. When exactly is it intended to bring the Bill before the House because the Opposition needs to prepare amendments? We have already prepared substantial amendments but there are more than 400 sections in the Bill and the Leader will appreciate that a timescale indicating when Committee Stage will be taken would be helpful.
Joe O'Toole (Independent)
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The people of America have spoken and have apparently decided to re-elect President Bush for the next four years, which I personally regret. Nonetheless, that is the American people's decision and they will not be too worried about my views on the matter.
Shane RossJoe O'Toole (Independent)
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The greatest feature of President Bush's leadership has been the West's deteriorating relationship with the Islamic world. Now that he does not have to face re-election in four years time, we should ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs to use our influence in Europe to encourage him to restore relations and extend a hand of friendship and understanding to the Islamic world. We must recognise that people practising the Muslim faith are being treated like Irish people were in the UK when bombings were taking place there — they are all being tarred with the same brush. We need to see a more subtle and open approach to this matter.
Senator Ulick Burke and I recently stressed the importance of the House debating public private partnerships. The new Minister for Finance would be keen to have the issue discussed. We need to ensure that a political view is brought to bear on the Comptroller and Auditor General's views on public private partnerships, recognising that an auditor or an accountant has a different view of the world than a politician. I ask that this debate be held as soon as possible.
On a similar issue, it will be noted that the coffers of the State are due to increase by approximately €1.9 billion. The former Minister for Finance, Deputy McCreevy, who was a prophet too good to be accepted within his own party and who was exiled to Brussels, should at least get credit for doing what he said he would do, namely, turning around our financial position. Given the appalling state of resources in the health and education services, it would be useful to have a full debate in the House with the Minister for Finance, Deputy Cowen, on how we should spend the money that has been husbanded so well by the former Minister.
Brendan Ryan (Labour)
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On the issue of the vast number of matters on the Adjournment, it is time we reopened the debate on whether Members of the House should be able to table parliamentary questions which Ministers could answer in writing. It is a much more efficient procedure than that which forces many of my colleagues to wait perhaps for weeks before they can raise a matter on the Adjournment. That is a matter for another day.
On the role of the United States, the old phrase, the latter half of which I will leave unsaid, is probably true: "When the United States is good, it is very, very good ... " I remember the conflicts in Chile, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua and many other places——
Brendan Ryan (Labour)
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——in which brutal force was used in many cases to undermine unacceptable democratically elected governments and democratic governments. I wish the United States would fulfil a role in the world that is consistent with its own rhetoric. I wish whoever is elected President of the United States well. The world needs enlightened leadership from that country. My own views on this are fairly well recorded.
Last weekend, a most extraordinary story broke in the media about a proposed deal between the State and Eircom which, among other things, would have allowed Eircom to rip off its consumers to the tune of a 10% increase in their rates. The State endeavoured to persuade Eircom to roll out a proper broadband service in return for which it would have given the company a guarantee to protect it from the risks of the marketplace. Apparently the company declined, or else the State, perhaps at the last moment, got sense. I cannot figure out which.
The Government has floundered around for the past seven years regarding our telecommunications infrastructure. It is time we had a debate on our broadband infrastructure and, incidentally, on our transport infrastructure. It is not wonderful to boast that we have underspent on capital investment this year to the tune of nearly €1 billion. That is a disgrace in a country with such an enormous infrastructural deficit.
I call for a debate on competition policy, particularly on the agencies in the State that are supposed to protect consumers. We have watched the banking sector rip off consumers and Senator Ross has been particularly eloquent in highlighting this issue. The one shining exception in this sector, which has provided credit and support for poor people who would not have been accepted by the banks and who were wide open to the threat of illegal money lending, was the credit union movement. However, who did the Competition Authority bring to court only the credit unions? The authority had a wonderful victory last week because it found that the Irish League of Credit Unions was using its insurance business to try to support its other activities. What an achievement this is in terms of the rights of consumers. Last Sunday, some genius from the authority suggested that the GAA could be brought to court by the authority. In terms of competition, we are moving into the area of "Neverland", to use the movie title.
We desperately need a debate about competition in order to focus on the rights of consumers, not on the ego of the Competition Authority.
John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)
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I am sure the House will wish whoever is elected President of the United States well in the very onerous responsibilities he must carry into office. It appears President Bush will be returned, even though 250,000 ballots might not be opened for 11 days. There may be a long wait for the final result, as was the case in 2000.
This morning on radio we heard the famous words of President Kennedy when he was inaugurated with regard to what one's country could do for one. As these words are well known, I will not repeat them. He went on to say something that was perhaps just as significant, if not more so. He said the world should not ask what the United States could do for it but what the world together could do for peace. Perhaps these words are something the incoming President of the United States might think about. Perhaps he should understand that might is not always right and there is a responsibility to listen as well as to speak.
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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I gave latitude to the leaders but, as many Senators are offering, I ask them to be as brief as possible during their contributions on the Order of Business.
Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)
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The subject of the American President is very topical this morning and it appears that President Bush will be re-elected. I wish him well. Exit polls indicated that moral values were the primary issue for people. In that context, anyone who watches the national channel in this country at weekends should ask themselves a question. It appears to have become acceptable not just for Irish comedians but for Irish actors to denigrate the church and to use four letter words as a natural form of expression. I wonder if our moral values are slipping. There is much concern about what our national channel is currently producing. I will make these views known at the Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when we will have an opportunity to question representatives from the station. I would like people to reflect on what is happening in America which, to a degree, is reflected in the conservative community in this country which is becoming extremely concerned about what is taking place.
Camillus Glynn (Fianna Fail)
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Will the Leader invite the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to this House to discuss his proposals for the control of fireworks? It has been brought to my attention that a 14 year old boy lost a thumb and two fingers. He was one of seven young people treated in Crumlin hospital by one surgeon. The surgeon concerned was not sure how many others were treated by his colleagues. If this is reflected throughout the country, it is a very serious situation. This issue is highlighted each year but nothing is being done. The law as it applies to the use of fireworks must be strictly enforced. A young person in my local town lost an eye in these circumstances a few years ago. It is a serious matter and I would appreciate if the Leader could arrange for the Minister to come to the House and explain his proposals to stamp out this practice.
Mary White
Feargal Quinn (Independent)
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Since last Sunday there has been an air of depression in the country about which the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Roche, can do something. He is a new Minister who can make a name for himself by leading the way in having us revert to central European time instead of having to put up with darkness at 5 p.m. each afternoon for the next six months.
It is interesting that British newspapers are today referring to the introduction of a restricted, watered down smoking ban in pubs. We led the way with a levy on plastic bags and the smoking ban so let us lead the way with Ireland joining central European time so we do not lose the hour each year. We should discuss the issue with counterparts in Northern Ireland and point out the advantages. We should be willing to leave the nursery, even if nanny does not come with us. We do not need the British with us on this matter. The benefits for us are significant, so let us ensure we do something about it. The new Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Roche, will have the country's support on this issue.
I was talking to someone from Newcastle, County Down, yesterday who informed me the area cannot receive RTE. I do not know the intricacies of the situation.
Feargal Quinn (Independent)
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If we are to get the benefits of a joint Ireland operation, North and South, technology should solve this easily. It should be possible.
Tom Morrissey (Progressive Democrats)
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An article in one of today's newspapers outlines the report of a coroner on the unfortunate death of an elderly gentleman in north Cork who was killed by an articulated truck. The coroner reported that everything, including mirrors, was in order on the truck. However, the report recommends that additional mirrors be fitted to trucks and suggests that the recommendation be passed to the Minister for Transport. Hemispherical type mirrors should be fitted to the front left hand side of trucks so drivers can see people on pavements. This is something the haulage industry would welcome as it has been proactive in this regard. I urge the Leader to inform the Minister that we would like a consultative process on the matter given the proliferation and variation in the size of trucks on our streets.
Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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In light of ongoing press speculation regarding the Great Southern Hotels Group, particularly with regard to Parknasilla, and given the Taoiseach's stated views on the matter with which I concur, does the Leader believe the sole shareholder will allow the Dublin Airport Authority to sell off the group? If there is a sell off, will it be the group in total or will properties be sold off on an individual basis?
Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)
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Yesterday, I visited a young Tipperary man, Christopher McGrath, in Gartree Prison in England. He is 27 years of age and four or five years ago was sentenced to life imprisonment for a crime he says he did not commit. I have studied the papers on the case and have met the committee campaigning for his release. After yesterday's interview I am convinced he has a strong case for an appeal. There is every indication that this is another miscarriage of justice. This is underlined by the fact that 50 MPs now support him. One of the most proactive of those is Mr. John McDonnell, the Chairman of the British-Irish Interparliamentary Body. The Department of Foreign Affairs has been helpful. However, will the Leader speak to the Minister and urge him to be more proactive on the matter? It is harrowing to see a young champion jockey with a great career before him in such a situation. He convinced me that he is innocent and we should help him. I acknowledge the great courtesy and co-operation extended to me as a Senator by the prison authorities.
Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)
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I acknowledge the work of Senator Ó Murchú.
Will the Leader arrange a debate on maternity services and on the growing crisis in the provision of essential maternity care, in light of the comments by the master of one of the Dublin maternity hospitals? It is shocking to hear that it may be necessary to cap the number of admissions to a maternity hospital at a time when the population is increasing and when we have an increasing number of overseas workers, including women of child-bearing age.
We still do not know if the Hanly report will be implemented but if it is it will mean the closure of a number of maternity services around the country. If that happens there would be no maternity unit between, for example, Galway and Dublin. In light of this possibility, the Minister for Health and Children should come to the House and outline her policy with regard to a number of health issues, including maternity services and, in particular, the implementation of the Hanly report.
11:00 am
Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)
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I support Senator Quinn on the issue of the time change. In the historical context, the British imposed GMT on Ireland in the seminal year of 1916.
I understand that until then the time was variable between Cork, Galway and Dublin. This is a relatively recent phenomenon and I hope we will engage in debate on it.
As Government spokesperson on foreign affairs in the Seanad I welcome the decision of the American people. They have, at least, chosen a President, although we must await the final details. I share the view of all sides of the House that there is a time to bind wounds. America and the American people have a wonderful capacity, in a post-election environment, to bind the wounds of the nation and to support their President, irrespective of his or her political complexion. I hope a woman will be elected President of the United States at some time in the future.
Would the Leader think it useful to invite the Minister for Foreign Affairs to the House to discuss the post-election situation in America as it relates to European-American relationships, especially as Ireland is a strong supporter of the United Nations, which the present American Administration is not? In outlining to the House the international situation following the election in the United States, the Minister might also address Ireland's views on reform of the United Nations. If the United States is not engaged and involved in the United Nations, it bodes ill for the future of bilateral relations throughout the world.
I support what Senator Finucane said about the lowering of standards in broadcasting. As a parent I could not understand why listeners to "Five Seven Live" last week were subjected to the excruciating detail and graphic description of a current court case between a leading broadcaster and a bouncer. My children and I heard the report while travelling by car. I do not understand why such excruciating detail about the case had to be given on live radio when children would have been listening. I am not being naive. The whole area of standards in public broadcasting must be examined.
James Bannon (Fine Gael)
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The number of Adjournment matters submitted today by Members on the Government side of the House proves that Fianna Fáil Members are not content.
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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Senator Bannon, you may raise a question on the Order of Business.
Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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Senator Bannon is not doing his job. He is redundant, obsolete.
James Bannon (Fine Gael)
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I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for Finance to the House to discuss the issue of the Government and banking institutions reducing bank charges. As many employees are forced to accept their salaries through banks it is necessary to reduce bank charges.
James Bannon (Fine Gael)
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In the budgets of last year and the year before we saw huge increases in bank charges. The Minister for Finance should take note and reduce those charges. We should also encourage post offices and credit unions to deliver similar services to customers.
Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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I thank Senator Bannon for his compliment to the Government Members on our openness and transparency and on the fact that we are encouraged to bring forward issues and to resolve them.
Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)
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Senator Leyden is being confrontational.
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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Senator, please speak on the Order of Business.
Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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We might make the Opposition redundant, but that may be no harm.
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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Many Senators have indicated that they wish to contribute. Senator Leyden should not waste time.
Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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I support Senator O'Meara's call for a discussion on the redundant Hanly report. The Opposition is flogging a dead horse.
Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)
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Is it redundant. Why has that not been officially declared?
Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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I support Senator O'Meara's request that the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children come to the House to outline her new philosophy and policies.
James Bannon (Fine Gael)
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Does the Government have a programme for Government?
Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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Some of the statements the Tánaiste has made are very welcome. She has spoken wisely about retaining and developing services in our local hospitals. A new accident and emergency unit has opened in Roscommon hospital and is doing very well.
I congratulate President George W. Bush. He has won the election with a majority of 3 million votes. This is a great achievement for him and the Republican Party. He has won the election and we should be fair about that. Let us turn this situation into a positive one for us. As far as I am concerned, it is payback time for the 10,000 undocumented Irish in America.
Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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We can now discuss this matter with President George W. Bush. Last night, I spoke about it to the new Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Dermot Ahern. The Leader of the House sent a message to the Taoiseach who spoke to President Bush about the undocumented in Shannon earlier this year. We have a letter to that effect. We have been very co-operative with the American Government regarding the use of Shannon.
Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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It is fortunate that we are in Government and the Labour Party——
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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Do you have a question for the Leader?
Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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Arising from the representations made by the Leader of the House and the Taoiseach to the American Government concerning the undocumented, this is an opportunity for the House to have an all-party debate on the matter. I once saw Senator Ryan on television protesting about Ronald Reagan. It shows that the members of this Fianna Fáil-Progressive Democrats Government are the best friends of the Irish people because we encourage American investment. We neither object to it nor oppose it.
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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I think the Senator has made his point.
James Bannon (Fine Gael)
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What did the Senator do in his own constituency?
David Norris (Independent)
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As a graduate of the University of Dublin, Trinity College, I extend my congratulations to University College Dublin which is celebrating its 150th anniversary today. It has provided many distinguished graduates, some of whom have served in this House. The anniversary of that remarkable institution is worthy of note.
David Norris (Independent)
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James Joyce for one. I do not have to go much further than that. If UCD had only produced Joyce it would have done its job for Ireland.
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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A question on the Order of Business, Senator.
David Norris (Independent)
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Will the Leader investigate the possibility of the Government introducing legislation concerning work permits? There was a harrowing story on the news the other evening about two Indian gentlemen, one of whom had to send his wife back home.
David Norris (Independent)
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The other one was in tears. They came to this country on the understanding that they would get certain jobs at certain rates of pay. The employers hold the work permits, however, and were able to use that to blackmail them into accepting a lower rate of pay. Legislation is needed in this area.
I do not share Senator Leyden's views on the presidential election in the United States. It seems as if the American people have knowingly elected somebody who stands accused at the bar of world opinion of serious war crimes, including the waging of unprovoked, aggressive war and the condoning of torture. We now know that there were 100,000 Iraqi civilian casualties, more than 50% of them being women and children. The corporate smash and grab gang are back in control in Washington. They often end meetings in American by saying, "God save America". Today, however, I would say, "God helpAmerica". They have chosen Barabbas and on their own heads be it.
John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)
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I warmly welcome the re-election of President George W. Bush, which presents an opportunity in many different areas. I hope that in the coming years we will see properly held elections and democratic governments both in Iraq and in Afghanistan. There are also domestic opportunities arising from the election for the United States.
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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Do you have a question for the Leader?
John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)
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These opportunities include overturning the Roe v. Wade case which legalised abortion. Ms Norma McCorvey, who was "Roe" in that case, visited the Oireachtas this year. She is now an active pro-life supporter. There will be wonderful opportunities for the United States. I ask the Leader to write to the American Embassy to congratulate the new President and wish him well.
Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)
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For the past few weeks the skies of every town in Ireland have been lit up like Baghdad because of fireworks. It is time we, as legislators, got real. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform is talking about increasing fines but he is only fooling himself. It is worth nothing that in some cases the maximum fine for illegally using fireworks is €5, so the legislation needs to be updated. It is time that we legalised the sale of fireworks so that we can at least control who we sell them to, as well as controlling the quality of the fireworks involved. That is the way forward. Otherwise we will be back again next year with the same protests and the same argument, and will be none the wiser. Three years ago 19 people were injured by fireworks and it is time we regulated the market, legalised it and made it safer for everybody.
Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)
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I understand one of the matters on the Adjournment concerns flooding. While this is welcome I ask the Leader to invite the Minister of State or Minister to the House to discuss the response to such flooding. Many towns are affected including Fermoy and Mallow in my area. We need to ensure that the plans in place and on the drawing boards are activated as soon as possible and it would be helpful to have a substantial debate on the issue.
On the morning after the night before we must accept that the American people have made their decision and by a margin of approximately 3 million votes have decided to ignore the advice of The Irish Times and other editorials as is their entitlement.
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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That was their right. I do not know whether there was any control over the American voters.
Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)
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I concur with those Senators who have requested a debate with the Minister for Foreign Affairs at the earliest opportunity. As President Bush begins his second term, it is possible that he will re-engage with Europe. When we call on America to listen, we should also try to listen more closely ourselves. Problems exist on both sides of the Atlantic. A heated debate has taken place and the election is over. The American people have apparently made a conclusive decision. As democrats we must accept their decision. It is in everybody's interest for us to engage with the new Administration and for President Bush to work closely with the European Union leaders at the earliest possible date. An early debate would be helpful. I congratulate the President on his re-election. This is what democracy is about and we have no entitlement to question the right of the American people to choose as they see fit.
John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)
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I agree with what Senator Bradford said about flooding. The Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Deputy Parlon, should come to the House to discuss last week's flooding. While we are all familiar with large towns like Clonmel, Fermoy and Mallow, which were severely flooded and are continually flooded, the Office of Public Works could alleviate hardship in other areas.
I wish to raise a matter frequently mentioned by Senator Glynn regarding knife attacks. Last weekend a number of serious attacks involving knives, including one that was fatal, took place in Dublin city. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform should come to the House to discuss the issue. It is now time to introduce mandatory sentencing for those found in the possession of knives, as they cannot be held for any good purpose. The Government should address this matter immediately.
Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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Senator Brian Hayes, the Leader of the Opposition, raised the theme of the day, the US presidential election. I expect the announcement of a result to be made shortly. The Senator asked that Americans re-engage with the world and do what they used to do well, for example after the Second World War. He hoped that that sense of reinvigoration and the need to do good could be roused within them.
The Senator also asked about the Committee Stage of the Garda Bill. By chance this morning I met the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell, and I asked him about the matter. The Bill is with the Attorney General and the Minister hopes Committee Stage can be held within a week.
Senator O'Toole raised the deteriorating relationship with the Islamic world, saying that the US should seek to improve its relations with the area, and suggested that the Minister for Foreign Affairs should come into the House to discuss this issue. He said that the situation for many Muslims is akin to how the Irish were treated in Britain when bombings were taking place.
Senator O'Toole also renewed his call for the Minister for Finance to come to the House to discuss public private partnerships. I met the Minister by chance and he recalled his conversation with the Senator and said he would come in to debate the matter. The Senator praised the previous Minister for Finance for his husbandry of the money with which the new Minister will deal, saying it should be spent on health and education. No one would disagree but it would not be appropriate for the Minister for Finance to come here prior to the budget and state how he will spend money. I cannot see that happening but knowing the Minister, he will mind the money well and spend it wisely.
Senator Ryan, paraphrasing the nursery rhyme, stated that when the US is good, it is very, very good, and when it is bad, it is awful, and he is right. He requested that the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources come into the House. I will try to arrange such a visit as there are many issues in these areas to be discussed. The Senator also renewed his call for the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to come into the House to discuss competition and I will try to arrange a debate on that issue.
Senator Dardis wished the US President well. He asked what the world could do together for peace, reminding us that might is not always right. That has consistently been the view of this House.
Senator Finucane pointed out that exit polls indicated that morality was uppermost in US voters' minds and questioned the moral values RTE uses as a guide. I note the channel issued an apology on Monday for a recent guest on "The Late Late Show". Senator Kerry, who was an alter boy, said he had the same moral values as the voters but President Bush was better able to capitalise on his convictions.
Senator Glynn asked about the control of fireworks. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform made a statement on the issue but I will ask him to come into the House to tell us about his plans to deal with this problem.
Senator Quinn called for a debate on the idea of adopting central European time. The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has responsibility in that area. Senator Quinn also told us that Newcastle, County Down, cannot receive RTE and I will raise this matter with the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.
Senator Morrissey suggested that articulated trucks should be fitted with extra mirrors and I will ask the Minister for Transport to look into that issue.
Senator Coghlan asked about the Great Southern Hotel in Parknasilla. The Taoiseach openly stated that he does not want the Great Southern Hotels Group to be sold. The Senator asked if the hotels in the group would be sold collectively or individually. If the hotels were sold together, they would not raise the amount they should raise. They should be sold separately.
Senator Ó Murchú asked about Mr. Christopher McGrath, who is currently in prison. I commend the Senator on visiting him yesterday. A petition relating to his case has been signed by 50 MPs. The Senator told us that he was treated courteously during his visit, which we are glad to hear.
Senator O'Meara called for a debate on maternity services. In a recent radio interview, the previous master spoke as if a woman could decide when to have a baby by using an on-off switch. It was a very male view. Senator O'Meara stated that journeys from Galway to Dublin would be necessary if the plan for Portiuncula goes ahead. The Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children said she does not intend to close anything but we will ask her to come into the House to discuss the issue.
Senator Mooney referred to the post-election situation in the US and the reform of the United Nations. He also agreed with Senator Finucane about the lowering of standards in RTE, particularly in respect of a debate he heard on "Five Seven Live". "Five Seven Live" is a good show. If one listens to it, bits and pieces will come up which one does not like and if there are children present, one can turn if off. One always has that option.
Senator Bannon cavilled about Adjournment debates but it is very healthy that all sides avail of the facility to table Adjournment matters. It is a great idea.
Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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Why should we not use the facility we have? I hope we continue to do so.
Senator Leyden supported Senator O'Meara's call for the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children to come to the House. He said that if Mr. Bush is the new US President, the issue of undocumented Irish in the US should be raised again and that it is payback time. Senator Norris asked about employment permits. A Bill entitled the employment permits Bill is being prepared and is expected to be published shortly. We will seek to have it introduced here.
University College Dublin is celebrating its 150th anniversary, about which many of us are delighted. Charlie Bird is to become Dr. Bird and will have to be addressed as such.
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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It is not appropriate to comment on——
Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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On individuals. That is fair enough. I think it is kind of funny. I wish him well.
Senator Hanafin asked that I write to the American Embassy to offer congratulations. He is quite right in that democracy has spoken and none of us can carp about that. Senator Browne said it was time to regulate and legislate for the use of fireworks. Senator Bradford requested that the Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Deputy Parlon, come to the House to discuss flooding. He also said there were problems on both sides of the Atlantic and referred to a better relationship between the EU and the US. Deputy John Bruton will be in charge of that and I am sure he will make a success of his new job. Senator John Paul Phelan called for the Minister of State, Deputy Parlon, to come to the House to discuss flooding and for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to come in to discuss knife attacks.