Seanad debates

Wednesday, 28 June 2006

10:30 am

Photo of Mary O'RourkeMary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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The Order of Business is Nos. 1 to 4, inclusive. No. 1, the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2006 — Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business and to conclude not later than 1.30 p.m.; No. 2, statements on A Strategy for Cancer Control 2006, to be taken at 2.30 p.m. and to conclude not later than 5 p.m., spokespersons will have 15 minutes and other Senators ten minutes, and the Minister to be called upon to reply not later than ten minutes before conclusion of the statements; No. 3, the Housing (Stage Payments) Bill 2006 — Order for Second Stage, to be taken at 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.; and No. 4, the National Sports Campus Development Authority Bill 2006 — Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken at 7.15 p.m. and to conclude not later than 9 p.m. There will be a sos from 1.30 p.m. to 2.30 p.m.

Photo of Brian HayesBrian Hayes (Fine Gael)
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I appeal to the Government to do everything in its power to support the Housing (Stage Payments) Bill 2006. In recent years, stage payments have become a particular problem in the Munster area. I ask the Government to accept the Order for Second Stage, so that we can consider improvements to the Bill on Committee Stage in the autumn. For a number of years, Senator Coghlan has been consistent in raising this matter and now is the time for action rather than voting the Bill down.

A very important issue was raised by Senator Feeney on yesterday's Order of Business. I join her in calling for a debate on sudden cardiac death syndrome. I am aware of a case involving a young man in his 20s who died last year. For the past ten months, his family has been unable to make contact with medical professionals, the Coroner's Court, the hospital or the people responsible for the autopsy, despite repeated attempts to do so. There is no information as yet on the cause of the man's death.

We need to investigate the functions of coroners' offices because, however bad it may be that someone of an older age should die of natural causes, it is particularly difficult when a young person in the prime of his or her health dies in these circumstances. It is utterly wrong that the family still has not been given any information ten months after the man's death, despite the efforts made by gardaí to have the details of the case provided. This House has a role to play in highlighting cases such as this.

I am aware of other cases in the Dublin area in which autopsies were considered after the death of an older person. Information on such cases is sent to the coroner but many months can pass before the latter allows death certificates to be issued. Not only does this cause trauma for the family but the estate of the deceased person cannot be put in order until a death certificate is issued. I am aware of terrible problems in the Dublin area in this respect, although I am uncertain as to whether similar issues arise elsewhere. The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform should investigate the practices of coroners' offices, so that finality can be brought to this issue as soon as possible for the sake of the bereaved. I ask that we take statements on the matter in the autumn.

Photo of Joe O'TooleJoe O'Toole (Independent)
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I support the points made by Senator Brian Hayes regarding the Private Members' Housing (Stage Payments) Bill. I have heard that many people in the building industry have put pressure on the party leader to oppose this Bill. I do not know if that is true.

I am sure the House will join with me to show approval for the Government's decision to refer to this country as Éire Ireland in Europe. This open-minded approach to bilingualism will be supported by the people in my home town. I ask that the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs be made aware of the Government's view on bilingualism and that the people of Dingle, who would like to have their town renamed Dingle Daingean Uí Chúis, can expect active support from those in senior positions in Government. This is a clear step forward by Government and we should formally rename my town Dingle Daingean Uí Chúis. This would be in line with Government policy and is supported by activists in the Government parties in Chorca Dhuibhne.

Photo of Brendan RyanBrendan Ryan (Labour)
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Is é an t-aon rud a déarfaidh mé ná é seo. Níl an comhairleoir contae de chuid Fhianna Fáil a toghadh le déanaí in Iarthar Duibhneach ar aon aigne leis an Seanadóir Ó Tuathail. Sin an méid a déarfaidh mé. Tá a fhios ag——

Photo of Joe O'TooleJoe O'Toole (Independent)
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The local Labour Party Deputy is in favour of the points I made.

Photo of Brendan RyanBrendan Ryan (Labour)
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I am simply correcting a factual error. A Fianna Fáil councillor elected in that area, Breandán MacGearailt, is not in favour of Senator O'Toole's proposal.

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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On the Order of Business.

Photo of Mary O'RourkeMary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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We all know Breandán.

Photo of Brendan RyanBrendan Ryan (Labour)
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Let us not spend our lives contesting the next Seanad election on the matter of a town name. Seanad Éireann has other serious issues to deal with.

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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The next Seanad election does not arise on the Order of Business.

Photo of David NorrisDavid Norris (Independent)
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It does not arise until next July.

Photo of Mary O'RourkeMary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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Perhaps next August.

Photo of Brendan RyanBrendan Ryan (Labour)
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There are noises to my left from the otherwise refined representatives of the college of the Most Holy Trinity. They are, as Trinity College always has been, a distraction.

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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Senator Ryan should not provoke. There is a time limit to the Order of Business. Interruptions delay the Order of Business unduly.

Photo of Brendan RyanBrendan Ryan (Labour)
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The situation in the illegally occupied Israeli territories is about to become a major human tragedy. Despite the crowded schedule, I ask the Leader for statements, if not a debate, on the issue. This country is in danger of being besmirched by the EU position, which is effectively an assault on the people of Palestine because they voted for the wrong party. The Government of Palestine has moved dramatically in recent days. Carefully chosen language that means something slightly different to different people was the source of the caeasefire in 1994. Language of late has been carefully chosen but last night the Israeli army invaded Gaza. When a territory is illegally occupied and the occupants resist by armed force, even though I may find it morally wrong or politically inept, I will not accept that it constitutes terrorism. The attack on two Israeli soldiers by people resisting Israeli occupation is not terrorism. It may be politically inept but this country has long recognised the right of oppressed people, who have no other route, to resist.

Photo of Mary WhiteMary White (Fianna Fail)
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Hear, hear.

Photo of Brendan RyanBrendan Ryan (Labour)
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I believe in non-violence but when one refuses to accept the elected Government, refuses to accept UN resolutions and declares that 15 year old girls are unfortunate collateral damage when leaders of a movement are targeted, one puts oneself outside international law. This country must restore its reputation as an unequivocal champion of human rights. It is time to move beyond so-called even-handedness. The oppressors are the Israelis and their allies, the victims are the people of Palestine. What the victims have done is often awful but it is a product of being victims. I ask the Leader to consider allowing some of us to state Ireland's moral position before the summer recess, namely, that the abuse of human rights and the deliberate or indifferent killing of civilians is always wrong and cannot be excused whether perpetrated by a movement like Hamas or by the Israeli Government, which claims to be democratic.

Photo of Mary WhiteMary White (Fianna Fail)
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I ask the Leader to call on the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children to address the House to explain why Dr. Patricia Comer, a Dublin general practitioner, will not be allowed to treat her 500 medical card patients when she turns 70 in August. How will the Minister rectify this appalling situation? There should be no age barriers to doctors treating patients. Dr. Comer can continue treating her private patients, a stark contrast with the fact that she cannot treat public patients. This is nothing but ageism. Almost all of Dr. Comer's medical card patients are older people who have built up great relationships with her over the years. She has treated their children and grandchildren. Older people are distressed at the prospect of changing doctors, having been served by Dr. Comer over the past 40 years.

Last week I launched my document A New Approach to Ageing and Ageism.

Photo of Frank FeighanFrank Feighan (Fine Gael)
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And they did not even put her on the ticket.

Photo of Mary WhiteMary White (Fianna Fail)
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It contains 28 recommendations, the first of which is that mandatory retirement at 65 years of age should be abolished.

Senators:

Hear, hear.

Photo of Mary WhiteMary White (Fianna Fail)
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Continued employment after 65 years of age should be subject to the same conditions of employment as everyone else. I have been an advocate for child care and I am now an advocate for a new approach to ageing and ageism.

Photo of Frank FeighanFrank Feighan (Fine Gael)
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The Leader agrees with you.

Photo of Brian HayesBrian Hayes (Fine Gael)
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There is an election on the way.

Photo of Mary WhiteMary White (Fianna Fail)
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I wish to see action on this. Deputies and Senators do not have to retire at 65 years of age.

Photo of James BannonJames Bannon (Fine Gael)
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I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to the House for a debate on water quality. A recent global report showed that 40 million citizens in Europe do not have access to safe drinking water. Some 85 million people lack basic sanitation. The infrastructure in this country is deteriorating. Water supplies in many rural areas are the product of group water schemes and the systems are now ageing. Grants should be allocated to upgrade these water systems. Many small villages do not have sewage treatment plants. I am aware of at least seven villages in the midlands that are trying to develop but which do not have treatment plants. Development is taking place in those areas and we cannot slow it down. Documentation from these areas has been with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government for many years but it is not receiving attention. It is no support to those organisations or communities to hear the Minister say on the airwaves that the country is awash with money when he cannot provide funding for basic infrastructure. I seek a debate on this important issue because it is urgent that it be addressed.

Brendan Daly (Fianna Fail)
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I support Senator Bannon with regard to small village and rural water and sewerage schemes. Obviously there is a large backlog but it is not a question of money. The allocations provided by the Minister for Finance have not been drawn down over the last number of years. It is important that the Minister, and perhaps the Minister for Finance, indicate how these schemes can be kick-started. There is a large number of these schemes, several of them in west Clare, so it is an important issue.

There are media reports of a proposal being put to Aer Lingus staff in anticipation of the selling of part of Aer Lingus later this year. There is widespread concern in Shannon about job security in the event of these changes taking place, while there is a widespread national concern that the future of the national airline be secured in any new arrangement. Perhaps the Minister for Transport could come to the House to indicate what stage the negotiations are at. He has been involved in negotiations with the unions and the unions have been in discussions with Aer Lingus. At this stage the matter is coming to a head and it is urgent that the Seanad have a debate on it.

Photo of Shane RossShane Ross (Independent)
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I wish to endorse the calls made by several Senators in recent weeks that the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children come to the House to discuss a variety of issues. I particularly seek a debate on the Adelaide Hospital. The leaders of the Adelaide Hospital are meeting the Taoiseach today about what they regard as a highly critical situation for the hospital. Their problem is that a hospital in the fastest growing population area in the country is now being run down. The Adelaide Hospital feels seriously let down by the Government, not just by the decision to establish a national children's hospital in the Mater Hospital but also by the fact that the under-investment in the Adelaide contradicts all the promises that were made by the Government to that hospital in 1996.

A hospital which deals with 30,000 children in the accident and emergency department every year will, apparently, see its children's facility moved. The maternity facilities are also being run down and as a result of under-investment there are probably about 200 too few beds. I do not know if the Tánaiste is aware of this but the hospital is close to her constituency. It is a critical matter that must be debated urgently before something dramatic happens.

Photo of Michael KittMichael Kitt (Fianna Fail)
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I welcome the name change to Éire Ireland, which was announced by the Government. We are following in the footsteps of Finland and Belgium. I also believe the Seanad played a role by holding a good debate on securing recognition for Irish as a working language in the EU. Having our MEPs present for debates was helpful in that regard.

I have previously raised the issue of how the Irish version of the names of towns and villages has been changed. While I do not wish to get involved in discussing whether Dingle is An Daingean or Daingean Uí Chúis, the name of Gort in Irish is, and always will be, Gort Inse Guaire, although it could be Gort Inse Brazil at present. However, it is now being given the placename of An Gort but An Gort has nothing whatever to do with Gort Inse Guaire. These names should be examined in the same way an Coimisiún Logainmneacha is examining the history of the names. I hope this will be considered by the Government.

Photo of Paul CoghlanPaul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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Like Senator O'Toole, I agree with Senator Brian Hayes regarding the Housing (Stage Payments) Bill. Only a week ago I received a letter from the Minister of State, Deputy Noel Ahern, in which he admitted the unsustainability and difficulty with his practice in many instances. It is not a uniform practice throughout the country; in fact, it is quite isolated. Perhaps a measure of agreement could be reached on this Bill this evening because there is a shared view in the House on the issue.

I also welcome the Government decision that Ireland should be known henceforth as Éire Ireland. Long live Dingle, Daingean Uí Chúis, and we will leave An Daingean safely where it is, a lovely place in County Offaly.

Photo of Feargal QuinnFeargal Quinn (Independent)
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Yesterday I received the annual report of Enterprise Ireland, entitled Transforming Irish Industry. It would be worthwhile having a debate on it. It is clear there is a shortage of students and graduates in science and mathematics. Apparently, one of the reasons is that the class sizes for leaving certificate mathematics teachers are too large. Since there are a number of mathematics teachers available, it should be possible for the Department of Education and Science to invest in the future by encouraging more students to consider mathematics as a subject. That will require more mathematics teachers and smaller classes but individual attention being given to the students. That would be worthwhile.

Senator Hanafin yesterday raised the issue of our future as an IT nation. The same approach applies with regard to leaving certificate students. Many schools have only one computer class per week. If we are to achieve success in that sector, we must invest in computer and IT training.

I was disappointed to hear Senator Ryan, in calling for a debate on Palestine, almost support the killing and kidnapping of Israeli soldiers.

Photo of Brendan RyanBrendan Ryan (Labour)
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I did not.

Photo of Feargal QuinnFeargal Quinn (Independent)
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He appeared to excuse it rather than offer a word of condemnation. If we are to be level handed on this issue, we must include a condemnation of kidnapping and killing. I support his call for a debate on Palestine.

Photo of Frank FeighanFrank Feighan (Fine Gael)
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Will the Leader invite the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to the House to address the serious situation regarding family law courts, or the lack thereof? This problem has been raised with my office in the past three months. Unfortunately, divorce and separation occur and the incidence is increasing. However, people have had to travel from all over Ireland, the UK and the United States on numerous occasions for such cases only to find that the cases are adjourned or there is no judge available. People have been obliged to take weeks holidays from work. It is also giving rise to costs, inconvenience and anxiety.

People in the legal profession are aware of the situation. The Circuit Court might be sitting for four days but only one day might be scheduled for the ever increasing number of family law cases. People are powerless to do anything about it. Are the courts or the judges listening? People are being caused serious distress and the House must try to address the situation. I am aware of one person who has come from the United States on three occasions for a family law case. It is a separation case and such cases can sometimes be better dealt with outside the court. However, this case has been adjourned on three occasions and the person cannot believe it. When they see the legislation in place in the UK and the United States, they consider Ireland to be in the Dark Ages when it comes to family law. The Minister should come to the House to address this outrageous situation.

11:00 am

Photo of Terry LeydenTerry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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I support the call for a debate on the grave situation in Palestine and Israel. Not only has an Israeli soldier been kidnapped by a group called the Popular Resistance Committee but it has also kidnapped an Israeli settler. This was reported by Reuters yesterday. The agreement between Hamas and President Abbas is welcome, although it is ambiguous about recognising the right of Israel to exist. It is vital that we have a debate and I hope the issue is raised today at the meeting between the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Pope Benedict. The Pope should intervene in this regard, welcome or not in that region. He has great influence.

The attack by the Israelis was predicted, they took out bridges and a power station in the most deprived area in the world. By destroying the Gaza Strip's infrastructure, it will be uninhabitable. The electricity was turned off last night and troops moved in. The other side, however, must recognise Israel's right to exist or it will not work. Both sides must sit down and learn from our experience North and South. We should express our abhorrence of violence on both sides.

Photo of David NorrisDavid Norris (Independent)
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I support my colleagues in calling for a debate on the Middle East, particularly the situation in Israel-Palestine. In this instance one's heart goes out to the parents of Corporal Gilad Shalit who was kidnapped, one understands their human feelings. There is, however, rarely parallel concern for the human rights of the many children who have been killed by Israeli forces in that area. The electricity was cut off and one wonders what happens to the hospitals as a result.

I welcome, however, the remarkable agreement between Hamas and Fatah. An 18-point plan has been agreed that gives de facto recognition to the state of Israel with Jerusalem as its capital. This is astonishing news and it appears that forces on both sides are attempting to subvert it. That is why this kidnapping took place and why the Israelis have massively over-reacted, because there are those on both sides who are committed in their opposition to peace.

I am glad the visit of the Minister for Foreign Affairs to Pope Benedict was raised, I intended to raise it myself. The visit to the Vatican is not just ceremonial. The Minister stated on the radio this morning that political matters are on the agenda. In such circumstances it is legitimate to raise questions because the Pope is unusual in being not only the spiritual leader of one of the world's great religions, he is also a political Head of State, albeit an unusual one. As such, and as Cardinal Ratzinger, he presumed to give instructions to democratically-elected politicians in other countries, including Ireland, as to how they should vote on certain political matters. This is extraordinary behaviour on the part of a Head of State and it is important this is questioned in a courteous manner. It would not be accepted as appropriate behaviour from any other Head of State.

On the controversy about Éire Ireland, I am delighted. The enrichment of language is always a joy but I remember when if anyone on the BBC said "Éire", he was jumped on for being patronising. As for the associated difficulty of Dingly Dangly Douche, I will not get involved but it sounds like a Turkish bath for ageing Senators.

Photo of Eamon ScanlonEamon Scanlon (Fianna Fail)
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I support Senator Feighan's call for a debate on the courts and their operation. The waste of Garda time in courts is unacceptable, with cases not being heard for weeks or even months when gardaí are called to the courthouse. Juries can also be called into courts to wait for up to three days and the court might never be called again. Something must be done to streamline this process. People are doing their civic duty and should at least know when and if the case will be heard so they do not have to waste their precious time.

Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)
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I repeat the call made yesterday about the urgent need for a debate next week on the compensation package for the sugar beet industry. It will be decided in July and it will be vital that the Minister gives us her views and hears what we have to say so a good decision can be reached.

Don Lydon (Fianna Fail)
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I also support Senator Ryan's call for a debate on the Palestinian problem. I spoke to the Prime Minister of Palestine at the weekend and I can assure the House that the Palestinians want peace and would support a two state settlement. The situation, however, is complex and, from an Israeli point of view, if the people next door want to destroy the state, there are no easy solutions. It would do no harm to debate this matter.

Before we rise for the summer, would it be possible to debate the Genealogy and Heraldry Bill 2006? This Bill has little appeal but is very important. The House would be more than willing to sit an extra few days to deal with it.

Photo of Martin ManserghMartin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)
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Two years ago there was lively debate on the legislation to establish the Personal Injuries Assessment Board. It is gratifying to see that the average cost of motor insurance has declined substantially for the second year running. Despite doubts it has proved to be a successful initiative.

Since we were discussing statistics yesterday, did any of us believe 20 years ago that we would have the lowest unemployment rate in the European Union?

Photo of Mary O'RourkeMary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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There is a great chorus off-stage from the birds outside. They must be delighted to hear us, echoing what we are saying.

Photo of Brian HayesBrian Hayes (Fine Gael)
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There are a few birds inside as well.

Photo of Mary O'RourkeMary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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The Senator is very sexist. Senator Brian Hayes, whom I would not have thought would be sexist, asked that the Government would not oppose Second Stage of the Housing (Stage Payments) Bill tonight. I intended to seek that because Senator Coghlan had spoken to me about this. Senator Coghlan has a letter from the Minister which would be of assistance in the debate. Perhaps we can agree on Second Stage and then go on from there. I hope I can persuade the Government to agree to Second Stage and to deal with Committee Stage later where the issue can be teased out.

Senator Brian Hayes also referred to sudden cardiac death syndrome, raised by Senator Feeney yesterday, and asked about the coroners Bill. Before Christmas, Deputy Rabbitte tabled an urgent amendment in the Dáil, which we took quickly here, that addressed a particularly sad situation. That was helpful but the much larger Bill to provide for reform of the coroners' service and replace the Coroners Act 1962 will be published later this year. The delay between an autopsy and the coroner's verdict leads to delays in the finalisation of financial affairs, adding to grief for families. This is a matter of concern and we await the Bill. Finality is necessary in such situations.

Senator O'Toole supports the Housing (Stage Payments) Bill and is delighted with Éire Ireland and Dingle-Dangle, as Senator Norris put it. I thought that was hilarious but it points the way forward.

When Senator Ryan spoke there was noise to his left. We thought he meant Senator McCarthy but not so. It was further left again.

Photo of David NorrisDavid Norris (Independent)
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Extreme left.

Photo of Mary O'RourkeMary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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Extreme left, yes. Senator Ryan spoke about the serious situation of Palestine and Israel and he sought statements here. He feels that Ireland is besmirched by the official EU line on the matter. Looking at and reading about it, that has struck me several times. I do not know from where the time will come from, but we will make an endeavour in that regard.

Senator White asked for the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children to attend the House and outline her views on the case of a medical person, Dr. Comer. Her case is anomalous in that this lady can deal with her private patients, who may stay with her indefinitely, but can not deal with the public.

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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I am sorry to intervene but perhaps Senator White would consider raising it as an Adjournment matter.

Photo of Mary O'RourkeMary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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It would be a good issue for an Adjournment matter.

Photo of Mary WhiteMary White (Fianna Fail)
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Excellent. Go raibh maith agat, a Chathaoirligh.

Photo of Mary O'RourkeMary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Cathaoirleach for that good idea and thank Senator White for raising it.

Senator Bannon took up the European cause of safe drinking water and then narrowed it down to this country. He stated we have a deteriorating water supply and an aging system of water provision. He referred to the group water systems. I remember when group water systems were the way to go and one would be invited to meetings calling for group water systems all over one's area. These systems in small villages have aged, as Senator Bannon stated, and are deteriorating. We missed Senator Bannon at a recent meeting in a small village quite near him.

Photo of James BannonJames Bannon (Fine Gael)
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We were not told about it.

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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Joint committee meetings are not appropriate to the Order of Business.

Photo of Joe O'TooleJoe O'Toole (Independent)
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Was it in Longford or in Westmeath?

Photo of Mary O'RourkeMary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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It was near Senator Bannon. I was surprised he was not there.

Photo of James BannonJames Bannon (Fine Gael)
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Perhaps Senator O'Rourke was not there.

Photo of James BannonJames Bannon (Fine Gael)
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I was there and they wanted to know where was Senator Bannon. I said perhaps he was busy in the Seanad.

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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This is completely irrelevant to the Order of Business.

Photo of James BannonJames Bannon (Fine Gael)
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Tomorrow morning Senator O'Rourke has kindly facilitated attendance at the opening of the slip road in Mullingar, although I will not be there.

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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Senator Bannon, please allow the Leader to reply to the Order of Business.

Photo of Mary O'RourkeMary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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I am not going to do that because I will be here.

Photo of James BannonJames Bannon (Fine Gael)
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I will not be in Mullingar in the morning but Senator O'Rourke will be there.

Photo of Mary O'RourkeMary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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No, I will be here.

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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Senator Bannon, please allow the Order of Business.

Photo of Brian HayesBrian Hayes (Fine Gael)
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Sir, can we rise above this?

Photo of Mary O'RourkeMary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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I have sent my regrets. I am sorry, a Chathaoirligh.

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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That does not arise on the Order of Business. It is completely irrelevant to it.

Photo of Mary O'RourkeMary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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Senator Daly stated that the money has been provided for the water schemes for small villages and rural areas but that there needs to be a kick-start mechanism for it. He also raised the particular position of Shannon and the great disquiet and widespread concern about the lack of employment stability in the area, and asked if the Minister for Transport could come to the House.

Senator Ross referred to the Adelaide Hospital and a meeting today with the Taoiseach about the matter. He asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children to look at this carefully because the proposals which have come forward for the new children's hospital are affecting the Adelaide Hospital in many ways.

Senator Kitt stated he was delighted with proposal regarding Éire Ireland. I am always struck by An Gort, a brief Irish translation which is not of Gort. Personally, Éire Ireland will point the way forward for changes. Senator Coghlan also raised the Housing (Stage Payments) Bill and approved of the initiative regarding Éire Ireland.

Senator Quinn stated that we should debate the Enterprise Ireland report. He also spoke of honours mathematics at leaving certificate level and the class sizes for mathematics, and stated that more teachers should be employed at that level for mathematics. He stated that if Ireland is to make its future as an IT nation, we should use more mathematics teachers. I am aware from speaking to parents that there is great disquiet about honours mathematics.

Senator Quinn cavilled at Senator Ryan for what he saw as his one-sided view of the Palestine-Israel matter. It is not that Senator Ryan is condoning the violence from Palestine to Israel but that one country is in the position of being an oppressor and the other country is the oppressed. That was Senator Ryan's point.

Photo of Brendan RyanBrendan Ryan (Labour)
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It is obvious.

Photo of Mary O'RourkeMary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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Senator Feighan referred to the family law courts. This has come to my attention. All courts, as Senator Scanlon stated, suffer from proposals to put a case further back, etc., but it is particularly hard on family law cases, which are taken in camera and often are traumatic for the people concerned. There is a need for more such sitting days for such courts. That is a point which he could raise when we come to the Criminal Law Bill 2004.

Senator Leyden also called for a debate on Palestine-Israel, as did Senator Norris who has been consistently calling for it. Senator Norris spoke of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Dermot Ahern, visiting Pope Benedict. With whatever he said, he humorously took up the Dingle-An Daingean issue.

Photo of David NorrisDavid Norris (Independent)
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Dingly Dangly Douche.

Photo of Mary O'RourkeMary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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In any case, he supports his colleagues.

Senator Scanlon raised the family courts issue and also the waste of Garda time and jury time in cases. I apologise to Senator Browne for neglecting to mention yesterday that he also sought a debate in this House on the sugar beet issue. Next week will be the deciding week for that. He raised it again today and I will carry that forward.

I compliment Senator Lydon who spoke to the Palestinian Prime Minister over the weekend. I agree with Senator Lydon that it is a complex issue. For a moment, I thought he had spoken to our own Prime Minister and thought he might be among that group.

Don Lydon (Fianna Fail)
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No.

Photo of Brian HayesBrian Hayes (Fine Gael)
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Another committee, possibly a Seanad committee.

Photo of Mary O'RourkeMary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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Senator Lydon asked that the Genealogy and Heraldry Bill be brought into the House.

Senator Mansergh praised the office of the PIAB and the work it has done. He asked did we ever think we would reach the day when we would have the lowest unemployment rate in Europe.

Photo of James BannonJames Bannon (Fine Gael)
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And the worst health service.

Order of business agreed to.