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Seanad
‹ Order of Business

Local government and Order conclusion

Summary

The Leader addresses concerns about historic houses and oversized municipal districts, then the Chair puts the proposed amendment and records the suspension of the sitting before Commissioner Hogan’s address.

I am glad that Sinn Féin has reviewed its position in Northern Ireland in that regard.

Senators Paul Coghlan and Martin Conway, among others, spoke about the future of historic houses. It is of paramount importance for tourism and our built heritage that proper boards are put in place. However, money is also required for the upkeep of these houses.

Senator Martin Conway spoke about municipal districts. I am sure they will be examined in the context of the review of local government. The Senator is right in saying many of the districts are too large and unwieldy, which is most unfair on councillors and the people they represent. I am sure the matter will be examined and, I hope, addressed in the review of local government.

Senator Gerard P. Craughwell spoke about the Beit collection. I do not think the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht misled the House in any way. She said she had been informed by the board that stopping the sale would have required £1.4 million, the fees due to Christie's. Obviously, the chairperson and the board have a different viewpoint as a result of overtures made to the board. It is to be hoped that the paintings will be retained in the country, but I am not sure who will own them at that point. However, the idea is that they will be kept in Ireland. As was emphasised last week, they were not donated to the State. They are part of the Beit collection but not part of the paintings given to the State which are on display in the National Gallery of Ireland. They are held under trust by the board.

Senator Denis O'Donovan spoke about votes for the diaspora. He made very valid comments in asking where we drew the line. On that point, we are due to have another debate on Seanad reform. I gave an indication that we would have a further debate on the matter with the chairman of the group that had produced the report, Dr. Maurice Manning. We should have that debate before we discuss the Bill. I indicated that we would give Senators considerably more time than on the previous occasion when we had a preliminary discussion on the matter. We may give Senators eight to ten minutes to discuss the report before we proceed to take Second Stage of the Bill. I hope we will have that debate before the summer recess.

Senator Rónán Mullen spoke about HSE policy in Galway. I said he could mention it during a Commencement debate, but, unfortunately, he is not here for me to reply to him. As in all other areas of the country, politicians should have debates on policy with the HSE at the regional forum. The matter should, therefore, be taken up at the relevant forum.

Senator Mark Daly welcomed the fact that the Taoiseach had indicated that the files on the Kingsmill massacre would be released. That is a commitment the Taoiseach has given. The murder of Mr. Pat Finucane and the Dublin and Monaghan bombings were mentioned by many Members last week. Everyone in the House supports the view that there is a need for the British to release these documents.

Comment on this
Paddy Burke An Cathaoirleach Fine Gael

Senator Darragh O'Brien has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 70, non-Government motion No. 17, be taken without debate before No. 1." Is the amendment being pressed?

Comment on this
Division Lost

Amendment put

Tá 14
·
Níl 21

Do you agree with this result?

Paddy Burke An Cathaoirleach Fine Gael

Is the Order of Business agreed to?

Comment on this
Division Carried

Question put: "That the Order of Business be agreed to."

Tá 21
·
Níl 15

Do you agree with this result?

Paddy Burke An Cathaoirleach Fine Gael

As Senator Martin Conway forgot to press his button, the vote result has been amended to include him. The sitting is being suspended until 3.30 p.m. at which time we will hear the address of the Commissioner, Mr. Phil Hogan.

Comment on this