Seanad debates
Tuesday, 6 December 2005
Order of Business.
2:30 pm
Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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The House will have to put up with me; the Order of Business is a long story. The Order of Business is Nos. 1 to 5, inclusive. No. 1 is a referral motion whereby the subject matter of Nos. 16 to 18, inclusive, on the Order Paper are being referred to the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights.
Nos. 16 and 17 concern an agreement between Ireland and the Republic of Bulgaria and the Republic of Cyprus providing for co-operation in the exchange of information relevant to the prevention, detection and investigation of illicit trafficking in drugs, money laundering, organised crime, trafficking in persons, terrorism and other serious crime. It also provides for co-operation in the development of training programmes, including the exchange of law enforcement personnel. Articles in the agreement cover procedural matters such as the use and confidentiality of information of the agreement regarding other international agreements, entry into force and termination.
No. 18 concerns an agreement between Ireland and the Republic of Poland providing for co-operation in combating organised crime and other serious crime. The agreement provides for co-operation in combating crimes such as offences against the person, paedophilia, terrorism, trafficking in arms, illegal migration, crimes against property, money laundering, drug trafficking, trafficking in persons, trafficking in nuclear and radioactive materials and corruption. It also provides for the secondment or exchange of personnel with a view to sharing professional expertise. Articles in the agreement cover procedural matters such as the use and confidentiality of information, protection of personal data, refusal of assistance, bearing of costs, implementation of the agreement regarding other international agreements, entry into force and termination. This item will be taken without debate.
Nos. 2 and 3 are motions which were referred to the Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. That committee has completed its deliberations. No. 2 concerns the postponement of the elections of the regional fisheries boards due to the recent Government decision to restructure the inland fisheries sector. No. 3 concerns a change in the fees for licences issued or renewed on or after 1 January 2006. These items will be taken without debate.
No. 4, Transfer of Execution of Sentences Bill 2004 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil] — Report and Final Stages, will be taken after the Order of Business and conclude not later than 3.45 p.m.; and No. 5, Irish Medicines Board (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2005 — Committee Stage (Resumed), will be taken on the conclusion of No. 4 or at 3.45 p.m., if No. 4 has not concluded earlier. This item will conclude at 6 p.m. or whenever Committee Stage is concluded.
Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)
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I wish to refer briefly to the content of the "Prime Time Investigates" programme last night on RTE, which shone a light on the price fixing cartel that exists among some car dealers in this country. That programme highlighted an abuse, a restrictive practice and a criminal situation where Irish car owners now have to pay, on average, more than 30% more than their UK counterparts. This is a very serious issue. That alleged reputable dealers are involved in fixing prices for car owners here is a scandal. The Government must ensure that prosecutions, through the Director of Public Prosecutions, are taken against this practice if it is a criminal offence. Additional strengths and supports must be given to the Competition Authority to ensure prosecutions occur. Irish motorists are already being ripped off in terms of the high VRT they pay in comparison to other EU citizens on average but now we find that some major dealers in this country are fixing prices in the most extraordinary manner. It is a cartel that smacks of the type of corruption we have seen in other sectors of industry. I ask that the Government take a strong view of this matter, that a firm statement is made by the appropriate Minister and action is taken.
Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)
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The Government has been quiet on this matter to date. It has sat back and waited for the Competition Authority to do its job. Only when we see prosecutions in courts and people accounting for their criminal actions therein will we believe the situation.
The coroners review group reported in 2002 and proposed a number of legislative changes in the way inquests and coroners' rights are applied in Irish courts. One glaring anomaly is that only two medical personnel can take part in a case in the Coroner's Court. The Labour Party leader, Deputy Rabbitte in the Lower House, has proposed straightforward amending legislation. It was published in the past 24 hours and all Members should have it. Will the Leader provide time between now and next week to ensure that Deputy Rabbitte's Bill, which deals exclusively with the issue of the Coroner's Court, will be expedited through this House rather than wait for the omnibus legislation the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform is proposing? Many cases must be dealt with. It is an urgent matter that Deputy Rabbitte's Bill would resolve.
Joe O'Toole (Independent)
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I know that my colleague, Senator Norris, will say something about aeroplane landings but Dr. Condoleezza Rice reportedly said in Germany this morning that European Governments using intelligence obtained by the CIA or other American authorities should not question how it was obtained. This is an appalling reflection on the West. Is it any wonder that we are in trouble with the rest of the world?
We must get an answer from the American authorities at some stage about what Dr. Rice's statement means. Is it that the ends justify the means, matters that many people have questioned over the past one or two years? People diligently stood up on principle and were for or against the war or American involvement. They spoke honestly, openly and articulately. They must feel they are being let down time and time again. That Dr. Rice could state this brings a new end to the issue. It is a philosophy without ethics and is impossible for us to be a part of. If western civilisation does not distance itself from it, we will all pay a serious price in the short term. Others will have more to say on this matter.
I wish to raise an issue in which the Cathaoirleach will have a special interest. I have noted over the past number of days that National University of Ireland, Maynooth, has given a certification to a group of people it refers to as school child protection officers. This sounds like a good idea but it really worries me. I am sure this happened with the best of intentions but the only way in which children will be protected in school is if their relationships with the authorities of the schools — teachers, principals, boards, etc. — is safe. This move diverts that authority and leads a child to believe he or she can talk to a child protection officer as opposed to a teacher, principal, parent or board. Not for a moment would I suggest that anyone has this in mind but, to those of us who saw its downside in the weeks after the Ferns Report, it allows children to be groomed by unscrupulous people who might ensure they get into those positions. I am not alleging or hinting via innuendo that the people who have received this certification are anything other than well intentioned and decent people. However, it is a type of diversion we do not need. We need, as stated previously, the Stay Safe programme, mandatory reporting and all the matters we have talked about here many times before. We do not need a new body of people within schools to deal with this.
Joanna Tuffy (Labour)
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I support Senator Brian Hayes on the need for action by the Government on information about price fixing by car dealers. It is important that the Government would take action and that there be feedback to this House about what has been done in this regard.
I support Senator O'Toole on the need for us to question the United States on its foreign policy. By us not doing that sufficiently, we are endangering our sovereignty. For example, if Shannon Airport is being used to land CIA planes which are being used for bringing detainees to other countries for torture or ill-treatment, as has been alleged by Amnesty International, or if there are secret flights landing at Shannon being used for who knows what by the US Government, it could be unconstitutional and would have a detrimental effect on our sovereignty. We need to act on that now. I ask the Leader to ensure a debate on the issue as soon as possible.
I wish to raise with the Leader a letter I received from the SIPTU office in Kilkenny on the Comerama textile factory workers in Castlecomer. The letter outlines how the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, who was then Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, gave the workers a commitment in 2002 that they would get the approved statutory redundancy terms. That commitment has not been honoured by the Tánaiste or by the Government. I ask the Leader to take up the matter with the Taoiseach and to come back to this House to let us know the up-to-date position.
John Minihan (Progressive Democrats)
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I echo the comments by Senator Brian Hayes on last night's programme on the investigation into the motor industry. Action is required. According to the programme, it now transpires that there are files with the DPP. We all urgently await a DPP decision on this so that we can move forward.
The beefing up of the Competition Authority to carry out similar types of investigations into illegal price fixing is a matter which should be seriously taken on board. In that regard, I wish to mention, as I have done previously, that there are accusations of other cartels operating, particularly in the cement industry.
John Minihan (Progressive Democrats)
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My office has received much information in that regard which I have had forwarded to the Competition Authority. I would welcome an investigation along similar lines.
John Minihan (Progressive Democrats)
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I hope the Competition Authority will act on the matter.
I also wish to comment briefly on the use of Shannon Airport. I have spoken a number of times in the House on the situation in Iraq and my views would be known. I commented on the EU's initiative last week in this regard. It is disturbing that when we cut out all the semantics we are now apparently down to a definition of torture. The admission that the planes are being used to move prisoners is one issue, but where we seem to differ is on what is and what is not torture. Given the admission, the statements made in this House by previous speakers put a considerable onus on the Government to ask serious questions and I would welcome if those questions were asked.
Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)
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In recent times there has been extreme concern on the basis of the statement by the US Secretary of State, Ms Condoleezza Rice, that these planes going through Shannon were not being used for torture. Ms Rice probably coined a new expression in the English language on the use of the word "rendition". I always thought the word "rendition" was a reference to when one asked someone to sing a song at closing time in a public house.
David Norris (Independent)
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They will sing when Condoleezza Rice gets her hands on them.
Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)
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However, the concern is that these are the same Americans who previously made statements about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq which proved to be wrong. They have also made recent statements in respect of phosphorous bombs and were proved wrong. Why should we now believe Condoleezza Rice?
It is not satisfactory for the Government to state that it has asked a specific question and has received a response. There are concerns. It is not sufficient to suggest, as would the Minister for Foreign Affairs, that if people have proof they should give it to the Government. It is now imperative that the Government carries out investigations to try to find out what is going on. All Members are aware that there is much concern at present as to what is happening.
Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)
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The remit of the Private Security Authority, which has been established in Tipperary town, should be extended from simply licensing private security firms to dealing with anyone involved in debt collection. It is appalling that anyone who is, or who has been, involved in serious crime and intimidation should be allowed to be involved in debt collection in any way.
In respect of Senator Brian Hayes's opening request, if the Government establishes an agency such as the Competition Authority, it must ensure it is well resourced. However, those industry representatives who lobby the Government and every Oireachtas Member for tax reductions in respect of their industrial sector have a duty to ensure they do everything within their power to keep prices down. I note that Aer Lingus intends to resume providing air freight services. Perhaps the Minister could make a similar recommendation to Irish Rail, to the effect that it would step up the use of freight.
As far as Shannon is concerned, the Minister for Foreign Affairs asked questions of the Secretary of State and I understand he was given an unequivocal answer. While I would hesitate to describe her as a liar——
Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)
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——there is no disguising the fact that throughout Europe, everyone is deeply unhappy about some of the practices being used in the war on terror and would like to see the norms of international law fully respected.
Shane Ross (Independent)
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I endorse the comments of Senators Brian Hayes, Tuffy, Minihan and other Members regarding the cartel operating in the car industry. I was a participant in the "Prime Time" programme which was broadcast last night and I was staggered by the evidence put in front of me. While the price fixing in that industry is bad enough, it has been suspected for a long time. However, the additional operation of a system of enforcement among these car dealers may not have been noticed or highlighted quite so obviously. They have set up their own rules and courts and fine their own members up to €1,000 for breaching rules they have imposed which are themselves against the law. This is extremely serious. I ask the Leader to organise an all-party motion, debate or statements on this issue, because these car dealers have usurped the role of the Legislature.
The second issue raised by some Members, notably Senator Mansergh, concerns the Competition Authority. There is a tendency in this House to pay almost unanimous tribute to the Competition Authority.
Shane Ross (Independent)
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I am not sure that the authority should be given a fool's pardon in these cases where it always seems to be unable to produce the evidence for prosecutions. It might be a matter of underfunding but I doubt it. I believe there are problems within the Competition Authority which politicians, for some reason, are unwilling to recognise. However, we should recognise and scrutinise them. Finally——
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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The Senator has been given fair latitude. Other Senators are offering.
Shane Ross (Independent)
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The debate we are seeking is to ensure that the motorist, who is vulnerable to these big companies, big government and unscrupulous people, should not be victimised without the protection of this House.
Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)
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Like other Senators, I seek a further discussion about the illegal price fixing outlined in the shocking programme last night. The motorist is being victimised and we have a duty to highlight this and to consider how we can deal with it.
I support Senator O'Toole with regard to the new course that has been established. I wondered where this new child protection certificate course in Maynooth will fit into the broader ambit of the Department of Education and Science. How will these people be employed? Why is this happening now or were there discussions within the Department about it? Perhaps the Leader would investigate this further and arrange a debate on it. It is a good course but I wonder where it will fit into the broader system.
Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)
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The findings of a report on mental health in Irish prisons were published recently. They are a shocking indictment of our system and how we care for people with mental illness. If a homeless person suffering from a mental illness comes to the attention of gardaí, he or she is, despite being in distress and in need of treatment, taken to a prison instead of to a mental institution for proper attention and treatment. That is unfair and unsuitable. Something must be done immediately to stop that practice. Indeed, in some cases, when there is no room either in a mental institution or in the jail, such people are taken to accident and emergency departments and held there under security until a place is finally found for them. I ask the Leader to arrange an urgent debate on this issue. If homeless persons are in distress and in need of treatment, why are they put in jail?
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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Many Senators are offering so I ask them to be as brief as possible.
Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)
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I join other Senators in calling for a debate on the Competition Authority. The fact that a programme such as "Prime Time" can, through investigative journalism, secure documents which show collusion on anti-competitive practices and the Competition Authority, which has statutory powers, is unable to do so raises serious questions about the body. This relates not just to the motor industry but also to other areas such as the legal and medical professions. There are many areas where the Competition Authority appears to be ineffective. That is the issue which should be examined.
3:00 pm
David Norris (Independent)
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This House led the way in alerting the public to what is happening regarding extraordinary rendition. It is appropriate that we continue to do this. The United States authorities and people such as Vice-President Cheney actively endorse and approve of torture. However, people in American society, such as Republican Senator John McCain, are so concerned about this that Senator McCain put down amendments to legislation to outlaw torture. Vice-President Cheney is now trying to remove this provision from the Bill so the CIA can continue to torture. As former President Carter has expressed serious concern about this, it could not be seen as anti-American to examine it.
In 2004, the Minister for Transport, Deputy Cullen, told the Dáil about one of these rendition flights that landed in Shannon. He described it as a technical stop. That is worrying. We must examine it in light of advice given to a committee of the British Parliament yesterday to the effect that allowing these aeroplanes to refuel renders a country's Government complicit, under international law, in the commission of a serious international crime. Last week I mentioned the possibility of establishing an all-party committee of this House to investigate this matter and the Leader indicated she would consider it. With the assistance of the clerical staff here I have looked through the Standing Orders of this House and there is provision under Standing Order 64 to establish such a committee. I ask the Leader to consider this as soon as possible and would be happy to talk to her after the Order of Business to see if this can be done. All that is required is the establishment of terms of reference.
Joe McHugh (Fine Gael)
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On the eve of the budget — it is probably written in stone but there may be a window of opportunity——
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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Does the Senator have a relevant question?
Joe McHugh (Fine Gael)
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I received a letter from AnGrianán Theatre in Letterkenny with an 11th hour plea for VAT exemptions for Northern Ireland artists and theatre companies. Some 20% of the theatre's programme involves artists from Northern Ireland and these VAT charges will curtail Northern Ireland artists from coming to Letterkenny and will lead to a price hike that will affect Donegal theatre patrons. As patrons come to Letterkenny from Derry, Tyrone and Fermanagh, this would be a conciliatory cross-Border project and a good token in the terms of the Good Friday Agreement.
On an RTE programme shown on Sunday the shop steward from Fruit of the Loom in Inishowen said there was no FÁS intervention for their employees. I am verifying this comment but Inishowen people should not be treated differently from other people in County Donegal who leave their jobs. I ask for clarification on that.
James Bannon (Fine Gael)
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I support the Leader and other Members who requested immediate action by the Government on price fixing in the car industry. Some dealers lie to and cheat their customers. There is also a health and safety issue. If mileage clocks are being interfered with to the extent that last night's programme claimed, other parts of the engines are being interfered with and some of those cars may become a traffic hazard. The onus is on the Government to deal with this immediately. We do not want it put on the long finger as this reactionary Government has done with so many other issues.
James Bannon (Fine Gael)
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I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Deputy Brennan, to this House to debate the pension crisis. We were told recently that 69% of the population does not have a pension plan and that figure rises to 76% in the private sector. There is an onus on the Government to ensure that people are looked after in their old age and additional tax incentives and relief to deal with this should be built into the budget. There is also an opportunity for the Minister to reduce the duty on diesel and petrol. Businesses, farmers and the Irish road haulage industry are at risk. There is an element of fear in industry due to unfair competition.
James Bannon (Fine Gael)
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I wish to see action on those issues.
Mary Henry (Independent)
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As Senators O'Toole and Ormonde have mentioned, I am alarmed by the development of these newly certified types of child protection officers. We should inject urgency into this matter and ask the Minister for Education and Science into the House to explain the position these officers will take up, if any, in schools. Will this be in a paid or a voluntary capacity? We should investigate this as we have gone through a traumatic time in this country with regard to child sexual abuse. Initiatives which may appear beneficial could be quite harmful in the long term.
I support Senator Ulick Burke's call for a debate on the report by the Irish Prison Service on the mentally ill in prison. It has not yet been published but it appears that these cases are even worse than we all believed. I am sure Senators know there is a special area in Mountjoy Prison where mentally ill and intellectually incapacitated people are held. It is incredible that in 2005 we have a special area in one of our oldest prisons devoted to minding these people, who should not be in the facility at all. Many of these people are imprisoned because of petty crimes. These issues are not politically biased, and as soon as the report becomes available we should debate them in the House.
There should be a sense of urgency surrounding the issue of child protection officers.
Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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It is some years since the Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Deputy Parlon, told us he would compile an inventory of State assets, with particular emphasis on those considered to be surplus to requirements and which could be sold off or put to better use, perhaps in connection with the decentralisation programme.
Terry LeydenPaul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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Where is this report and does it exist? We have not seen it.
Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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Perhaps, given that there is a question over the decentralisation programme, will the Leader arrange an early debate on the matter so we could take both issues together?
Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)
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I ask for a special debate on the sugar beet industry. We are having a debate tomorrow on World Trade Organisation talks but I suspect there will not be sufficient time to debate the sugar industry. I ask that before the Seanad rises next week we have a specific debate on the industry's future. When we return in late January next year we might well have no sugar beet industry left.
Peter CallananFergal Browne (Fine Gael)
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We owe it to the 4,000 beet growers and the hundreds of workers that may lose their jobs over the Christmas period.
Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)
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I agree with Senators who raised the question of the child protection officers being appointed with regard to schools. Bullying is a significant problem in secondary schools in particular, and the Government has given only €2 million instead of the requested €5 million. Perhaps we should examine whether resources are being well spent. It may make more sense to give money to teachers to counteract attacks both on staff and pupils in schools.
I thank Senator Tuffy for raising the issue of the Comerama workers. I attended a meeting, along with other Senators and Deputies from across the parties, regarding promises made to these workers that they would receive enhanced redundancy packages, as the textile firm is going out of business. These workers are out by approximately €10,000 each. If the workers had known they would not get the enhanced package, they could have worked an extra day a week until such time that a new redundancy package was formulated. These workers are protesting outside the House on a cold December day.
Some 16 workers who worked for longer got a better package. The workers misled by the Tánaiste have since been treated with contempt. Government Deputies and Opposition Deputies and Senators are also involved. The current Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Martin, was sent a letter on 13 May but he did not have the manners to reply. The workers had to come to Dublin today to accost the Minister on the street, as it was the only way to get his attention. It is disgraceful.
Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)
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We talk of the importance of democracy.
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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The Senator has made his point quite adequately.
Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)
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We speak of the benefits of democracy, but those poor people are out on a cold street today and their voices are not being heard. Neither the former nor the current Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment has honoured a commitment or even met the workers to hear their case.
Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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Senator Brian Hayes mentioned last night's "Prime Time Investigates", which investigated restrictive practices, price fixing and the existence of a cartel in the car industry and was watched by many in this House. The uncovering of the existence of this cartel is a credit to the team which produced this programme. Senator Brian Hayes asked whether the Competition Authority needs more resources. I understand that the files in question have been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions. It was disturbing to see how people could be so easily ripped off and how easily price cartels could be assembled to treat consumers in such an unfair fashion. This House should attempt to follow up the matter.
Senator Hayes also inquired about the coroners review board. I met with Deputy Rabbitte this morning and he brought the Bill to my attention. I had already read the Bill, which aims to rectify a situation relating to parents and young children who were treated in Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin. In the current restrictive set-up, only two medical personnel are allowed to testify at the Coroner's Court. Deputy Rabbitte told me that he has agreed with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform that the matter will be debated and dealt with expeditiously in the Dáil tomorrow and asked me whether the matter could be debated in the same fashion in this House. We will monitor the Bill's progress through the Dáil over the coming days.
Senator O'Toole spoke about the recent statement by the US Secretary of State, Dr. Condoleezza Rice, which I also found appalling. He also addressed the role and training of school child protection officers, with which I am unfamiliar. I did not know that school child protection officers would be certified by the National University of Ireland, Maynooth. I am sure these developments are for the best, although they are slightly odd. It appears there has been a rush to introduce arrangements to ensure children's safety in schools. The Minister for Education and Science should come to the House to tell us more about the role and training of school child protection officers. I agree that mandatory reporting and the Stay Safe programme would be far more useful but we must wait and monitor developments.
Senator Tuffy spoke about price fixing in the car industry. She also argued that our sovereignty is endangered if CIA flights transporting detainees to other countries for torture or ill treatment or secret US flights land at Shannon Airport. However, we do not know if this is true. I tabled an Adjournment motion on the matter approximately one month ago but received a very vague reply. We need some method of dealing with the array of developments regarding this issue.
Senator Tuffy also spoke about a letter she received from SIPTU concerning the situation of workers at the Comerama textile plant in Castlecomer and the assurances given to them. I think every Member received this letter. The matter should be debated on the Adjournment.
I agree with Senator Minihan's call for the strengthening of the powers of the Competition Authority. He also spoke about the possible existence of cartels in the cement industry. We all knew about the existence of cartels in this industry but not those in the car industry until we watched "Prime Time Investigates" last night. I agree that we should show our concern about the situation in Iraq. Concern has certainly been expressed about it for a long time.
Senator Mansergh argued that the remit of the Private Security Authority should cover debt collection. He also argued that industry has a duty to keep prices down and that as Aer Lingus was resuming freight services, Irish Rail should do likewise, which I agree with. Senator Mansergh also stated that international law should be fully respected.
Senator Ross also commented on price fixing in the car industry and I compliment him on his performance in last night's edition of "Prime Time Investigates".
Shane Ross (Independent)
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Will the Leader please answer the question?
Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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We are used to Senator Ross being a media mogul. He was astounded when he was presented with evidence of price fixing in "Prime Time Investigates". He argued today that the Competition Authority is apparently unable to produce evidence for prosecutions and that motorists are victimised. He also spoke about how car dealers have set up their own rules and fines, which appears very odd.
Senator Ormonde took up the same issue as Senator O'Toole about the child protection officers and their place in the school environment. Senator Ulick Burke wondered how we care for people with mental health problems in the prison system. Senator Henry told us the Irish Prison Service report is not out yet. As soon as it is released we will discuss it in the House.
Senator Jim Walsh requested a debate on the Competition Authority. That is long overdue. The members of the authority are leaving one after the other. There were five resignations last week, which was quite alarming.
Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)
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It is like the office of the Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Deputy Callely.
Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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Last week Senator Norris suggested setting up a cross-party committee of this House and subsequently wrote a letter to that effect. This is allowed for under the comhrú as we have it now. I asked the Assistant Clerk to the Seanad to give me information on that, which I have. If it suits the party leaders we can have a quick chat about this proposal after the Order of Business. We should do something about it because those of us who used to raise that topic were regarded as cranks, now those who do not bring it up are cranks.
With regard to the transport of US prisoners, all the evidence cannot be wrong. I always had an uneasy feeling about the rendition and torture but could not get any information, which might lead one to believe I am the crank but I do not think so now. The attack on sovereignty is the danger if Shannon Airport is being used in this process.
Senator Norris suggests we should obtain the right to investigate the aeroplanes in question but in many cases the horse has bolted. The United States will tighten up on this and Shannon will no longer be used. In Germany this morning there was an acrimonious debate between Ms Rice and Angela Merkel about the issue. I will report back to the Senator on the all-party committee when we have drafted its terms of reference.
Senator McHugh spoke about VAT exemptions for artists from Northern Ireland coming to Letterkenny to ply their trade. He also said that according to a man who spoke about this in a programme on RTE, there was no FÁS intervention at Fruit of the Loom. The Senator will furnish further information on that issue.
Senator Bannon spoke about the fixing of car prices and requested a debate on the pensions crisis. The Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Deputy Brennan, will come to the House to talk about that issue. Senator Bannon also made a last minute plea to the Minister of Finance for reductions on diesel and petrol duty in the budget. The prices have gone down today. It is cheaper to fill one's tank than it has been for some time.
Senator Henry spoke about child protection officers and the report of the Irish Prison Service. Hopefully, we will receive that when it is published. Senator Coghlan requested a report on the inventory of State assets and a debate on decentralisation. He asked that the Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Deputy Parlon, come to the House to answer questions on both matters. I am sure he would be very pleased to do so. He does come here.
Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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I am glad to see the Leader is not using a "little red book".
Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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I have a big book.
Senator Browne spoke about the sugar beet industry. The Minister for Agriculture and Food told us she will discuss the sugar industry tomorrow when she comes to the House for statements on the WTO trade talks. The Senator will have his chance then to ask about it. Like Senator Tuffy, he asked about the package for the SIPTU workers. That would make for a good Adjournment matter.
Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)
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It has been raised as an Adjournment matter time and again, here and in the Dáil, but the workers are being continually cut down.