SEANAD REPORT:THE SEANAD has adopted a motion concerning the report by the members' interest committee on expenses claimed by Ivor Callely (FF).
Seanad deputy leader Dan Boyle (Green) proposed the adoption of the findings of the committee, that Mr Callely be suspended from the House for 20 days and that the appropriate level of salary be withheld from him.
Eugene Regan, Fine Gael spokesman on justice, praised the expedition with which the committee had carried out its work on an issue which, he believed, had done damage to the House.
Mr Regan said it was important that people realised that this was probably the first time in many years that politicians were prepared to hold their colleagues to account.
Denis O’Donovan, who lost the Fianna Fáil whip for his opposition to elements of the Dog Breeding Establishments Bill, voted for the passing of the measure, which was carried by 34 votes to 15. Several members on both sides of the House contended that Mr O’Donovan’s original stand had been vindicated by amendments which Minister for the Environment had later tabled.
Those amendments were considered by the Seanad yesterday. Some were welcomed, but others criticised as not going far enough. However, none was put to a vote.
Paudie Coffey (FG) said he was glad a compromise had been made. Observing that Bord na gCon officials had got involved in the public debate on aspects of the Bill, he hoped there would be no consequences for it.
It was leading an industry that was very concerned about the implications of the legislation. The proof of what it had been saying had been borne out by the Minister’s change of heart.
Maurice Cummins (FG) complimented those involved in the greyhound industry for articulating the concerns of the industry stakeholders and for highlighting the danger that the originally-drafted legislation posed.
David Norris (Ind) congratulated Mr Gormley for the constructive way in which he had dealt with the entire process.
“It can’t have been easy. In fact, it’s very remarkable to find that the appointed head of a semi-State body, Bord na gCon, was so vociferous against the Minister responsible on some occasions,” Mr Norris said. “I think that was very regrettable and unusual and raises some questions, in my opinion.”
The sitting was suspended for five minutes to enable the Minister to send a text message. John Gormley said he found himself in a difficult position as the debate on the final stages of the Bill had started later than expected.
He had engagements to fulfil which would probably necessitate his departure from the chamber by 1.30pm, then only minutes away.
Acting chairman Paschal Mooney (FF) said the debate had been schedule to last until 2pm. Mr Gormley said: “Okay, I’ll just text someone.” The sitting was then briefly suspended “to facilitate everybody”, Mr Mooney said.