Seanad debates

Wednesday, 5 November 2008

10:30 am

Photo of Pat MoylanPat Moylan (Fianna Fail)
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I have notice from Senator Diarmuid Wilson that, on the motion for the Adjournment of the House today, he proposes to raise the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Health and Children to progress with urgency legislation to ban BZP, the party pill, which is openly on sale around the country.

I have also received notice from Senator Pearse Doherty of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to outline when the necessary legislation will be in place to bring effect to the budget announcement whereby a €200 levy is to be imposed on all holiday homes, rental and all other non-principal places of residence; and whether the money collected in each local authority will remain within that area and the way in which this levy will be collected from people who own property in this State which is subject to this levy while they reside outside of the State.

I have also received notice from Senator Cecilia Keaveney of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism to engage with his equivalent Minister in the North's Executive to develop an archive of Ballykinlar internment camp for the 1920-21 timeframe and to consider having a cultural tourism aspect to that site and others such as the Curragh.

I regard the matters raised by the Senators as suitable for discussion on the Adjournment and they will be taken at the conclusion of business.

Photo of Donie CassidyDonie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)
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Before the Order of Business I would like, on behalf of myself and the House, to offer our congratulations to the US President-elect, Barack Obama.

Photo of David NorrisDavid Norris (Independent)
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Hear, hear.

Photo of Donie CassidyDonie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)
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Barack Obama's remarkable personal story, together with his eloquence and huge political talents, send a powerful message of hope to American citizens and America's friends right across the world. We look forward to the President-elect building on America's strong relationships with EU member states and other countries around the globe. We look forward to working with him and his administration on issues of mutual interest to us in Ireland, as well as building on the existing deep and cherished ties between our two countries. I extend my best wishes to Vice President-elect, Joe Biden, a man who I know is very proud of his Irish roots.

The eyes of the world have been focused on this historic campaign. It has, above all, been a triumph for democracy. For that and for his immense contribution to American life, great credit is due to Senator John McCain, another long-standing and true friend of Ireland.

There is a very clear sense of history with the election of the first African-American US President. Today, we are all reminded of all those who struggled for civil rights in America for so many years and those who worked for justice and peace around the world.

I wish the President-elect well. Both he and his party face an enormous opportunity and responsibility at a time of immense global challenges. He is the hope of many people in the world. I ask you, a Chathaoirligh, a true Offaly man, to offer our congratulations to another dear friend of Offaly who has many ties with that great county.

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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I suppose Barack Obama will vote Fianna Fáil next.