Seanad Éireann debate -
Thursday, 20 Dec 1990

Vol. 127 No. 5

Business of Seanad.

An Cathaoirleach

I have notice from Senator Mary Jackman that, on the motion for the Adjournment of the House today, she proposes to raise the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Tourism and Transport to clarify if he proposes to continue with his policy of current compulsory stop-over of transAtlantic flights at Shannon particularly in view of recent announcements by Aer Lingus.

I also received notice from Senator David Norris of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Justice to review the case of a prisoner in Arbour Hill (name supplied) with a view to exercising his ministerial prerogative of commuting the sentence in the light of its comparative severity taking into account the circumstances of the case.

I also received notice from Senator Shane Ross of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for the Environment to outline the criteria used in the distribution of national lottery funds.

I also received notice from Senator Joe Costello of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Health to make provisions for the retention of the health research board laboratories in Trinity College, Dublin, which has made a huge contribution through fundamental research in combating leprosy and other diseases.

I also received notice from Senator Dan Neville of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Education to construct a community school at Rathkeale, County Limerick.

I regard the matters raised by Senators Jackman, Norris, Ross, Costello and Neville as suitable for discussion on the Adjournment. I have selected Senator Jackman's matter and it will be taken at the conclusion of business. Senators Norris, Ross, Costello and Neville may give notice on another day of the matters they wish to raise.

Before I call on the Leader of the House, I wish to announce a correction to the Order Paper. In motion No. 3 the reference to item 4 should read "4a" which is the motion on the supplementary Order Paper circulated.

Mr. Fallon

Before we take the Order of Business, may I say that today is the last meeting of the Seanad before Christmas. I would very much like to wish the Cathaoirleach, the Leas-Chathaoirleach, all Senators, the Clerk and other staff, the Ushers, the Official Reporters of the Seanad Debates, the various, reporters and journalists of the press and in particular Mary Cummins, Jean McKenna and Reg Cullen who are regular friends of ours, Barry Kavanagh and his colleagues in RTÉ, and all friends and families of those I have mentioned, peace, joy, happiness and, above all, good health at Christmas. My very best wishes for now and the New Year.

In this House we do not agree all the time. We have the occasional row and I see this as part and parcel of the cut and thrust of politics. Politics is a very honourable profession. Even if we have disagreements, we can all agree on one thing. In our own way, we are all playing a role in providing a better country economically, socially and culturally, whether we are labelled academics, pseudo-academics, brilliant academics or people like myself, mere mortals from the greatest university of all — the university of life.

Mr. Norris

Give us a sod of turf speech now.

Mr. Fallon

——I know we in this House have our critics. I do not say that to embarrass Senator Cullen, Senator Keogh or Senator Dardis because I regard them as three excellent people, excellent Senators, who are enjoying themselves in this House. We are 60 Senators, and no matter what people say about this House, there are surely not 60,600 or 6,000 but probably more than 600,000 people who would like to be in our shoes today.

I again wish the Cathaoirleach and all our families and friends best wishes for Christmas and the New Year.