Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on the discovery of Ash dieback disease in the context of the importance of the forestry and forestry products industry, to be taken at 12.30 p.m. and conclude not later than 2 p.m., with the contributions of group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes and those of all other Senators not to exceed five minutes and the Minister to be called on to reply not later than 1.50 p.m.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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In regard to adult mental health services in north Dublin, I ask the Leader to raise with the Minister for Health the fact that Curam clinic in Swords, which deals with the north County Dublin area, has no access to telephone lines and its six staff have been shoehorned into a HSE centre. However, more important is the lack of access to adult mental health services in north County Dublin. I intend to raise the matter on the Adjournment next week. In the meantime I ask the Leader to use his good offices to ask the Minister for Health to rectify the situation.

There has been much discussion in the Chamber in the past year, rightly so, on the cost of advisers and special advisers to Ministers. I was astounded to learn yesterday that the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade has seen fit to appoint a fourth special adviser who has not breached the pay cap but is commanding a salary of ¤80,000. That brings the Tánaiste's bill for special advisers to ¤500,000 per year. Perhaps the acting Labour Party leader can explain the purpose of a special fourth adviser for the Tánaiste. This is the same Tánaiste who, with the Government and Fine Gael, is presiding over cuts to home help all over the country. I raised the issue yesterday and on numerous occasions. The ¤80,000 for the special adviser would pay for between 7,000 and 8,000 home care hours.

The Labour Party manifesto makes amusing reading at this stage. One part of the manifesto which is about care in the community states that in order to free up more acute hospital beds, more step-down beds and home care packages need to be available to people who cannot be discharged without some post-hospital care. To facilitate this the Labour Party will invest additional funds in community and step-down care. That is what the Labour Party said in February 2011. Fine Gael made a similar pledge and reaffirmed it in the programme for Government, yet it is presiding over cuts of 950,000 hours in home care this year and the Tánaiste has seen fit to appoint a fourth special adviser to his office at a cost of ¤80,000 to the Exchequer.

Where are we going with this? It is no wonder that people are absolutely fuming with the cuts to the most vulnerable in society affecting people who do not need to be in hospitals and want to be cared for at home. I have still not received an adequate answer. The Leader gives the same answer every day that the Government is committed to expanding home care packages, but it is not. Some 950,000 hours have been taken away this year.

Is it true that the Government will propose a further 10% cut to adult mental health services in the upcoming budget? I believe it is true and the HSE has been advised of it. In advance of the budget, I would like the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, to come to the House and explain whether she will protect the budget for adult mental health services. The HSE is advising me and my colleagues that there will be a further 10% cut in this area. I have used the example of the whole area of north County Dublin without any access to adult mental health services at this stage.

I want the Leader to give me the rationale for the Tánaiste appointing a fourth personal special adviser at a cost of ¤80,000 to the Exchequer, bringing his bill for special advisers to more than ¤500,000 a year, while the Government is presiding over cuts to home care packages affecting the elderly and disabled.

John Whelan (Labour)
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I wish to raise a matter of the utmost and gravest concern, about which any right-minded person would be concerned. I call on the Minister for Justice and Equality and his Cabinet colleagues to fulfil a commitment given to the Molloy family from Roscommon prior to the general election to establish a commission of inquiry into the sordid and sinister murder of Fr. Niall Molloy in Clara, County Offaly, in 1985. One could only describe the investigation into it at the time-----

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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We are not having a debate on this matter today.

John Whelan (Labour)
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I am not asking for a debate. I am calling on the Leader to ask the Minister for Justice and Equality to establish a commission of inquiry, as promised to the family. There has been a conspiracy of silence and cover-up surrounding the case, involving so-called pillars of society, including individuals, elements within the Garda Síochána, the legal fraternity, the medical fraternity, the church and politics. The Molloy family cannot be denied justice any longer. The culprits, those responsible for the murder of Fr. Niall Molloy, are walking free. The public will not accept this is the case. Explosive and persuasive new evidence is now available thanks to incredible investigative journalism conducted by Gemma Doherty of the Irish Independent, which needs to be pursued by the authorities. A commission of inquiry is the only way for justice to be done and seen to be done. Nothing else is acceptable. We cannot abdicate our duty and responsibility. We are responsible to the public to restore confidence in the institutions of the State and to ensure Fr. Molloy and his family receive justice.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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This is not the appropriate time to raise this issue. The Senator has asked the Leader for a debate on it.

John Whelan (Labour)
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I am grateful for your forbearance, a Chathaoirligh. I ask the Leader to call on the Minister for Justice and Equality to instigate without further delay a commission of inquiry into the cover-up of the botched investigation into the death of Fr. Niall Molloy.

Fiach MacConghail (Independent)
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While I might sound like a broken record, the editorial in today's edition of The Irish Times contained the following quote: "When the name of Ireland is mentioned, people right across the world think first of our writers, our musicians, our drama?In Government, Fine Gael will nurture and support our culture". I ask the Leader for a debate on the Government's culture policy. The merger of the boards of the National Library of Ireland and the National Museum of Ireland has yielded a mere ¤1 million in savings. We would be wasting Oireachtas time in debating many amendments to the Bill to abolish these. The one board for the National Library of Ireland and the National Museum of Ireland will comprise nine people. It will not actually be a board but an advisory council within the Department. I do not question the need for cuts and I accept we need to cut our cloth. I am concerned there is an ill-considered approach towards a cultural policy. Should the Department now be called the Department of culture rather than the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht since it is now taking more control of some of our national cultural institutions?

Yesterday Senator Hayden mentioned the long list of Irish writers who have been shortlisted for the IMPAC literary award. There is an inconsistency with regard to the support for artists and the support for our cultural heritage and the overall slash and burn policy the Government is pursuing. I call on the Leader to arrange a debate as soon as possible on the Government's approach to culture and its cultural policy.

Sean Barrett (Independent)
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I commend the Taoiseach for attending the Remembrance Day commemoration in Enniskillen on Sunday, the Tánaiste for attending a similar commemoration in Belfast, and the Minister, Deputy Deenihan, for attending the one in St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin. We wish well all those who seek to reconcile the traditions on this island. Sometimes the reconciliation may be much less than we think. The TCD roll of honour from the First World War contains names that are the same as taoisigh, such as Lynch, Lemass, Cowen, FitzGerald and Kenny. As we commemorate those events of 100 years ago, we realise it could bring us very much together.

In a recent paper by Mícheál Collins and Mary Walsh, some 131 tax expenditures, a transfer of resources that is achieved by reducing tax obligations in respect of benchmark tax rather than by direct expenditure, were estimated to cost just under ¤12 billion. They tend to be neglected in the pre-budget discussion and I ask the Leader to invite people from the Department of Finance to come in to discuss those as we all prepare for the budget on 5 December.

John Kelly (Labour)
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I support calls by Senator Whelan to establish a commission of inquiry into the brutal murder of Fr. Niall Molloy. Fr. Molloy was a Roscommon man and was given the Person of the Year award in 1985, the year of his death. He was a regular caller to my home place.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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The Senator should not go into such detail. I have pointed out to Senator Whelan, who was leading the Labour Party group today, that this is not the appropriate forum.

John Kelly (Labour)
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I have a question for the Leader, but I have a few points I must make first.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Ask the Leader a question.

John Kelly (Labour)
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As Fr. Molloy's father was a Senator in this House, we ought to give him justice. Prior to the general election Fine Gael and the Labour Party pledged to establish a commission of inquiry into his brutal murder and this must be honoured. This man was left to die for six hours following a wedding in Clara, County Offaly. He did not receive medical assistance in that time.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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We do not need that detail on the Order of Business. There are more appropriate forums for dealing with this issue.

John Kelly (Labour)
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This man's life was ended following his attendance at a wedding. It is widely acknowledged that this was the biggest cover-up in the history of the State.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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It is inappropriate for the Order of Business, as I have pointed out to Senator Whelan.

John Kelly (Labour)
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Let me summarise by complimenting Gemma Doherty on the untiring investigative work she has done on this case and on keeping it high on the agenda.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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The Senator knows he cannot mention the names of people who are not here to defend themselves, whether it is in a good light or a poor light. I ask the Senator to refrain from naming people.

John Kelly (Labour)
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This is very well documented and is not something I am reinventing.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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It does not matter. That is not the point.

John Kelly (Labour)
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When something looks and smells like a rotten apple, it certainly is a rotten apple. The Minister for Justice and Equality should honour his pre-election pledge and establish a commission of inquiry into Fr. Molloy's death.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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This is not the appropriate forum.

John Kelly (Labour)
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It must be independent and we cannot have gardaí investigating other gardaí in this case.

Ned O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail)
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I was disappointed to notice on my way to work this morning that the Government Publications Sales office on Molesworth Street is to close. Senators know this is an important repository of Government publications such as Bills, tribunal reports and election results. Will the Leader ascertain what proposals are in place to find an alternative outlet for such important publications? It was ideally located close to the Houses and the public had access to these documents. Any attempt to reduce public access to this information would be highly regrettable. I hope a plan is in place to rectify this.

Will the Leader ascertain whether it is intended, as is the norm, to publish in book form the results of the Seanad election in 2011? It is 18 months since the election and I am surprised this publication is not available to us.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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It is a matter for the Seanad returning officer.

Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)
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Perhaps Senator O'Sullivan should ask her.

Ned O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail)
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I am addressing it to the Leader.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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The Leader has no role in it.

Ned O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail)
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Nobody in the Chamber has higher respect for the returning officer than I do, but it strange that it has not been published, if I am allowed to say so.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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It is being done.

Ned O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail)
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I welcome this because all Members would like to be able to verify they were elected and look at it at their leisure.

Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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The Senator was elected.

Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)
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We will get it for Senator O'Sullivan for Christmas.

Ned O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail)
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Thank you very much.

Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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In the stocking.

Fiach MacConghail (Independent)
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There is a Santa.

Ned O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail)
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Many local authority members would welcome a copy of it.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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I know the Senator is all right with the computer system and it is on the website.

Ned O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail)
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I know this and look at it occasionally to cheer myself up.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?

Fiach MacConghail (Independent)
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He should ask him whether there is a Santa.

Ned O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail)
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Yesterday, Senator Landy raised his concerns about the tardiness of bringing forward the electoral boundary review. I was glad to hear the Leader state the commission has been appointed. I still have serious concerns because such a review will take time and a rushed job is a botched job. Is the Leader aware of a fallback in the event the commission will not be able to report in time? What procedure is in place to defer the local elections until 2015?

Martin Conway (Fine Gael)
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I add my voice to the call made this morning for the Minister for Justice and Equality to fulfil a pledge to the Molloy family and establish a commission of investigation into the brutal murder of Fr. Niall Molloy.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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This is the Order of Business for today.

Martin Conway (Fine Gael)
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I was 11 years of age when Fr. Molloy was brutally murdered. That was 27 years ago.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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As I pointed out to the two Senators who already raised this on the Order of Business is about the order of the day.

Martin Conway (Fine Gael)
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I have a simple question for the Leader. Justice must be done and why has it not been done? After 18 months in government why has a commission of investigation not been appointed?

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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There are more appropriate fora in which to raise this issue.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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On a point of order, I remind the Senators opposite they are in government.

Martin Conway (Fine Gael)
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We are well aware of that.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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-----and they have it within their gift to go to the Minister for Justice and Equality, who is a member of Senator Conway's party. Therefore, what is he talking about?

John Whelan (Labour)
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I would not push it too far if I were the Senator.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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Why not?

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Please, Senators.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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Excuse me, the Cathaoirleach has ruled-----

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator O'Brien-----

John Whelan (Labour)
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Do Senator Darragh O'Brien want me to name the politician who was there?

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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I am just reminding Senator Conway that he is in government and I will push it as far as I want.

John Whelan (Labour)
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It was 27 years ago.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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The Senator comes in to the House to speak about this issue but he can make an appointment to speak to the Minister about it.

John Whelan (Labour)
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We will not be told by the Senator Owhat we can do.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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Perhaps the Senator does not know what he can do and I am just letting him know.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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I ask Senators to please to respect the Chair.

Martin Conway (Fine Gael)
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I wish to make several points to back up my question.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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I ask the Senator to respect the Chair. The Order of Business is not about political and election promises. It is about ordering business for the day. If the Senator has a relevant question for the Leader of the House, he should ask it.

Martin Conway (Fine Gael)
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I have a relevant question. Will the Leader ask the Minister for Justice and Equality to establish a commission of inquiry into the brutal death of Fr. Niall Molloy?

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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I have told the Senator this is not the appropriate forum to raise this issue. Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?

Martin Conway (Fine Gael)
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What happened in Clara, County Offaly puts what happened in Donegal and the investigation into it in the ha'penny place.

David Norris (Independent)
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I express a certain amount of concern about the constitutional convention, particularly reports in the newspapers that the members of the public involved will be anonymous. This is regrettable because everyone who has an opinion should be prepared to stand over it. In other jurisdictions with this type of convention, such as the Netherlands, Iceland and the Canadian provinces, the people involved have all been prepared to be identified. In British Columbia the opening session was televised and it was all streamed live. The newspapers carried profiles of the various members. I understand the reticence of people; some people do not want to go on juries for the same reason but they must. When one takes a role in discussing issues which have a significant bearing on the personal lives of citizens and in framing a constitution one should be prepared to stand up and be counted. We need much more information about the constitutional convention. We do not really know how it will operate. I am rather saddened that I will not represent my group on the section dealing with gay marriage. I thought it would have been reasonably appropriate for me to do so but apparently it will not happen. I would like an opportunity to address the convention.

The outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East is a particularly important issue. Syria is already aflame and the Israelis, after a day in which there was no rocket fire, launched a new offensive called Operation Pillar of Defence. They have a habit of giving sanitised names to what they do. They killed ten people, including civilians and a prominent member of the armed group associated with Hamas, Ahmed Jabari. The general in charge, General Yoav Mordechai, stated he anticipated rocket strikes in return and he got them. Tragically, three Israeli civilians were killed. We need to take a stand on this particularly in the light of the attitude of Prime Minister Netanyahu. He stated this would prevent rocket strikes. There had been no rocket strikes the previous day. He launched an attack and immediately got them. An election is coming up and this appalling cynicism should be remarked upon. We should be grateful the United Nations and the President of the United States have tried to intervene to prevent this highly dangerous situation from escalating. I stand in solidarity with Trócaire and the other groups which have spoken about the suffering of the Palestinian people. I reject accusations from the other House that they have been over-politicised. They are playing their appropriate role as witnesses to an appalling tragedy inflicted upon suffering people.

Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)
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The appropriate theme for the House today is the right to life. I call on the Taoiseach and the Minister for Health to establish as a matter of urgency an independent public inquiry into the Galway case and the tragic death of Savita Halappanavar. The public is outraged about what went wrong and we need answers. As a woman I need to know women are protected in pregnancy and maternal health. Galway University Hospital has not had a maternal death for 17 years, so something went wrong. Medical Council guidelines state that women must get all treatment necessary in pregnancy, so clearly something went wrong and we need answers.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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We will not go into the details.

Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)
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I know.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?

Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)
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This morning I heard the woman's husband state his wife was left with an open womb for two days.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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That is not relevant to the Order of Business. Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?

Marie Louise O'Donnell (Independent)
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On a point of order, this is outrageous. Two inquiries are being held.

Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)
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I am calling for-----

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?

Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)
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My question to the Leader, the Taoiseach and the Minister for Health is that an independent public inquiry is held-----

Marie Louise O'Donnell (Independent)
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Does the Senator suggest the HSE and Galway University Hospital inquiries are not independent?

Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)
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Do I have the floor?

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator Healy Eames to continue, without interruption.

Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)
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On this matter I do not feel confident that an internal inquiry would be adequate. This is a matter of public interest.

Marie Louise O'Donnell (Independent)
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There are two inquiries.

Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)
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It is fitting on the theme of life and death that we ask the Minister for Justice and Equality to come to the House to address the serious allegations of a botched inquiry and cover-up in the death of Fr. Molloy.

Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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Tá sé tábhachtach go bhfeicfeadh muid na tuairiscí maidir le cás na Gaillimhe agus go ndéanfadh muid breith orthu san i dtosach báire.

Ironically, 17 November is World Prematurity Day and a conference is taking place today. In Ireland 4,500 babies are born prematurely every year. It means that one in every 16 women give birth to a premature baby and 500 babies are stillborn or suffer a neonatal death. A number of issues on prematurity need to be addressed. It would be fitting to arrange a debate and also in the context of the reports that will be produced. It is an important area. There are a number of issues regarding the lack of parental accommodation in the hospitals, a lack of regional intensive care treatment and a need for a national neonatal health programme. We should arrange such an important debate.

I draw attention again to the situation in the Middle East which suffered a great tragedy in the past number of days with 11 Palenstinians killed, including children, in the attacks and three Israelis were also killed. It is a terrible situation and violence has escalated. We have also seen an increase in the development of Israeli settlements in Palestine and an ongoing blockade of Gaza. A lot of settlement goods are sold in our supermarkets here and I commend the Tánaiste for speaking out about it. Ireland will take over the EU Presidency next year and will play a pivotal role. Therefore, it would be important to ask him to come here for a debate on the Middle East. We could ask him what he shall propose for the EU agenda in order to address the issue and find a solution to the Middle East crisis, particularly between the Palestinians and the Israelis. The last thing that region needs is an escalation in violence and injustices.

Susan O'Keeffe (Labour)
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I add my voice and extend my sympathy and respect to the family of Savita Halappanavar, her husband, Praveen, her family and friends. Like Senator Healy Eames, I agree that a public inquiry should be arranged. The HSE and the hospital must carry out their inquiries. Sometimes, and it is not due to a lack of trust, difficult matters need a third eye or an additional opportunity involving somebody who is not connected to the hospital, people who understand but were not involved in this extreme trauma for the family and staff at the hospital. I agree with the call for a public inquiry. I commend the Minister for Health's suggestion that the HSE inquiry should be held up to world scrutiny. Perhaps he will need to agree to a public inquiry. I urge that the expert group's report be examined, as a matter of urgency, and that the Cabinet report, as soon as possible, on its next move. I urge that legislation on the X case is also provided.

Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)
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With regard to the debate, I recommend to the House and the wider public that they read Mr. David Quinn's article in today's Irish Independent. The media need to be careful not to rush to judgment. Perhaps the Leader might indicate whether the Government has challenged the besmirchment of the country abroad, particularly by the more scurrilous elements of the British press. They have jumped on this sad family tragedy in order to have a go at Ireland without any knowledge of the Irish laws or the practices that are engaged in by the medical profession. As has been pointed out, where the life of a woman is threatened there are medical procedures that will ensure that the mother's life is saved. We await the outcome of the inquiry.

I support the call for the Tánaiste to come here for a debate on the Middle East and Ireland's position vis-à-vis holding the EU Presidency. During that time there will be ongoing dealings, negotiations and exchanges between the EU Presidency and the Israeli authorities. It is a fact that Israel perceives Ireland to be hostile. As Senator Norris will know, Israel views Ireland as being unfriendly. The Tánaiste has been open and adopted a balanced approach to the matter, as has previous Irish Administration. Israel has the impression that Ireland is not friendly and it would be incumbent on the Tánaiste to clarify Ireland's position vis-à-vis its relationship with Israel and to alert the House about the Government's priorities on the Middle East in general.

I have raised the following issue before and shall keep returning to it. There is a growing clamour across Europe - the French and German finance Ministers came on board in the past two days - to investigate the tax paid by multinationals across Europe. The issue will not go away. I raised it here before and I shall continue to do so, particularly when I think of the way that the vulnerable in society will be dealt with in the next budget. It is ironic that it is being said that the cuts will not be any worse than what has been indicated. In other words, ¤3.5 billion must be taken out of the economy. Who will be hurt? It will hurt the most vulnerable, lone parents and home owners. The cuts will hurt the most vulnerable people in society, yet multinationals engage in legal tax avoidance. It is time we grasped the sacred cow, the multinationals. Yes, they are welcome here but that is not the issue. Are they paying a fair amount of tax when the rest of the country must carry an unfair burden of taxation? Once again I ask that the Minister for Finance will clarify what the Government will do to respond to the queries that arose in France, Germany and the UK about multinationals and the amount of tax that they pay to their respective exchequers.

Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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With regard to the sad and tragic loss of life in Galway, it behoves us all to await the outcome of the two reports or inquiries that are in train. We should not pre-judge what may emanate from them and something else may be required. Let us be calm and wait to see what the reports elicit. It is only then that we can decide if further action is required. That is my advice.

I wish to comment on the potential, or what looks like a definite, miscarriage of justice which has been mentioned and where the wrong person may have been charged. We now know there was a fraudulent insurance claim and a lot of new information has become available. In the first instance, as has been said by the Leader in another context a few days ago, it is a matter for the Garda authorities. There has been gap in time and the Garda authorities are different now. We have had a Donegal inquiry and, therefore, we should be confident that the Garda authorities, at the highest level, can deal with the matter if it has been made known to them. I gather that is the case from what Senator Whelan and other Senators have said. Let us then have a statement from the Minister for Justice and Equality if we need it.

Marie Louise O'Donnell (Independent)
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I second Senator Whelan's call to establish an inquiry in to the death of Fr. Molloy. Fine Gael and the Labour Party pledged to order a full review. I would like to find out what the Minister has to say on the matter. I want him to come here to let us know what has happened the review, has it begun or is it happening somewhere that we do not know about. If not, when does he intend to begin it?

Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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They promised a lot of things.

Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)
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I compliment the Minister for Health on the measured manner in which he responded to questions on the tragic death of a young woman in a Galway hospital. He cautioned us all to be temperate and sensitive in our comments at this time. Anybody with an ounce of humanity would take on board his advice. He said that he was privy to certain information that he was not privileged, at this stage, to divulge. He also said that he doubted that there was a question of religious ethos involved in the decisions taken. He further stated, which I thought was significant and we should listen to him, that the medical staff at the hospital are entitled to due process. Two investigations will take place and we should not try, in the absence of all of the information and based on the privilege that we have, to in some way influence the outcome.

I wish to comment on a separate and important issue, with the indulgence of the Chathaoirleach. The Palestinian people are crying out for justice.

During the 12 months leading up to the American presidential election, their suffering went off the radar completely. Given the opportunity, small though it may be, we should speak out for justice for all people who suffer or are coerced. It is not acceptable that a nuclear power, with arms at its disposal can bully in the worst meaning of the word a small nation of people. This country has always taken a robust stand, and the Tánaiste and leaders did it in the past. When a body such as Trócaire that is working on the ground, has staff who are prepared to put their head above the parapet on behalf of those people, it is disingenuous to intimidate and silence them. That is not our history. We have never done that in the past and we should not silence them now.

Colm Burke (Fine Gael)
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I agree with Senator Ó Murchú on both issues.

I ask people to be careful when speaking on the tragic issue in Galway. In regard to maternity services, the number of deliveries has increased from 54,000 to 74,000 per annum. Ireland has the lowest perinatal mortality rate and the lowest maternal mortality rate in Europe. In fairness to doctors and nurses, everyone is on tenterhooks with the direction of the public debate. We need to be fair to everyone in dealing with this issue. We must exercise caution. We should await the outcome of the inquiries rather than commenting in public on the way the issue is being dealt with. Doctors and nurses are very concerned about the way this matter is being dealt with in the public domain. Everyone in hospitals works very hard at all times to protect the patients under their care.

I visited Gaza four weeks after the attack in December 2008 and January 2009. I referred to it about six weeks ago in this House when I stated that once the American presidential election would be over, hostilities would increase. That is now coming home to roost. That is what happened in December 2008 and January 2009. We need to be more decisive. I agree with Trócaire on this issue. This matter has gone on unchallenged for too long. We will see an increase in hostilities again because of the forthcoming elections in Israel. We cannot afford to stand idly by. Gaza is an area of land similar to an area from Cork city to Youghal measuring ten miles wide by 35 miles long. Some 1.5 million people are locked in that land mass. That is how it has remained for a long number of years. The situation has remained unchallenged. We should not be afraid to say enough is enough. What is happening is not right and should not be tolerated.

Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)
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In June 2009, Clones regeneration partnership was funded to employ a project co-ordinator for the Ulster canal project and the role of the co-ordinator was to increase awareness of the coming of the canal to Clones and to create a strong working relationship and connections between Waterways Ireland and the local communities and businesses to identify economic and social opportunities for the canal. Unfortunately in the weeks the regeneration partnership has been informed that funding for this co-ordinator would be withdrawn at the end of the year. This would be a retrograde step. Significant progress has been made with the project. It costs approximately ¤40,000 per annum to employ this co-ordinator and we hope to have it up and running in the very near future. Clones suffered economically and socially throughout the troubles. I ask the Leader to intervene with the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to ensure the job of the project co-ordinator is funded for the remaining year or two of the project.

John Gilroy (Labour)
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I support the call by my colleague, Senator John Kelly for an independent inquiry into the death of Fr. Niall Molloy 27 years ago. There has been a great deal of controversy about the circumstances of his death and it is timely that we would institute such an inquiry. I call on all people who may have information in this regard to co-operate fully with it.

There is no question that the people of Palestine are suffering a grave injustice and ten people were killed overnight in Israeli raids on Palestine. It must be remembered that over 150 rockets landed in Israel this morning, killing three Israeli civilians as well. While we condemn violence everywhere we find it, there can be no hierarchy. If there is injustice in one place and in another, a balance must be reached in condemning both

Jillian van Turnhout (Independent)
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I too have been deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life in Galway. I urge caution. I have listened to several speakers, in particular Senator Colm Burke. We need to be careful about our role. We need to ensure there is due process. This is a very sensitive time for many people. I ask the Government to publish the export group report as a matter of urgency. My understanding is that Ireland needs to report by the end of the month. The sooner the report is put into the public domain the better for us all. Rather than having a discussion based on speculation let us have an informed and calm debate. The difficulty with the issues is that as soon as one speaks on it people want to place one on a spot in the spectrum. I urge Members to have an informed debate and express impassioned views after they have seen the expert group report.

My colleagues and I from the Independent Group have tabled a motion on the Order Paper on the value of youth work. I seek Government time for a debate on this motion. I ask my other colleagues in the Seanad to add their names to the motion, which I will circulate to them. This report will be launched later today but it demonstrates the economic value of youth work. If anybody had the pleasure, like I had yesterday of attending a very impressive showcase of youth arts in the Mansion Housed that was hosted by the National Youth Council of Ireland, they would have seen young people from film, youth theatre and orchestras. It was an inspirational lunchtime for me. The value of youth work in our communities is often understated. I hope we can have a good debate about the important value that youth work plays.

Mary Moran (Labour)
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I wish to raise an issue that was highlighted on "Prime Time" earlier this week on the incidence of tuberculosis and the lack of screening to detect it. In the 1950s TB was responsible for hundreds of deaths. Even in the past decade there have been 400 to 500 cases. In recent months two cases were highlighted, one in Galway and the other in the midlands. Although thankfully TB has diminished, I was shocked by the danger it still presents. I commend Dr. Austin Carroll and the group of north Dublin GPs who arranged for a mobile screening unit to be brought from England to screen people here. I found it very frightening that within one hour of screening, they detected one case of TB.

Overall, there were six possible cases that day. They highlighted the fact that there is no TB screening in this country. I ask the Leader to request the Minister to come into the House and comment on that fact. They highlighted that it would cost ¤25,000 for a week's screening and that if this could be done twice yearly, as they recommended, it would assist in diminishing the incidence of it. When Peamount Hospital was closed in 2006 the TB unit was moved to St. James's Hospital but currently there are only three TB beds available there and the provision of a unit was promised a few years ago. If there was to be an outbreak of TB in the country we would be seriously caught out. I would like to get the Minister's views on that matter.

Michael Mullins (Fine Gael)
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It is important in a democracy that we have confidence in the judicial system. Without going into the Fr. Molloy case, to which reference was made, if there is a possibility that mistakes were made and that there was a miscarriage of justice, it is important it would be investigated. I support the call made by previous speakers for anybody who has any further information to add to this investigation to communicate it to the Garda and that we would see progress on that in the near future.

I join in sympathising with the husband of Savita who lost her life tragically in Galway. I very much support the calls for caution and sensitivity in dealing with this case. I agree very much with the words of caution urged by the Minister in the Dáil last night but I believe the appointment of an independent external expert is the way to go. I very much regret that the media, particularly the international media, in many instances have been very irresponsible and have rushed to conclusions in a case in which there has not even been an autopsy or an inquest. It is also regrettable that many organisations are jumping on the bandwagon to promote a particular cause. It is very insensitive of anybody to attempt to piggyback on the tragedy of a family at a very sensitive time for them. Until such time as the various inquiries and investigations are conducted, the very least said on the matter the better. If there are other issues to be addressed in the aftermath, let it be done in a calm way. I hope the report of the expert group will be published soon. If we were to have the report by the end of November, it would be only right and proper that this House would see the contents of it and have an opportunity to discuss it in a calm and measured way.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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Senator Darragh O'Brien raised the question of a mental health centre in Swords. Perhaps he would get more information in tabling an Adjournment matter but I will make inquires for him on it.

Regarding special advisers to the Tánaiste, I suggest the Government is spending much less than the previous Government on special advisers.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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That is not true.

Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)
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The Leader should check his facts. He should bring in the figures.

Martin Conway (Fine Gael)
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Yours cost ¤1.2 million.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Please allow the Leader to continue, without interruption.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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I gave all the details, the exact figures and amounts, only a few months ago.

Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)
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The Leader needs to update them.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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I can bring them in again next week, but I do not wish to embarrass the Senators opposite a second time by bringing in the details.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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Bring them in and we will have a chat about them.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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Regarding cuts in terms of the budget, as Senator Darragh O'Brien will be aware, I am not privy to what will be in the budget and, therefore, we will have to wait until 5 December to get those details.

Senator Whelan and other Senators referred to the case of the death of Fr. Niall Molloy. I am informed that an examination of the incident referred to by the Senator is ongoing, every line of inquiry is being pursued and on receipt of the final report from the Commissioner, the Minister will review the situation. I understand that officers carrying out the examination are continuing to keep the family members of the deceased updated on progress. People will fully appreciate the concerns of the family. In any case where criminal behaviour is suspected it is only through a Garda investigation and where evidence of criminal wrongdoing is available through the submission of a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions that persons can be brought fully to account. I am sure Senator Whelan and the other Senators who raised this issue will agree that in the first instance we need to allow the current Garda examination to proceed to its conclusion before any further action can be taken.

I thank Senator Barrett for his comments about Remembrance Day. It is important the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and the Minister attended the ceremonies, as the Senator pointed out. I will certainly inquire about having a debate on the tax matters he raised.

Senator Mac Conghail raised the issue of the arts and the matter of securing ¤1 million in savings from the amalgamation of the boards of the National Library of Ireland and the National Museum of Ireland. I believe it is very sensible to do so. They are only 50 m away from each other and the securing of ¤1 million in savings is not to be scoffed at. The Senator should be aware that the Government is nurturing and supporting culture and the arts in Ireland to a very large degree.

Fiach MacConghail (Independent)
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I look forward to the comments on the amendment to the National Cultural Institutions Act.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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Senator O'Sullivan raised the matter of the closure of the Government Publications Sales Office and the securing of ¤300,000 in savings as a result. Senator Darragh O'Brien mentioned the salary of an adviser.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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Some ¤80,000.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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We are talking about ¤1 million in savings in respect of the boards and ¤300,000 in savings in respect of the Government Publications Sales Office.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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And about the cut of 950,000 home help hours.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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I understand that the bulk of business in the Government Publications Sales Office is done online and that is one of the reasons the office is closing. Senator Darragh O'Brien is very good on publications this morning and the Cathaoirleach has told him that the other publication which indicates he was elected to this Seanad is being published and that he will have it soon.

Senator Norris raised the issue of the membership of the constitutional convention. I note the Senator's reservations in that regard. I understand the constitutional convention will have its first meeting in the first week of December.

Senator Norris and several other Senators raised the question of the ongoing difficulties and the dangerous situation in the Middle East. The Tánaiste has made some clear statements on it but I will endeavour to have a debate on the matter in early course if I can arrange for the Tánaiste to come to the House.

Senator Healy Eames and other Members spoke about the sad and tragic death of a young woman in Galway, on which I commented yesterday. As I informed the House yesterday, two investigations are taking place and we should await their findings without any further comment on the case. I am informed also that the Health Service Executive has confirmed that it is still finalising the terms of reference of the investigations as well as deciding who will carry out the investigations. The HSE has also said that it is in the process of appointing an independent external expert in obstetrics and gynaecology to join the investigation team. That should satisfy the concerns expressed by Members.

Senator Mooney raised the issue of the tax payments for multinationals. We had a debate on the economy this week and a debate on the Fiscal Responsibility Bill and I am sure the Senator made those points during those debates.

I do not know what answer he got at that stage.

Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)
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Unsatisfactory.

John Gilroy (Labour)
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Very satisfactory.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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The Senator can hardly expect me to give him a better response than the Minister.

Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)
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Somebody has to answer the questions. Somebody has to have a debate about it.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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Senator O'Keeffe called for a public inquiry. I have outlined to the House what the situation is with regard to the expert group's report. It has just gone to the Department of Health and the Minister. I am sure everyone will agree that before anything is published the Government will have to consider the expert group's report.

Senator Wilson referred to the Northern canal. If funding for the co-ordinator has been withdrawn, it is perhaps a matter for the Adjournment. The Senator might pursue the matter in that way.

Senator Moran mentioned the increase in cases of TB, which is a cause for concern. I will endeavour to have the Minister for Health attend the House to discuss the need for TB screening. It is very important to curb the increase in TB cases throughout the country. This problem will have to be tackled soon.

I apologise if I have omitted anybody's points but I think I have dealt with the majority of cases Members have raised.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Is the Order of Business agreed to?

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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No.