Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Order of Business is No. 1, a referral motion whereby the subject matter of No. 13 on today's Order Paper is being referred to the Joint Committee on the Environment, Heritage and Local Government for consideration. These regulations under sections 7 and 62 of the Waste Management Act 1996 will amend that Act to provide enabling legislation for the purposes of transposing into Irish law and implementing two EU directives on waste electrical and electronic equipment, the directives must be transposed into Irish law in advance of the commencement of the directive on 13 August next from which date producers of electrical and electronic equipment must finance the collection and recycling of this waste material, to be taken without debate; No. 2, a motion referred to the Joint Committee on Education and Science, which has completed its consideration, concerning the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse which was established in May 2000 for a period of two years and was subsequently extended in December 2001 for a period of three years until 23 May 2005. The chairperson of the commission wrote to the Minister seeking a further extension of the commission's term which was agreed by the Government, to be taken without debate; No. 3, Sea Pollution (Hazardous Substances) (Compensation) Bill 2000 — Committee and Remaining Stages to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business and to conclude not later than 12 noon; No. 4, statements on suicide to be taken at 12 noon and to conclude not later than 3.00 p.m. with the contribution of spokespersons not to exceed 15 minutes and all other Senators not to exceed ten minutes, the Minister to be called on to reply not later than five minutes before the end of the statements; and the Landlord and Tenants (Ground Rents) Bill 2005 — All Stages, to be taken from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., on Second Stage of which spokespersons will have 12 minutes, and other Senators will have eight minutes, the Minister to be called upon to reply not later than ten minutes before the conclusion of Second Stage. The Landlord and Tenants (Ground Rents) Bill 2005 is urgent legislation which is being taken in the Dáil today and is expected to be concluded by 3.30 p.m. Should the Bill be passed by this House, an earlier signature motion will be required. There will be a sos from 3 p.m. until 4 p.m. to allow for the passage of the Bill in the Dáil.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I note the last point on the Order of Business, a Bill that is being rushed through the Dáil and Seanad this evening. It is a pity we were not informed of and briefed on this before now. This habit of rushing legislation through in such a short time is not acceptable. We will acquiesce today, but it is not a satisfactory practice. The Opposition parties should certainly be briefed on anything of this sort and given at least some notice.

Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

We were told about the Bill very late last night.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am sure the Leader will agree it is not acceptable for someone in her position either, and certainly not acceptable as far as we are concerned.

After months and even years spent deliberating on aviation policy, we obviously had one formulated yesterday. At least as many questions remain unanswered. We are obviously to have more consultants employed to advise on the sale of Aer Lingus, and the Government still does not know what shareholding it should have in the company. There is no reference to the slots at Heathrow. The Dublin Airport Authority said it could have the new terminal constructed by 2010 but the Taoiseach is on record as saying it would be completed by 2009. That is typical of the incompetence of the Government parties in making a decision on this issue. If there is a need for a third terminal, something that has been acknowledged, why is a second terminal with too little capacity being given the green light by the Government?

I ask that the Minister for Transport, Deputy Cullen, attend the House to explain this policy to us. When will legislation be introduced? Primary legislation will be necessary to implement the policies advocated by the Government.

I would also like to raise rip-off Ireland and the current rip-off culture. My party has been highlighting the problem for the past few years, and at last the Government is coming around to the idea that we were correct and that the consumer needs fair play. It has now decided it will set up a national consumer agency. The recommendations of the consumer strategy group still fall short and lack the tough approach necessary to end anti-consumer practices. We are now told legislation will not be introduced for another 12 months. We have had the announcement, but we will not have the legislation to provide for the establishment of this national consumer agency for another 12 months, taking us well into 2006. Perhaps we might ask the Minister to attend and explain why there will be such a delay in setting up this national consumer agency.

Joe O'Toole (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Yesterday the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs with responsibility for overseas development——

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

What happens in the other House is not a matter for this one.

Joe O'Toole (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I do not intend making a political football of this, but there is an issue regarding which people must say where they stand. I am not calling for resignations or anything of that sort. Without reference to the person involved, we must show our concern as a House if there are issues we feel have any resonance regarding racism, are unworthy of where we stand or do not reflect our position. If people make a mistake and apologise, I am prepared to accept that. However, it is also important that we be clear in our views.

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As I have already said, each House is separate and independent, and whatever happens in the other House is not relevant to us.

Joe O'Toole (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am referring to a report in this morning's newspapers. An interview was given by a Minister of State. I will not go into the detail of the matter. We have recently had long discussions in this House on Gama and other matters. We have all gone on the record. The Minister of State made an unfortunate error yesterday and has made an apology I am prepared to accept. However, it is also important that we express our disgust at the language of hooliganism, as I described it, that was used in this case. I will leave the matter at that in deference to the Cathaoirleach, although the issue requires more discussion.

I agree that we need an urgent debate on the airport and transport policy. There are different points of view. Mine differs from that of many in this House. I have never been convinced that the privatisation of Aer Lingus would bring us a better deal. I have not seen that happen in any other privatisation to date.

I agree with the concept of competition, on the other hand. I have listened to the Minister for Transport, Deputy Cullen, who said that two competing terminals have never been successful in any airport in the world. There is a great deal of information in the ether. It is right that we have the Minister here to explain exactly what is happening, so we can offer our views on it and formulate a position on the future development of the national airline and the country's main airport. I ask that we have an early debate on transport.

Brendan Ryan (Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I will briefly refer to No. 1 on the Order Paper, the referral motion, particularly since it is to be passed without debate. I do not wish to start a big row about it. This EU directive has enormous ramifications for the country. We produce 25% of all desktop computers used in the European Union. Those in this country who produce them will now be responsible for taking them back. If I lived in Limerick, I would be having visions of a mountain of derelict PCs building up somewhere in the county. This is a very serious issue, and that seriousness does not seem to have dawned on the Government, since we are now having to rush this through with a very short deadline.

We should have planned for this issue. I have known for years that this directive was in the pipeline, and so has everyone involved in anything to do with the environment. However, it is now to be rushed through a committee, to be discussed in a rush and returned to this House, presumably with a report that will be approved in a rush, on an issue with substantial implications for the country. That is not the way to conduct business.

Perhaps we might at some stage have a debate in this House on the issue of taking responsibility for what one says or does. I am tired of people in banking, business, the Cabinet and at junior Government level being able to say things, then apologise and claim they did not mean to say it. If people do things that are wrong, they are responsible for the consequences. When a youngster on a Saturday night lashes out and hits somebody, only to say on Sunday morning that he "just saw red", we do not make excuses for him but say he is responsible. It is time those in politics set an example by saying that when people in positions of authority say offensive things, they should take responsibility rather than simply saying they are sorry and hoping the issue will disappear. That is not the way to set an example regarding how to run an orderly society.

Of course, we badly need a debate on airline policy. Entangled with this issue is the question of where Aer Rianta's debt will lie. Cork was given a commitment that €160 million of the debt would not be landed on the Cork Airport Authority. I have not heard the Minister for Transport, Deputy Cullen, repeat that commitment, and I am profoundly sceptical about privatising Aer Lingus. We privatised Eircom, and now Ethiopia has more broadband lines than we do. That is the situation after an allegedly thrusting privatisation supposed to provide us with a competitive telecommunications market. We got the opposite. We got grandiose people making grandiose fortunes at the expense of consumers.

John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Everyone agrees that aviation transport policy should be debated at an early stage. Without getting into the pros and cons, Senator O'Toole is right that there is much misinformation out there. Much of that could be clarified for Members. The decisions reached by the Government parties will be good for the airline, good for passengers and good for the country.

John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I welcome the publication of the consumer report yesterday and the announcement by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment that he plans to introduce the new consumer watchdog. However, it is disappointing that any proposed legislation is due to be delayed for another year. For the past few years, Fine Gael has been highlighting this issue and I am glad the reasoned voices within the Government seem to have got the upper hand over people like the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, who said consistently that we should keep our mouths shut about consumer rip-off in Ireland.

I agree with Senator Cummins about the dithering which has taken place for the past few years on the building of the second terminal at Dublin Airport. I am surprised that the idea of a third terminal is still being floated when the Government is now determined to build a terminal which it knows is already inadequate. I do not know why a second terminal cannot be built on a suitable site which will allow expansion in the future. I am disappointed the line expressed by Senator Morrissey and his party seems to have been drowned out on this important issue.

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

These are issues for a debate.

John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

We should have a debate on the second terminal at the earliest possible opportunity, as this is an important issue which we should get right the first time.

I ask the Leader for a debate in the House on biofuels. We have had brief discussions during the Finance Bills of recent years on this issue. The Minister for Agriculture and Food should come into the Chamber to discuss the future expansion of biofuels. Given the difficulties in which farmers find themselves at the moment, it is an area of opportunity for agriculture.

Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I welcome the correct decisions made on air transport yesterday. Amid the party political broadcasts, not to mention the cynical independent comment and the comment of the various interested parties, a major competition issue is being entirely overlooked by promoters of publicly-owned terminals, privately-owned terminals and anything in between. That issue is the cost of access to Dublin Airport. An example of rip-off Ireland is the short-term car park in the airport. In the long-term car park, there is an issue of both cost and time. We need competition in the form of a fixed rail link to Dublin Airport——

Senators:

Hear, hear.

Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

——as cars should not be the dominant means of transport to Dublin Airport.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Senator's party is in Government for eight years and it has done nothing about it.

Mary Henry (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Minister for Health and Children is quoted in today's newspapers, on opening the new Bloomfield nursing home, as saying she had an agreement with the Minister for Finance that tax relief would now be extended to those who built private mental hospitals, and not just to private hospitals to deal with physical ailments which have already been covered. I welcome this very much. I raised this issue several times in the House and I also wrote to the current and previous Minister for Finance about it. It shows how poorly we treat people with mental illness when the same sort of facilities are not encouraged for those who are mentally ill as for those who are physically ill. I hope Senators join me in asking the Leader to congratulate the Minister on having brought this proposal forward.

Tom Morrissey (Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Much comment has been made on the package of aviation measures announced by the Minister for Transport yesterday. Looking across at the members of the Opposition, they may——

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Senator should just deal with the transport policy. He was beaten in the arguments.

Tom Morrissey (Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

They may very well criticise the decisions that have been made. One thing is for certain — without this decision, a state of paralysis would have continued.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

What about the last couple of years?

Tom Morrissey (Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

On the one hand, we have two parties divided on this side of the House about the future of Aer Lingus. One party is in favour of private equity and one is favour of——

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

We cannot have a debate on that now.

Tom Morrissey (Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Nobody has a monopoly of wisdom on this issue. Now that the decision has been made, I call for the Minister to come into the House. I agree with Senator Mansergh that we must look at an holistic approach to how we get to and from the airport.

James Bannon (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I was disappointed to see the Leader embarrassed today when she came into the House to tell us that the Landlord and Tenants (Ground Rents) Bill 2005 is in our pigeon holes. That is no way for the House to conduct business. Politics is about engaging people and about being transparent.

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Has the Senator a question for the Leader?

James Bannon (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

This is typical of the nod and wink culture in Irish society.

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Has the Senator a question for the Leader?

James Bannon (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I have a question. I support a debate on aviation policy. Three terminals have been suggested. Yesterday, we witnessed a temporary truce between Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats on this issue.

Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It would take more than a truce to get Fine Gael and the Green Party together.

James Bannon (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

There is a population of over 500,000 within a 30 mile radius of Abbeyshrule. It is celebrating its 50th anniversary in aviation this year. Rather than talking about three terminals for Dublin, we should look at locating an airport in the midlands. We are the only European country that does not have an airport in the midlands. It would be a sensible policy for development in Ireland.

Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I call for an urgent debate on aviation policy, especially in light of the welcome decisions made yesterday. There are remaining issues to be dealt with and no doubt the requirement for an airport in the midlands is one of those. There are still uncertainties surrounding Shannon Airport which need to be addressed quickly. There is uncertainty over the outsourcing of jobs at the airport as well as the commitment of Aer Lingus to Shannon Airport. There is particular concern about discussions between the EU, the Government and the US on the bilateral policy. These are areas I would like to address at the earliest possible opportunity.

Margaret Cox (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I came into this House in 1987 and I have had the greatest respect for everyone here. I would like to apologise in advance to the Leader. I am afraid I must propose for the first time from this bench an amendment to the Order of Business. It seems that at 3.30 p.m. we must accept legislation on ground rents from the Dáil, to be taken as an emergency measure with an earlier signature motion to follow. Somebody in Shannon could have told us two weeks ago that this legislation was coming before the House. It is a mark of disrespect to every Member who is here, to the Leader and to my party. I will not stand for it. I propose an amendment to the Order of Business to the effect that business should conclude as planned today at the conclusion of statements on suicide.

Shane Ross (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I second the amendment proposed by Senator Cox and applaud her willingness to make a stand on an issue such as this. I share to some extent her concern regarding the contempt in which Departments and the Government in general sometimes hold this House. I apportion no blame to the Leader in this regard. The standards of rubber-stamping that go on in this House are something which should be carefully examined.

I draw Members' attention to a specific issue which is illustrative of this problem. It is an important issue for the good of the House. In my office some days ago, I listened to a Member speaking in the Chamber. After this person had spoken for some time, I realised I had heard it all before. It is not unusual for us to be repetitive. On this occasion, however, I had read the same content in a script issued by the relevant party press office before the Member spoke in this House.

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am not sure this is relevant to the Order of Business.

Shane Ross (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is very much relevant and relates to the standing of this House. This is no longer a debating Chamber if Members are allowed to use scripts. If they are allowed to read lengthy scripts that have been issued by their press office beforehand, they might as well say nothing at all.

Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

That is not fair.

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Senator Ross has made his point.

Shane Ross (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is an important point and I hope the Leader will respond. I understand that people must use a certain amount of script. It is essential when one is quoting from a report, for example. However, a routine has developed in the House whereby Members may come in willy nilly and read pages of scripts which are neither prepared by them nor read by them in advance and which are issued by their party press office even before they deliver them. I ask that this issue be seriously addressed.

Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I agree.

Shane Ross (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I commend everybody who worked to arrange yesterday's debate on the EU constitution. I was sceptical in advance of the value of the debate because I predicted it to be something of a parade. However, it was an experiment which worked extraordinarily well. It was informative, involving an exchange of views with MEPs whom we do not see often through no fault of their own. They gave us a new insight into what is happening in regard to the EU. This was an extremely enlightened use of the Seanad and credit is due to Members in this regard. I thank the Committee on Procedure and Privileges which was instrumental in organising it. However, I have one reservation. It was a serious mistake that no Minister was present for most of the debate.

Maurice Hayes (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am tempted to support Senator Ross in regard to the question of how people respond to debates in the House. We all know the difference between a Minister who engages with the House and one who has a prepared response to the debate in question. In the case of the latter, debate is negated.

I wish to make a point in regard to the Bill we are being asked to take today as an emergency measure and I hope it will be helpful to the Leader. I was initially surprised that such apparently trivial legislation should produce such urgency. Having read the Bill, however, I recognise the importance of its purpose in ensuring respect for the rights of those who put in applications to acquire a ground rent up to the time of the passing of the Bill. If the Bill was dealt with in the normal way and notice given, it would have been an invitation to everybody concerned to log in to a potential source of money. None of us is pleased when legislation is rushed through in this manner. However, it seems there was no other way of conducting this business and I am sure the Minister will explain this necessity to the House.

Joe McHugh (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I did not intend to speak on the Order of Business but wish to make a point in regard to rushed legislation. I am a Member of this House only a short while and do not have the experience or dexterity of many other Members. However, I have made one discovery during my time here. I have learned that better legislation is formulated when it is teased out and debated. Rushed legislation is bad legislation. We all wish to instil confidence in the wider public in this House. Many of my constituents are not even aware this forum exists or are ignorant of its function. We must instil confidence by selling the message that this is where legislation is teased out. We must make a stand against rushed legislation. It has happened many times in the past several years and before that. I reiterate that rushed legislation is poor legislation.

Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am pleased that my colleague, Senator Ross, alluded to yesterday's debate. This was the main reason I indicated to speak. The Leader and the Committee on Procedure and Privileges are to be applauded for facilitating the Seanad in embarking on a new and challenging route in establishing a dialogue with Members of the European Parliament. However, with the exception of The Irish Times, there is no indication in today's editions of the national newspapers that any such debate took place. Even the report in The Irish Times merely rehashes the Minister's script, to take up Senator Ross's point, and refers to the contribution of one MEP. It is as if no Member of this House made any contribution to the debate.

This comes at a time when the media are making justifiable inquiries into trips abroad by Deputies and Senators. One Member referred in this House yesterday to media coverage of the recent visit by Deputies to Argentina as despicable. As somebody who understands and works in the media, I reiterate that I have no problem with journalists using their constitutional right to make us accountable. However, they too have an equal obligation to report adequately and properly on what we in this House and Members of the other House do. They regularly and lamentably fail to do so.

This House should no longer continue to accept the inequalities that exist in the media in regard to how matters in this House are reported. There has been criticism in the media of the Government and politicians for not doing enough to inform the public about the constitutional treaty.

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Senator Mooney has made his point adequately.

Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

An entire day was set aside for this debate on the EU constitutional treaty. Anyone who reads even part of that debate will have a better understanding of the treaty's provisions. Senator McHugh referred to his constituents' lack of awareness of the role of Seanad. The same is probably true throughout the State. It is unacceptable and it is past time something was done about it.

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Senator cannot make speeches on the Order of Business. The time is almost up and three Senators wish to speak. I can accept no more.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I support the call for a debate on air transport and Dublin Airport in particular. It is time a meaningful debate took place in this House on the issue. On the last occasion on which this matter was discussed, the Minister did not listen to Members' arguments very well, as is evident from yesterday's decision.

I also support Senator Ryan's call for a debate on the environment and the new EU directive on electrical waste. The provisions of this directive extend to electrical suppliers, who will be obliged to take back unused refrigerators, freezers, televisions and so on. Their premises will become dumping grounds for these appliances. There should be an immediate debate on this matter.

Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My experience over the years indicates that all persons in public life share a commitment to champion human rights and fair play. This is especially so concerning issues of race. We have to differentiate between inappropriate remarks and intentional racist comments. From my personal experience, no one is more anti-racist then the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Conor Lenihan.

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I do not think this matter should be discussed.

Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Allegations against the Minister of State were put on the record. I was involved with him in several private matters where he promoted the rights of other people at a time when it was unpopular to do so.

Mary White (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I found yesterday's debate to be the most invigorating of the three years that I have served in this House. We were able to take up issues raised by colleagues and MEPs. I compliment the Leader for arranging the debate. The Seanad correspondent of The Irish Times, Mr. Jim Walsh, was here yesterday ——

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Senator is not in order.

Mary White (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am attempting to put a matter on record. The editorial team of The Irish Times did not refer to yesterday's debate.

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

This is not in order.

Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The first matter I shall address is the Landlord and Tenant (Ground Rents) Bill 2005, which has already been proposed and seconded. Late last night, a call was made to my office with regard to this Bill. I can imagine my welcome if I had informed people at that hour of the night, as Senator Bannon suggested.

James Bannon (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It was also unfair on the Leader.

Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I first learned about the Bill at that time. The purpose of the Bill is to protect the interests of IDA Ireland, Shannon Development and Údarás na Gaeltachta. As Senator Morrissey noted, prompt action had to be taken to prevent incursions on the properties in question.

I share the common disquiet at rushed legislation. I would prefer that more debate on legislation took place in this House. Bills are often not adequately dealt with. The Whip and I frequently have to scurry around to get speakers from our party. Many Senators do not intervene as usefully as they might. I am sure Members from Fine Gael would concur. I fear that the State will face financial loses from its property holdings if this Bill is not introduced.

My first lesson in this House, for which I thank Senator Ryan, was that we divide up our dealings with Bills and allow plenty of time to do so. I am often disappointed with the level of interest in Bills which are scheduled properly. They are not always debated by Members from either side. The concerns have been well expressed and thought through. I wish I had been told earlier that a vote had been proposed. People are entitled to put their points of view but I was unable to inform everybody last night. Senator Bannon receives his post every morning from his pigeon hole. I will fulfil my remit to introduce the Bill to this House. Senator Cummins feels that the Opposition should have had notice of the Bill. I agree but have no further insight.

He also raised the issue of aviation policy, a discussion on which would benefit us all. My eyes and ears are tired from reading and listening to all points of view on this matter. The Senator asked when legislation would be introduced. We will invite the Minister for Transport here next week to speak on this issue. Senator Cummins further asked the reason for delays in bringing forward legislation on consumer policy. This issue needs to be properly considered rather than rushed.

Senator O'Toole is prepared to accept the apology for yesterday's incident. I wish to put on record that the person in question does not have a racist bone or thought in his body and nor does anyone in our family. He has made a sincere apology and this should be accepted.

Senator Ryan commented on the directive on electrical waste. Senators Bannon, Brady, Brennan and McCarthy are members of the Joint Committee on the Environment and Local Government. I suggest that, rather than simply accept the joint committee's findings, these Senators would give us an account of its proceedings. I am aware that difficulties may be raised by clerks of the committees but we shall ensure this happens.

Senators:

Hear, hear.

Mary White (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

That is a great idea.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Will a Minister be present?

Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I want to hear from the Senators rather than a Minister.

James Bannon (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In this Chamber.

Mary White (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

At the front.

Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I would advise the Senators to attend the meetings of the joint committee. I agree that responsibility should be taken for our actions.

We will have to address the issue of airport debt. The money which the DAA must find to build the terminal may increase its current debt of €100 million in addition to Cork and Shannon. This is an important issue. Senator Dardis called for a debate on aviation policy and welcomed the fact that matters have been clarified.

Senator Phelan welcomed the consumer report and commented on the second terminal. The Minister for Agriculture and Food has agreed to debate the issue of biofuel.

Senator Mansergh, while welcoming the new aviation policy, raised the fundamental issue that proper transport access to Dublin Airport must be provided to the increasing millions of passengers. This has not yet been discussed.

Senator Henry expressed happiness at the provision of tax relief for mental health hospitals and congratulated the Tánaiste on this step. She spoke on this issue during a health debate.

Senator Morrissey must be tired from speaking. He has played a great game.

Brendan Ryan (Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I think they got his name right again.

Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Senator Tom Morrissey.

Brendan Ryan (Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

They were calling him Tommy for a while.

Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Senator Morrissey agreed with the holistic approach adopted by Senator Mansergh, and I think he is right.

Senator Bannon referred to pigeon holes. I do not know about what he was talking. I explained I do not go around popping things into pigeon holes. He also asked for an airport in the midlands. I would rather like one in Athlone, if that is all right.

John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

And Longford.

Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

And Longford, of course.

James Bannon (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The constituency extends beyond Athlone.

Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I said Longford. Abbeyschrule is a fine provision.

Senator Dooley welcomed yesterday's decision and would welcome a full aviation policy, as would I. There should be no gaps in it.

Senator Cox proposed that we do not deal with the Landlord and Tenant (Ground Rents) Bill 2005 today. Her proposal was seconded by Senator Ross who never fails to fill the gap.

Senator Ross raised the use of scripts in this House. I do not think there is a Standing Order on that, although I stand to be corrected. Is there a Standing Order stating one cannot use a script, a Chathaoirligh?

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

One can refer to notes. It is a rule of the Chair.

Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank the Cathaoirleach for that clarification. I cannot stand scripts and I do not understand why one cannot open one's mouth and talk and close it again when one has said enough, although that can present a difficulty. Senator Ross asked that the Committee on Procedure and Privileges look at that issue and it will.

Senator Ross also said it was a serious mistake not to have had a Minister present for yesterday's debate on the constitution for Europe. I did not come to the House yesterday to listen to a Minister but to listen to the invitees. I thank all who spoke——

Shane Ross (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Senator O'Rourke missed my point, although not deliberately. The point was that a Minister could have listened to what was said in the House.

Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I take the Senator's point. The Committee on Procedure and Privileges discussed that matter and the leader of each group agreed the arrangement. I did not take the decision, in case the Senator thinks I did. He seems to be very keen to put a stake in my back. I say well done to everyone who spoke yesterday.

Like all of us, Senator Maurice Hayes said he is not in favour of emergency debates but that the Landlord and Tenant (Ground Rents) Bill 2005, if not proceeded with, would be an invitation for many people to log into State property and thereby make a financial incursion. We must look to probity when we deal with matters. I thank the Senator for his comment.

Senator McHugh referred to rushed legislation. I do not know why he is not telling everybody in County Donegal what he is saying in this House. I hope he is, because sometimes he speaks very well. He should tell the people of County Donegal what he says in the House. If they do not know what he is saying, he should ask himself why that is so.

Joe McHugh (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is very hard to get around to each person individually.

Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Senator Mooney raised the issue of media disrespect. Without naming names, RTE had an item on its 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. news programmes and devoted a large section on "Oireachtas Report" to it. I was very happy with that. The Senator said proceedings in this House are important.

Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

RTE did not refer to any Senator.

Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Senator Mooney said there was no reference to any Senator. He made the valid point that the media probe and show disrespect for those who go on trips or whatever but also show disrespect by not adequately reporting proceedings. I would say in defence of the media, which is a bit dotty, that this House is treated with respect.

Senator Paddy Burke called for debates on aviation, the environment and on electrical goods, on which I made a proposal. We will see how the Senators measure up when they give us a report on what they did at the Oireachtas committee meetings.

I thank Senator Ó Murchú for his comments. There is a difference between an inappropriate remark and an overtly racist one. Senator White defended the media but I am not allowed to say who.

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In the course of the Leader's reply, she suggested that members of a committee should be answerable to this House and there should be a discussion but that the Clerk and the Clerk Assistant might not agree with that. However, I point out that it is the Chair who decides what is admissible and not the clerks.

Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank the Cathaoirleach. I will put the proposal to him when the Senators come back with all their news.

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Senator Cox moved an amendment to the Order of Business, "That the Order of Business be Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4 and that business conclude at 3 p.m." Is the amendment being pressed?

Margaret Cox (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I have no wish to embarrass my colleagues or to press the amendment. I accept the Leader's bona fides but I still object to the treatment of this House. I will press an amendment to a vote the next time this House is treated in this way.