Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on accident and emergency services, to be taken at the conclusion of the Order of Business and to conclude not later than 7 p.m., with the contributions of spokespersons not to exceed 20 minutes, those of other Senators not to exceed ten minutes and Members may share time. The Minister will be called upon to reply not later than ten minutes before the conclusion of the statements.

Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)
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It is fitting and proper that the House sends its warmest regards to Archbishop Robin Eames who today announced his retirement as Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of the Church of Ireland at the end of this year. He was and is an extraordinary churchman who lived in extraordinary times. He represents the value of tolerance and always stood up for the decent values in this country. He did his level best to advance the cause of ecumenism in Ireland.

I make these remarks in the context of the appalling sectarian killing in County Antrim over the weekend of a 15 year old boy, MichaelMcIlveen. He was brutally killed by a sectarian gang who were out for blood lust. I believe Robin Eames's values of peace and reconciliation, which he always espoused during his time as the Church of Ireland Primate of All Ireland and in the wider Anglican community, are needed to stand up to sectarianism on this island, wherever it raises its ugly head. I wish him well in his retirement. I also hope swift prosecutions will follow the awful sectarian murder in Northern Ireland over the weekend.

Will the Leader clarify the position concerning proceedings in the Lower House tomorrow? Today is Europe Day but I note the Seanad is not having a specific debate on it. I accept statements were held some weeks ago after an EU Council meeting to which I contributed. Some Senators, members of a joint committee, will attend a joint committee proceeding in the other House. I would have thought it appropriate that a debate would be held today or tomorrow in this House to reflect upon the issues at the heart of the European debate.

Joe O'Toole (Independent)
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It is appropriate for the House to note the extraordinary and unfortunate death of Ms Máire Buckley, who contributed so much to Dublin's inner city educational development and battling the effects of social exclusion and underprivilege. Over the weekend, she was unfortunately killed by that tearaway bus. The House has often debated the need to recognise the work of those involved in inner city schools, hospitals and other social services. It is great, even under these unfortunate and extraordinary circumstances, that Máire Buckley's contribution is well recognised. She worked tirelessly in the area over the years. Anyone involved in education, politics or community work in Dublin inner city could not but know her. The circumstances of her death raise one's anger and hackles but that is for another day.

Over the past few days, the might and mass of the State has been brought to bear on the housebound who cannot attend mass or services. They are generally aged people who receive a local radio broadcast of mass and religious service from their churches. They are, however, being treated as villains and those providing the service are being criminalised. ComReg has ordered the broadcast services to be stopped as they are interfering with air traffic control. This kind of action gives politics a bad name.

Although ComReg has an important function to ensure the airwaves are protected, it must also be recognised that the airwaves are the people's property. In every regulation governing the airwaves, free access for ordinary people has always been provided through citizens' band, short-wave radio or various forms of VHF channels. It would be better for ComReg to approach this issue in a positive way to support local communities which wish to provide these broadcast services. I am not making a case for the Roman Catholic Church. Normally, I would be having a go at it but this is an important social service for housebound people who find themselves isolated and lonely.

I have discussed the matter with ComReg over recent days. It has assured me that it will introduce regulations and guidelines to enable these broadcast services to continue. I accept that any interference with air traffic control must be stopped. The reality, however, is that these services do not interfere with aviation frequencies, as their transmitters are not powerful enough to do so. A quick resolution must be reached. When the legislation on broadcasting transmission was passed, it was with the idea that certain aspects of the broadcasting spectrum would always be available to people on a community level, such as citizens' band broadcasting, various VHF channels or licensing of local community broadcasting. If local churches have to be empowered in that manner, then so be it. I recognise the difficult job ComReg must do. I am not one to be running to the Joe Duffy radio show which has carried this story over the past few days but has been misinformed on several aspects of it. Nonetheless what ComReg has done is unacceptable and it should now ensure local communities are enabled.

Joanna Tuffy (Labour)
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I support Senator Brian Hayes's comments on Dr. Eames and the need for us to campaign against sectarianism following the terrible tragedy of the young boy who was killed over the weekend in a sectarian attack.

I also support Senator O'Toole's comments on Máire Buckley. My colleague, Deputy Costello, issued a statement about her work in his constituency yesterday; she was involved in the community through her work in education.

I agree with Senator O'Toole's comments about the need for ComReg to do something to enable churches to broadcast local masses to the community. Some elderly people in my area cannot leave the house and the broadcasting of the mass into their homes is more than just supportive, it offers them a link to the community. It is important that they receive a local mass in their homes but there are very few community radio stations. ComReg must come up with a solution to facilitate churches.

The report on human trafficking launched by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Garda found that Ireland was at risk from trafficking of women and children for sexual exploitation. Ruhama, an organisation that works with prostitutes, dealt with 32 women last year who had been trafficked in this way and forced into prostitution. It believes that is only the tip of the iceberg. Last night's edition of "Prime Time" told the stories of women who were trafficked here and forced into prostitution, including a 14 year old girl. I ask the Leader to impress on the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform that the legislation he claims the Department is preparing to deal with this issue should be given priority. It will implement framework directives which go back to 2002 and 2003 on the need for us to comply with UN conventions on transnational crime which contain a protocol on human trafficking and the Council of Europe convention on this issue.

At the moment it is only an offence to traffic someone to Ireland for sexual exploitation if he or she is under 17. There is a need to introduce legislation to ensure that anyone who trafficks people here and forces them into prostitution can be prosecuted, along with those who knowingly use the services of trafficked women and children.

Greater resources must be provided to deal with the issue. The Minister announced an awareness campaign by Crimestoppers to report trafficking. The Crimestoppers telephone number is not enough, there is a need for a dedicated helpline for the victims of trafficking. The European Parliament has called for this. The Crimestoppers initiative is good but it only goes a small part of the way to doing something about this issue.

John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)
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I join Senator Brian Hayes in paying tribute to Archbishop Eames and wish him well in his retirement and, in doing so, acknowledge the contribution he has made not just to his church but to national society and the peace process on this island. He was a voice of reason and Christian charity and tolerance at a time when that was difficult, something we must acknowledge. Perhaps a voice like his can penetrate those minds in Ballymena and elsewhere that are impervious to any reason. I congratulate the Police Service of Northern Ireland which has apprehended people in connection with the terrible crime of the killing of the young boy. One of those accused appears to be a minor, which is something on which we should reflect.

Today is Europe Day and it is being marked by functions and ceremonies around the country. We must also welcome the fact that tomorrow the Dáil will devote a day to European matters. I acknowledge the work done by the Ceann Comhairle on the matter. He has been an advocate of Europe Day throughout Europe and has encouraged national parliaments to devote a day to European matters. One of the reasons is that in the ordinary nature of affairs, high visibility matters. Issues such as health, criminal justice, education, etc., dominate the media while important matters of a European nature get little prominence. One way to accord them prominence is to have a day specifically devoted to them. Hopefully, Seanad Members will be able to contribute.

Next Thursday, this House will debate the report of the Joint Committee on European Affairs on migration. It would be appropriate to discuss some of the issues raised by Senator Tuffy in that debate, such as the trafficking of people.

There is a European White Paper on EU communication policy. The lack of communication seems to be at the heart of some of the difficulties with having the EU constitution adopted. This is an important issue and I suggest the Leader consider a debate on the issue when the report is available. Perhaps we should have a Commissioner here and open the floor to MEPs to participate in a debate.

Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)
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I join in the expressions of sympathy for Máire Buckley, who was a native of Newcastle West. Many of the people of the town who know the Buckley family well were stunned by the news. She was a beacon of light in educational circles and was known for her work with the disadvantaged in the inner city.

On a regular basis statistics are published on the numbers waiting for driving tests. Ireland has a road safety problem which has been discussed often in this House. Anybody looking at today's statistics would say we are going backwards rather than forwards with regard to driving tests. Over 135,000 people nationally are waiting for a test. It is shocking and intimidating to consider that 12,500 people are waiting for a test at the Churchtown centre alone.

Last week we reflected on how we are no longer involved in the partnership talks which have been taken out of the political equation. I hope the ongoing partnership talks will redress the farcical situation where 100 driving testers who belong to the IMPACT union resisted the Minister's attempt to outsource driving tests to a private body, which would have removed at least 40,000 people from the waiting list. In that situation, the partnership process seemed to support the union members and the Minister was not able to get his way. If we are out of the equation, I hope the current partnership talks ——

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Does the Senator seek a debate?

Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)
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Please allow me the same latitude as the previous speaker.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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I allowed latitude to group leaders. There are a considerable number of Senators offering.

Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)
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I am about to finish. I hope common sense prevails in the current partnership talks and that we do not have a stupid situation where a union will oppose a sensible proposition by the Minister. I support the Minister in what he is trying to do in this regard. If I was allowed the latitude, I would try to highlight the folly of taking politicians out of the equation.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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I allowed the Senator considerable latitude.

Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)
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I join with Senators Brian Hayes and Dardis in conveying the best wishes of this House to Archbishop Eames. There is no doubt that he was one of the great inspirational figures of recent modern history and he provided astute leadership, not just to his own flock but to all people on this island. We should not underestimate the role he played in harmonising relationships on this island and promoting the peace process. I have no doubt also that the role he played was closely and keenly watched by the British Government.

On another matter, we all recall the great pride and emotion displayed in this country when the Government accorded national honours to the forgotten ten volunteers who were buried in Mountjoy Prison, where they had been executed, and whose remains had remained in that jail for over 80 years. It was also evident on Easter Sunday that there was great pride in this country's history and great admiration for those people who won our freedom.

Volunteer Thomas Kent was also executed in 1916. His family played a major role in the War of Independence but the remains of Volunteer Thomas Kent still lie in jail grounds in Cork. It would be worthwhile, and I understand there is a possibility, that national honours be accorded to Volunteer Thomas Kent at this time because not only is it the 90th anniversary of the Easter Rising, it is also the 90th anniversary of his execution. I hope this year will not pass without ensuring his remains are reinterred in a more appropriate and significant location.

Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)
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I join with Senator Tuffy in highlighting the trafficking of women portrayed in the "Prime Time" programme last night. It was a shocking programme in terms of the way so many vulnerable women are taken from their own country and trafficked to Ireland to become the property of pimps. Most of those are men but I was surprised to learn that some women were involved in the organisation of these women in the sex trade.

Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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That is right.

Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)
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I am dismayed that the Government is not taking this issue seriously. We must have specific legislation dealing with the sexual exploitation of women. Senator Tuffy outlined well the way the United Nations has highlighted our deficiencies in this area and that gardaí, as highlighted in last night's programme, are not trained in this area.

We must introduce legislation that will protect these women when they manage to free themselves from their pimps. Instead of being put into Mountjoy Prison and then deported, they must be given temporary residency here and looked after until such time as they can be rehabilitated. We must let them choose where they want to go. Many of them are in fear of their lives when they are sent home because those men threaten to kill them or members of their families. It is a horrifying story for so many women and I want to support them. We must ensure that we protect them and that this industry does not flourish here, which is the case currently.

I was horrified to learn that this is going on not just in Dublin but in towns throughout the country; a town in the midlands was mentioned last night. I was horrified by what is going on and the way women are treated as somebody's property to be used and abused. I hope the Leader will join with us in trying to introduce the legislation that will deal with this problem.

Maurice Hayes (Independent)
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I would like to be associated with the tributes to Archbishop Eames, whom I have known since he was a curate. In all that time he has maintained remarkable consistency in supporting peace, the resolution of conflict, dignity and human rights. He is a person who provided real leadership in Northern Ireland in very difficult times. He is a real pastor, not only to his own flock but to the wider community. Northern Ireland is richer for his having been there but will be poorer once he retires. We must wish him well.

Could the Leader clarify the position regarding Europe Day and the House's involvement in it? We should be deeply involved in this event.

Shane Ross (Independent)
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I wish to associate myself with the remarks of everyone who paid tribute to Archbishop Eames and to echo the words of Senator Maurice Hayes. It must be immensely frustrating to be a clergyman in Northern Ireland where the only weapons one possesses are words to be used against the weapons of action used by politicians and the real weapons used by paramilitaries. Archbishop Eames wielded what small weaponry of words he possessed very well. He consistently preached the gospel of peace and practised ecumenism in that he consistently joined with other denominations in an attempt to bring peace to Northern Ireland. I cannot recall the exact length of time he spent in office but it must have been over 20 years.

He continued, with enormous patience, to pursue the goal of peace. Therefore, he and others like him are to some extent the unsung heroes of the battle against the paramilitaries in Northern Ireland. It is a fitting time to pay tribute to the people from all denominations, from those involved in the early talks in the 1970s to those involved in last year's surrender of arms by the IRA. These people played a role behind the scenes without being aggressive or active in other ways in this particular crusade against the men of violence on both sides. It is appropriate for us to pay tribute not just to Archbishop Eames but also to Cardinal Cathal Daly and others on both sides for their contribution to peace in Northern Ireland. It is not too late for us to wish both Cardinal Daly and Archbishop Eames a happy retirement and the thanks of this House for their work during this period.

Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)
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I wish to associate myself with remarks made by other Senators and pay tribute to the role of Archbishop Eames in the peace process. For over 20 years, he was a sounding board and source of advice for successive Irish Governments. He also played a crucial role in the transformation of what is now referred to as the Hume-Adams initiative into the Downing Street Declaration, which was the catalyst for the first ceasefire. He played the critical role in persuading both the then British Prime Minister, John Major, and the then leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, James Molyneaux, that the Hume-Adams initiative was worth supporting. He, along with the Reverend Roy McGee, also played a very important role in bringing about the loyalist ceasefires which followed the IRA ceasefire.

As Senator Maurice Hayes noted, we still witness appalling manifestations of sectarianism, an evil which is only slightly less heinous than paramilitary conflict. A considerable amount of work, which is probably best carried out within each religious community, must be done to combat sources of sectarianism and actively root out this dreadful scourge.

On a lighter note, thanks to Tipperary Mid West Community Radio, older people in Tipperary town can now listen to mass every Sunday in their own homes, an arrangement which should be replicated around the country.

Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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I wish to be associated with the tributes paid to Archbishop Robin Eames, all of which are richly deserved.

I commend the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Deputy Brennan's, concept of means-tested mortgage interest relief, which I hope becomes more than an idea. While there may be many possible actions, the Government could do something concrete and practical without costing the Exchequer a single euro, namely, pass No. 15 on our Order Paper, the Housing (Stage Payments) Bill 2006. As the House knows, many young people are trying to get on the housing ladder, paying over the odds and bridging finances because they are making staged payments instead of paying deposits and balances on completion. This would be normal but is not happening in many parts of the country. Young married couples and others are being crippled by this extra imposition.

When does the Leader envisage this injustice ending? I have heard her and Members on the opposite side of the House say they are sympathetic many times, such as when we previously debated the matter. We must be concrete and practical in expressing our sympathies by passing the Bill or having the Government replace it with another measure, which the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government with special responsibility for housing and urban renewal, Deputy Noel Ahern, promised in May 2004. I look forward to the Leader's response.

Cyprian Brady (Fianna Fail)
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I also wish to be associated with Senator O'Toole's recognition of the work of the late Máire Buckley. I had first-hand experience of her commitment. Even though she retired last September, she attended and organised last year's Christmas party and concert at the Rutland Street school. Her loss will leave a large gap, not alone in the Rutland Street and Marlborough Street schools, but throughout the north inner city.

In the context of last weekend's tragic events, will the Leader arrange a debate with the Minister for Transport on an early warning system on our motorways? If anything was learned from last weekend, it was that there was a lack of co-ordination between the Garda and local radio and television stations.

Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)
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It is time to remove stamp duty for first-time buyers of second-hand properties. Similarly, people who wish to trade up from their family homes and buy brand new properties will be exempt from stamp duty but they must pay the duty if they buy second-hand properties. Consequently, they are deterred from selling their houses. We should try to maintain a constant roll-over of three or two-bedroom semi-detached houses on the market, but stamp duty deters people. Examining the housing sector from this angle would immediately encourage more people into the market.

Senator Finucane's point about driver testing was the answer I received last week. It is shocking that more than 400,000 people, one in five drivers, are on provisional driving licences. A recent report recommended reducing the alcohol limit to zero, which is a road I hope we will not go down. People are capable of going out and having one or two drinks. The zero limit would be fair in cities where public transport is readily available, but it would be dreadful to have it in a rural area and economy. I would oppose the limit. We would also be killing off a social aspect. I hope that ours is not a knee-jerk reaction to road fatalities.

Previously, I suggested that we seriously examine the issue of drug driving. Last week in the UK, a report showed that 20% of young motorists take to the road everyday while high on illegal drugs. It also found that young people are twice as likely to be driven by someone high on drugs rather than over the alcohol limit. Before going down the road of criminalising someone who has had one glass of wine before driving home, let us get real and examine the modern issue of drug driving.

Could the House urge the Minister for Transport to stop issuing statements about revamping the driving test and not allowing provisional licence holders to drive their cars after failing their tests when it is clear that such would be impossible, given that there are 400,000 people on that list? Let us clear the backlog before talking about altering the current situation. Otherwise, there will be further chaos.

Michael Kitt (Fianna Fail)
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I wish to support the comments made regarding local parish radio masts. I know from personal experience in my parish that they have been of great benefit to the elderly and the housebound. Headlines to the effect that radio masts pose a threat to aircraft and that the regulator would shut down such transmitters are somewhat over the top. It is a grey area and people have been accused of acting illegally by broadcasting mass or even possessing broadcasting equipment. I hope this matter can be clarified and there should be a dedicated radio frequency for parishes to broadcast mass. Although the House could hold a debate in this regard, the quickest solution would be for the regulator to decide on a frequency and allow the resumption of parish masses on radio.

John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)
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I join with previous speakers, especially Senators Tuffy and O'Toole, who raised the issue of the letter from ComReg to different community groups, and to church groups in particular, with regard to ending broadcasts. Yesterday, I was shocked and appalled when I learned of this proposal. A number of my constituents contacted me and a parish priest from my native southern County Kilkenny appeared on the national airwaves yesterday. He had received such a letter and was informed that it affected all parish activities, including mass, other announcements and different community events which are broadcast to those elderly or ill people who are housebound. Such people constitute a vulnerable sector of the community in both rural and urban areas, and this proposal is pathetic.

I urge the Leader to make all possible representations to the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to try to ensure such community broadcasting facilities can continue in their current form. For many people, they are the only link to the community in which they live. Members should do their utmost to retain them in the face of the cutbacks which have affected many community and voluntary services in both rural and urban areas.

Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)
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Hear, hear.

Peter Callanan (Fianna Fail)
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I wish to be associated with the tributes paid to Archbishop Eames, who has served his country and community well.

I commend Senator Ó Murchú and join him in acknowledging the role of the Kent family in the struggle for Irish freedom. On this day 90 years ago, 9 May 1916, Thomas Kent was put to death by the then occupying forces. He is still held in high regard in Cork generally and in Castlelyons in particular, of which he was a native. As Senator Ó Murchú has noted, it would be appropriate to pay national honour to the memory of the late Thomas Kent. He is the only person buried within the walls of Cork Prison and it would be appropriate and proper to re-inter his body in the family plot in Castlelyons or perhaps in St. Fin Barre's in Cork.

There are many stories about the Kent family and it may not be known generally that one of their relatives serves in the other House. He is a Minister of State from Cork.

Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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Who is it?

Peter Callanan (Fianna Fail)
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Deputy Michael Ahern. Perhaps I should not have mentioned it. However, as the Leader asked me, I responded.

His penultimate request was that an Irishman would not be asked to shoot him, which was granted. He was also a member of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association and asked the attending priest, Fr. Sexton, to return his pioneer badge to his curate in Castlelyons, Fr. Ahern. It is also fair to remember that two of his brothers, as well as his aged mother, were taken prisoner early on the morning of 2 May. It would be appropriate for Members to remember that today, 9 May 2006, is the commemorative date for the events of 9 May 1916.

Brendan Kenneally (Fianna Fail)
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I, too, wish to raise the decision made by ComReg in the past couple of days to discontinue services to parishes and communities throughout the country. Clarity must be brought to the debate. I will raise the issue tomorrow at the Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural resources.

Technically, ComReg is within its rights in this regard, but it could have put more thought into the way it dealt with the matter. We must try to dispel some of the misinformation that exists. For instance, there is a suggestion that air traffic control was being affected, which cannot be the case because it operates on a totally different frequency. It has been a great service for many elderly and bed-ridden people throughout the country who can listen to daily mass being celebrated in their parishes, particularly during funerals because elderly people tend to know many people who have died and they cannot attend the funeral themselves. As it is a great comfort to them to be able to listen to the mass on the radio, it is a pity the service is being discontinued.

There is a suggestion that it is operating on a frequency on which a Dublin-based station may be rolling out throughout the country. I do not know if that is the case, but it is something that must be investigated. If it is the case, perhaps ComReg should have waited until the station was ready to roll out the service.

In the meantime ComReg should be making every effort to find some other frequency within which it can operate properly and legally. It has suggested that it will find a solution to the problem later in the year. However, the House should ask it to try to come up with the solution sooner rather than later.

Mary White (Fianna Fail)
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I wish to refer to the points made by my colleagues on the horror stories highlighted on the "Prime Time" programme last night. I could not believe that an exclusive apartment block in Ballsbridge was named, which I passed this morning on my way to Leinster House. I could not but think about the contrast between the patriots who died for our country 90 years ago and who are being celebrated for their courage, bravery and integrity and the Irish men who, on a daily basis, are using as sexual slaves tearful women from eastern Europe. I am in a state of shock and disbelief following what I saw last night. I could not believe this was happening in my country. One of the young girls said she was in tears all day but it did not appear to bother the predators who were abusing her. We cannot imagine the psychological impact it will have on these young women for the rest of their lives or how they will ever live a decent life.

Last week the Inspector of Irish Prisons and Places of Detention made a public statement about the conditions under which prisoners in Irish prisons are being kept. He said that the prisoners are being denied their basic rights and that proper measures to aid the rehabilitation of offenders, particularly young offenders, are not in place. We are aware that the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and Mr. Justice Dermot Kinlen have had an acrimonious relationship. As I know Mr. Justice Kinlen personally, and I have had a number of meetings with him, I believe him and trust his judgment. It is about time we woke up to what is happening.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Is the Senator seeking a debate?

Mary White (Fianna Fail)
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I am seeking a debate on the public statements made by Mr. Justice Kinlen last week. Are we following the American and British model of large new prisons rather than the Scandinavian model of rehabilitation and encouraging and helping people to get jobs when they leave prison so that they will not re-offend?

Camillus Glynn (Fianna Fail)
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As I was attending a meeting, unfortunately, I did not hear what Senator Ó Murchú said about honouring the memory of Thomas Kent but I strongly support what he said. It is outrageous that someone who unselfishly gave his life for the cause of Irish freedom should be buried, like that of a common criminal, within the confines of a prison. Thomas Kent was a noble patriot which was demonstrated by the great generosity he showed, not least with his life. It is 90 years ago today since he was executed and it remains for him to be appropriately treated by this State, which, by his own unselfish actions, he helped to found and build. It is never too late to do the right thing and honour this great man who put his country before everything else and paid the ultimate price.

John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)
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I join my colleagues in calling on ComReg, the Government and the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to ensure that those who rely on the radio for their church services can continue to have access to them. If a ministerial order is required, one should be passed quickly. In many aspects of Irish life, where there is a public or charitable benefit accruing from a service, we go out of our way to ensure that value added tax and other taxes are not imposed. We ensure that facilities which help people, including particularly the credit unions, are given special status and this case is no different. I can think of no more laudable reason for access to the public airwaves than for the transmission of church services to people who are elderly or incapacitated.

I also agree with the calls for very severe sentences to be imposed on those who are trafficking in people. There are two types of trafficking, one of which involves bringing people here for work. The other involves bringing people here for slavery and in the latter case, a most severe penalty must be put in place.

With regard to violent crime, in incidents where the perpetrator is, for example, skilled in karate, this will be taken into account by the sentencing judge. He or she will tend to view such skills in a malign fashion, as if they were a weapon such as a knife. Unfortunately, there is a habit in this country, when drink has been taken, of kicking victims in the head. I have been asked to raise this matter in the Seanad and am glad to do so. If somebody is lying on the ground and is kicked in the head, that should be looked upon as a very serious matter. New legislation may be required to deal with this issue.

Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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Senator Brian Hayes, the leader of the Opposition, raised the matter of the imminent retirement of Archbishop Robin Eames. All of those who have met, watched, observed and listened to Dr. Eames will know what a beneficial influence he has been. His own viewpoint was always one of tolerance and understanding of all peoples and he particularly promoted ecumenism. As Leader of this House I will write a letter representing the views and good wishes of Senators. That would be a good thing to do, particularly in view of the dreadful death in Ballymena of the young man, Mr. Michael McIlveen. In that context, I was glad to hear Dr. Ian Paisley issue a strong statement on the matter.

Senator Brian Hayes also asked about Europe Day. Let me be clear on that matter. We have had Europe Days here in the past and nobody paid a bit of notice. All of the MEPs came here, en masse on one occasion. They also came here singly, one by one, two years in a row. When I was going home last Thursday or Friday, I heard on the radio that all Members of the Houses are to be gathered together, but nobody told us about it. Be that as it may, however, we all want to do our bit.

We are all to be gathered together, apparently. I received five e-mails with suggestions for questions to ask in the debate. There will be European representatives present to answer questions. It was a good notion. The publicity documentation says that Ministers, Deputies, MEPs and Senators will be united in a debate but somebody forgot to tell the dramatis personnae about it.

Today is Europe Day.

As I understand it, the Joint Committee on Agriculture and Food will meet in the House tomorrow. However, other matters will also be debated. The European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development will attend. The Commissioner previously spoke in this House as did Mr. Pat Cox when he was President of the European Parliament. All of the Irish MEPs, who give great service, also spoke in this House. I remember we were quite riveted by some of them.

On Thursday we will discuss the report of the Joint Committee on European Affairs on migration. We chose that report because it comes from that committee. It will make a good testing ground for a debate on human trafficking for sexual exploitation. We will do our bit for Europe day on Thursday. I also wish to inform the House that, as those on the CPP already know, we have requested Mr. John Bruton, the EU ambassador to the United States, to come before the House to discuss his role, and he will do so in late September or early October. We will see whether a blind bit of notice will be taken of us on that day. I bet it will. That will be our contribution to a debate on Europe and all of the TDs can come to this House if they wish and listen to us. They cannot join in asking questions.

Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)
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They can e-mail us questions.

Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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Yes, they can e-mail questions to any of us instead of e-mailing all of them to me. I look forward to that.

John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)
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We will send the questions on to the Leader.

Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Senator. We will have our special day for Europe. It was quite unnerving to hear on the car radio that we were all to be united in the Dáil. Any Senator who wishes to go to the Dáil Chamber can. Both Bills to be dealt with tomorrow in this House involve transposing European directives into Irish legislation, one on parental leave and the other on justice.

Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)
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The justice Bill involves mutual assistance.

Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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Only justice spokespersons will be required to attend. Other Senators may take part in the Dáil debate if they so wish.

Senator O'Toole raised the sad death of Ms Máire Buckley. Like the Senator, I also knew her well. When we started the home school liaison teacher scheme, she went to the Department with the admirable woman from Tallaght who became its head. I worked with her. She was extremely delighted with the refurbishment of the building on Marlborough Street. She was a fine woman and her death is particularly sad. It was a great tragedy.

The issue of ComReg and mass on community radio was raised. I believe ComReg is operating within the legislation. However, if that is so, the legislation must be changed. It has given rise to major uproar throughout the country. It is wonderful that people can hear mass on their community radio. I call it a community radio facility because that is what it is. They also hear nice neighbourhood news. If the legislation must be changed, that should happen. It helps elderly and isolated people.

Senator Tuffy raised the issues of the retirement of Archbishop Robin Eames, the death of Ms Máire Buckley and community radio. She also discussed the hour-long "Prime Time" programme on human trafficking broadcast last night. It was riveting but extremely raw. It appears we are in breach of the UN convention and legislation is necessary. I believe it only requires an amendment to existing 1991 legislation introduced by the then Minister with responsibility for justice, Ms Máire Geoghegan Quinn. It was a great programme and I congratulate KeelinShanley and RTE on its presentation.

Ruhama is the group which tends to the women. I am the patron of that wonderful organisation. More people should support it. I remember that during the 11 weeks when I was the Minister with responsibility for health, representatives of Ruhama met me to tell me what they did. We started the organisation on the Department's grant scheme. It does not receive enough funding, but we started providing it. The then TD, Monica Barnes, met me with the group. She phoned me to ask me to meet them and was extremely proactive in the organisation.

I commend RTE, as those are educative matters as well as everything else. They can alert us to a significant scandal in Irish society.

Mary White (Fianna Fail)
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Yes.

Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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Senator Dardis spoke of Archbishop Robin Eames, and mentioned that he was impervious to whatever happened. He stood for tolerance and what is good.

With regard to a debate on migration, we could raise the matter of human exploitation tomorrow. Senator Dardis mentioned the White Paper on communications in Europe, which is not yet published, and indicated that it should be debated here when it does appear. I agree with the Senator.

Senator Finucane pointed out that Ms Buckley was originally from Newcastle West. I noted this but I did not know it beforehand. We of course extend sympathy to the family. We will be dealing with important legislation tomorrow afternoon, with the Second Stage of the Road Safety Authority Bill 2004. We will have plenty of time to debate the issues. The Senator also discussed the partnership talks.

Senator Ó Murchú spoke of Archbishop Eames and referred to having the body of Thomas Kent interred in appropriate grounds rather than prison grounds. That would be the proper action to take.

Senator Terry mentioned last night's "Prime Time" programme. I heard her question to the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Deputy Brennan, this morning on the radio and I congratulate her on it. Senator Maurice Hayes spoke of Archbishop Eames, whom he knew as a simple pastor. Senator Ross stated that for him, Archbishop Eames epitomised the Gospel and its espousal of love and tolerance.

Senator Mansergh also spoke about Archbishop Eames, whom he would of course know very well. The Senator mentioned the appalling manifestation of sectarianism in Ballymena. He talked of Tipperary town, which has its own parish or community radio. With regard to the Bill spoken of by Senator Coghlan, does he wish to press the issue now?

Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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It is not just my Bill.

Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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I cannot guarantee that it will be taken.

Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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I would like Government time and support. I would like agreement on the matter.

Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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The Senator wishes for Government time, which I can secure, but I cannot get the Senator Government support.

Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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Perhaps Senator O'Rourke will communicate with me when she has heard from the appropriate Minister.

Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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Yes. I realise that it would be helpful for people with mortgages not to have those impositions.

Senator Brady spoke of Ms Buckley, conveying his sympathies to her family, and in particular to Rutland Street national school and Marlborough Street school. He talked of what occurred on Sunday, which was extraordinary. We all came to realise what was going on and we can see the pictures of the man in question in today's newspapers. The Senator talked of the need for co-ordination between radio co-ordinators, the Garda and those responsible for transport, so that people can get to grips early on with what is happening if an incident occurs. What happened on Sunday appeared to be from another world.

Senator Browne asked for stamp duty to be removed. Can I take it the matter is in his party's manifesto?

Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)
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It should be done. I would like to see it there.

Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)
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It is in the Senator's manifesto.

Camillus Glynn (Fianna Fail)
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Is it in the Mullingar accord?

John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)
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The Carlow accord.

Michael Kitt (Fianna Fail)
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The Mullingar discord.

Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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The Carlow concord.

Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)
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Senator Dardis was going to stop the motorway in the last election and he has not done it. It is to be opened on Thursday.

Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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The Senator referred to alcohol limits in respect of drink driving and said he would like to see them set at zero. I would too.

Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)
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I would not.

Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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Even half a glass of wine could affect a person.

Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)
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I do not think so.

Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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I would not have previously thought so, but I genuinely think so now. Perhaps those who drink a good few glasses would not be affected by a small amount.

Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)
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How does the Senator feel about drunk driving?

Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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The Senator also spoke about illegal drugs, which are far more dangerous. I hope the Senator will speak on the road safety legislation tomorrow.

Senator Kitt indicated he would support community and parish radio type of programmes. Senator John Paul Phelan spoke about the same type of programmes.

Senator Callanan referred to Thomas Kent and pointed out that 8 May is the anniversary of his execution. The Senator mentioned that Mr. Kent was a member of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association.

Senator Kenneally asked about the anticipated ComReg decision. ComReg appears to be operating in accordance with the law but that law will have to be changed.

Senator White referred to the "Prime Time" programme last night and to Mr. Justice Kinlen, who said prisoners were denied their basic rights. It is commendable that the Inspector of Prisons and Places of Detention can freely express his point of view. Notwithstanding the acrimony between the two men, it is important that the Minister pays attention to the Inspector's reports.

Senator Glynn also mentioned the harrowing memory of Thomas Kent, who was a noble patriot. Senator Hanafin called for radio-transmitted church services to be continued. He asked for new legislation to tackle those who kick others in the head while they are on the ground, so that a judge could take account of such actions when sentencing.