I second the proposed amendment to the Order of Business. The acting Leader of the Opposition, Senator Marc MacSharry, tabled item 16 on the Order Paper. I support the comments he made regarding the proposed disciplinary action against four Garda sergeants from the Carlow-Kilkenny area. I have a vested interest because I was nominated by the GRA and the AGSI-----

A vested interest.

-----to be a candidate in the Seanad, with my colleague, Senator Ned O'Sullivan. I have dealt with the organisations in the past 11 years and have always found them to comprise of the most honourable and decent people.

They have their own difficulties

They work on behalf of their membership. The Government and the Minister for Justice and Equality are very sensitive. When my party was in government the GRA and the AGSI protested at the back and front doors of Leinster House.

The certainly did.

We sat down and discussed their concerns with them, particularly the late Deputy Brian Lenihan and the then Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Dermot Ahern. In my memory no Fianna Fáil Minister has ever directed a Garda Commissioner to take disciplinary action against a member of the Garda Síochána or the association that represents sergeants and inspectors. It is extraordinary what a sensitive soul the Minister is.

The Senator should know that this is a matter for the Garda Commissioner.

I suggest the Taoiseach move the Minister, Deputy Shatter from the Department when the Government is being reshuffled because Deputy Shatter can no longer negotiate with Garda sergeants. I hope a reshuffle happens soon.

Does the Senator have a question for the Deputy Leader? A reshuffle is the prerogative of the Taoiseach.

I have a question for the Taoiseach.

Does the Senator have a question for the Deputy Leader?

I wish to make a good suggestion to the Taoiseach when he considers a reshuffle in due course. With regard to the outcome of today's by-election, Fianna Fáil is polling extraordinarily well. It seems my party will get one in every three seats and two seats in every five seat constituencies. The polls are encouraging.

Do not be premature.

Does the Senator have a question for the Deputy Leader on today's Order of Business?

When I was in the Department of Health protests took place all over the country. I was abused and accused but I never reported any member of the staff of the then health boards or reprimanded them-----

They are not a disciplined force.

-----or recommended disciplinary action. Fianna Fáil is a much broader church.

Let us end on that happy note.

We cannot have a political speech.

My party is more mature. We are not sensitive about----

The party has led us to where we are.

Does the Senator have a question for the Deputy Leader? Senator Leyden's comments are not relevant to the Order of Business.

That broad church has led us to where we are.

I wish everybody a happy Easter and that he or she has a peaceful and a good time. I am sure that we will all be working over the period. On our return I hope we will discuss the whole situation regarding the Garda Síochána and its pay and conditions. I also suggest the Minister for Finance intervenes and meets both sides to discuss their concerns.