80 seanad e´ ireann 1395

80 SEANAD EIREANN 1395

Deardaoin, 14 Nollaig, 2006Thursday, 14th December, 2006

10.30 a.m.

RIAR NA hOIBRE

Order Paper

GNO POIBLI

Public Business

Tairiscintı:Motions:

1. ‘‘Go gceadaıonn Seanad Eireann na That Seanad Eireann approves therialachain seo a leanas ina ndreacht: following regulations in draft:

Na Rialachain um Acht na dTeangacha Official Languages Act 2003 (Section 9)Oifigiula 2003 (Alt 9) 2006 Regulations 2006

ar rialachain iad ar leagadh coipeanna copies of which regulations in draft weredıobh ina ndreacht faoi bhraid Sheanad laid before Seanad Eireann on 28thEireann an 28 Mean Fomhair 2006. September 2006.’’

—Senator Mary O’Rourke.

2. ‘‘Go gceadaıonn Seanad Eireann na That Seanad Eireann approves theRialachain seo a leanas ina ndreacht: following Regulations in draft:

Na Rialachain um Ghalair Bholachta Bovine Diseases (Levies) Regulations,(Tobhaigh), 2006, 2006,

ar leagadh coipeanna dıobh ina ndreacht copies of which were laid in draft beforefaoi bhraid Sheanad Eireann an 1 Nollaig, Seanad Eireann on the 1st December,2006. 2006.’’


3. ‘‘Go mbeartaıonn Seanad Eireann go That Seanad Eireann resolves thatleanfaidh ailt 2, 3, 4, 5 agus 6 den Acht um sections 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the CriminalCheartas Coiriuil (Gainneail ar Dhrugaı) Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996 (No. 291996 (Uimh. 29 de 1996) i ngnıomh ar feadh of 1996) shall continue in operation for thena treimhse dar crıoch an 31 Nollaig, 2008. period ending on 31st December, 2008.’’


4. ‘‘Go gceadaıonn Seanad Eireann an That Seanad Eireann approves the draftdreacht de na Rialachain fan Acht um of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 (TreatmentCheartas Coiriuil 1984 (An Bhail a of Persons in Custody in Garda SıochanaChuirfear ar Dhaoine Faoi Choimead i Stations) (Amendment) Regulations 2006, a

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Staisiuin an Gharda Sıochana) (Leasu) copy of which was laid before Seanad2006, ar leagadh coip de faoi bhraid Eireann on 1st December, 2006.’’Sheanad Eireann an 1 Nollaig, 2006.


5. ‘‘Go gceadaıonn Seanad Eireann an That Seanad Eireann approves thetOrdu seo a leanas ina dhreacht: following Order in draft:

An tOrdu Iascaigh (Ceadunais Trachtala Fisheries (Miscellaneous CommercialIlghneitheacha) (Dleachtanna a Athru) Licences) (Alteration of Duties) Order2006, 2006,

ar leagadh coipeanna de faoi bhraid copies of which were laid before SeanadSheanad Eireann an 7 Nollaig, 2006. Eireann on 7th December, 2006.’’


6. ‘‘Go gceadaıonn Seanad Eireann an That Seanad Eireann approves thetOrdu seo a leanas ina dhreacht: following Order in draft:

An tOrdu um Boird Iascaigh Reigiuna- Regional Fisheries Boards (Postpone-cha (Toghchain a Iarchur) 2006, ment of Elections) Order 2006,

ar leagadh coipeanna de faoi bhraid copies of which were laid before SeanadSheanad Eireann an 6 Nollaig, 2006. Eireann on 6th December, 2006.’’


7. ‘‘Go ndeanfar cead a dheonu chun an That leave be granted to withdraw thetairiscint maidir le hAirteagal 35.4 den motion regarding Article 35.4 of theBhunreacht a tharraingt siar. Constitution.’’


8. An Bille Leasa Shoisialaigh 2006 [Dail] — An Dara Ceim.Social Welfare Bill 2006 [Dail] — Second Stage.

9. An Bille Rialtais Aitiuil (Ceantair Feabhsuchain Gno) 2006 [Bille Seanaid arna leasuag an Dail] — An Tuarascail.

Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Bill 2006 [Seanad Bill amendedby the Dail] — Report Stage.

10. An Bille um Choimisiun Thithe an Oireachtais (Leasu) 2006 [Dail] — An Dara Ceim.Houses of the Oireachtas Commission (Amendment) Bill 2006 [Dail] — Second Stage

Tıolactha:Presented:

11. Bille na dTeangacha Oifigiula (Leasu) 2005 — An Dara Ceim.Official Languages (Amendment) Bill 2005 — Second Stage.

—Senators Joe O’Toole, Paul Coghlan, David Norris.

139714 Nollaig, 2006

12. An Bille um Chosaint Beatha agus Maoine 2006 — An Dara Ceim.Defence of Life and Property Bill 2006 — Second Stage.

—Senators Tom Morrissey, Michael Brennan, John Minihan.

13. Bille Naisiuntachta agus Saoranachta Eireann (Leasu) (An Garda Sıochana) 2006 —An Dara Ceim.

Irish Nationality and Citizenship (Amendment) (An Garda Sıochana) Bill 2006 —Second Stage.

—Senators Brian Hayes, Maurice Cummins, Ulick Burke.

Tıolactha:Presented:

14. An Bille um Prıobhaideacht 2006 — Ordu don Dara Ceim.Privacy Bill 2006 — Order for Second Stage.

Bille da ngairtear Acht do dheanamh Bill entitled an Act to provide for a Tortsocru maidir le Tort arb eard e of Violation of Privacy; and to provide forPrıobhaideacht a Sharu; agus do dheanamh matters connected therewith.socru i dtaobh nithe a bhaineann leis anmeid sin.


15. An Bille um Shaorail Faisneise (Leasu) (Uimh. 2) 2003 — Ordu don Dara Ceim.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 theum Shaorail Faisneise 1997 agus do Freedom of Information Act 1997 and todheanamh socru i dtaobh nithe gaolmhara. provide for related matters.

—Senator Brendan Ryan.

16. An Bille um Fhorfheidhmiu Orduithe Cuirte (Uimh. 2) 2004 — Ordu don Dara Ceim.Enforcement of Court Orders (No. 2) Bill 2004 — Order for Second Stage.

Bille da ngairtear Acht do dheanamh Bill entitled an Act to provide for thesocru maidir leis na cuirteanna do making of attachment of earnings orders,dheanamh orduithe astaithe tuillimh, attachment of welfare orders, andorduithe astaithe leasa agus orduithe instalment orders by the courts to facilitatetrathchoda chun forfheidhmiu orduithe the enforcement of undischarged courtcuirte, fınealacha agus fiacha eile orders, fines and other debts and to provideneamhurscaoilte a eascu agus do dheanamh for related matters.socru i dtaobh nithe gaolmhara.

—Senator Brian Hayes.

Tairiscint:Motion:

17. ‘‘Go gceadaıonn Seanad Eireann an That Seanad Eireann approves theStat d’fheidhmiu an roghnaithe, arna chur exercise by the State of the option, providedar fail le hAirteagal 4 den cheathru Protacal by Article 4 of the fourth Protocol set outata leagtha amach i gConradh Amstardam, in the Treaty of Amsterdam, to notify thefogra a thabhairt don Chomhairle agus don Council and the Commission that it wishesChoimisiun gur mian leis glacadh leis an to accept the following measure:mbeart seo a leanas:

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Treoir 2004/82/CE an 29 Aibrean, 2004 Council Directive 2004/82/EC of 29thon gComhairle maidir le hoibleagaid a April, 2004 on the obligation of carriersbheith ar iomproirı sonraı a thabhairt mar to communicate passenger data,gheall ar phaisineirı,

ar beart e ar leagadh coip de faoi bhraid a copy of which measure was laid beforeSheanad Eireann an 25 Iuil, 2005. Seanad Eireann on 25th July, 2005.’’


Raitis:Statements:

18. Raitis maidir leis an gCead Tuarascail faoi Dhul Chun Cinn on gCoiste ComhairleachNaisiunta um Dhrugaı (atogail).

Statements on the First Progress Report of the National Advisory Committee onDrugs (resumed).

19. Raitis maidir le Saoraidı Spoirt Naisiunta a Sholathar (atogail).Statements on the Provision of National Sporting Facilities (resumed).

20. Raitis maidir le Beartas Iompair Reigiunach (atogail).Statements on Regional Transport Policy (resumed).

21. Raitis maidir le Sabhailteacht ar Bhoithre (atogail).Statements on Road Safety (resumed).

22. Raitis maidir le Pleanail agus saincheisteanna gaolmhara (atogail).Statements on Planning and related issues (resumed).

Tairiscint (atogail):Motion (resumed):

23. ‘‘Go ndeanann Seanad Eireann, de That Seanad Eireann, pursuant tobhun Bhuan-Ordu Uimh. 60A, Standing Order No. 60A,

1. A thabhairt da aire an fhaisneis seo a 1. Noting the following information fromleanas on Aire Dlı agus Cirt, the Minister for Justice, Equality andComhionannais agus Athchoirithe Dlı: Law Reform:

(a) go ndearna an Garda Sıochana, i mı (a) that the Garda Sıochana in AugustLunasa 2001, ar fhaisneis a fhail o 2001, on receipt of information fromInterpol ar faisneis ı a fuair The Interpol obtained by the UnitedUnited States Postal Inspection States Postal Inspection ServiceService le linn cuardaigh ar aitreabh during a search of premises in Fortin Fort Worth, Texas, a bhain le Worth, Texas, concerning details ofmionsonraı custaimeirı lıomhnaithe alleged customers of a companycuideachta a raibh rochtain a offering access to child pornographytairiscint aici ar shuımh idirlın websites, commenced an operationpornagrafaıochta leanaı, tus a chur le in relation to persons allegedly sohoibrıocht i ndail le daoine on dlınse identified from this jurisdiction,seo a lıomhnaıodh a bheithaitheanta amhlaidh,

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(b) go raibh san aireamh sna mionsonraı (b) that these details included thesin ainmneacha, pasfhocail agus names, passwords and credit cardmionsonraı carta creidmheasa agus and charge card details of certaincarta muirir daoine airithe, persons,

(c) go raibh duine darb ainm Brian (c) that one of the persons from thisCurtin, 35 Ashe Street, Tralee, Co. jurisdiction so named was a BrianKerry, ar dhuine de na daoine on Curtin, 35 Ashe Street, Tralee, Co.dlınse seo a ainmnıodh amhlaidh Kerry, and that subsequent enquiriesagus gur leirigh fiosruchain da eis sin indicated that this person was Briangurbh e Brian Curtin, Breitheamh Curtin, Judge of the Circuit Court,den Chuirt Chuarda, agus seoladh tı with a home address of 24 Ard na Lı,conaithe 24 Ard na Lı, Tra Lı, Co. Tralee, Co Kerry,Chiarraı aige, an duine sin,

(d) go ndearna an Chuirt Duiche (d) that a warrant to search Judgebarantas chun teach conaithe an Curtin’s home under section 7 of theBhreithimh Curtin a chuardach faoi Child Trafficking and Pornographyalt 7 den Acht um Ghainneail ar Act 1998 issued from the DistrictLeanaı agus Pornagrafaıocht Leanaı Court on foot of an application by a1998 a eisiuint de bhun iarratais o member of the Garda Sıochana onchomhalta den Gharda Sıochana an 20 May 2002,20 Bealtaine 2002,

(e) go ndearnadh cuardach ar theach (e) that Judge Curtin’s home wasconaithe an Bhreithimh Curtin da eis subsequently searched on foot of thesin de bhun an bharantais sin agus said warrant and that Gardaı tookgur ghlac Gardaı seilbh ar rıomhaire possession of a personal computerpearsanta agus ar abhar eile le linn and other material during the search,an chuardaigh,

(f) gur chuir udarais an Gharda comhad (f) that an investigation file wasimscrudaithe faoi bhraid an Stiurthora submitted to the Director of PublicIonchuiseamh Poiblı i mı Dheireadh Prosecutions by the GardaFomhair 2002, agus gur threoraigh an authorities in October 2002 and thatStiurthoir Ionchuiseamh Poiblı go the Director of Public Prosecutionsndeanfaı an Breitheamh Curtin a instructed that Judge Curtin beionchuiseamh as pornagrafaıocht prosecuted for knowingly having inleanaı a bheith ina sheilbh go feasach his possession child pornographycontrartha d’alt 6 den Acht um contrary to section 6 of the ChildGhainneail ar Leanaı agus Trafficking and Pornography Act,Pornagrafaıocht Leanaı 1998, 1998,

(g) gur thosaigh triail an chuisimh sin an (g) that the trial of the said charge20 Aibrean 2004 i gCuirt Chuarda commenced on 20 April 2004 atThra Lı agus go bhfuarthas an Tralee Circuit Court and that on 23Breitheamh Curtin neamhchiontach April 2004 Judge Curtin was foundsa chuiseamh sin an 23 Aibrean 2004 not guilty of that charge withoutgan fianaise a bheith tugtha i ndail le evidence being given in relation tohabhar an chuisimh, tar eis don the subject matter of the charge, theChuirt Chuarda Choiriuil a Circuit Criminal Court havingchinneadh go raibh an barantas sin a determined that the aforesaidduradh imithe in eag nuair a warrant was spent when executed atforghnıomhaıodh e i dteach conaithe the home of Judge Curtin;an Bhreithimh Curtin;

agus and

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2. A eileamh go ndeanfar, de bhun 2. Calls for the removal, pursuant to ArticleAirteagal 35.4 den Bhunreacht agus alt 35.4 of the Constitution and section 3939 den Acht Cuirteanna Breithiunais of the Courts of Justice Act 1924, of His1924, an tOnorach an Breitheamh Brian Honour Judge Brian Curtin, Judge of theCurtin, Breitheamh den Chuirt Chuarda, Circuit Court, from office for stateda chur as oifig de dheasca mı-iompair a misbehaviour, being his conduct in andluafar, arb e ata i gceist ann a chuid in relation to subscribing to, accessingiompair maidir le sıntius a thabhairt do and use of websites containing childshuımh idirlın ar a raibh ıomhanna pornographic images and therebypornagrafaıochta leanaı, rochtain a fhail rendering himself unsuitable to exercisear na suımh sin agus na suımh sin a usaid the office of a Judge of the Circuitagus i ndail leis na nithe sin agus e fein a Court.’’fhagail mı-oiriunach da dheasca sin chunoifig Breithimh den Chuirt Chuarda afheidhmiu.


Bille (atogail) (05 n. fagtha):Bill (resumed) (05 m. remaining):

24. An Bille um Pairtıocht Shibhialta 2004 — An Dara Ceim (atogail).Civil Partnership Bill 2004 — Second Stage (resumed).

—Senator David Norris.

Leasu ar an Tairiscint don Dara Leamh (atogail):Amendment to Motion for Second Reading (resumed):

1. To delete all words after ‘‘That’’ and substitute the following:

‘‘Seanad Eireann declines to give a second reading to the Bill so as to permit furtherconsideration of important legal and constitutional issues and in particular

(a) the resolution of current litigation regarding the recognition of a foreign same-sex marriage;

(b) finalisation by the All-Party Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution of itsexamination of Articles 40.3, 41 and 42, relating to the family;

(c) publication of the Report of the Law Reform Commission on the Rights andDuties of Cohabitees.’’.


25. Tairiscintı nach on Rialtas:Non-Government Motions:

1. ‘‘That Seanad Eireann calls on the Minister for Environment, Heritage and LocalGovernment, for an urgent debate on the Nitrates Directive, in light of his hastysigning of said directive, particularly as the figures on which he based his decision,have now been highlighted as being erroneous and the impossibility of theGovernment standing over such figures, allied with its total disregard for the futureof Irish farming.’’—Senators James Bannon, Paul Bradford, Fergal Browne, Paddy Burke, Ulick Burke,

Noel Coonan, Paul Coghlan, Maurice Cummins, Frank Feighan, Michael Finucane,Brian Hayes, Jim Higgins, Joe McHugh, John Paul Phelan, Sheila Terry.

[25 January, 2006]

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2. ‘‘That Seanad Eireann calls on the Irish Government to redouble its efforts to ensurethe closure of British Nuclear Fuel’s Sellafield plant.’’—Senators Shane Ross, David Norris, Mary Henry, Feargal Quinn, Joe O’Toole.

[3 May, 2006]

3. ‘‘That Seanad Eireann calls on the Government to introduce a scheme toautomatically register all those who turn 18 years of age and for the creation of a newcentrally run National Electoral Register.’’—Senators James Bannon, Brian Hayes, Paul Bradford, Fergal Browne, Paddy Burke,

Ulick Burke, Noel Coonan, Paul Coghlan, Maurice Cummins, Frank Feighan,Michael Finucane, Jim Higgins, Joe McHugh, John Paul Phelan, Sheila Terry.

[3 July, 2006]

4. ‘‘That Seanad Eireann calls on the Government to provide the funding to deliver theinvestments in water and sanitary services for towns and villages promised by thecurrent Government 1997 and 2002 and condemns the failure of the Government, inthis and the previous administration, to deliver to small towns and villages all over thiscountry the necessary infrastructural investment to sustain their survival and future.’’—Senators James Bannon, Brian Hayes, Paul Bradford, Fergal Browne, Paddy Burke,


[3 July, 2006]

5. ‘‘That Seanad Eireann calls on the Government to provide greater funding for thePrivate Residential Tenancies Board to tackle the poor maintenance of some rentalproperties and for the empowerment of the Board to take over the regulation ofproperty management companies, the poor state of which is contributing directly tothe inferior maintenance of public areas.’’—Senators James Bannon, Brian Hayes, Paul Bradford, Fergal Browne, Paddy Burke,


[3 July, 2006]

6. ‘‘That Seanad Eireann calls on the Government to end the blight of unfinishedhousing estates by passing legislation that would prohibit those developers who havenot met their commitments under previously granted planning permission, fromobtaining planning permission in the future.’’—Senators James Bannon, Brian Hayes, Paul Bradford, Fergal Browne, Paddy Burke,


[3 July, 2006]

7. ‘‘That Seanad Eireann, in light of inconvenience to individuals and the potentialdamage being done to the reputation of this country in terms of efficientcommunications, calls on the Government to maximise the resources being put intoensuring broadband access in every home and business in Ireland.’’

—Senators Shane Ross, David Norris, Mary Henry, Joe O’Toole, Feargal Quinn.[27 September, 2006]

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8. ‘‘That Seanad Eireann congratulates His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the US Congresspassing a Bill which will award the Dalai Lama the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal.’’

—Senators David Norris, Shane Ross, Joe O’Toole, Mary Henry, Feargal Quinn.[27 September, 2006]

9. ‘‘That Seanad Eireann calls on the Government to end political input into theappointment of members of the judiciary.’’

—Senators Shane Ross, Davis Norris, Mary Henry, Feargal Quinn.[27 September, 2006]

10. ‘‘That Seanad Eireann calls on the Government to ensure that future appointmentsto the boards of semi-state bodies and agencies are subject to hearings and approvalby Oireachtas committees.’’

—Senators Shane Ross, Davis Norris, Mary Henry.[27 September, 2006]

11. ‘‘That Seanad Eireann calls on the Government to examine the status of charities andcharitable collections and in particular to investigate the practice of so called‘chugging’ or charity mugging by street collectors.’’

—Senators David Norris, Shane Ross, Mary Henry, Feargal Quinn, Joe O’Toole.[28 September, 2006]

12. ‘‘That Seanad Eireann, in the light of recent tragic fires in France and other countriesinvolving hostel accommodation of migrant workers and asylum seekers and in thelight of our own recent narrow escapes from such tragedies, calls upon theGovernment to ensure that all such accommodation in Ireland is professionally vettedto ensure compliance with fire regulations, health, safety and hygiene provisions.’’

—Senators David Norris, Mary Henry, Feargal Quinn, Joe O’Toole, Shane Ross.[28 September, 2006]

13. That Seanad Eireann calls on the Minister for Communications, Marine and NaturalResources to ensure,

1) a total ban on use or sale of mono and multi-monofilament gill and drift nets;

2) a ban on trawling within 6 mile limit;

3) no netting of any description within 1 mile of the low water mark;

4) the creation of and an increase in the protection for spawning/nursery areas;

5) closed seasons to protect spawning fish;

6) that angling groups like the IFSA are involved in consultation processes;

7) that a full survey of all recreational anglers to determine our economic inputis commissioned;

8) that there is an increase in minimum sizes and a reduction of quotas forcommercially exploited species;

9) increased fishery protection resources;

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10) much tighter oversight of domestic and foreign vessels as regards landings, gearetc.;

11) an end to the practices of marine dumping and aggregate extraction; and

12) an end to nuclear waste dumping/discharges in the Irish Sea.’’—Senators David Norris, Shane Ross, Feargal Quinn, Mary Henry, Joe O’Toole.

[28 September, 2006]

14. ‘‘That Seanad Eireann requests the Minister for Foreign Affairs to seek theestablishment of a monitoring group to supervise the implementation of the HumanRights Attachments to the External Association Agreement between the EuropeanUnion and the State of Israel.’’

—Senators David Norris, Shane Ross, Mary Henry, Joe O’Toole.[28 September, 2006]

15. ‘‘That Seanad Eireann requests the Government to take all possible measures toensure that the refinancing of Irish Insurance risk internationally does not as a resultof recent tragic global events make Irish domestic insurance unacceptably high.’’


16. ‘‘That Seanad Eireann requests the Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism to comeinto the house to give a full account of the current situation regarding the future ofthe Abbey Theatre and its possible relocation.’’


17. ‘‘That Seanad Eireann expresses its concern at growing reports of climate change invarious parts of the world; and requests the Minister to come into the house and givea progress report on our position concerning Ireland reaching its target under theKyoto Protocol.’’

—Senators David Norris, Shane Ross, Joe O’Toole, Feargal Quinn, Mary Henry.[12 October, 2006]

18. ‘‘That Seanad Eireann welcomes the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme of theWorld Council of Churches in arranging for human rights observers to work in Israeland Palestine; encourages the Government to work with intergovernmentalorganisations to establish a human rights observation force in the OccupiedTerritorities, and to press for an end to the occupation in a just and peaceful solutionto the conflict on the basis of UN resolutions and the international rule of law.’’

—Senators David Norris, Shane Ross, Joe O’Toole, Mary Henry.[25 October, 2006]

19. ‘‘That Seanad Eireann notes that the number of patients with MRSA infections inIrish hospitals was 285 cases for the first 6 months of 2006; calls on the Minister forHealth and Children to ensure that when patients test positive for MRSA that theyand/or their family are informed immediately so that appropriate steps are taken to

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aid their full recovery. That Seanad Eireann calls on all health facilities in the Stateto fulfil their duty of care responsibilities as outlined in the 1947 Health Act in so far aspatients’ health should not deteriorate due to negligence on the health facility’s part.’’—Senators Fergal Browne, Brian Hayes, James Bannon, Paul Bradford, Paddy Burke,


[8 November, 2006]

20. ‘‘That Seanad Eireann, in the light of the Ferns Report, requests the Government tore-examine the exemption of the churches from the operations of equality legislation.’’

—Senators David Norris, Mary Henry, Joe O’Toole, Shane Ross.[8 November, 2006]

21. ‘‘That Seanad Eireann welcomes the Publication of the Leas Cross Nursing HomeReport and calls for a Patient Safety Authority to be established to maintain andensure standards in both private and public hospitals and which would also provide aforum for whistleblowers in the Health Service; and notes that, in the 18 months sincethe Prime Time Programme on the Leas Cross Nursing Home, the Government hasfailed to ensure that adequate measures are put in place to prevent other cases ofpatient neglect and or abuse taking place.’’—Senators Fergal Browne, Brian Hayes, James Bannon, Paul Bradford, Paddy Burke,


[15 November, 2006]

22. ‘‘That Seanad Eireann calls on the Government to introduce compensatory relief forVAT charged to charities on essential expenditure so that the cost burden to charitiesnationwide may be relieved.’’—Senators James Bannon, Brian Hayes, Paul Bradford, Fergal Browne, Paddy Burke,


[16 November, 2006]

23. ‘‘That Seanad Eireann expresses concern at the risks posed to infants by the heavyfluoridation of water in this jurisdiction.’’

—Senators David Norris, Joe O’Toole, Shane Ross, Mary Henry.[22 November, 2006]

24. ‘‘That Seanad Eireann, appalled by the abuse of Falun Gong practitioners beingperpetrated by the Chinese Government and the Chinese Communist Party, urges theIrish Government to express its revulsion at these atrocities and demands that theIrish Government seeks to have them fully investigated by the appropriateinternational bodies and that our concerns be brought to the immediate attention ofthe Chinese Ambassador to Ireland and the Chinese Government.’’

—Senator Joe O’Toole, David Norris, Mary Henry, Shane Ross, Feargal Quinn.[23 November, 2006]

25. ‘‘That Seanad Eireann,

• noting the fact that in Norway, Sweden, Denmark and France State pension fundsare now required to recognise social and environmental and ethical considerationsin their investment decisions;

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• condemns the failure to impose such conditions on The National Pensions ReserveFund; and

• calls on the Government immediately to introduce ethical guidelines for the NPRFif necessary following appropriate amending legislation.’’

—Senators Brendan Ryan, Kathleen O’Meara, Michael McCarthy, Derek McDowell,Joanna Tuffy, David Norris.

[30 November, 2006]

26. ‘‘That Seanad Eireann notes the Government’s promise to allow Cork Airport tocommence an independent operation free from debt and demands that theGovernment immediately clarify the position of Cork Airport with respect to the debtincurred in the recently completed developments.’’—Senators Brendan Ryan, Kathleen O’Meara, Michael McCarthy, Derek McDowell,

Joanna Tuffy.[30 November, 2006]

27. ‘‘That Seanad Eireann urges the Government

(1) to play an effective role towards securing a total prohibition on the production,stockpiling, transfer and use of cluster munitions by its active participation ininternational initiatives to address the issue comprehensively and effectively;

(2) to enact a national law prohibiting the production, stockpiling, transfer and useof cluster munitions as we know them;

(3) to support research, publication and awareness raising initiatives on this subjectnationally and internationally;

(4) to increase support for the clearance of contaminated land by landmines, clustermunitions and other unexploded ordnance;

(5) to increase support for Mine Risk Education;

(6) to increase support for rehabilitation of mine survivors and their socio-economic integration;

and finally, pending the outlawing of landmines internationally,

(7) to ensure that no public funds are invested in any company involved in orassociated with this inhuman practice.’’

—Senators David Norris, Joe O’Toole, Shane Ross, Mary Henry, Feargal Quinn.[6 December, 2006]

28. ‘‘That Seanad Eireann supports:

the declaration of the 4th World Parliamentarians’ Convention on Tibet adopted byparliamentarians from 30 different countries on November 19, 2005 in Edinburgh,Scotland in support of Tibet’s goal of genuine autonomy;

supports His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Middle Way approach to resolve the conflictbetween the People’s Republic of China and the Tibetan Government in exile throughnegotiations in the spirit of non-violence and reconciliation;

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commends the Chinese Government in inviting the Dalai Lama’s special envoys forfour rounds of high-level meetings in Beijing and Berne between September 2002 andJune 2005;

supports the creation of a zone of ahimsa (peace and non-violence) throughout theTibetan plateau;

deplores the refusal of the Chinese Government to release political prisoners, inparticular the Panchen Lama, Gebhum Choekyi Nyima, who has been held in a secretlocation since 1995, when he was only 6 years old; and

the recent forcible attempts by the Chinese authorities to introduce a brutal disciplineknown as ‘Patriotic re-education’ which has been inflicted upon monasteries in Tibetand which has resulted in injury and death to some of the monks at the DrepungMonastery in Tibet.’’

—Senators David Norris, Shane Ross, Mary Henry, Feargal Quinn, Joe O’Toole.[13 December, 2006]

26. An Seanad a chur ar athlo.Adjournment of the Seanad.

BILLI AR SIUL AGUS GNO ATA ORDAITHEBills in Progress and Business Ordered

An chead la suı tar eis Sos na NollagFirst sitting day after the Christmas Recess

An Bille Slainte (Tithe Banaltrais) (Leasu) 2006 [Dail] — An Coiste.Health (Nursing Homes) (Amendment) Bill 2006 [Dail] — Committee.

An chead la suı de mhı Feabhra, 2007First Sitting of February, 2007

An Bille um Chlumhilleadh 2006 — An Coiste.Defamation Bill 2006 — Committee.

BILLI SEANAID SA DAILSeanad Bills with the Dail

An Bille um Sheirbhısı Uisce 2003.Water Services Bill 2003.

An Bille um Cheartas Coiriuil (Cunamh Frithphairteach) 2005.Criminal Justice (Mutual Assistance) Bill 2005.

An Bille um Chistı Infheistıochta, Cuideachtaı agus Foralacha Ilghneitheacha 2006.Investment Funds, Companies and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2006.

140714 Nollaig, 2006

An Bille um Churam Leanaı (Leasu) 2006.Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2006.

An Bille um Athchoiriu an Dlı Talun agus Tıolactha 2006.Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Bill 2006.

An Bille um Ghnıomhaireacht Airgeadais d’Fhorbairt Naisiunta (Leasu) 2006.National Development Finance Agency (Amendment) Bill 2006.

Bille na bPrıosun 2006.Prisons Bill 2006.

Bille na gComhphobal Eorpach 2006.European Communities Bill 2006.

An Bille um Chlaru Uachtanna 2005.Registration of Wills Bill 2005.

An Bille um Bord Scannan na hEireann (Leasu) 2006.Irish Film Board (Amendment) Bill 2006.

MEMORANDA

Deardaoin, 14 Nollaig, 2006.Thursday, 14 December, 2006

Cruinniu den Chomhchoiste um Shlainte agus Leanaı i Seomra Coiste 4, TL 2000, ar9.30 a.m.

Meeting of the Joint Committee on Health and Children in Committee Room 4, LH 2000,at 9.30 a.m.

Cruinniu den Chomhchoiste um Shlainte agus Leanaı i Seomra Coiste 4, TL 2000, ar9.30 a.m.

Meeting of the Joint Committee on Health and Children in Committee Room 4, LH 2000,at 9.30 a.m.

Cruinniu den Fhochoiste um Iniuchadh Eorpach i Seomra Coiste 2, TL 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.

Cruinniu den Chomhchoiste um Dhlı agus Ceart, Comhionannas, Cosaint agus Cearta namBan i Seomra Coiste 3, TL 2000, ar 12 mean lae.

Meeting of the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women’s Rights, inCommittee Room 3, LH 2000, at 12 noon.

P.T.O.

1408 14 Nollaig, 2006

PAIPEIR A LEAGADH FAOI BHRAID AN tSEANAIDPapers laid before the Seanad

Reachtuil: Statutory:

1) Seirbhıs Fuilaistriuchain na hEireann. 1) Irish Blood Transfusion Service. Finan-Raitis Airgeadais, 2004. cial Statements, 2004.

2) Seirbhıs Fuilaistriuchain na hEireann. 2) Irish Blood Transfusion Service. Finan-Raitis Airgeadais, 2005. cial Statements, 2005.

3) An Bord Seirbhısı Conaithe Speisialta. 3) The Special Residential Services Board.Raitis Airgeadais, 2005. Financial Statements, 2005.

4) An Coimisiun Meabhair-Shlainte. Raitis 4) Mental Health Commission. FinancialAirgeadais, 2005. Statements, 2005.

5) An Chomhairle Naisiunta um Fhorbairt 5) National Council for the ProfessionalGhairmiuil an Altranais agus an Development of Nursing and Midwifery.Chnaimhseachais. Cuntais don bhliain dar Accounts for the year ended 31 December,chrıoch 31 Nollaig, 2005. 2005.

6) An Oifig um Rialu Tobac. Raitis Airgea- 6) Office of Tobacco Control. Financialdais, 2005. Statements, 2005.

7) Bord Fiontar Contae Dhun 7) Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown CountyLaoghaire/Rath an Duin. Tuarascail Bhlian- Enterprise Board. Annual Report, 2005.tuil, 2005.

8) An tOrdu Iarnroid (Tionscadal Shlı Chill 8) Railway (Kildare Route Project) OrderDara) 2006 (I.R. Uimh. 596 de 2006). 2006 (S.I. No. 596 of 2006).

9) An Bord Bia. Tuarascail Bhliantuil agus 9) An Bord Bia. Annual Report andCuntais, 2005. Accounts, 2005.

10) Na Rialachain um Churam Leanaı 10) Child Care (Pre-School Services) (No.(Seirbhısı Reamhscoile) (Uimh. 2) 2006 2) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 604 of 2006).(I.R. Uimh. 604 de 2006).

11) An Ciste um Oideachas Eolaıochta agus 11) Scientific and Technological EducationTeicneolaıochta (Infheistıocht). Cuntais, (Investment) Fund. Accounts, 2005.2005.

12) An Ghnıomhaireacht Naisiunta Bainne. 12) National Milk Agency. Annual ReportTuarascail Bhliantuil agus Cuntais, 2005. and Accounts, 2005.

Neamhreachtuil: Non-Statutory:

1) An Coiste Comhairleach Naisiunta um 1) National Advisory Committee on Drugs.Dhrugaı. Staidear ar Dhrugaı i measc an A Community Drugs Study: DevelopingPhobail: Tascairı Pobail d’Usaid Drugaı Community Indicators for Problem DrugFhadhbach. Samhain, 2006. Use. November, 2006.

2) An Coiste Comhairleach Naisiunta um 2) National Advisory Committee on Drugs.Dhrugaı. Cas-Staidear Phobal Bhaile Ballymun Community Case Study: Experi-Munna: Taithı agus Leirstean maidir le ences and Perceptions of Problem DrughUsaid Drugaı Fhadhbach. Samhain, 2006. Use. November, 2006.

3) An Coiste Comhairleach Naisiunta um 3) National Advisory Committee on Drugs.Dhrugaı. Cas-Staidear Phobal Bhre: Taithı Bray Community Case Study: Experiencesagus Leirstean maidir le hUsaid Drugaı and Perceptions of Problem Drug Use.Fhadhbach. Samhain, 2006. November, 2006.

140914 Nollaig, 2006

4) An Coiste Comhairleach Naisiunta um 4) National Advisory Committee on Drugs.Dhrugaı. Cas-Staidear Phobal Chromgh- Crumlin Community Case Study: Experi-linne: Taithı agus Leirstean maidir le ences and Perceptions of Problem DrughUsaid Drugaı Fhadhbach. Samhain, 2006. Use. November, 2006.

5) Rialachain na gComhphobal Eorpach 5) European Communities (Financial(Tredhearcacht Airgeadais) 2006 (I.R. Transparency) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No.Uimh. 613 de 2006). 613 of 2006).

6) Tithe an Oireachtais. An Comhchoiste 6) Houses of the Oireachtas. Joint Commit-um Dhlı agus Ceart, Comhionannas, tee on Justice, Equality, Defence andCosaint agus Cearta na mBan. Tuarascail ar Women’s Rights. Report on Motion re.Thairiscintı maidir le hAilt 2, 3, 4, 5 agus 6 Sections 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the Criminal Jus-den Acht um Cheartas Coiriuil (Gainneail tice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996.ar Dhrugaı) 1996. Nollaig, 2006. December, 2006.

7) Tithe an Oireachtais. An Comhchoiste 7) Houses of the Oireachtas. Joint Commit-um Dhlı agus Ceart, Comhionannas, tee on Justice, Equality, Defence andCosaint agus Cearta na mBan. Tuarascail ar Women’s Rights. Report on Motion re.Thairiscintı maidir leis na Rialachain fan Criminal Justice Act, 1984 (Treatment ofAcht um Cheartas Coiriuil, 1984 (An Bhail Persons in Custody in Garda Sıochanaa Chuirfear ar Dhaoine faoi Choimead i Stations) (Amendment) Regulations, 2006.Staisiuin an Gharda Sıochana) (Leasu), December, 2006.2006. Nollaig, 2006.

8) Tithe an Oireachtais. An Comhchoiste 8) Houses of the Oireachtas. Joint Commit-um Thalmhaıocht agus Bia. Tuarascail ar an tee on Agriculture and Food. Report onTairiscint maidir leis na Rialachain um Motion re: Bovine Diseases (Levies) Regu-Ghalair Bholachta (Tobhaigh), 2006. Nol- lations, 2006. December, 2006.laig, 2006.

Wt. 21457. 292. 12/06. Cahill. (X50437). Gr. 30-15.

80 seanad e´ ireann 1395

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