Order of Business - 11th October 2005

Order of Business – 11th October 2005

Mr. Norris: I shall try to observe the Cathaoirleach's ruling about being as brief as possible. However, many people will agree that this is the most interesting and exciting time of the day. It is the period that is covered most in the media. We should respond to the realities by being flexible and invite as many Members as possible to contribute to this very important part of the day.
I support colleagues in calling for a debate on the situation as regards salmon. I am sure our distinguished friends from Canada will sympathise with us,. I recall what happened some years ago when the great cod banks were being fished out and when the Canadian trawlermen stood up powerfully against the Spanish invaders. Much of that initiative was held to be illegal. I was one of the few here who said that while it might be illegal, they were perfectly right. We have the same situation here because we have drifted. Governments have drifted and allowed this to happen. Senator Ross and I have tabled a motion in support of our colleagues. We have pursued this matter during the past five or six years. The motion in our names is very detailed and does not limit itself just to the issue of driftnets. However, I warmly salute the work done by Senator Dardis. The PDs have played a very important role politically. During the week, one their Members in the Lower House indicated that she would vote against the Government on this issue. That type of pressure had a salutary effect.

Mr. Norris: I am also seeking a debate on the rolling scandal involving computer technology in various Departments. I was speaking at a dinner last night. One of our really excellent entrepreneurs and businessmen who operates in this area discussed the matter with me. I was left wondering why we did not have a trade mission to this country to sell our own computer expertise. Why do we go to big foreign conglomerates? We have a reputation for being at the front end of research and design in this area, along with numerous other small countries. Why do we not source this type of material here? They would be far less likely to make a bags of it. Big companies, on the other hand, are responsible for damage to a major pharmaceutical concern in the US. They have done the same to the British health service. Then they come to us. A local company, however, would be afraid to move from an estimate of €9 million to one of €400 million. Will the Leader request from the various Departments figures on how much of our information technology is domestically generated? Senators will take the next issue I raise to their hearts. I listened to people discuss the Residential Institutions Redress Board on radio this morning. It is important the Leader arrange for a debate to take place once the board has
reported because many people believe its remit should have been extended. Despite a Government commitment to pay the legal expenses of all those involved, solicitors are taking €15,000 or €20,000 from compensation payments before they are passed on to people who have already been damaged by the institutions of the State. This is a scandal. The House should review the issue when the Residential Institutions Redress Board concludes its work.