Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)
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Today's business is No. 1, motion re the exchange of information between member states; and No. 2, the Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008. It is proposed that No. 1 which is back from Committee Stage will be taken without debate at the conclusion of the Order of Business. No. 2, the Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008, Committee Stage, is to be taken at the conclusion of No. 1.

Liam Twomey (Fine Gael)
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I offer congratulations to Deputy Brian Cowen on his elevation to Taoiseach, and to all the other Ministers who have been elevated to Cabinet positions in yesterday's re-shuffle. In the past four or five weeks we have seen many tributes and congratulations paid to taoisigh in waiting and taoisigh past. During the same period unemployment rates have risen and consumer confidence has collapsed. It is time for the House to get back to its proper business of looking after the people who elected us and whom we represent, by examining what is happening in the economy. Things are getting worse by the day. It is time for the serious debate we have demanded. We must invite the new Minister for Finance to the House as soon as possible.

It is also important to invite the new Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to the House. Yesterday the Morris report was published during a period of high activity surrounding the elevation of Deputy Brian Cowen to Taoiseach. The report is quite damning about what happened in County Donegal. The good, hardworking decent members of the Garda Síochána are sullied by having the same accusations levelled at them that are the due of that small minority who have so badly damaged the reputation of the force in that county. Without an open and transparent debate on that report this will continue to be the case. The way in which an attempt was made to bury the report yesterday was completely wrong. It is alien to the spirit of open and transparent government that we expect to have. We should debate the report in this House.

John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)
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Hear, hear.

Liam Twomey (Fine Gael)
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We should ask the new Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to the House to talk about the findings in the Morris report which are absolutely incredible. It is well worth the time of any Member of this House to read them. For the sake of the good gardaí we must discuss the report in this House.

Joe O'Toole (Independent)
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I raised an issue in the House on several occasions last year and previously concerning the recognition of persons who have given much service to public life. I have always held the view that former taoisigh should continue to be addressed as "Taoiseach", for example. I was reminded of that again this morning because I met on the corridor and now see in the Visitors' Gallery, the distinguished former Cathaoirleach of the House, Mr. Rory Kiely. We should have an understanding that such a person would retain the title of the highest office he or she has achieved, in particular those who have held the office of Cathaoirleach. This would apply to the present Cathaoirleach in the future as much as to his predecessor. This matter should be examined by the new Government.

I wish to be associated with the congratulations proffered by the leader of the Opposition. When the new Taoiseach was the Minister for Finance he attend the House every year and gave a speech on the budget, which was subject to assessment during the course of the year. Will the Leader consider inviting the Taoiseach in here in a non-confrontational manner to outline his vision for Ireland over the next few years? It should be equivalent to a budget speech where he would outline the Government's objectives. Mar shampla, tá alán rudaí ráite aige mar gheall ar chursaí Ghaeilge, mar gheall ar Tuaisceart na h-Éireann, finance and so on.

Everybody would appreciate it if the Taoiseach attended the House and told us of his vision and how he thinks things should work. He should outline his long-term aims and his short-term objectives over the next year or two. He could come back in six months' time and outline the key performance indicators he would like to see achieved in that period of time. This is something that could be done very well in this House. The Taoiseach could take non-confrontational questions to flesh out what it is he is trying to achieve. There will be other times for confrontation, but this will not be the time. It is an opportunity that he will never get in the Dáil, but it could be achieved here. He should be invited to this House to outline his vision for Ireland in his own words in a way that we could engage with him.

Alex White (Labour)
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There have been many congratulations and we now have had a month of praise and thanksgiving. Much of it has been deserved, some of it less so, and some of it has been bordering on the nauseating. It is now time to get down to business. I wondered at one stage over the last few weeks whether the former Taoiseach would outdo Luciano Pavarotti, who has the world record of 165 curtain calls in a single performance.

Pat Moylan (Fianna Fail)
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We are dealing with the Order of Business and not curtain calls.

Mary White (Fianna Fail)
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Encore.

Alex White (Labour)
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The former Taoiseach went close to that record.

Senator O'Toole's point about a debate anticipates precisely the point I was going to raise myself. He is right and I support him. While it is a matter for debate whether this is a new Government, it is an opportune moment for us to have that wider discussion. I ask the Leader to arrange for the new Taoiseach to come into this House and to set out his ideas, his proposals and his vision for the post-Celtic tiger Ireland into which we are facing. Before we can get down to the important debates with individual Ministers, I would echo the call to bring in the Taoiseach for that type of debate. We can then grapple with the challenges that exist in the economy, such as the deepening inequalities that have characterised the last decade of growth and the spectacle of 190,000 children at risk of poverty in a country with such enormous wealth held by so few people.

If we had that debate, we could consider the sort of public service we want to have in this country, how we fund it, how we use the taxation system in order to bring about a fairer society, and whether we want one health service for the well off and one for everybody else. I would like to hear the Taoiseach set out his stall on these issues in this House. The Opposition parties are also under a duty to put forward their ideas and their vision, and this would provide an excellent opportunity to do that. I join with my colleagues in congratulating the new Taoiseach, but I hope we get down to business today. I would welcome the opportunity to have such a debate at the earliest possible occasion.

Pat Moylan (Fianna Fail)
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Before I call on the next speaker, I welcome to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery a former Cathaoirleach and Senator, Rory Kiely. He is very welcome to the House and it is good to see him looking so well.

Cecilia Keaveney (Fianna Fail)
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I am almost embarrassed to stand up and say nice things about my colleagues who got jobs yesterday, given that Members from the Opposition have done that but said that we should not be doing it. I congratulate Deputy Brian Cowen on his election as Taoiseach and Deputy Brendan Smith on his selection as Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. I wish him well at the WTO talks, which will be difficult, but I know that he is very capable. I also congratulate Deputies Barry Andrews and Pat Carey, but as a female from Donegal, I must commend the Taoiseach on his choice of Tánaiste and I wish Deputy Mary Coughlan well. There is nobody more capable or competent for the post.

Given that an American investment conference is taking place this week in the North, the Leader should ask the Tánaiste to attend the House at the earliest opportunity to see how we can maximise the potential for regional development. If American investment goes into the North, our corporation tax rates in Donegal will be much more attractive than anything that can be offered in the Six Counties. The whole of Ulster should gain from this current conference. I call for a debate on regional development. The Tánaiste will be well able to handle it.

Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)
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I concur with the invitation extended to the new Taoiseach by Senator O'Toole and Senator Alex White. I made that suggestion yesterday to the Leader and I hope it can be considered and acted upon.

One of the issues debated here on a daily basis is the health service. We frantically debated the proposed Hanly report two to three years ago, which would have resulted in the death knell for many of our smaller local hospitals. I remember some of the Fianna Fáil Senators proudly proclaiming at the time that the report had been binned. Since then many of the proposals have been introduced by stealth. I look forward to having an early debate on the health services with the Minister, who remains in her position. There were indications that there might be a change in health policy, but the speech by the new Taoiseach indicated nothing but the strongest support for the Minister and her health proposals.

The new Taoiseach said that the county hospitals were the centre of the medical universe and that they had served us well, but that we must now change the mindset. He went on to say that the health service should focus on what services we can provide, rather than where we can provide them. He also told us that we needed to view hospitals as networks and not stand-alone institutions. That is only a snapshot of what he said, but it indicates that the Taoiseach is giving full support to the proposals by the HSE and the Minister, which could result in many hospitals being under severe threat, including my own local hospital in Mallow. We need early clarification from the Minister on what exactly the Taoiseach's thinking means and what will be its impact for our smaller hospitals in rural Ireland.

I agree with the Taoiseach that our hospitals have served us well, but I also believe that they can serve us well in the future. We must not dismiss the role of the county hospitals and the smaller hospitals. They are an integral part of the health service. Big is not always beautiful and for health services, small can also be beautiful. The level of efficiency shown by Mallow General Hospital is proof that smaller hospitals should have a huge role to play in the health service. We should be assuring their future rather than threatening them.

Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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I would like the Leader to ask the new Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to have a debate on agriculture and the WTO. I have been involved in a number of public meetings on the Lisbon treaty in my constituency. While five weeks remain before the referendum on the treaty will be held, there is grave concern among the wider agricultural and rural communities regarding the talks with Commissioner Mandelson. Even though I have raised the issue of a debate on fishing, an area close to my heart and one that urgently requires debate, given the time span afforded before the referendum will be held, will the Leader give priority to arranging for a debate to be held on agriculture? The majority of Members of this House support a "Yes" vote, but if the farming community and people of rural Ireland do not support the "Yes" campaign in the Lisbon treaty referendum, the referendum will be lost. There is no equivocation about that. Now is the time to make such a call. I was disappointed with the turnout of some rural communities in the well-organised meetings I attended. I do not want to put the fishing issue on the backburner but what is involved in the agriculture talks is much more acute at this stage.

I congratulate the new Taoiseach. He will bring a new vision to Ireland in his new role. I especially congratulate the Minister, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe, a former council colleague and a former Member of this House, on his elevation to ministerial office. He lost his Dáil seat in 1989, following which he served in this House with many of us from 1989 to 1993, and then won back his Dáil seat. This is a great achievement for him. I also congratulate the Minister, Deputy Smith, who has been given the difficult portfolio of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. I had many dealings with him when he was personal secretary to a former Tánaiste, the late John Wilson, and found him to be very capable. I also congratulate the Minister of State, Deputy Pat Carey, and the Minister of State, Deputy Barry Andrews. It is a great occasion for them. The new Cabinet faces many challenges but I have no doubt that with the calibre of its members and the changes that have been made, it will bring a new vision to tackling the challenges facing our country.

Dominic Hannigan (Labour)
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Like previous speakers, I congratulate those who were successful in the appointments made yesterday, namely, the Taoiseach and the Ministers. I wish them all well. I also wish the future Ministers of State well. I have not had a chance to find out who they will be as I did not have an opportunity this morning to check the Data Protection Commissioner's website on which of their names probably appear at this stage.

I wish to raise the issue of the level of investment in secondary school education. The incoming president of one of the associations, Mr. Noel Merrick, complained last week that there is still a gap in funding between the various types of post-primary schools. The gap is estimated at €100 per pupil, despite promises made by Fianna Fáil at the time of the previous general election and promises given by the Green Party at the time of the drafting of the programme of Government that this equalisation would balance out. Only €10 per pupil is being given. Therefore, there is a gap in such funding. We desperately need to invest in secondary school education, in the funding of which there is shortfall of €60 million. Will the Leader invite the new Minister for Education and Science to come to the House to give Members his views on what he will do about this?

John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)
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I support Senator O'Toole's suggestion in the way it was put that people should retain their titles. This is a well-established practice in other republics, in particular in America. When a person has achieved fine expertise, it seems unusual that he or she is not brought back into the system in some way. Such recognition occurs in society. We recognise that when people reach the age of 65, some of them retire but their expertise is still badly needed in society. I suggest now, as I have done here previously, that former taoisigh at least should have the right of audience in the Seanad. We need only reflect on how beneficial it would be for us to hear from, for example, the former Taoiseach, Mr. Liam Cosgrave, about what happened in Cabinet at the time of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings. We would have the benefit of such people's experience, including that of the former Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern, in years to come about what happened at the time of the drafting of the Good Friday Agreement. Such expertise certainly would enhance the House. In particular, it would give us an extra focus. I am all for enhancing the House and its capabilities.

I ask the Leader to request the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to come to the House to debate a matter. An unusual situation pertains with the slowdown in the international economy while the price of commodities continues to rise consistently, in particular the price of oil. It is unusual in terms of previous economic cycles and it has to do with the fact that India and China are still continuing to grow at such a pace. If this continues at this level, would it not be wise for us to make a proposal to the EU to start using the alternative energy capability we have on our west coast and to have a back-up supply of energy for Europe as demands for energy continue to increase? It is creating problems in the use of bio-fuels on the other side where shortages of food occur. We will have to examine the production of clean energy and it could well come from the sea.

David Norris (Independent)
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I wish to raise an issue concerning No. 19, motion 3, of non-Government motions on the Order Paper. It calls on the Seanad to ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs to request his partners in the European Union to establish a monitoring committee to examine the way in which human rights provisions in Israel are being implemented, if they are and if there are any infringements of these provisions. I raise this matter because I am a little concerned at the response given by my good friend, Senator Boyle, who I believe meant it to be in the most constructive way. However, I am concerned because I had understood there was general agreement that this was an appropriate motion, that it would be taken and that it had been discussed at the leaders' meeting.

I am not suggesting any ill will on the part of Senator Boyle, but I am concerned about the way in which the Department of Foreign Affairs interferes in the business of this House. Senator Boyle said in summary that he had received a note from the Department which stated that there were already a series of monitoring machines, in effect monitoring devices, in place and that there would be a meeting on 16 June, which may be a good augury because it is Bloomsday, and suggested that for that reason he would not take it but asked that we leave it on the Order Paper.

I am concerned because regardless of however professional, skilled and wise officials are in the ways of the diplomatic world, it is not appropriate for unelected officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs to dictate the business of this House. That very much appears to be what is happening. It is happening increasingly. Increasingly, both Houses of the Oireachtas are being bypassed in various ways and this is but one instance of that.

In the previous session, it was generally agreed by both sides of the House, with the enthusiastic participation of the then Leader, to establish a special committee to look into rendition. That proposal was agreed but the process collapsed as a result of outside intervention. Such intervention is wrong. It subverts the democratic role of this House. Although what the Department officials say is quite right, namely, that there are various ways of supervising, the first point to make is that none of them is effective. The human rights abuses in that part of the world, tragically, have multiplied because Israel has got away with it with impunity. I am not underestimating the extraordinary difficulties faced by the Israeli Government. Its civilians are being attacked, there are rocket attacks and all the rest of it. None the less international law should survive and rule supreme. This external association agreement, to a certain extent at least, is conditional on the fulfilment of human rights protocols. Such fulfilment does not exist. These conditions need to be independently monitored.

It appears the House cannot even discuss a request that we should establish a proper monitoring system for the human rights protocols. I am not asking for a boycott or the imposition of sanctions or anything else at this stage. We should find out through the machinery provided for in the treaties what is the state of play with regard to human rights in Israel. It is fair to do that. If we are inhibited from discussing it by the intervention of the Department of Foreign Affairs, then as a Parliament we might as well pack our bags and go home.

Déirdre de Búrca (Green Party)
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I wish to raise the issue of data protection, specifically the advanced leaking of the report of the Data Protection Commissioner. I have raised previously in the House the issue of data protection. It was only some weeks ago when we heard that personal and confidential details of bank customers went missing. The laptops on which this information was stored were stolen and it was only belatedly reported by the banks. It would appear from the leaks emanating from the Data Protection Commissioner's report that the pattern of a casual approach to data protection by businesses and the private sector is widespread. Several examples of this approach were reported in the media this morning which were itemised in the Data Protection Commissioner's report. I have not had a chance to examine the report but I wish to record the concerns that many people share about this news.

We live in an age when the volume of personal and confidential information on each of us is unprecedented. The storage and communication of that confidential information by electronic means leaves all of us exposed to having it potentially accessible and in the public domain unless there are very tight data protection measures and safeguards in place. The leaks from the Data Protection Commissioner's report highlight that there are no sanctions in place for companies against which the Data Protection Commissioner rules. Will the Leader ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to come to the House and discuss the very sensitive issue of data protection and the possible measures to ensure that where there is a clear and obvious breach of the legislation, those responsible are sanctioned? If this were the case, banks and other institutions would be more careful to protect our confidential, personal information.

Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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I congratulate the new Government on its appointment, but I notice the truce is broken this morning with the decision of former Minister of State, Deputy Tom Kitt, to retire at the next general election. I wonder how long Senators Ciaran Cannon and Dan Boyle will stay in their positions on the Government side of the House, because we need an urgent debate on the role of Government. We have a Government now that is operating by spin and ignoring the needs of ordinary people. For example, we have the announcement this morning by Aer Lingus that it is increasing the fuel surcharge on transatlantic passengers. I hope there is not an element of profiteering by Aer Lingus in this regard. The open skies policy was meant to——

Pat Moylan (Fianna Fail)
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Is the Senator asking the Leader for a debate on this issue?

Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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I am asking for a debate on the issue of aviation. We have had no Minister in this House since the U-turn by the Government on the matter of Cork Airport's debt. It is important we have a debate on airport policy. Can we also have a debate on the role of RTE, given that it has asked for a licence fee increase and there is no real reason for such an increase?

Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
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We previously debated the issue of the closure of Valentia marine rescue co-ordination centre. It is to be hoped this issue will be debated shortly by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport. I wish to raise the issue of a meeting on 29 April 2008 between the management of the Coast Guard and the local community. The Coast Guard said both the semi-State body, ESB, and Eircom were not telling the truth when they said the facilities they provide to Valentia marine rescue co-ordination centre are up to standard. It acknowledged that the facility is understaffed which, considering the vital work the centre does, is a serious matter. It beggars belief that the Coast Guard has now given a new reason for the closure of the centre, namely, that there is apparently a security threat in Valentia. It says the centre is not secure enough because it is liable to a terrorist attack.

Joe O'Toole (Independent)
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From Fungi the dolphin.

Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
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I thank Senator O'Toole and that was my reaction too when I heard that the senior management in the Coast Guard actually believe this notion and used it as the reason for the closure in discussions with the local community in Valentia. The man who made that statement is in charge of the Coast Guard. He has now given a flippant excuse for the closure — the threat of a terrorist attack — and this man contributed to the report responsible for closing the centre. He says such a facility will be more secure in Shannon. I am sure that Osama bin Laden——

David Norris (Independent)
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There are no weapons of mass destruction there.

Pat Moylan (Fianna Fail)
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Senator Daly without interruption, please.

Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
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——does not see Valentia as the Achilles heel of western civilisation nor does he think that if he puts the Valentia marine rescue co-ordination centre out of action, he will cause the collapse of the civilised world.

This other man to whom I have referred gave information to the report that is causing the closure of the centre. The report has been dissected by the local community and by the members of staff in Valentia Coast Guard station and it has been proven in this House, while he was sitting in that chair, that the report is a pack of lies. I wish to put this on record and I hope the Leader takes up this issue. I have written to the man in question asking if he has written to the Departments of Defence and Transport outlining his concerns as to the security threat in Valentia.

Liam Twomey (Fine Gael)
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We will send down the Minister for Defence, Deputy Willie O'Dea, with some tanks.

John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)
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I am not aware of any terrorist threats in County Kilkenny. I extend my best wishes to Deputy Séamus Brennan on his retirement from Government. In my time in this House I found him to be the member of the Cabinet most open to Members of the Opposition. I sincerely wish for him the best of health in the future, and I am sorry he is no longer a member of Government. I join the other speakers in congratulating those appointed to Government and the new Taoiseach on his election yesterday. I ask that he would come into the Seanad at the earliest opportunity and outline his vision for the future.

I agree with the request of Senator Denis O'Donovan that the new Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Deputy Brendan Smith, come to the House at the earliest possible opportunity to discuss the World Trade Organisation talks which is an issue that Senators Paul Bradford, Denis O'Donovan and I, along with others, have raised on several occasions in this House.

I had been looking for the former Minister for Finance to come to the House and discuss the economic outlook for Ireland and the direction in which we are going. It would be appropriate if the new Minister, Deputy Brian Lenihan, was available at the earliest opportunity.

I agree with what Senator John Hanafin said with regard to the importance of energy supply. This is the single biggest issue we face as an economy. The shortcomings of the traditional energy options are obvious, and there are emerging ethical difficulties with the increased production of bio-fuels. The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Eamon Ryan, had proposals dealing with the possibilities of wave and wind energy. It would be opportune if he came into the House to outline the status of those proposals.

I was disappointed that the new Taoiseach did not appoint someone new as Minister for Health and Children. It was a missed opportunity. I was alarmed to read of industrial relations issues concerning psychiatric nurses in Naas General Hospital and the possibility of the Army being used to fill staff shortages if the psychiatric nurses go on strike. It is an alarming situation and it would be opportune if the Minister for Health and Children would outline more suitable arrangements in the event of industrial action.

Dan Boyle (Green Party)
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I congratulate the new Taoiseach, Deputy Brian Cowen, and the new appointments to Cabinet and I thank those no longer serving. I also wish to express my appreciation for the Taoiseach's reaffirmation of many aspects of the programme for Government in his contributions to the Dáil yesterday. The programme for Government is meant to last for five years and some on the Opposition side have chosen to decide it no longer exists.

Alex White (Labour)
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The country has changed.

Dan Boyle (Green Party)
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I am confident that what has been agreed will be fulfilled and will be acted upon. The people appointed yesterday are the very people whom the Taoiseach knows will deliver on the programme.

I wish to put on the record of the House an explanation regarding No. 3 on the Order Paper. This matter was raised by Senator Norris and I can understand his concern. When acting as Leader last week I can assure him that I was not instructed to do anything but I was in receipt of advice and I chose to act on that advice. This House has a tradition for independence which it uses in open-ended debates on many subjects. The Order of Business last week contained demands for debates on the Middle East which I am sure can be facilitated at the earliest opportunity and on the ongoing situation of China and Tibet and the Olympic Games. Now that we have a new Minister for Foreign Affairs I am sure these debates can be held. My understanding of the advice I received with regard to No. 3 was that the June meeting was of particular significance to confirm whether or not the monitoring systems are working and I accept they are not working. If that meeting comes up with a conclusion the Seanad will be in a better position to act on foot of that advice. We will see what happens.

It seems that Senator Buttimer has left the Chamber and I am glad of that because it means I can speak without interruption——

Dominic Hannigan (Labour)
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The Senator should not be too sure of that.

Dan Boyle (Green Party)
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I was going so well.

Pat Moylan (Fianna Fail)
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Senator Boyle, it is not in order to refer to or comment upon the absence of any Senator from the Chamber. There may be a reason for the absence, such as attendance at a meeting.

Dan Boyle (Green Party)
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It is not so much the absence as the silence for which I was grateful.

I refer to a point raised on the Order of Business about Cork Airport's debt. The factual situation is that the Government appointed an intermediary, Peter Cassells, whose report was accepted, albeit reluctantly, by the board of Cork Airport. This level of debt is not sustainable but a process has been undergone and the bodies appointed by the State have accepted that——

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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They reneged on their promise.

Dan Boyle (Green Party)
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As a representative for the area I believe we will have to leave it at that.

Liam Twomey (Fine Gael)
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That is a lukewarm response.

Feargal Quinn (Independent)
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I welcome the important investment conference taking place in Belfast today. I welcome it in particular when taking into account the request by my colleague, Senator O'Toole, to invite the Taoiseach to the House to talk about the future. I would welcome a debate on Northern Ireland with regard to the opportunities for co-operation between business on both sides of the Border. I am reluctant to ask that the Minister for Foreign Affairs be invited to speak as I find it very difficult that the Minister for Foreign Affairs should be the Minister with responsibility for Northern Ireland affairs, coming as I do from a Nationalist background, which I believe to be shared by all Members. I ask that the Tánaiste be invited to the House to talk about the opportunities for investment as a joint operation between those businesses in the North and the South which are aiming at international markets to enable small business, both North and South, to network.

I voiced a concern in the House in the past that the further people live from the Border, the more they are of the view that Northern Ireland is a foreign country. I say this in the knowledge that people from Munster have expressed this view. In order to encourage people to buy Irish products my company identified those products made in Ireland. However, many people asked me if I identified products from Northern Ireland as being Irish. I could not believe this but it was asked by those who were of the view that we should be looking after our own. In my view, what is termed "our own" covers all of the 32 counties. I am pleased the Taoiseach is attending the big investment conference and that four of the top executives running New York city and state are attending. This is a significant opportunity to co-operate and network with our colleagues in the North and to identify business opportunities in international markets.

I was disturbed today to discover that the chief fire officers' association has been arguing once again for a national fire authority and they are making a very strong case. I had not realised that those responsible for fire safety report to each local authority. In the case of Dublin this means three different councils and in the case of Tipperary, two councils. While this may be a very efficient way of delegating responsibility, there is a need for some form of national fire authority and this would be worthy of a debate in the House.

Pat Moylan (Fianna Fail)
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Nine speakers remain to speak and there are just ten minutes remaining. I ask Senators to be brief in their contributions.

Ivor Callely (Fianna Fail)
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I join in the expression of good wishes to the Taoiseach, Deputy Cowen and his Ministers. In light of the current international financial crisis and what has happened in the past couple of hours, when the going gets tough, the tough get going. This is what the Taoiseach is faced with in the first 24 hours of his Cabinet. However, he has assembled a wealth of knowledge, experience, ability, youth and a fresh input. Like others I wish him well. They will have an opportunity to prove themselves in the difficult times ahead.

I ask the Leader to arrange a briefing document for me on the services emanating from the Central Mental Hospital. I also intend to raise the issue on the Adjournment. I would like to know which services, Departments and authorities have an interest there. It is my understanding that it is not solely the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, but that the Departments of Education and Science and Health and Children and the Health Service Executive are also involved. While I understand there is a desire to move services by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform to the new prison site, I would not favour moving services by the other Departments or the HSE. I seek clarification on this issue.

I join with other Senators in lending our support and solidarity to the people of Burma as they have experienced a terrible disaster. I call on all authorities to ensure that the aid agencies who are trying to assist are given an easy passage. We should leave no stone unturned.

Pat Moylan (Fianna Fail)
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All Members have a right to submit matters on the Adjournment in the normal way through the secretariat.

Phil Prendergast (Labour)
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Yesterday, I raised the issue of funding for the Arts Council. I wish the new Minister well and point out to him that the budget falls far short of the €100 million which the council needs to do its job. The 3% increase received was paltry and is less than inflation.

I support the call made by my colleagues yesterday to be provided with a break-down of the responsibilities of the HSE. I refer to its press releases. I receive regular unrequested updates and I am aware that others also receive them. The reality is far short of what is presented as fact in such releases.

With regard to industrial action by psychiatric nurses, time prevents me from going into detail but I have good examples of the kind of assaults that have been visited on nurses in the course of their duties. These have been life-threatening events. The HSE needs to intervene urgently to resolve this dispute because nobody can win in the current impasse.

Larry Butler (Fianna Fail)
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I join with previous speakers who wished our new Taoiseach and his Cabinet well. I congratulate my colleague, Deputy Barry Andrews, on his new position in which I am sure he will do extremely well.

I wish to raise an issue with the new Minister for Finance. I ask him to examine the inflation basket. Alcohol and tobacco are currently included in it but they should not be. There should be a new approach taken.

I ask the new Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to review the current system for the licensing of nightclubs. The regulations must be tightened. Some 5,200 people who presented in accident and emergency departments last year were there because of alcohol related injury or illness. A total of 2,995 people received treatment last year for psychiatric problems related to excessive consumption of alcohol. When one factors in the increased incidence of suicide among those experiencing problems with alcohol abuse, one can see it is a three dimensional problem. Tobacco and alcohol must be removed from the consumer price index. It would be helpful to increase the taxation on these products which cause significant problems for the health system. The figures to which I refer indicate that more than 8,000 people experienced health problems last year as a result of the consumption of alcohol. Increased taxation is the only way of dealing with the problem effectively. Will the Leader of the House invite the Minister to discuss the possibility of removing these two items from the consumer price index?

Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael)
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I join other Members in congratulating the Taoiseach and wishing him well. As a constituency colleague of the new Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Deputy Smith, I congratulate him on his appointment to that office. He is highly respected in the county and it is a great honour for him and his family. I wish him well in dealing with the Mandelson proposals which represent the most pertinent issue for the farming community, an issue that must engage the energies of the Minister, the Oireachtas and the entire apparatus of State. I intend to take full advantage of the Minister's inevitable absences from the constituency.

Pat Moylan (Fianna Fail)
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Our time is limited and should not be used to promote any individual in opposition to a Minister.

Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael)
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I add my voice to those who called for the Taoiseach to come to the House to set out his ambitions, goals and philosophy for the coming years. I ask the Leader of the House to impress upon the Taoiseach that he must embrace the concept that the cutbacks which the deficit in revenue intake will dictate must be levelled at the quangos, consultancies and other elements of wastage in public service administration. Rather than effecting the cutbacks by curtailing home help services and increasing class sizes, there must be a philosophy which ensures savings are made where there is clear wastage, as represented by the multiplicity of quangos, advisers and consultants. It is imperative that the Leader of the House impresses this upon the Taoiseach.

Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)
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The Taoiseach has given us an insight into his vision and leadership priorities. In so doing, he has set in train a debate on the Ireland to which we aspire. He has generated hope that we may be on the threshold of a new era. In particular, he queried whether the 1916 leaders would be pleased with the rampant materialism that has taken hold of the heart of society. He has dusted off the word "patriotism" and placed it in context for the Ireland in which we now live. He has asked that individualisation be balanced by a concept of community.

I find in all this a reflection of the famous dictum of the former President of the United States, John F. Kennedy, when he asked, in order to galvanise his people, what one should expect of one's country but also what one's country should expect of its citizens.

Alex White (Labour)
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What is expected is 11 years in government.

Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)
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We know from many of the debates we have had in this House on various issues that people are reflecting on the society they want. There is significant concern about issues such as alcohol abuse, deprivation and the dreadful violence occurring regularly throughout the State. I hope the Taoiseach will come to the Chamber for a discussion on these matters. His statements were neither peripheral nor frivolous. Rather, he intended them to be central to his leadership.

I salute the Taoiseach for his focus on the Irish language. I also salute Deputy Kenny for his lengthy contribution in Irish in the Dáil. I salute Deputy Gilmore as one of the great advocates of the Irish language. I likewise salute Deputy Ó Caoláin. Here is the opportunity for cohesion and unanimity on an issue central to our distinctive identity. I am sure the Taoiseach will retain his focus in this regard.

Pat Moylan (Fianna Fail)
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There are five remaining Members wishing to speak but there is insufficient time to accommodate them.

Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)
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Many Senators offered congratulations to the new Taoiseach. Yesterday's scenes of joy and celebration in Leinster House among those from the Taoiseach's county of Offaly were a sight to behold. It is a united county when it comes to politics, with no candidate from our party canvassing individually. I wish the Taoiseach all the luck in the world. As Senator Ó Murchú observed, the new hope offered us by the aspirations and visions set forth yesterday by the new Taoiseach has uplifted all of us in the profession of politics. We look forward to serving him and working with him for the long-term benefit of the people.

I congratulate the eight Ministers who have taken up new portfolios. Some of them have vast experience, while two are first-time Ministers. I congratulate the new Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe, who is a former Member of this House and has a great deal of experience. I also congratulate the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Deputy Smith, a near neighbour of mine. He was strongly associated with the late John Wilson, a former Minister and Tánaiste, whom he served loyally when he began his career in politics. I know Senator O'Reilly's good wishes to the Minister were genuine. The two have always been closely identified, particularly when they were in UCD together.

Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)
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Like the Leader of the House and me.

Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)
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We were all family at one time, as Senator O'Reilly knows.

The young Deputies who were appointed to office such as the new Minister of State, Deputy Barry Andrews, have been presented with a great challenge and opportunity. I congratulate the new Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Coughlan, who has become the first female Fianna Fáil Tánaiste. Her family has suffered more than that of any other Member in order to remain involved in politics and public life. The constituency of Donegal South-West has its challenges but is populated by terrific, dedicated, friendly and loyal people. I wholeheartedly congratulate the Tánaiste on her appointment.

I also congratulate the Minister for Finance, Deputy Brian Lenihan, on his appointment to that office. He is presented with a serious challenge as we deal with the global economic downturn. I wish him well. As Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, he was courageous and outstanding. The 25 new Members who joined this House last year, particularly Senator Harris as he noted in his Sunday newspaper articles, were full of praise about Deputy Brian Lenihan's contribution as Minister.

As colleagues will know, it takes a new Minister at least two to three weeks to read into his brief. It had been the custom over the years that after a new Government was appointed, both Houses went into recess for a week. That has not happened on this occasion because we are changing Taoiseach and Government after 12 months of the five-year term. Sittings for next week will be on Wednesday and Thursday, and the business of the House will be discussed with leaders after the Order of Business this morning. I thank colleagues and the Whips for their understanding and help during the changeover.

All the congratulations given to our former Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern, could not be enough for what that man has done. I know that we look forward to his immense contribution over the next ten or more years that he will be available to serve our country in whatever capacity the people of Ireland decide at the appropriate time.

Calls have been made today and yesterday on the subjects for debate, with which I agree, especially those regarding the environment and economy. I will endeavour to facilitate a debate here on the economy at the earliest opportunity. The same is true for a debate on justice, in particular with Senator Twomey calling for a debate on the Morris tribunal report. I can help that to take place, and I will discuss it with our new Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Dermot Ahern, who played a dynamic role in the Department of Foreign Affairs. I realised only too well on visits last week to Washington how highly regarded he is by his peers, no matter where we go.

Senators O'Toole and Hannigan acknowledged the long service and dedication of former Cathaoirleach, Rory Kiely — whom the Cathaoirleach correctly welcomed — and suggested that titles should be retained. Former Senator Des Hanafin, who served here for many years, always maintained that someone, once a Senator, was always a Senator. We should consider that option and how we can progress the possibility during the Seanad review. Perhaps the former taoisigh could have right of audience, as has been suggested by Senator Hanafin and on many occasions in the House, and perhaps the immense contributions made by people such as former Cathaoirligh, Brian Mullooly and Rory Kiely — they were in the Houses yesterday, and Rory Kiely is still with us this morning — could be harnessed and put to good use in enhancing the operations and business of the Seanad.

Senators Keaveney and Quinn referred to the opportunity provided by the big investment conference taking place in the North of Ireland. Our Taoiseach is attending that this morning, as is the British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown. Hard work has been put in to ensuring that some key players from the US attend. The new Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Micheál Martin, was a dedicated Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. I had the great honour and privilege of visiting many countries all over the world with him to enhance the portfolio of his Department. I presume he will also attend the conference.

The suggestions regarding the conference by Senator Keaveney could be developed to the advantage of the people of Donegal and the Border region in general. The 12.5% corporation tax rate is available in counties Monaghan, Leitrim, Sligo, Donegal and Louth. All of the Border county areas are next-door parishes to the events in the North of Ireland. As we know, they suffered terrible disadvantage and the BMW region had to be created to acknowledge that. I have often heard it said in these debates that little activity — or the perception of little activity — happening north of the line from Dublin to Galway was a serious concern for all of us who live in the BMW region.

This is an ideal opportunity considering the advantages that we have in all these areas, including the 12.5% corporation tax rate, as those of us who live in parishes next to the Border are aware. Senator Wilson, the Whip, and many other Senators are from the Border region. We will seek to enhance the debate on how we can attract investment into those areas along with our colleagues in Northern Ireland.

Senators Bradford and John Paul Phelan called for a debate on all the health services, as did Senator Healy Eames yesterday. I have agreed that we will hold a wide-ranging debate about the Health Service Executive and all matters pertaining to health issues.

Senator Kelly also mentioned Burma. It is my intention that, after the Order of Business, we can agree an all-party motion on Burma. I welcome the decision to allow the United States to bring relief into Burma, which I read about in the newspaper this morning. It is urgently needed. It is a disaster of monumental proportions, and the world must unite to tackle it. It is an easy process for the leaders in this House to table an all-party motion for the Order of Business next Wednesday. We commit ourselves this morning to doing that.

Senator O'Donovan called for the new Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to have a debate on agriculture. He pointed out the serious threat to the Lisbon treaty. I share the Senator's views on that, and I will endeavour to have the new Minister, Deputy Brendan Smith, in the House within the next two weeks so that Members can express their concerns and views, particularly the strong views that the farming community has on the position taken by Commissioner Mandelson and the Commission's approach to agriculture in Ireland. I hope the debate will take place in the next two weeks.

Senator Hannigan yesterday mentioned the subject of mining and I give a commitment that we will have a debate on it, especially the plight of the Ballingarry and Tara mining workers.

Dominic Hannigan (Labour)
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That was Senator Kelly, but I will pass on the Leader's comments.

Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)
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One of the Senators was acting leader of the party, and in my notes I referred to acting leader. I apologise.

Senator Hanafin referred to the serious issue of food and energy supplies. I have no difficulty in having time left aside for that debate.

Senator Norris referred to No. 19, motion 3, of the non-Government motions on the Order Paper. The Deputy Leader of the House has outlined the position. Private Members' business for Senator Norris's group comes up the week after next, so if we cannot get something discussed or if he wants to wait until the meeting takes place in June, he might discuss with his leader, Senator O'Toole, about dealing with the issue during his group's Private Members' business.

Senator De Búrca highlighted a serious issue to the House on data protection and the Data Protection Commissioner's report. I intend to highlight that to the best of my ability by allowing all Senators, perhaps in a special half-day debate, to give their views on this serious matter. It is unacceptable if there are no sanctions in place. We will want to see what the new Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform will do about what we heard in the national media this morning. I fully support Senator De Búrca's call for the subject to be debated.

Senators Buttimer and Boyle expressed strong views about the aviation industry. We will invite the Minister for Transport to discuss this at the earliest possible opportunity.

Senator Buttimer also wanted an urgent debate on the role of RTÉ, particularly before the Government considers a further increase in the licence fee. I have no problem in time being left aside for that debate.

Senator Mark Daly once again highlighted the challenges facing the Valentia and Malin Head Coast Guard services. Practically everyone in the House is in full support of the retention of those two services in their current locations. If the Minister wishes to augment the services perhaps that should be looked at as well. Certainly, I have no difficulty in making time available for a debate. I am aware Senator Daly is in contact with the personnel involved and is well briefed. He has shown in the House his total commitment to Valentia and I support him in his call for a debate.

Senator John Paul Phelan paid tribute to former Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Deputy Séamus Brennan. I was pleased with RTE's coverage last night of the handing over from one Taoiseach to another and the change of Government. I compliment "Oireachtas Report" for allowing the Seanad to express its congratulations to the former Minister, Deputy Séamus Brennan, who is still a Member of the Oireachtas and a Dáil Deputy. I look forward to him playing a further role in the future. I pay tribute to him for the immense contribution he has made as a Member of the Oireachtas and as a member of many previous Governments.

Senator Quinn called for the fire service to have a national fire authority. That is the least we could expect. There should be an authority to ensure the safety of citizens in respect of the tremendous service being provided by the fire services of Ireland. Following the recent sad and unfortunate experience in Wicklow, it is of the utmost importance that the authority be appointed. I support Senator Quinn's call for a debate in this regard.

Senator Callely called for a debate on services in the Central Mental Hospital. I will come back to the Senator on his queries in this regard.

Senator Prendergast raised the issue of funding for the new Arts Council. A new Minister is in charge of this area, a next-door neighbour of the Senator. I am sure the Senator will be able to use her friendship with him in that regard. The Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Deputy Martin Cullen, has been tremendous in all his portfolios to date. I wish him well and look forward to him coming into the House to discuss all of his portfolio whether arts, sport or tourism. He is one person who will get a grasp of his brief very quickly. He has a huge capacity to do so. We know he is on the "Yes" side for the Lisbon treaty following his magnificent performance on "Questions and Answers" on RTE last Monday week.

Senator Butler called for a review of the inclusion of tobacco and alcohol in the inflation basket. In relation to the licensing of night clubs, he highlighted the fact that 5,200 people were admitted to our hospitals suffering from alcohol related diseases. I will convey his strong views to the Minister. When we have a debate in the House on finance with the Minister for Finance present, that would be an opportunity to raise this issue.