Seanad report: Mr David Norris (Ind) asked that the condition of a building associated with Joyce's great novel be drawn to the attention of the relevant Minister.
Referring to Sweny's chemist shop at Lincoln Place in Dublin, he said he had recently spoken of his concern about its appearance, that it looked like it was being neglected and left open to vandalism. "This morning, as I passed I saw that the building has gone on fire. I think that is a great pity. It really looks appalling."
Mr Norris said 2004 would see the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the events in the Joyce novel. Sweny's chemist shop was known to Joyceans all over the world. "It is where Leopold Bloom buys his lemon soap, and there's a marvellous description of the inside of the shop.
"A very large number of people would be coming to Dublin for next year's celebrations. This building was one of the sites they would visit, and they would raise questions about how we protected this kind of landmark building," said Mr Norris.
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Several motions passed without debate on the use of finger or thumb prints to upgrade security on visas and residents' permits.
The leader of the House, Mrs O'Rourke, said the joint committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights had completed their deliberations on the motions. These concerned the introduction of biometric identifiers. This would enhance the security features and establish a more reliable link between holder, passport and visa.
Mr Feargal Quinn (Ind) suggested that the Garda be allowed charge for vetting prospective employees for business people. Over the years, employers had had the benefit of such vetting free of charge. "I gather that security companies give the names of hundreds of people to the Garda to be vetted before they take on anybody . . . Perhaps the Garda can make this a profitable venture and thereby release certain resources."
In the light of the Soham case, it was important that the vetting of those who would work with children would continue to be free. Any additional funds accruing to the Garda might enable us to afford to vet all those who wish to work in childcare.
Mr Brian Hayes, Fine Gael leader in the House, said it was important to put in place a statutory vetting procedure involving everyone working with children.
Mr Joe O'Toole (Ind) said the Irish National Teachers' Organisation had been vetting those working with children in the Northern jurisdiction for years. "It's something which we have asked for many times to be put in place here."Mr Brendan Ryan (Lab) said there should be a debate on standards to send a message to those who still did not understand that "making representations when you are Taoiseach to junior officials in local authorities is perceived to be, at least, using fairly heavy-handed tactics".
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Mr Ryan had referred to a newspaper report that the Taoiseach made representations to a council official about action to be taken over an allegedly unauthorised quarry development in Co Roscommon. Dr Martin Mansergh (FF) said it was understood that it was legitimate for office holders to make constituency representations, just as it was legitimate for public servants to turn them down.