Leader’s responses to other matters
The Leader acknowledges Senators’ points on charity regulation, the Constitutional Convention, obstetric funding and the protection-of-life hearings, indicating that relevant Ministers or debates will address them.
It is not true of all gardaí but the evidence is clear in the case of Deputy Clare Daly.
Comment on this
Senator Norris should note Senator Daly did not clarify his comments. Senator Kelly spoke on the amount of money charities are getting from the sale of tickets and so on. We had a debate in this House on enforcing the Charities Act and I presume Senator Kelly was present to make those points at that time. If not, I certainly will bring it to the attention of the Minister. I note Senator Norris's comments on the Constitutional Convention. I suggest Members discussed the Bill on the Seanad comprehensively last week. As for the Houses of the Oireachtas (Inquiries, Privileges and Procedures) Bill he mentioned, I am sure it will be discussed in early course in the House.
Senator Wilson proposed an amendment to the Order of Business to the effect that No. 37, motion No. 10, be taken without debate and I propose to accept that amendment to the Order of Business. Senator Ó Clochartaigh again rightly raised the position of the fodder crisis. Members had a debate in this Chamber with the Minister present last week and the Minister will be present again today to discuss a relevant item, namely, the Animal Health and Welfare Bill. I am sure the Senator and other Members who wish to raise this issue can do so at that time.
Senator Quinn spoke on how sport can bring peoples together and on the United Neighbours project, which I recall was commended in this House a number of years ago. It is an excellent project and should be supported and those who threaten the bringing together of peoples should be condemned in this House. I am sure all Members will agree to Senator Mullins's proposal to extend sympathies to the people of Oklahoma who saw their homes and so many lives lost because of the devastation caused by the recent tornado. The Senator also called for a debate on the review of commercial rates and I certainly will bring that matter to the attention of the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Hogan.
The vast majority of the other Members who have spoken made reference to the Garda, the Minister, Deputy Shatter, as well as to attacks on the tax regime. Senator Jim D'Arcy also advised Members of the debate tomorrow on diesel laundering and the 7 tonnes of toxic waste that were seized by customs officials yesterday. I am sure Members will have a comprehensive debate with the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes, on that issue tomorrow. I do not propose to accept Senator O'Brien's amendment to the Order of Business.