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Seanad
‹ Order of Business

Food safety and seal concerns

Summary

The Leader says he has sought the Agriculture Minister’s attendance to address criticism of the Food Safety Authority and acknowledges Senator Norris’s concerns about seal deaths.

In regard to the issue raised by Senators Leyden and O'Keeffe, we heard very misinformed comments from the chief executive of Iceland, which were certainly not helpful. I have tried to get the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to come to the House but he is tied up a lot with the EU Presidency and ongoing meetings in regard to this issue. I have asked him to come to the House as soon as he gets an opportunity and I am sure he if he gets one soon, he will do so.

Senator Norris referred to the deaths of the many seals washed up on Tramore beach. I am fully aware of the situation. He rightly pointed out that they are a protected species. Every effort should be made to bring the perpetrators of these actions to justice. I understand the matter is under investigation by the Garda but I will certainly bring the matter to the attention of the relevant Minister. I am not sure who that Minister is but I will find out for Senator Norris.

Senator Healy Eames referred to the Seanad Public Consultation Committee and I note her points and thank her for her help in that regard. Senator Cullinane called for a debate on youth unemployment. We had an excellent presentation from Professor Pissarides on youth unemployment in the House. We will have an over-reaching debate on jobs, the jobs action plan and the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation's report within the next two to three weeks when we hope to have the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation in the House.

Senator Harte rightly pointed out the Magdalen laundries women sought meetings and a report, which has just been produced, from previous Governments for more than 14 years but they failed to act.

Senator Harte rightly mentioned that the apology should come from the other side of the House also in terms of the past 14 years.

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The Senator is right.

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The Senator had better start apologising very fast.

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Paddy Burke An Cathaoirleach Fine Gael

The Leader without interruption, please.

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