72 SEANAD E´ IREANN 1109

De´ Luain, 24 Samhain, 2003 Monday, 24th November, 2003

1.45 p.m.

RIAR NA hOIBRE Order Paper

GNO´ POIBLI´ Public Business

1. (l) An Bille um Bord Measu´ naithe Dı´obha´lacha Pearsanta 2003 — An Coiste. (a) Personal Injuries Assessment Board Bill 2003 — Committee Stage. —Senator Mary O’Rourke.

2. Go gcomhaontaı´onn Seanad E´ ireann, That, in accordance with Standing Order de re´ir Bhuan-Ordu´ 52A agus chinneadh an 52A and the decision of the Committee on Choiste um No´ s Imeachta agus Pribhle´idı´, Procedure and Privileges, Seanad E´ ireann go mbeidh Joe McCartin, C.P.E. i la´thair agrees that Joe McCartin, M.E.P. shall agus go bhfaighidh se´ e´isteacht i Seanad attend and be heard in Seanad E´ ireann on E´ ireann, De´ Ce´adaoin 26 Samhain, 2003, Wednesday 26th November, 2003 and that agus go mbeidh feidhm ag na socruithe seo the following arrangements shall apply. The a leanas. Toso´ idh na himeachtaı´ ar 11.15 proceedings shall commence at 11.15 a.m a.m. le haitheasc o´ Joe McCartin, CPE nach with a speech by Joe McCartin, MEP which rachaidh thar 20 no´ ime´ad agus i ndeireadh shall not exceed 20 minutes and at the con- an aithisc sin freagro´ idh sı´ ceisteanna o´ clusion of which he will reply to questions chomhaltaı´ agus go gcrı´ochno´ idh an dı´os- from members and that the debate shall po´ ireacht tra´th nach de´anaı´ na´ 12.30 p.m. conclude no later than 12.30 p.m. —Senator Mary O’Rourke.

3. Ra´itis faoi Leabhar na Meastacha´n 2004. Statements on Book of Estimates 2004.

4. ‘‘Go n-aontaı´onn Seanad E´ ireann leis That Seanad E´ ireann agrees with the an moladh o´ n gCoiste um No´ s Imeachta recommendation of the Committee on Pro- agus Pribhle´idı´ go nde´anfar, de re´ir na cedure and Privileges that, in accordance bhfora´lacha a bhaineann le Daoine Oirirce with the provisions for the address to d’aitheasc Sheanad E´ ireann, cuireadh a Seanad E´ ireann by Distinguished Persons, thabhairt don Uasal Pa´draig Mac Coiligh, Mr. Pat Cox, President of the European Uachtara´n Pharlaimint na hEorpa, Seanad Parliament be invited to address Seanad E´ ireann a aitheasc an 27 Samhain, 2003 E´ ireann on 27 November, 2003 and the pro- agus is e´ard a bheidh sna himeachtaı´ a tho- ceedings which shall commence at 11.30 so´ idh ar 11.30 a.m. agus a chrı´ochno´ idh a.m. and conclude no later than 12.50 p.m. tra´th nach de´anaı´ na´ 12.50 p.m., o´ ra´id o´ n shall consist of a speech by the Cathaoir- gCathaoirleach ag fa´iltiu´ roimh an Uachta- leach welcoming President Cox, the address ra´n Mac Coiligh, aitheasc an Uachtara´in by President Cox at the conclusion of which

P.T.O. 1110 24 Samhain, 2003 Mhic Choiligh agus freagra uaidh ar cheis- he will reply to questions from members teanna o´ chomhaltaı´ ina dhiaidh sin agus and a speech of thanks by the Leas- o´ ra´id bhuı´ochais o´ n Leas-Chathaoirleach ar Chathaoirleach for the address.’’ son an aithisc.

5. Go gcomhaontaı´onn Seanad E´ ireann, That, in accordance with Standing Order de re´ir Bhuan-Ordu´ 52A agus chinneadh an 52A and the decision of the Committee on Choiste um No´ s Imeachta agus Pribhle´idı´, Procedure and Privileges, Seanad E´ ireann go mbeidh Dana Rosemary Scallon, C.P.E. agrees that Dana Rosemary Scallon, M.E.P. ila´thair agus go bhfaighidh sı´ e´isteacht i shall attend and be heard in Seanad Seanad E´ ireann, De´ardaoin 27 Samhain, E´ ireann on Thursday 27th November, 2003 2003, agus go mbeidh feidhm ag na socrui- and that the following arrangements shall the seo a leanas. Toso´ idh na himeachtaı´ ar apply. The proceedings shall commence at 2.00 p.m. le haitheasc o´ Dana Rosemary 2.00 p.m with a speech by Dana Rosemary Scallon, CPE nach rachaidh thar 20 Scallon, MEP which shall not exceed 20 no´ ime´ad agus i ndeireadh an aithisc sin minutes and at the conclusion of which she freagro´ idh sı´ ceisteanna o´ chomhaltaı´ agus will reply to questions from members and go gcrı´ochno´ idh an dı´ospo´ ireacht tra´th nach that the debate shall conclude no later than de´anaı´ na´ 3.00 p.m. 3.00 p.m. —Senator Mary O’Rourke.

6. Go gcomhaontaı´onn Seanad E´ ireann, That, in accordance with Standing Order de re´ir Bhuan-Ordu´ 52A agus chinneadh an 52A and the decision of the Committee on Choiste um No´ s Imeachta agus Pribhle´idı´, Procedure and Privileges, Seanad E´ ireann go mbeidh Nuala Ahern, C.P.E. i la´thair agrees that Nuala Ahern, M.E.P. shall agus go bhfaighidh sı´ e´isteacht i Seanad attend and be heard in Seanad E´ ireann on E´ ireann, De´ardaoin 27 Samhain, 2003, agus Thursday 27th November, 2003 and that the go mbeidh feidhm ag na socruithe seo a following arrangements shall apply. The leanas. Toso´ idh na himeachtaı´ ar 3.00 p.m. proceedings shall commence at 3.00 p.m le haitheasc o´ Nuala Ahern, CPE nach with a speech by Nuala Ahern, MEP which rachaidh thar 20 no´ ime´ad agus i ndeireadh shall not exceed 20 minutes and at the con- an aithisc sin freagro´ idh sı´ ceisteanna o´ clusion of which she will reply to questions chomhaltaı´ agus go gcrı´ochno´ idh an dı´os- from members and that the debate shall po´ ireacht tra´th nach de´anaı´ na´ 4.00 p.m. conclude no later than 4.00 p.m. —Senator Mary O’Rourke.

7. (l) An Bille um an Dlı´ Coiriu´ il (Gealtacht) 2002 — An Coiste. (a) Criminal Law (Insanity) Bill 2002 — Committee.

8. (l) An Bille um Chosaint Mha´ithreachais (Leasu´ ) 2003 — An Coiste. (a) Maternity Protection (Amendment) Bill 2003 — Committee.

9. An Bille um Thruailliu´ na Farraige (Fora´lacha Ilghne´itheacha) 2003 — An Tuarasca´il. Sea Pollution (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2003 — Report.

10. An Bille Le´iriu´ cha´in 2000 [Da´il] — An Dara Ce´im. Interpretation Bill 2000 [Da´il] — Second Stage 24 Samhain, 2003 1111 11. Bille Na´isiu´ ntachta agus Saora´nachta E´ ireann agus Airı´ agus Ru´ naithe (Leasu´ ) 2003 — An Coiste. Irish Nationality and Citizenship and Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Bill 2003 — Committee. —Senator Feargal Quinn.

Tairiscintı´: Motions: 12. ‘‘Go gceadaı´onn Seanad E´ ireann an That Seanad E´ ireann approves the exer- Sta´t d’fheidhmiu´ an roghnaithe no´ na rogha cise by the State of the option or discretion arna gcur ar fa´il le hAirteagal 1.11 de Chon- provided by Article 1.11 of the Treaty of radh Amstardam a bheith pa´irteach i ngla- Amsterdam to take part in the adoption of cadh an bhirt bheartaithe seo a leanas: the following proposed measure:

togra le haghaidh Creat-Chinnidh o´ n a proposal for a Council Framework gComhairle maidir le prionsabal an Decision on the application of the prin- aitheantais fhrithpha´irtigh a fheidhmiu´ i ciple of mutual recognition to financial dtaobh piono´ s airgeadais, penalties, ar beart beartaithe e´ ar leagadh co´ ip de faoi a copy of which proposed measure was laid bhra´id Sheanad E´ ireann an 23 Mea´n before Seanad E´ ireann on 23rd September, Fo´ mhair, 2003. 2003.’’ —Senator Mary O’Rourke.

13. ‘‘Go gceadaı´onn Seanad E´ ireann an That Seanad E´ ireann approves the exer- Sta´t d’fheidhmiu´ an roghnaithe no´ na rogha cise by the State of the option or discretion arna gcur ar fa´il le hAirteagal 1.11 de Chon- provided by Article 1.11 of the Treaty of radh Amstardam a bheith pa´irteach i ngla- Amsterdam to take part in the adoption of cadh an bhirt bheartaithe seo a leanas: the following proposed measure:

togra le haghaidh Creat-Chinnidh o´ n a proposal for a Council Framework gComhairle maidir le Fa´ltais, Ionstraime- Decision on Confiscation of Crime achtaı´ agus Maoin a Bhaineann le Coire- Related Proceeds, Instrumentalities and acht a Choigistiu´ , Property, ar beart beartaithe e´ ar leagadh co´ ip de faoi a copy of which proposed measure was laid bhra´id Sheanad E´ ireann an 12 Bealtaine, before Seanad E´ ireann on 12th May, 2003.’’ 2003. —Senator Mary O’Rourke.

14. Ra´itis maidir leis an leibhe´al ard o´ il alco´ il ag daoine o´ ga. (ato´ga´il). Statements on the high level of alcohol consumption by young people. (resumed).

15. Ra´itis maidir le hUathachas.(ato´ga´il). Statements on Autism. (resumed).

P.T.O. 1112 24 Samhain, 2003 Tı´olactha: Presented: 16. An Bille um Shaora´il Faisne´ise (Leasu´ ) (Uimh. 2) 2003 — Ordu´ don Dara Ce´im. Freedom of Information (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2003 — Order for Second Stage.

Bille da´ ngairtear Acht do leasu´ an Achta Bill entitled an Act to amend the um Shaora´il Faisne´ise 1997 agus do dhe´an- Freedom of Information Act 1997 and to amh socru´ i dtaobh nithe gaolmhara. provide for related matters. —Senator Brendan Ryan.

17. Tairiscintı´ nach o´ n Rialtas. Non-Government Motions. 1. ‘‘That Seanad E´ ireann 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 O’Toole. [27 November, 2002]

2. ‘‘That Seanad E´ ireann 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 O’Toole. [27 November, 2002]

3. ‘‘That Seanad E´ ireann calls on the Government to end the practice of making political appointments to semi-state bodies.’’ —Senators Shane Ross, David Norris, Mary Henry, Joe O’Toole. [3 December, 2002]

4. ‘‘That Seanad E´ ireann endorses The European Convention — Ireland’s participation in Europe.’’ —Senators Mary O’Rourke, 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, Labhra´sO´ Murchu´, Ann Ormonde, Kieran Phelan, Eamon Scanlon, Jim Walsh, Mary White, Diarmuid Wilson. [17 December, 2002]

5. ‘‘That Seanad E´ ireann 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, Feargal Quinn, Mary Henry. [17 December, 2002] 24 Samhain, 2003 1113 6. ‘‘That Seanad E´ ireann 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]

7. ‘‘That Seanad E´ ireann 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 O’Toole. [29 January, 2003]

8. ‘‘That Seanad E´ ireann, acknowledging that responsibility for the administration and development of the game of rugby in Ireland rests with the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU), encourages the IRFU to continue to support the development of professional rugby in Connacht; and calls upon the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism to meet with the IRFU to discuss the situation.’’ —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 O’Brien, Labhra´sO´ Murchu´, Ann Ormonde, Kieran Phelan, Eamon Scanlon, Jim Walsh, Mary White, Diarmuid Wilson. [28 January, 2003]

9. ‘‘That Seanad E´ ireann 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 O’Toole, David Norris, Mary Henry. [13 March, 2003]

10. ‘‘That Seanad E´ ireann calls on the Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern, T.D., to clarify the Government’s 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 O’Toole. [20 March, 2003]

11. ‘‘That Seanad E´ ireann 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]

P.T.O. 1114 24 Samhain, 2003 12. ‘‘That Seanad E´ ireann 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 O’Toole, Mary Henry, Feargal Quinn. [8 April, 2003]

13. ‘‘That Seanad E´ ireann 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, Feargal Quinn. [15 April, 2003]

14. ‘‘That Seanad E´ ireann 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]

15. ‘‘That Seanad E´ ireann

— acknowledging the work undertaken by community groups throughout the country with the assistance of the FA´ S 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 24 Samhain, 2003 1115 — 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 Ta´naiste 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 O’Meara, Derek McDowell, Joanna Tuffy, Michael McCarthy. [28 May, 2003]

16. ‘‘That Seanad E´ ireann 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]

17. ‘‘That Seanad E´ ireann

• 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 P.T.O. 1116 24 Samhain, 2003 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]

18. ‘‘That Seanad E´ ireann 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] 24 Samhain, 2003 1117 19. ‘‘That Seanad E´ ireann resolves to annul Statutory Instrument number 264 of 2003 (Freedom of Information Act 1997) (Free) Regulations 2003) with immediate effect’’. —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. [3 July, 2003]

20. ‘‘In view of the critical state of the nation’s finances, Seanad E´ ireann calls on the Government to suspend the benchmarking deal with the Public Service immediately’’. —Senators Shane Ross, David Norris, Feargal Quinn. [7 October, 2003]

21. ‘‘That Seanad E´ ireann expresses concern at the withdrawal of funding by the Government for third level research’’. —Senators David Norris, Shane Ross, Mary Henry, Feargal Quinn, Joe O’Toole. [7 October, 2003]

22. ‘‘That Seanad E´ ireann 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 O’Toole. [7 October, 2003]

23. ‘‘That Seanad E´ ireann 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 O’Toole. [7 October, 2003]

24. ‘‘That Seanad E´ ireann 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 O’Toole, Feargal Quinn, Mary Henry. [7 October, 2003]

25. ‘‘That Seanad E´ ireann 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 O’Toole, Feargal Quinn, Mary Henry. [7 October, 2003]

26. ‘‘That Seanad E´ ireann 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; P.T.O. 1118 24 Samhain, 2003 — the lack of resources available to the Gardaı´ 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]

27. ‘‘That Seanad E´ ireann 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]

28. ‘‘That Seanad E´ ireann:

• notes a major review of the Government’s Development Co-operation Programme has just been completed by the OECD’s Development Assistance Committee (DAC);

• welcomes the OECD’s endorsement of the Government’s Aid Programme and recognises that the study’s findings published on 20th November, constitute a strong endorsement of the programme and its underlying objectives by the internationally recognised arbiter of quality and standards in overseas development assistance; 24 Samhain, 2003 1119 • congratulates the Government on the outcome of this major international review of our development co-operation programme which highlights that a very positive judgement has been passed by Ireland’s peers on our activities in the field of development cooperation;

• acknowledges that the Aid Programme is making a profound difference to the lives of some of the poorest people on earth and that Ireland has been praised by the international donor community for the quality, focus and effectiveness of its development cooperation activities;

• commends the Government for the commitment it has shown in increasing Ireland’s ODA resources towards the UN target of 0.7% of GNP and the example we have set internationally;

• fully support the efforts of the Government to ensure wise investment of Irish taxpayer’s money and to attain the highest international standards in terms of quality and impact in the developing world;

• emphasises the importance of the Irish Government continuing through our aid programme to transform the lives of very many extremely poor and vulnerable people, lifting them out of poverty and offering them hope and support;

• notes that this month \6.7 million in assistance was announced in response to natural and man-made disasters in some of the world’s poorest countries; and

• maintains we can be justly proud of what is being achieved through the Development Cooperation Ireland programme on behalf of the Irish people.’’ —Senator Mary O’Rourke. [24 November, 2003]

18. An Seanad a chur ar athlo´ . Adjournment of the Seanad.

BILLI´ SEANAID SA DA´ IL Seanad Bills with the Da´il

An Bille um Dhumpa´il ar Farraige (Leasu´ ) 2000. Dumping at Sea (Amendment) Bill 2000.

An Bille um Dhlı´ na Farraige (Pı´ora´ideacht a Chur faoi Chois) 2001. Law of the Sea (Repression of Piracy) Bill 2001.

An Bille um Cheartas Coiriu´ il (Foirne Comhpha´irteacha um Imscru´ du´ ) 2003. Criminal Justice (Joint Investigation Teams) Bill 2003.

Bille na gCuideachtaı´ (Iniu´ chadh agus Cuntasaı´ocht) 2003. Companies (Auditing and Accounting) Bill 2003.

P.T.O. 1120 24 Samhain, 2003 Bille na gComhphobal Eorpach (Leasu´ ) 2003. European Communities (Amendment) Bill 2003.

An Bille Craolacha´in (Maoiniu´ ) 2003. Broadcasting (Funding) Bill 2003.

MEMORANDA De´ Ma´irt, 25 Samhain, 2003 Tuesday, 25th November, 2003 Cruinniu´ den Chomhchoiste um Ghno´ thaı´ Eachtracha i Seomra Coiste 3, LH 2000, ar 2 p.m. Meeting of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs in Committee Room 3, LH 2000, at 2 p.m.

Cruinniu´ den Chomhchoiste um Ghno´ thaı´ So´ isialacha agus Teaghlaigh i Seomra Coiste 2, LH 2000, ar 2.15 p.m. Meeting of the Joint Committee on Social and Family Affairs in Committee Room 2, LH 2000, at 2.15 p.m.

Cruinniu´ den Chomhchoiste um Chomhshaol agus Rialtas A´ itiu´ il i Seomra Coiste 1, LH 2000, ar 2.30 p.m. Meeting of the Joint Committee on the Environment and Local Government in Committee Room 1, LH 2000, at 2.30 p.m.

Cruinniu´ den Chomhchoiste um Fhiontraı´ocht agus Mionghno´ thaı´ i Seomra Coiste 4, LH 2000, ar 2.45 p.m. Meeting of the Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business in Committee Room 4, LH 2000, at 2.45 p.m.

De´ Ce´adaoin, 26 Samhain, 2003 Wednesday, 26th November, 2003 Cruinniu´ den Chomhchoiste um Dhlı´ agus Ceart, Comhionannas, Cosaint agus Cearta na mBan i Seomra Coiste 2, LH 2000, ar 9.30 a.m. Meeting of the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women’s Rights, in Committee Room 2, LH 2000, at 9.30 a.m.

Cruinniu´ den Chomhchoiste um Fhiontraı´ocht agus Mionghno´ thaı´ i Seomra Coiste 3, LH 2000, ar 9.30 a.m. Meeting of the Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business in Committee Room 3, LH 2000, at 9.30 a.m.

Cruinniu´ den Chomhchoiste um Airgeadas agus an tSeirbhı´s Phoiblı´ i Seomra Coiste 4, LH 2000, ar 10 a.m. Meeting of the Joint Committee on Finance and the Public Service in Committee Room 4, LH 2000, at 10 a.m. 24 Samhain, 2003 1121 Cruinniu´ den Chomhchoiste um Chumarsa´id, Muir agus Acmhainnı´ Na´du´ rtha i Seomra Coiste 3, LH 2000, ar 2.45 p.m. Meeting of the Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources in Committee Room 3, LH 2000, at 2.45 p.m.

Cruinniu´ den Chomhchoiste um Chomhshaol agus Rialtas A´ itiu´ il i Seomra Coiste 1, LH 2000, ar 4 p.m. (prı´obha´ideach). Meeting of the Joint Committee on the Environment and Local Government in Commit- tee Room 1, LH 2000, at 4 p.m. (private).

Cruinniu´ den Chomhchoiste um Ghno´ thaı´ Ealaı´on, Spo´ irt, Turaso´ ireachta, Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta i Seomra Coiste 2, LH 2000, ar 4.15 p.m. Meeting of the Joint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gael- tacht Affairs in Committee Room 2, LH 2000, at 4.15 p.m.

De´ardaoin, 27 Samhain, 2003 Thursday, 27th November, 2003 Cruinniu´ den Chomhchoiste um Shla´inte agus Leanaı´ i Seomra Coiste 2, LH 2000, ar 9.30 a.m. Meeting of the Joint Committee on Health and Children in Committee Room 2, LH 2000, at 9.30 a.m.

Cruinniu´ d’Fhochoistı´ na Da´la agus an tSeanaid um Sheirbhı´sı´ do Chomhaltaı´ i Seomra Coiste 3, LH 2000, ar Mea´n Lea (prı´obha´ideach). Meeting of the Da´il and Seanad Sub-Committees on Members’ Services in Committee Room 3, LH 2000, at noon (private).

PA´ IPE´ IR A LEAGADH FAOI BHRA´ ID AN tSEANAID Papers laid before the Seanad Reachtu´il: Statutory: 1) Rialacha na nUaschu´ irteanna (Ta´illı´ is 1) Rules of the Superior Courts (Fees Pay- Inı´octha le Coimisine´irı´ Mionnaı´) 2003 (I.R. able to Commissioners for Oaths) 2003 (S.I. Uimh. 616 de 2003). No. 616 of 2003). 2) Na Rialacha Cu´ irte Du´ iche (Cothabha´il) 2) District Court (Maintenance) Rules 2003 2003 (I.R. Uimh. 614 de 2003). (S.I. No. 614 of 2003). 3) Na Rialacha Cu´ irte Cuarda (Uimh.4) 3) Circuit Court Rules (No. 4) (Restoration (Cuideachtaı´ a Chur ar ais ar an gCla´r de of Companies to the Register Pursuant to bhun Alt 12 d’Acht na gCuideachtaı´ 1982 Section 12 of the Companies Act 1982 as arna chur isteach le hAlt 46 d’Acht na gCui- inserted by Section 46 of the Companies deachtaı´ (Leasu´ ) (Uimh. 2) 1999), 2003 (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 1999), 2003 (S.I. (I.R. Uimh. 615 de 2003). No. 615 of 2003). 4) Togra le haghaidh Creat-Chinnidh o´ n 4) Proposal for a Council Framework gComhairle chun an creat dlı´-choiriu´ il a Decision to strengthen the criminal-law dhaingniu´ i dtaca leis an dlı´ in aghaidh framework for the enforcement of the law truaillithe o´ longfhoinsı´ a fhorghnı´omhu´ against ship-source pollution together with mar aon le no´ ta faisne´ise mı´niu´ cha´in. explanatory information note. COM (2003) 227. COM (2003) 227.

P.T.O. 1122 24 Samhain, 2003 5) Togra le haghaidh Treorach o´ Pharlaim- 5) Proposal for a Directive of the European int na hEorpa agus o´ n gComhairle lena lea- Parliament and of the Council amending saı´tear Treoracha 73/239/CEE, 85/611/CEE, Council Directives 73/239/EEC, 85/611/EEC, 91/675/CEE, 93/6/CEE agus 94/19/CE o´ n 91/675/EEC, 93/6/EEC and 94/19/EC and gComhairle agus Treoracha 2000/12/CE, Directives 2000/12/EC, 2002/83/EC and 2002/83/CE agus 2002/87/CE o´ Pharlaimint 2002/87/EC of the European Parliament and na hEorpa agus o´ n gComhairle, d’fhonn of the Council, in order to establish a new fin- struchtu´ r eagru´ cha´in nua don choiste ancial services committee organisational struc- seirbhı´sı´ airgeadais a chur ar bun mar aon ture together with explanatory information le no´ ta faisne´ise mı´niu´ cha´in. note. COM (2003) 659. COM (2003) 659. 6) Togra le haghaidh Rialacha´in o´ n gCom- 6) Proposal for a Council Regulation con- hairle i nda´il le bearta idirthre´imhseacha cerning transitional measures for the reform chun na Rialacha´in Foirne a athcho´ iriu´ , go of the Staff Regulations, in particular with ha´irithe maidir le pa´ agus le pinsean mar regard to pay and pension together with aon le no´ ta faisne´ise mı´niu´ cha´in. explanatory information note. COM (2003) 612. COM (2003) 612. 7) Rialacha´in fa´n Acht um Thruailliu´ Aeir 7) Air Pollution Act 1987 (Environmental 1987 (Sonraı´ochtaı´ Comhshaoil do Specifications for Petrol and Diesel Fuels) Bhreoslaı´ Peitril agus Dı´osail) 2003 (I.R. Regulations 2003 (S.I. No. 541 of 2003). Uimh. 541 de 2003). 8) An Comhchoiste um Ghno´ thaı´ Eorpa- 8) Joint Committee on European Affairs. cha. An Fochoiste um Iniu´ chadh Eorpach. Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny. An Trı´u´ Tuarasca´il is Fiche, (Cuid 1): Tuar- Twenty Third Report, (Part 1): Report of asca´il ar chruinniu´ an 20 Samhain, 2003. the Meeting of 20 November, 2003. Samhain, 2003. November, 2003. 9) An Comhchoiste um Ghno´ thaı´ So´ isiala- 9) Joint Committee on Social and Family cha agus Teaghlaigh. Tuarasca´il Iniu´ chta Affairs. EU Scrutiny Report No. 2: COM AE Uimh. 2: COM (2003) 468 — Togra le (2003) 468 — Proposal for a regulation of haghaidh rialacha´in o´ Pharlaimint na the European Parliament and of the Coun- hEorpa agus o´ n gComhairle lena leasaı´tear cil amending Regulation (EEC) No. Rialacha´n (CEE) Uimh. 1408/71 maidir le 1408/71 on the application of social security feidhmiu´ sce´imeanna sla´nda´la so´ isialaı´ i schemes to employed persons, to self- nda´il le daoine fostaithe, daoine fe´infhostai- employed persons and to members of their the agus daoine da´ dteaghlaigh a bhogann families moving within the Community and laistigh den Chomhphobal agus Rialacha´n Regulation (EEC) No. 574/72 laying down (CEE) Uimh. 574/72 lena leagtar sı´os an the procedure for implementing Regulation no´ s imeachta maidir le Rialacha´n (CEE) (EEC) No. 1408/71 [and] COM (2003) 596 Uimh. 1408/71 a chur chun feidhme [agus] — Amended proposal for a Regulation of COM (2003) 596 — Togra leasaithe le the European Parliament and of the Coun- haghaidh Rialacha´in o´ Pharlaimint na cil on co-ordination of social security sys- hEorpa agus o´ n gComhairle maidir le co´ rais tems. November, 2003. sla´nda´la so´ isialaı´ a chomhordu´ . Samhain, 2003. 10) Togra le haghaidh Rialacha´in o´ n gCom- 10) Proposal for a Council Regulation hairle lena leasaı´tear Rialacha´n (CE) amending Regulation (EC) No. 1453/2001 Uimh.1453/2001 lena dtugtar isteach bearta introducing specific measures for certain sonracha maidir le ta´irgı´ a´irithe agricultural products for the Azores and talmhaı´ochta do na hAso´ ir agus do Mhaide´- Madeira and repealing Regulation (EEC) ara agus lena n-aisghairtear Rialacha´n No. 1600/92 (POSEIMA) with respect to (CEE) Uimh.1600/92 (POSEIMA) maidir the application of the supplementary levy leis an tobhach forlı´ontach in earna´il an in the milk and milk products sector in the bhainne agus ta´irgı´ bainne a fheidhmiu´ sna Azores together with explanatory infor- hAso´ ir mar aon le no´ ta faisne´ise mı´niu´ - mation note. COM (2003) 617. cha´in. COM (2003) 617. 24 Samhain, 2003 1123 11) An tOrdu´ fa´n Acht um Eiseachadadh 11) Extradition Act 1965 (Application of 1965 (Feidhm Chuid II) (Leasu´ ) (Uimh. 2) Part II) (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2003. 2003. 12) An Bord um an gCla´rlann Na´isiu´ nta 12) National Cancer Registry Board. Ailse. Cuntais, 2001. Accounts, 2001.

Neamhreachtu´il: Non Statutory: 1) Ra´iteas Staidrimh, Mea´nFo´ mhair, 2003. 1) Statistical Bulletin, September, 2003. 2) Daona´ireamh, 2002. Imleabhar 5 — 2) Census, 2002. Volume 5 — Principal Prı´omh-Sta´das Eacnamaı´ochta agus Economic Status and Industries. Tionscail. 3) An tOrdu´ um an Registration of Births 3) Registration of Births and Deaths and Deaths (Ireland) Act 1863 (Alt 17 agus (Ireland) Act 1863 (Section 17 and Section Alt 18) (An Mhı´) 2003 (I.R. Uimh. 531 de 18) (Meath) Order 2003 (S.I. No. 531 of 2003). 2003).

Wt. 509. 351. 11/03. Cahill. (X45192). Gr. 30-15.