Seanad debates
Wednesday, 22 November 2006
Order of Business
2:30 pm
Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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The Order of Business is No. 1, a referral motion to be taken without debate, whereby the subject matter of motion 17 on today's Order Paper is being referred for consideration to the Joint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. The Official Languages Act 2003 seeks to provide a framework and mechanism for planned improvements in the delivery of public services through Irish in order that the State's obligations can be met in a coherent way and with progress being achieved in the context of existing resources over time. The Act provides for this to be achieved in three ways, through directly applicable provisions of the Act applicable to all public bodies, through the agreement of language schemes with individual public bodies and through regulations to be made by the Minister in accordance with the terms of the Act. The proposed regulations will represent a key step in the implementation of the act on a phased basis. The Department of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs consulted the other Departments prior to the drafting of the regulations. No. 2, the Prisons Bill 2006 — Order for Second Stage and Second Stage will be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business until 5.00 p.m., with the contributions of spokespersons not to exceed 15 minutes and those of other Senators not to exceed ten minutes. No. 25, motion 25 will be taken from 5.00 p.m. until 7.00 p.m.
Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)
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There is no significant international or domestic evidence that the international trafficking Mafia regards Ireland as a lucrative market for the sex trade. The Council of Europe produced a new convention on this issue as late as May 2005 and Ireland has not signed it. The reason we cannot sign up to it is that the legal basis for protecting people and prosecuting those responsible for trafficking in degrading conditions has not yet been put in place by the Government. The television programme "Prime Time Investigates" raised this issue last year and the Leader took an initiative. Why do we refuse to sign up to an international convention that would give protection and rights to the victims of those trafficked and place on a statutory footing new protection to ensure the perpetrators are imprisoned and their assets seized?
We have a responsibility to raise this matter, given the excellent discussion on this elsewhere. The Government knew of this problem internationally and domestically but we still have not seen the legislation. Why can it not be published? The Seanad is the perfect forum to make progress on the legislation.
When the St. Andrews Agreement was published the Government stated that it would be guided by the advice of the Attorney General on the need for a referendum in the South to endorse the agreement. I stated there was no need for a referendum because the changes were an internal matter in the North and as such were covered by the Northern Ireland Act 1998 passed by the House of Commons. Sinn Féin and the DUP seek an election and what they want they get. An election will be held.
What is the advice of the Attorney General on the matter? Why is his advice not published? Now that an election is to be held, there is no need for a referendum and the advice will state that. The Attorney General should publish the advice because the Government sought it.
I welcome the Pauline conversion of the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to the Criminal Law (Home Defence) Bill that Fine Gael published some months ago. At the time he rubbished it and voted it down, stating that it was not needed. The Law Reform Commission wisely stated that the sensible proposal adopted by the Fine Gael Leader is the way to proceed. I welcome the fact that the Tánaiste, a Walter Mitty figure in Irish politics, has come round to our way of thinking.
Joe O'Toole (Independent)
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A petitions committee established by the House would be impressed by the level of consultation by the group of people who spoke to us on child trafficking. I agree with the points made by Senator Brian Hayes in this respect. It is an example of how engagement with the public can work when legislation is proposed. I was sickened to hear how innocent young women from foreign countries are used, abused and drawn into the sex trade in our country and that we have no legislation to protect them.
My understanding on this matter differs from Senator Hayes in that we have signed the protocol but have not yet ratified it. In order to do so we must publish legislation or the heads of a Bill. I understand the difficulty in the former but I do not see difficulty in publishing the latter. If the Government was to do so it could ratify the protocol with the publication of the heads of the Bill. Perhaps the Leader can verify this. We cannot allow Ireland to be the destination of choice for those who seek to abuse, exploit and destroy young women's lives. It is wrong that we facilitate this by not publishing legislation.
Tá brón orm i gcónaí a bheith ag argóint agus ag cur i gcoinne na moltaí a thagann ón Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta, ach tá deacracht agam le tairiscint Uimh. 1 inniu. De ghnáth, táim go mór i bhfábhar aidhmeanna an Aire agus an méid a iarrann sé a dhéanamh. An uair seo, tá sé ag brú rialacháin siar scornaí na daoine atá ina choinne. It is not doing the Irish language any good. I do not see any good in forcing bodies such as the Crisis Pregnancy Agency or the Refugee Appeals Tribunal to have their telephone answering systems in Irish as well as in English. I am concerned about this because a considerable body of influential people in this country are agnostic about the Irish language and do not have strong views on it one way or the other, and we are driving them into the corner against us.
I will support the Minister in trying to achieve the objectives of this set of regulations as long as we do it to mealladh as opposed to éigeantach. I do not want to force people and I believe we should try to convince them to do it. It is a good idea but putting pressure on organisations to change all their answering messages will simply mean that this issue will arise in board meetings in 500 different organisations and the boards will have to make a decision which will involve additional cost and inconvenience. Someone will say something negative about the Irish language during every one of those meetings and we will lose out.
We are very near the tipping point in terms of attitudes towards Gaeilge sa tír seo agus cuireann sé isteach go mór orm a bheith i gcoinne an Aire arís sa mhéid seo. Ba chóir go mbeimis ar aon-taobh sa rud seo ach nílimid. Ba mhaith liom díospóireacht ar an ábhar seo. Tá sé ag dul go dtí the joint committee but is probably as relevant to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Finance and the Public Service or the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business as it is to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
This is the kind of thing that gives Irish a bad name. We passed legislation which required the same companies to bring forward their tuarascáil cheann bliana, their annual reports, as Gaeilge. We had to pay a considerable amount of money to get this done. Chuir mé glaoch ar an Government Publications Office ar an méid den aistriúchán den Budget Statement a ceannaíodh san office. It had not sold one of them. What are we doing? We should ask ourselves some hard questions.
Brendan Ryan (Labour)
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Tá mé ar aon-aigne leis an Seanadóir O'Toole faoin Ghaeilge a bhrú in áiteanna nach n-oireann sí. Is trua go bhfuil Béarla á bhrú ar mhuintir na Gaeltachta i gCorcha Dhuibhne anois toisc go mbeidh gach litir a thagann ó Údarás na Gaeltachta sa Daingean ag baint úsáide as Dingle, an chéad fhocal Bhéarla riamh a bheidh ar chomhfhreagras ón údarás——
Joe O'Toole (Independent)
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Senator Ryan will be pleased to hear it was done with the support of the Labour Party in Kerry.
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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Senator Ryan, without interruption. There will be no debate on the matter.
Brendan Ryan (Labour)
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One of the great joys of being a member of the Labour Party is that it still allows its members to think.
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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I remind Senator Ryan that many Senators are offering to speak and we cannot be delayed. The Senator must confine his remarks to the Order of Business.
Brendan Ryan (Labour)
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I did not interrupt myself; it was others who did so.
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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Senator Ryan must confine his remarks to the Order of Business.
Brendan Ryan (Labour)
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In respect of the issue of people trafficking, which was raised by Senator Brian Hayes and Senator O'Toole, I do not understand why we are so slow with regard to this issue. This country has a well-developed sensitivity about issues which arise in poor countries and affect poor people. It is one of this country's great qualities. That 300 unaccompanied minors who came to this country seeking asylum have gone missing and that the number is increasing should have us exploding with anger. Similarly, the fact that, according to organisations campaigning against trafficking, more women and children were enslaved by trafficking during the 1980s than were enslaved from Africa during the 400 years of the slave trade should concern us.
I want the Government to introduce legislation quickly and I want us to be very clear that anyone involved in what is called the sex trade, including lap dancing clubs, who is found to employ illegal immigrants should be presumed to be a party to trafficking and should have to prove he or she was not involved. Otherwise his or her assets should be confiscated. There should be no room for ambiguity. Anybody who employs people in dubious circumstances in any area related to sexual abuse ought to pay a penalty. I appeal to the Government to do this.
Will the Leader indicate if she could find time at least to initiate a debate on the Genealogy and Heraldry Bill 2006, which is on the Order Paper? It is a complicated issue which will never grab headlines, and neither the Leader nor I will get votes out of it but it is worth pursuing.
We have not yet had a debate on nursing homes and that issue will not go away. It is getting more complicated and more difficult to understand what the Health Service Executive is doing in terms of its reporting, inspection and other procedures. We have been promised a debate on this issue for some time and we should have it.
The EU announced yesterday that it is seeking yet further massive cutbacks in fish catches. The west and the south have relied on fishing to a considerable extent to keep people working in those regions. If our fisheries are to be effectively wiped out, that will be yet another blow to those regions. The fish caught in our waters by other than Irish trawlers since we joined the EU is probably worth approximately €30 billion. That is what we gave away. If we made a decision to give that away, that is fair enough, but if we are to give away what is left or wipe it out, I ask the Leader to arrange for a debate on the issue in the immediate future.
Michael Brennan (Progressive Democrats)
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I also welcome the Law Reform Commission's consultation paper on legitimate defence and the six issues with which it deals, namely, legitimate defence as a justification and the need for a clear statement of the law; the essential components of legitimate defence; the threshold requirement; the imminence and emerging new cases; lethal force and law enforcement officers; and legitimate defence and the home. I draw attention to No. 8 on the Order Paper in the names of three Senators.
Michael Brennan (Progressive Democrats)
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If there is unanimous support from both sides of the House to deal with No. 8, we would be prepared, with the agreement of the House and the Leader, to progress Second Stage of that legislation if time could be made available.
I welcome the statement yesterday by the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform that he would deal with the points raised in the Law Reform——
Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)
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The Senator must be joking. The Minister did a complete about-turn on the matter.
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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Allow Senator Brennan to continue without interruption.
Michael Brennan (Progressive Democrats)
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Everybody was entitled to use all reasonable force to defend his or her home and the lives of others and his or her property.
Michael Brennan (Progressive Democrats)
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That was the legal position. We can all reflect with regret on the mid-1990s when this entitlement was put into question by people who changed the law such that in that certain circumstances force could not be used and people had to request——
Michael Brennan (Progressive Democrats)
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If the Opposition agrees, we are prepared to bring forward that legislation.
Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)
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The Senator might send us a copy of that.
Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)
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The incident at the weekend involving the young Latvian woman has shocked the nation. During the debate on this case yesterday in the other House the Taoiseach conceded we have too many guns, criminals and murderers on our streets. That is an incredible statement from a Taoiseach who has been in Government for the past ten years. Admittedly, the Leader of the Progressive Democrats Party was not in the House when the Taoiseach made that statement. He was putting up signs around the city which state, "The PDs get things done better". If the Progressive Democrats want to do anything in regard to what the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform proposes, they should do more than make statements such as that made by the Taoiseach in the Dáil yesterday, which is a shocking indictment of the record of the coalition Government during the past ten years,
Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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Will the Leader consider having a debate this session on the excellent work being carried out by the British-Irish Interparliamentary Body, particularly in relation to its concern and interest in the plight of Irish people living in Britain in the post Celtic tiger and post economic revolution of this Government? I wish to raise in particular the position of Irish people in Britain who should qualify for free travel when they return here for a holiday or other purpose. These are Irish people aged 65 and over who would qualify for free travel if they lived here or if circumstances allowed them to do so. Those in receipt of a pre-1953 pension have a strong case in this regard. I welcome the decision by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Dermot Ahern, and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Mr. Peter Hain, to extend free travel throughout the island of Ireland. It is a major breakthrough and both Ministers deserve our thanks and praise.
Along with other members of the British-Irish Interparliamentary Body I am working on the repatriation of Irish people in Britain who live in dire straits and bad housing conditions. The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government should provide facilities to process the claims——
John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)
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He should provide them for people living in dire conditions here.
Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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——and direct local authorities to provide a certain percentage of relevant resources for people to be repatriated to the land, for which they provided funds during the hungry 1950s. They are responsible for ensuring we have the economy we enjoy today and deserve a just return and response from the Government which will not be found wanting. The pre-1953 allowance means approximately €145 million has been transferred to Irish people in Britain. It returns what came in envelopes during the pre-war and post-war period.
David Norris (Independent)
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I ask for a debate on the Corrib gas field and the Shell to Sea campaign. On more than one occasion, I praised the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Noel Dempsey, for his sterling qualities of decency and political courage. However, he did not show them last week in the Dáil. As parliamentarians, we are entitled to an explanation of the Government by smear which seemed to occur. It is extraordinary that he stated an unnamed acquaintance overheard a conversation on a mobile telephone on Grafton Street which included words such as "Rossport" and "riot". God bless his hearing. He is obviously not an army deafness claimant. It is an outrageous and disgraceful performance by the Minister.
Also, we are told the provos are up to their ears in it. So what? I remember the provos used to lick the altar rails of churches throughout the country. Did that mean no one else was allowed to believe in God? Is it guilt by association? The police force is enlisted on behalf of a widely discredited multi-national corporation. We remember the inheritance it left to Nigeria. It is speedily doing the same in the west of Ireland. It successfully divided a country and families in its exploitation of our national resources which we gave away for nothing. We do not even charge it tax.
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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I am sure we will have a debate. The Senator elaborated the argument for a debate very well.
David Norris (Independent)
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The Cathaoirleach is kind. Part of any debate should examine the guardianship of resources by a Government which landed us in a series of lousy contracts. Not only did it hand away our resources to Shell Oil for some inexplicable reason, but we also have the M50, the link bridge which will be bought back for hundreds of millions of euro and PPARS. Something is rotten and it ought to be examined.
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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Many Senators are offering and I would like Senator Norris to be brief.
David Norris (Independent)
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In that case, I support Senator O'Toole's point on Irish. It is ridiculous and I am prepared to be far more blunt that he is. The Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Ó Cuív, is single-minded. His old grandfather made Irish hated through this land by its compulsory nature and the Minister now hammers the last nail in the coffin. If someone in distress telephones a rape crisis centre, is it not heartless to present them with this garbage in Irish?
3:00 pm
David Norris (Independent)
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Ordinary sensible people in this country will be revolted by this.
I ask for a debate on charities, particularly in the light of an all-party recommendation to the Minister for Finance, which will be discussed by the Fianna Fáil Party, to introduce legislation to re-direct credit card duty away from the Exchequer to charities. It would be a good and efficient way to support charities. It might mean we would not have so much of what is termed "chugging" or charity mugging on the streets of Dublin.
Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)
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I would like a debate on democracy, press freedom and human rights throughout the world. It used to be stated tsarist Russia was an autocracy tempered by assassination. It now seems several democracies, such as Russia, Lebanon and the Palestinian territories, are democracies tampered with by assassination. It does no good to the reputation of a great country like Russia to have the impression created that its political opponents are eliminated. Nonetheless, it would help greatly if the champions of democracy in the western world lived up to standards of democracy and the rule of law without scandals such as extraordinary rendition and abuses in prisons.
Brendan Ryan (Labour)
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We are trying to find out about it in Ireland, if the Senator would let us.
Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)
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I wish to second the call for a debate on the Rossport situation. It is wrong that it is simply being debated out on the country roads of Mayo.
In response to Senator Brian Hayes, he knows well that it is not the practice to publish the advice of Attorneys General, but Taoisigh and Ministers may make statements on that basis.
Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)
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Is there going to be a referendum, therefore?
Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)
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I share the concerns of other speakers concerning the trafficking of women, especially in light of the presentation that many of us attended at lunchtime. That event helped to bring the matter to our attention once again. Even at this late stage, legislation should be drafted by the Government so that it can be passed before the general election. We know how long it can take to pass such legislation and I am concerned that it will not be passed before the election. In the meantime, women and children are being trafficked into this country and abused while they are here. We have an obligation to ensure that practice stops and that the people responsible for it pay the appropriate penalty. We should not continue to allow young women and children to suffer at the hands of these criminals in many towns and cities throughout the country.
We need to have a debate on people trafficking and, more importantly, the Minister should draw up the necessary legislation as quickly as possible. We must face up to our obligations in Europe by signing the necessary conventions. It is imperative to do so as soon as possible.
Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)
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Aontaíom freisin go mba chóir go mbeadh díospóireacht maidir leis an Ghaeilge agus aon rialacháin atá i gceist ag an Aire a chur i bhfeidhm. Sin ceann de na buanna a bhaineann leis an Aire céanna, go mbíonn sé i gcónaí ar fáil le teacht isteach sa Teach seo le héisteacht le agus páirt a ghlacadh i ndíospóireachtaí.
I do not honestly accept that most Irish people are agnostic about the Irish language. In fact, most of the surveys we have seen in the past decade have shown quite the opposite to be the case. The Minister is endeavouring to fill a vacuum which has existed for many years. Irish has been taught in schools since the inception of the State. The lack of Irish in the environment has been always the difficulty.
When Deputy Michael D. Higgins was Minister for the Gaeltacht, he took a most courageous step when he introduced TG4.
Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)
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At that time, the same arguments about cost were put forward, but TG4 has proved to be an outstanding success. The very same thing happened when people argued over the cost of providing Gaelscoileanna, which now constitute one of the most successful educational outlets.
I am always surprised, particularly in the context of human rights, that we never stop to think of the frustration and humiliation which was handed out to the people of the Gaeltacht when they sought the provision of health, education and other services through Irish but could not find it. Today, the Gaeltacht is not confined to the same geographical areas. Thousands of Irish-speaking families got hope when the new language legislation was introduced, so let us not think of everything in terms of euros. Let us also consider national pride, as this House did when supporting the new legislation.
Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)
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I ask the Leader to inform us as to the whereabouts of the Privacy Bill. I hope it has not been forgotten. Senator Mansergh seeks a debate on press freedom, democracy and human rights. This issue is closely linked to press freedom and the defamation Bill, which I understand will come before the House before Christmas. Discussions were to take place with a number of groups that had expressed concern at elements of the Privacy Bill and I wish to know how those discussions are proceeding.
Does the Leader know whether the constitutional referendum on children's rights will be held in March, along with the general election, or whether it will be held at all? A discussion of the issues that have arisen would be a useful project for this House to take on, if only in the context of the recent Supreme Court judgments.
I previously asked the Leader to organise a debate on youth mental health, an issue to which she referred last week, and I request her to arrange for this to be held before Christmas.
John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)
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The Senator has left the Chamber.
Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail)
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I ask the Leader to consider holding a debate on the association between drug abuse and mental health. A debate on drug abuse was held here recently and I believe a crossover exists in many cases involving people with psychiatric problems. A gap occurs in how the issue is dealt with whereby people who have made an effort to recover find themselves in a vulnerable situation on coming back into the community. This is evident in the sheltered housing available through psychiatric services and the manner in which former drug users are preyed upon by drug dealers to fall into their old habits. This causes particular anxiety to the families of people trying to work their way through very difficult problems.
A more joined up approach is required on drug strategy from the Health Service Executive and the psychiatric services area of the Department of Health and Children. It would be useful if the person with responsibility in this area, the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Tim O'Malley, could continue on from the debate on drug abuse.
Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)
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The Comhairle na nOspidéal report on neurosurgical services in Ireland was released yesterday under the Freedom of Information Act 1997 and its contents will be viewed with alarm throughout the country. Professor Ciaran Bolger described such services as a mess and said people were dying unnecessarily as a result.
Worse than this, for the people of the west, the report states it is not necessary to have a third neurosurgical unit, in addition to the units at Beaumont Hospital and Cork University Hospital, at University College Hospital, Galway. When one considers the composition of the group that came to this conclusion, it is no wonder such a finding was reached. Very few representatives on it come from the west and there is a strong bias against the provision of services to the region.
As a former member of the Western Health Board, I am aware that every service and appointment won for the west in the area of health came as a result of a battle, as though they were things to which the west were not entitled.
Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)
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A person from Cork suggested the provision of such services in Galway would encroach on Cork's catchment area and this indicates catchment area is deemed of greater importance in the health service than the provision of facilities to deserving people. The report should be published and a debate held on it immediately. We have a two-tier service, best described as "the west versus the rest". It is time Senators stood up and were counted. I ask the Leader to arrange an immediate debate on the issue.
Feargal Quinn (Independent)
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Senator O'Meara referred to the Privacy Bill. It is vital that we learn more about various matters. The European Union is attempting to force every member state to publish the names of all recipients of farm subsidies and the amount of subsidy in each case. This is a fascinating proposal because I gather that if the measure is adopted, we will learn how much taxpayers pay towards farm subsidies. I was stunned to discover this week that 94% of farmers' income derives from subsidies, with the remaining 6% derived from goods produced. If these figures are correct——
Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)
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The figures refer to profit rather than income.
Feargal Quinn (Independent)
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——it would be worthwhile to publish them.
Feargal Quinn (Independent)
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If there is any truth in the figures——
Feargal Quinn (Independent)
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In that case, I would be glad if they were corrected. I am reminded of the campaign to buy Irish goods which ceased some time ago. With the recent arrival of the Celtic tiger and increased wealth, we took our eyes off the ball and failed to consider the importance of buying Irish goods. Perhaps we need to change our approach. While the State is prevented from engaging in this type of campaign, the House may debate the issue.
Senator Ryan referred to an explosion of anger. There should be an explosion of concern about the death of a young Latvian mother in Swords. Her murder was compounded by news that the lawyer who represented her has been forced to leave the country under threat of death. I am concerned these types of incidents, which are a recent development, should occur. We hear of similar cases almost every day but they receive scant attention in the newspapers after one day. Perhaps we are becoming complacent because the incidents to which I refer were barely mentioned on the Order of Business. Ireland is becoming lawless and the onus is on the State to address the problem.
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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As time is running out, only the six Senators offering may speak. I ask them to be brief.
Michael Kitt (Fianna Fail)
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I concur with Senator Ulick Burke on neurosurgery services. He and I were members of the Western Health Board at the same time. The expert view always has been that regional neurosurgery services are required in the west. It was even suggested that a special helicopter service be established to serve centres in Dublin and Cork. Given how urgent it is to transport people with serious injuries to medical centres, I hope the west will have a neurosurgery centre. While progress has been made in the provision of cardiac surgery and cancer treatment services in the west, neurosurgery services have not been provided. I call for a debate on the issue and ask Senators to support efforts to secure such services for the western region.
Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)
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I reiterate my call for a debate on No. 20 on the Order Paper concerning MRSA and blood infections in hospitals. Last week was significant because on Friday last, for the first time, a coroner's court listed MRSA as a cause of death. A coroner's court in Belfast reached the same verdict yesterday regarding a 43 year old man who, unfortunately, did not recover from an accident at work because he contracted MRSA. It is shocking to consider what is happening in hospitals and an urgent debate on the matter is required.
I welcome the blueprint unveiled by Greencore for a major development in Carlow. I repeat a call on the company made by Deputies in the other House that it honour a commitment laid down by the Labour Court regarding a small number of workers from the Carlow plant who are still owed money. With a judicial review of the European Union sugar beet compensation scheme due in December, I urge Greencore to settle the case quickly, pay growers and workers and allow us to proceed to the next phase. It is not necessary to wait any longer and, unfortunately, no action can be taken on the Carlow site until the company settles the case. If it refuses to do so, everybody will lose out.
James Bannon (Fine Gael)
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I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for Transport to the House for a debate on the quality of our public transport, which is the worst in Europe, particularly the rail network. I know people in the midlands who leave home at 6 a.m. but still miss midday flights to Britain and elsewhere. This shameful situation exists because of the ridiculous regulation that drivers must change at Maynooth, which causes serious delays. We have been also told by the chairman of Iarnród Éireann that rolling stock on the Sligo to Dublin line that was promised for 2007 will not be delivered until 2009. This must be addressed.
I welcome the U-turn by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on the deadline for the completion of the electoral register. Councils will still be under pressure to meet the new deadline. Will the Seanad sit on Friday to introduce the emergency legislation that the Attorney General says is necessary to achieve this? This proves this is a bad Administration because the right hand does not know what the left hand is doing.
Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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There are too many murders, there are too many guns and there are too many hardened criminals at large. These were the words of the Taoiseach in the Dáil yesterday. What a judgment on his own Government that, after ten years in office, he tells us that there are too many murders, guns and criminals. There is organised crime, beatings, rape and murder in many areas practically every day but this is the response we get from the Government. There is plenty of law but very little order so I call for a debate on law and order. It is long overdue and we should address it as a matter of urgency.
John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)
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I agree with Senator Leyden's call for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to examine repatriation for emigrants from Ireland, particularly those who went to England. When looking at that, perhaps he could also look at housing those elderly and middle-aged men who still lives in prefabs here, often in deplorable conditions with no washing facilities. It is an indictment that such conditions still exist.
I agree with those Senators who mentioned the conversion of the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on the issue of home defence. Will the Leader arrange for a debate on the report of the Law Reform Commission, with particular emphasis on its recommendation on rebalancing the law in favour of the home owner as opposed to the intruder? It is a remarkable about-turn by the Tánaiste and his Government colleagues but we must debate it as soon as possible.
I join my colleague Senator Bannon in welcoming the other U-turn announced last night by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, that there would be an extension for the deadline for people to be included on the electoral register. Many local authorities are having serious problems compiling the register and many of those who have been knocked off it have not been informed by their local authority. Will the Leader find out if the deadline includes those looking for special voting entitlements, such as postal votes for people who are ill or who are working or studying? I telephoned two county councils and neither could answer that question.
I reiterate Senator John Paul Phelan's remarks seeking clarification on whether people with disabilities, students and others seeking a postal vote are included in the two-week extension of the deadline.
The extension means officials are losing two weeks in the compilation of the draft register, as the 1 February deadline has not been moved. The electoral register will be published on that date, and the register existing on 15 February 2007 will be in operation for the next general election. Is this reluctance by the Government to move the deadline two weeks from 1 February an indirect announcement of an upcoming general election in February or March?
Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)
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The Senator is asking the right person.
John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)
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It would be a Christmas fairy tale.
John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)
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I share the views of previous Senators in calling for a debate on trafficking in the sex industry. Slavery has again reared its very ugly head in society, and I share the view that those involved in the clubs where illegal immigrants work have a particular responsibility in this matter. That point was well made by Senator Ryan and it should be pursued, as those people should feel the brunt of justice.
I ask for a debate on the general issue of slavery in the world. It was ostensibly eliminated in England in 1808, and seven years before in Denmark, but the reality is the numbers involved throughout the world are now higher than ever, with children and adults working to pay off impossible debts. These people are effectively slaves, and there would be a benefit in this House debating the matter.
Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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Senator Brian Hayes, the leader of the Opposition, raised the matter of the sex trade industry. We commend the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, who came today in great numbers and told us so much of their experience.
Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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In 1991, I dealt with these people in their setting up of Ruhama, and there was then great opposition to that organisation and what was perceived as nefarious work being done. It was not at all, and the work was much needed. They were pioneers in endeavouring to save young women. In the short three-month period I was responsible for the health portfolio, I remember being able to give them a small grant to buy a van. They set up their counselling service not to castigate, but to try to make friends with the women on the streets of Dublin. They have done powerful work in a modern sense and I commend them greatly.
The Senator's main point was why we are not bringing forward legislation to tackle the sex trade industry globally. As I understand it, the Minister has issued heads of a Bill. I have a well thought out and advised Bill which was fully approved by our parliamentary party, but out of deference to the Minister I put it to one side when the heads of his Bill were published. I believed the legislation would follow, but I will now produce the Bill I have. I hope we can take it here.
Senator Hayes also asked about the advice of the Attorney General on the St. Andrews Agreement being published. The Senator knows as well as I that the advice of Attorneys General is not published, but Government moves in accordance with such advice. I was in London yesterday on the occasion of Peter Hain, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, bringing forward the Bill on the St. Andrews Agreement. It received all-party support and passed through all Stages in the House of Commons.
The Senator also asked about the Criminal Law (Home Defence) Bill. Senator Brennan has pointed out that he and others have brought forward the Defence of Life and Property Bill 2006.
Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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It is in the name of Senators Morrissey, Brennan and Minihan.
Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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I will endeavour to give time to their Bill. It is odd the Opposition is taking responsibility and credit for it.
Joe McHugh (Fine Gael)
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Four years ago we had an opportunity to be proactive with the electoral register but now we appear to be making it up as we go along. It is taking responsibility for producing its Bill——
Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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They have moved it and it is on the Order Paper.
Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)
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Is has not been debated. The Government Members had three chances to debate it but they have not done so.
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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Order, please. The Leader without interruption.
Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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I beg to differ. Senator Morrissey made a request in the House and I gave approval for the Bill to be printed——
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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Order, please. The Leader without interruption.
Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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I do not understand why the Opposition Members are parroting that it is their Bill when it is not their Bill.
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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The Leader to reply, without interruption, to the Order of Business.
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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Order, please. The Leader only, please.
John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)
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It is just like the Fine Gael salmon policy. They do not know whether they are for or against.
Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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Senator O'Toole asked that the trafficking Bill be brought forward. He was very critical of the attitude of compulsion requiring semi-State bodies and State organisations to have everything as Gaeilge agus as Béarla. I am in two minds on this question. He stated that the Government Publications Office had no customers requesting an Irish version of the Budget Statement, which is telling in itself.
Senator Ryan asked the reason for the delay in bringing forward the trafficking Bill. He stated that more women are currently enslaved than was the case in more than 400 years of the slave trade. We will try to debate the Genealogy and Heraldry Bill next week, if time is available. Assuming the Prisons Bill passes Second Stage, the House will deal with Committee Stage of that Bill next Tuesday when the Minister will be free to begin working on it. We might have time then for the Senator's Bill.
A debate on the nursing homes issue is scheduled for next week. Senator Ryan also referred to the massive cutbacks in fish catches and asked for a debate on the matter. He stated that the fish caught in our waters by other than Irish trawlers since we joined the EU is probably worth €30 billion.
I will be very pleased to address the Bill referred to by Senator Brennan. I am glad he is in the House because his colleague had brought it to my attention.
Senator Finucane referred to the case of the Latvian woman who was murdered. I agree that it was a shocking event. It was so clinical and awful that she was murdered as she stood in her hall talking to somebody.
Senator Leyden welcomed the decision by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Dermot Ahern, and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Mr. Peter Hain, to extend free travel throughout the island of Ireland. He stated that along with other members of the British-Irish Inter-Parliamentary Body, he is working on the repatriation of Irish people in Britain who live in dire straits and bad housing conditions. Many single elderly men find it very difficult to access local authority housing.
Senator Norris asked for a debate on the Corrib gas field and the Shell to Sea campaign. He supported Senator O'Toole's point about the Irish language and asked for a debate on charities.
Senator Mansergh asked for a debate on democracy, press freedom and human rights throughout the world which are now threatened by the use of assassination. He seconded the call for a debate on the Rossport situation. In response to Senator Brian Hayes, Senator Mansergh stated that it is not the practice to publish the advice of Attorneys General, but Taoisigh and Ministers may make statements on that basis.
Senator Terry also raised the matter of the trafficking of women. These women think they are going to the promised land. They are told they are going to a job with big money and when they get here, they find it is slavery.
Senator Ó Murchú referred to TG4 which we all like to watch. There is a difference between watching a good television programme and reading a turgid report because the tempo is slightly different. His case about the gaelscoileanna was well made. The effort needs to continue to be made and this is the point.
In response to Senator O'Meara, there is no doubt that the Privacy Bill will not be taken before Christmas——
Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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——but we will move forward with the Defamation Bill. We hope to have statements on the subject of privacy. This is the procedure followed previously when the House had statements on a subject and a Bill was then formulated. We hope to have statements before Christmas.
Senator O'Meara also asked when the referendum on children's rights would be held. This is a matter of discussion. It is hoped it will be held. She also asked for a debate on youth mental health.
Senator Dooley spoke about the association between mental health and drugs. He also finds that many people are stigmatised by virtue of their mental disability prior to taking up new housing. Senator Ulick Burke gave a rousing endorsement of the west — the west against the rest. He raised the issue of the neurological unit for Galway hospital. It has been said that this unit is not necessary in Galway and it would infringe on an earlier catchment area. That is ridiculous, and I take the Senator's point.
Senator Quinn raised the issue of farm subsidies. I have been told that what has been put forward is inaccurate, but I do not know this for certain. The Senator also mentioned the campaign to buy Irish products, but that was deemed to be the wrong way to do business. However, it is a timely reminder. In his business life, the Senator has always been proactive in that regard and he is fully entitled to talk about it. The Senator referred to the murder of the Latvian woman in Swords, which shows the lawlessness of this society.
Senator Kitt agreed with Senator Ulick Burke's comments on the neurosurgery unit. Senator Browne raised the issue of MRSA. He also mentioned the small remaining number of Greencore workers who are still owed money and asked that this be cleared. Senator Bannon called for a debate on public transport. The House will not sit on Friday to deal with the Electoral (Amendment) Bill. An amendment will be moved in the other House, and the Bill will then have to return to this House.
Senator Cummins spoke about there being too many criminals and too many guns. It is very sad. At least the Taoiseach was open and honest about it. He said it as he saw it and his statement was quite clear.
Senator John Paul Phelan agrees with Senator Leyden's points on the elderly requiring houses. He also sought a debate on the Law Reform Commission and mentioned the speciality of postal votes. The latter is an important issue as they were supposed to have been submitted by Monday next. I hope the benefit of the extended deadline will apply to them too.
The Minister is to be commended for providing more time to update the electoral register. If he did not do so the Opposition would be roaring about it, but now that he has done it they are saying it is an about-turn. It is simply good sense and good politics.
Senator McHugh also raised the issue of postal votes. Officials are now losing weeks that are — correctly — being given over to ensuring the register is more correct. Senator Hanafin raised the issues of slavery and human trafficking and is seeking a general debate on the issue. Sin é an méid.