Seanad Éireann
Dé Céadaoin, 19 Samhain, 2003 Wednesday, 19th November, 2003 RIAR NA hOIBRE ORDER PAPER
SEANAD ÉIREANN Dé Céadaoin 19 Samhain, 2003 Wednesday,19th November, 2003 10.30 a.m. ____________________ RIAR NA hOIBRE RIAR NA hOIBRE Order Paper ___________________ GNÓ POIBLÍ Public Business
Tairiscintí: Motions:
- Senator Mary ORourke.
____________________
- Senator Mary ORourke.
____________________
- Senator Mary ORourke.
____________________
4. Ráitis maidir leis an Tuarascáil ón nGrúpa um Beartas Turasóireachta. Statements on the Report of the Tourism Policy Review Group. ____________________
5. Ráitis maidir le Taighde Gaschille. Statements on Stem Cell Research.
____________________
6. An Bille um Bord Measúnaithe Díobhálacha Pearsanta 2003 Ordú don Dara Céim. Personal Injuries Assessment Board Bill 2003 Order for Second Stage.
- Senator Mary ORourke.
____________________
7. (l) An Bille um an Dlí Coiriúil (Gealtacht) 2002 - An Coiste. Criminal Law (Insanity) Bill 2002 - Committee. ____________________
8. (l) An Bille um Chosaint Mháithreachais (Leasú) 2003 - An Coiste.
(a) Maternity Protection (Amendment) Bill 2003 - Committee. ____________________
9. An Bille um Thruailliú na Farraige (Forálacha Ilghnéitheacha) 2003 An Tuarascáil. Sea Pollution (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2003 - Report.
____________________
10. An Bille Léiriúcháin 2000 [Dáil] An Dara Céim. Interpretation Bill 2000 [Dáil] Second Stage
____________________
11. Bille Náisiúntachta agus Saoránachta Éireann agus Airí agus Rúnaithe (Leasú) 2003 An Coiste.
Irish Nationality and Citizenship and Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Bill 2003 - Committee. - Senator Feargal Quinn.
____________________
Tairiscintí: Motions:
- Senator Mary ORourke. ____________________
- Senator Mary ORourke. ____________________
14. Ráitis maidir leis an leibhéal ard óil alcóil ag daoine óga. (atógáil). Statements on the high level of alcohol consumption by young people. (resumed).
____________________
15. Ráitis maidir le hUathachas. (atógáil). Statements on Autism. (resumed).
Tíolactha: Presented:
16. An Bille um Shaoráil Faisnéise (Leasú) (Uimh. 2) 2003 - Ordú don Dara Céim. Freedom of Information (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2003 - Order for Second Stage.
___________________
17. Tairiscintí nach ón Rialtas. Non-Government Motions.
1. "That Seanad Éireann calls on the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to extend the terms of reference of the Morris Tribunal in order to include the performances of the former Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, the former Attorney General, the Garda Commissioner and the State Solicitor for County Donegal in relation to their handling of alleged Garda misconduct in County Donegal."
- Senators Jim Higgins, Brian Hayes, James Bannon, Paul Bradford, Fergal Browne, Paddy Burke, Ulick Burke, Paul Coghlan, Noel Coonan, Maurice Cummins, Frank Feighan, Michael Finucane, Joe McHugh, John Phelan, Sheila Terry.
[20 November 2002] ________________________
2. "That Seanad Éireann requests the Minister for Health and Children in conjunction with the Minister for Finance to create a mechanism whereby medical research in Ireland can receive substantial support from lottery funding."
- Senators David Norris, Shane Ross, Feargal Quinn, Mary Henry, Joe OToole.
[27 November 2002] ________________________
3. "That Seanad Éireann requests the Minister for Foreign Affairs to explain the situation apparently obtaining at Shannon Airport under which (without the authority or approval of either House of the Oireachtas) American military aircraft are permitted to land and refuel in transit to the Gulf as part of the build up for military operations against Iraq, and under which circumstances Irish citizens have been detained by security personnel for taking photographs at the perimeter of the airport."
- Senators David Norris, Shane Ross, Mary Henry, Joe OToole.
[27 November 2002] _________________________
4. "That Seanad Éireann calls on the Government to end the practice of making political appointments to semi-state bodies."
Senators Shane Ross, David Norris, Mary Henry, Joe OToole.
[ 3 December 2002] _________________________
5. "That Seanad Éireann endorses The European Convention Irelands participation in Europe." - Senators Mary ORourke, Cyprian Brady, Michael Brennan, Eddie Bohan, Peter Callanan, Margaret Cox, Brendan Daly, Timmy Dooley, Geraldine Feeney, Liam Fitzgerald, Camillus Glynn, John Hanafin, Brendan Kenneally, Michael Kitt, Tony Kett, Terry Leyden, Don Lydon, Martin Mansergh, Marc MacSharry, Paschal Mooney, Pat Moylan, Francis O'Brien, Labhrás Ó Murchú, Ann Ormonde, Kieran Phelan, Eamon Scanlon, Jim Walsh, Mary White, Diarmuid Wilson.
_________________________
6. "That Seanad Éireann calls on the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to investigate licensing practices of the District Court System and of the Planning Authority whereby licence applications for disreputable pubs, gambling arcades, lap dancing clubs and off licence outlets are routinely granted on a rubber stamp basis to the detriment of society in general." Senators David Norris, Shane Ross, Fergal Quinn, Mary Henry.
[17 December 2002] _________________________
7. "That Seanad Éireann calls on the Minister for Transport to outline the reason Irish Rail are spending hundreds of thousands of Euro per year to transport train drivers between Dublin and Longford." - Senators James Bannon, Brian Hayes, Paul Bradford, Fergal Browne, Paddy Burke, Ulick Burke, Paul Coghlan, Noel Coonan, Maurice Cummins, Frank Feighan, Michael Finucane, Jim Higgins, Joe McHugh, John Phelan, Sheila Terry.
[19 December 2002] _________________________
8. "That Seanad Éireann calls upon the Minister for Foreign Affairs to come into the House to explain the situation relating to the use of Shannon Airport by American military and flight personnel." Senators David Norris, Shane Ross, Joe OToole.
[29 January 2003] _________________________
- Senators Mary O'Rourke, Eddie Bohan, Cyprian Brady, Michael Brennan, Peter Callanan, Margaret Cox, Brendan Daly, Timmy Dooley, Geraldine Feeney, Liam Fitzgerald, Camillus Glynn, John Hanafin, Brendan Kenneally, Tony Kett, Michael Kitt, Terry Leyden, Donal Lydon, Marc MacSharry, Martin Mansergh, Paschal Mooney, Pat Moylan, Francis OBrien, Labhrás Ó Murchú, Ann Ormonde, Kieran Phelan, Eamon Scanlon, Jim Walsh, Mary White, Diarmuid Wilson.
[28 January 2003] _________________________
10. "That Seanad Éireann expresses its thanks and appreciation to the Information Commissioner for bringing to the attention of the Houses of the Oireachtas vital information regarding the operation of the Freedom of Information Act, 1997 and affirms his statutory entitlement to make such report."
- Senators Joe OToole, David Norris, Mary Henry.
[13 March 2003] _________________________
11. "That Seanad Éireann calls on the Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern, T.D., to clarify the Governments position concerning the war on Iraq and the use of Irish airspace and refueling facilities."
- Senators David Norris, Shane Ross, Mary Henry, Feargal Quinn, Joe OToole.
[20 March 2003] _________________________
12. "That Seanad Éireann condemns the Minister for Agriculture and Food for reducing the funding to Teagasc which has resulted in the closure of many offices around the country and undermines a valuable service to rural Ireland."
Senators Frank Feighan, Brian Hayes, James Bannon, Paul Bradford, Fergal Browne, Paddy Burke, Ulick Burke, Paul Coghlan, Noel Coonan, Maurice Cummins, Michael Finucane, Jim Higgins, Joe McHugh, John Phelan, Sheila Terry.
[25 March 2003] _________________________
13. "That Seanad Éireann condemns the use by the invading US and UK forces in Iraq of cluster bombs and depleted uranium shells."
- Senators David Norris, Shane Ross, Joe OToole, Mary Henry, Fergal Quinn.
[8 April, 2003] _________________________
14. "That Seanad Éireann calls on the United States and the United Kingdom Governments presently in occupation of the State of Iraq to honour their obligations as occupiers under the Geneva Convention and also - (1) Allow United Nations Arms Inspectors to be invited back to complete their work of inspection and to verify any alleged discoveries of weapons of mass destruction as soon as the military situation is sufficiently stable; (2) Provide appropriate medical aid to alleviate the suffering of the people and the protection of all medical, educational and cultural facilities and sites; (3) Provide provision of a clean water supply; and (4) Provide for the facilitation and protection of the international agencies in distributing humanitarian aid. " Senators David Norris, Shane Ross, Joe O'Toole, Mary Henry, Fergal Quinn.
[15 April, 2003] _________________________
15. "That Seanad Éireann asks the Minister for Social and Family Affairs to make the necessary arrangements to ensure that: (1) performing artists be given a period of three years to pursue their profession during which period they would be entitled to full Social Welfare benefits; (2) recognising the sporadic nature of performing artists work, the medical card once granted should not unreasonably be withdrawn; (3) performing artists should be granted the same tax concessions as creative artists; (4) while this is being adjudicated, performing artists income tax should be assessed over a three year period to allow for the fluctuation in performing artists incomes; and (5) that special provision for social housing be provided to performing artists and that Local Authorities make special allocations for performing artists in all social housing provisions." Senators David Norris, Joe O'Toole, Feargal Quinn, Shane Ross, Mary Henry
[21 May 2003]
_________________________
16. "That Seanad Éireann - acknowledging the work undertaken by community groups throughout the country with the assistance of the FÁS Community Employment Schemes, and the deteriorating economic climate for people who are displaced from community employment schemes who fail to gain access to other work - recognising the deep concern of community, health and sporting organisations about the future of these schemes and the continuation of important local projects - accepting the contribution that these schemes make to the self-esteem of the participants, and the support provided to groups involved in parish, sporting and voluntary activities - aware of the difficulties encountered by people over 50 years of age in sourcing alternative employment calls on the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (a) to suspend the reduction of 5,000 places in community employment schemes at this time of economic downturn and lack of job opportunities in the open market (b) to ensure that people in long-term unemployment will continue to have the opportunity to do valuable work through community employment schemes and (c) to establish a new social employment scheme for the older age group who are long-term unemployed". - Senators Paul Coghlan, Brian Hayes, Ulick Burke, Fergal Browne, Noel Coonan, Michael Finucane, Paddy Burke, Jim Higgins, Paul Bradford, John Paul Phelan, Frank Feighan, Sheila Terry, Joe McHugh, James Bannon, Maurice Cummins, Brendan Ryan, Kathleen OMeara, Derek McDowell, Joanna Tuffy, Michael McCarthy. [28 May 2003] ____________________
"That Seanad Éireann believes that the existing expenditure limits for general elections should not be altered and that the issue of election expenditure before the date when an election is called be considered". Senators James Bannon, Brian Hayes, Paul Bradford, Fergal Browne, Paddy Burke, Ulick Burke, Paul Coghlan, Noel Coonan, Maurice Cummins, Frank Feighan, Michael Finucane, Jim Higgins, Joe McHugh, John Phelan, Sheila Terry.
[12 June 2003] ____________________
18. "That Seanad Éireann noting the recent critical reports on the treatment of people with mental illness by Amnesty International, the Irish Psychiatric Association and the Inspector of Mental Hospitals; concerned that Irish mental health policy and service provision remain out of step with international best practice and that the institutionalisation of the mental health services in Ireland has failed to live up to World Health Organisation standards; believing that the high admission and readmission rates to psychiatric hospitals are due in large measure to the lack of community based facilities; concerned at the lack of dedicated psychiatric facilities for adolescents, the lengthy waiting lists for treatment and the lack of consistency in the provision of mental health services throughout the country; deploring the fact that people with intellectual disability continue to be inappropriately accommodated in psychiatric facilities in violation of human rights law; condemns the Government for its neglect of the mental health sector and failure to vindicate the human rights of people with mental illness and for the reduction in the percentage of the health budget spent on mental health and calls on the Government to bring forward immediately a comprehensive package of measures, including appropriate finances, to provide a comprehensive, needs-based, service-user-led review of the mental health care services, promptly and fully implemented, ensuring that they meet international human rights standards and best practice in line with the World Health Organisation 2001 Annual Report, with an emphasis on community-based care; regular quality research in all areas of mental health care needs and service provision, an essential prerequisite for the development of a quality service; full financial provision for all areas of mental health care; all necessary resources and assistance for the Mental Health Commission in its securing adequate care and conditions for people with mental illness; effective action on all relevant recommendations made in the reports of international treaty-based committees, annual reports of the Inspector of Mental Hospitals, and government reviews and reports; a comprehensive system of personal advocacy and an effective complaints procedure, to ensure that people with mental illness are assisted in exercising the full range of their rights; specialised mental health care for all who need it, including children, the homeless, prisoners, people with other forms of disability, travellers, asylum seekers and refugees, and other minority or vulnerable groups; a public education and awareness campaign to counter the stigma of mental illness, emphasizing the rights of people with mental illness;
rights-based disability and mental health legislation to give full effect to its international human rights obligations, with due regard to its obligation to enable persons with disabilities to exercise their rights on an equal basis with other citizens.". Senators Frank Feighan, Brian Hayes, James Bannon, Paul Bradford, Fergal Browne, Paddy Burke, Ulick Burke, Paul Coghlan, Noel Coonan, Maurice Cummins, Michael Finucane, Jim Higgins, Joe McHugh, John Phelan, Sheila Terry. [18 June 2003] ___________________
19. "That Seanad Éireann calls upon the Government to immediately request of the British Government that the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland be granted observer status at the Sellafield reprocessing site in Britain to make independent reports to the Irish people on the safety or otherwise of this facility". Senators Brian Hayes, James Bannon, Paul Bradford, Fergal Browne, Paddy Burke, Ulick Burke, Paul Coghlan, Noel Coonan, Maurice Cummins, Frank Feighan, Michael Finucane, Jim Higgins, Joe McHugh, John Phelan, Sheila Terry.
[26 June 2003] ___________________
20. "That Seanad Éireann resolves to annul Statutory Instrument number 264 of 2003 (Freedom of Information Act 1997)(Free) Regulations 2003) with immediate effect".
[3 July 2003] ___________________
21. "In view of the critical state of the nations finances, Seanad Éireann calls on the Government to suspend the benchmarking deal with the Public Service immediately". Senators Shane Ross, David Norris, Feargal Quinn
[7 October 2003] ___________________
22. "That Seanad Éireann expresses concern at the withdrawal of funding by the Government for third level research". Senators David Norris, Shane Ross, Mary Henry, Feargal Quinn, Joe OToole.
[7 October 2003] ___________________
23. "That Seanad Éireann calls on the Government to introduce legislation governing the control of the importation, licensing and keeping as pets of exotic animals". Senators David Norris,Shane Ross, Mary Henry, Joe OToole.
[7 October 2003] ___________________
24. "That Seanad Éireann calls on the Government to review the situation regarding declarations of interest by Chairpersons of public bodies, members of the judiciary and other public officials". Senators David Norris, Shane Ross, Mary Henry, Joe OToole.
[7 October 2003] ___________________
25. "That Seanad Éireann calls on the Government to give maximum possible incentives to encourage computer games development companies to locate in Ireland." - Senators Shane Ross, David Norris, Joe OToole, Feargal Quinn, Mary Henry.
[7 October 2003]
___________________
26. "That Seanad Éireann urges the Government to amend the Approved Share Options Scheme rules to allow the maximum number of employees to enter the scheme." - Senators Shane Ross, David Norris, Joe OToole, Feargal Quinn, Mary Henry.
[7 October 2003]
___________________
27. "That Seanad Éireann notes: the 57 recommendations of the Motor Insurance Advisory Report relating to Government Departments and Agencies, and the 2002 consultants report on speed cameras commissioned by the National Roads Authority; recognises: the initial success of the penalty points system in reducing road fatalities; the lack of resources available to the Gardaí to enforce our road traffic laws and implement the penalty points system once the hype has died down; the extraordinarily high costs for insurance premiums quoted to drivers under the age of 30; that driver instruction is not supported or regulated by the State; that the Irish driving test has not been updated for 20 years is perceived as being unfair and has an unacceptable failure rate; condemns the Government for its delay in implementing the necessary reforms to alleviate the insurance crisis facing young drivers and further condemns the Government for failing to invest adequately in road safety education and enforcement; and calls on the Government to: ring-fence the proceeds of the 2% levy on motor insurance for investment in road safety initiatives; enact the outstanding recommendations of the MIAB report; introduce free compulsory driving lessons for all drivers before they sit the driving test; implement a complete overhaul of the driving test based on making it a fair test and relevant to 21st century Irish driving conditions;
purchase new speed camera vans as proposed in the consultants report commissioned by the National Roads Authority; immediately establish the Garda Traffic corps;
abolish VRT on safety features in all new cars; and speed up the establishment of the PIAB and authorise it immediately to begin dealing with motor accident compensation." Senators Feargal Browne, Brian Hayes, James Bannon, Paul Bradford, Paddy Burke, Ulick Burke, Paul Coghlan, Noel Coonan, Maurice Cummins, Frank Feighan, Michael Finucane, Jim Higgins, Joe McHugh, John Phelan, Sheila Terry. [7 October 2003] ___________________
28. "That Seanad Éireann urges the Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism and the Minister for Finance to retain Section 481 Film Tax Incentive." - Senators David Norris, Feargal Quinn, Mary Henry. [4 November 2003] ___________________
29. "That Seanad Éireann, noting that as a consequence of the Estimates for 2004 Back to Education Allowance is all but abolished at third level Conditions for the Rent Supplement are to be severely curtailed and restricted Créche supplement for childcare will be discontinued Earnings threshold for Disability and Unemployment Benefit will go up and Duration for Unemployment Benefit payments will be reduced,
condemns this assault on the living standards and educational opportunities of the most disadvantaged in our society."
Leasú: Amendment: To delete all words after Seanad Éireann, and substitute the following: noting as a consequence of the Estimates for 2004, that spending on social welfare is projected to increase to 10.65 billion in 2004, notes that these estimates do not as of yet include any budgetary provision for increases in social welfare payment rates in 2004 and welcomes the continuing commitment of the Government to address the needs of disadvantaged groups in our society.
- Senator Mary ORourke.
[19 November 2003]
____________________
18. An Seanad a chur ar athló. Adjournment of the Seanad.
____________________
BILLÍ SEANAID SA DÁILBILLÍ SEANAID SA DÁILBILLÍ SEANAID SA DÁIL
Seanad Bills with the Dáil ____________________
An Bille um Dhumpáil ar Farraige (Leasú) 2000. Dumping at Sea (Amendment) Bill 2000.
____________________
An Bille um Dhlí na Farraige (Píoráideacht a Chur faoi Chois) 2001. Law of the Sea (Repression of Piracy) Bill 2001.
____________________
An Bille um Cheartas Coiriúil (Foirne Comhpháirteacha um Imscrúdú) 2003. Criminal Justice (Joint Investigation Teams) Bill 2003. ___________________
Bille na gCuideachtaí (Iniúchadh agus Cuntasaíocht) 2003. Companies (Auditing and Accounting) Bill 2003. ____________________
Bille na gComhphobal Eorpach (Leasú) 2003. European Communities (Amendment) Bill 2003. ____________________
An Bille Craolacháin (Maoiniú) 2003. Broadcasting (Funding) Bill 2003. ____________________
MEMORANDA
Dé Céadaion, 19 Samhain, 2003
Wednesday, 19th November, 2003
Cruinniú den Chomhchoiste um Chumarsáid, Muir agus Acmhainní Nádúrtha i Seomra Coiste 3 , LH 2000, ar 2.30 p.m. Meeting of the Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources in Committee Room 3, LH 2000, at 2.30 p.m. ____________________
Cruinniú den Chomhchoiste um Thalmhaíocht agus Bia i Seomra Coiste 4, LH 2000, ar 3.00 p.m. Meeting of the Joint Committee on Agriculture and Food in Committee Room 4, LH 2000, at 3.00 p.m.
____________________
Cruinniú den Chomhchoiste um Ghnóthaí Eorpacha i Seomra Coiste 2, LH 2000, ar 3.15 p.m. Meeting of the Joint Committee on European Affairs in Committee Room 2, LH 2000, at 3.15 p.m. ____________________ Cruinniú den Chomhchoiste um Dhlí agus Ceart, Comhionannas, Cosaint agus Cearta na mBan i Seomra Coiste 1, LH 2000, ar 3.30 p.m. Meeting of the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Womens Rights, in Committee Room 1, LH 2000, at 3.30 p.m.
____________________
Cruinniú den Choiste um Nós Imeachta agus Pribhléidí i Seomra 102, Dorchla an tSeanaid, Teach Laighean, ar 3.30 p.m. Meeting of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges in Room 102, Seanad Corridor, Leinster House, at 3.30 p.m.
____________________
Déardaoin, 20 Samhain, 2003 Thursday, 20th November, 2003
Meeting of the Joint Committee on Education and Science in Committee Room 4, LH2000, at 9.30 a.m.
____________________
Cruinniú den Fhochoiste um Iniúchadh Eorpach i Seomra Coiste 2, LH 2000, ar 9.30 a.m. Meeting of the Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny in Committee Room 2, LH 2000, at 9.30 a.m.
____________________
Meeting of the Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business in Committee Room 3, LH 2000, at 11.30 a.m. PÁIPÉIR A LEAGADH FAOI BHRÁID AN tSEANAID Papers laid before the Seanad
|