Order of Business - 15th February 2006

Order of Business - 15th February 2006
I support my colleagues who have called for a further discussion on the tragic Stardust situation and I also support their compliments to RTE. I did not see the entire programme but I saw some of it. From what I saw, it seemed to me that they were talking not so much about new evidence but a new interpretation of evidence and the unearthing of the fact that certain evidence was missing at the time, which is very puzzling. That evidence included a list of items that were contained in a store room where the fire may have started, and the fact that electrical short-circuits were reported from that location.
That information was not referred to at the original tribunal, although it seems to have been crucial. We have further work to do in that regard. We owe it to the bereaved families and to the memory of those who were killed, to do so. It does not surprise me, however, that Mr. Butterly got his licence. I have never known a licence to be refused. We could re-examine how the licensing laws operate with regard to these facilities.
There has been a Cabinet reshuffle and we have a new Minister of State, Deputy Browne, in the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.
There has been no Cabinet reshuffle.
Mr. Norris: Will the Leader arrange to have the new Minister of State attend the House to explain the policy on the fisheries Bill, particularly in light of a letter in The Irish Times of 9 February?
An Cathaoirleach: Senators will be discussing that Bill in due course.
Mr. Norris: I want the new Minister of State to attend the House as soon as possible and I wish to give the reason. The previous Minister of State, Deputy Gallagher, contradicted things I said and gave assurances they were not so, yet these very things are included in a letter by Dr. T.K. Whitaker to The Irish Times. If my opinion is not respected, at least his will be. The letter stated that the Department’s quota system enabled it to limit the annual catch of wild salmon in line with scientific advice on conservation requirements, a responsibility it has failed to discharge. Dr. Whitaker said that if this is not done it will lead to the extinction of our salmon stocks.
An Cathaoirleach: The Senator can reserve his comments until the legislation is debated here.
Mr. Norris: I am just giving reasons I think it is important for the new Minister of State to attend the House.
An Cathaoirleach: It is unnecessary to do so now.
Mr. Norris: His predecessor made a statement that is not sustainable in light of the argument made by Dr. Whitaker.
An Cathaoirleach: That is a matter for the forthcoming debate.
Mr. Norris: I agree with my colleague, Senator O’Toole, about the importance of having a debate on the anniversary of the 1916 Rising. I also ask for such a debate so that we can discover the Government’s plans for its commemoration. I have been contacted by a constituent who asked about the proposed budget to cover this military display and other celebrations of 1916. Can the Leader discover that information for me?