Niall Blaney (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíochas leis an gCathaoirleach. I second the motion of Senator Byrne in respect of the universities panel. The way in which people have obtained degrees in this country over the years has evolved and it is time that we also evolve the legislation so that everybody who has a degree has a say in the make-up of this House. There is discrimination happening on this issue where those who have degrees do not have an opportunity to have a vote and this needs to be regularised.

I, too, come from a county in the north of the country and I am getting calls from publicans who are feeling a little bit discriminated against in that phase 4 of the reopening has been pushed out to 10 August. While I recognise that there are some difficulties with arrangements in some public houses which are not adhering to the rules and regulations as to the serving of food, the vast majority of them are and should be dealt with in due course. I ask that in the coming weeks the Government work to ensure that a roadmap is set up for publicans. I also ask that it work the Vintners Federation of Ireland and other stakeholders to regularise the situation in order to ensure that matters do not go beyond the 10 August.

Will the Leader ask the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government to come before the House to discuss his plans in respect of housing? The Minister has made us aware that he has major plans for all local authorities and for making better use of the services that are there to try to deliver the 50,000 units referred to in the programme for Government. I ask that we get the opportunity to see what those plans are in order that we might discuss them.