Alan Kelly (Labour)

I wish all my fellow Senators the best of goodwill for the season.

I repeat my call for a debate on the public service. I do so for a number of reasons. There are two matters to which I draw the House's attention, one of which is the review of the labour market which was brought forward by FÁS. The statements made by FÁS should concern all Members, particularly having regard to the comments being made by the ESRI, namely, that the minimum wage of €8.65 should be examined. It is a matter of concern that an agency which is meant to promote jobs and innovation is so bereft of ideas that it should say something like this. It is ridiculous, concerning and preposterous.

While I know it is the season of goodwill, I note that the Taoiseach has had his annual dinner in the premises of the National Tourism Development Authority. I wonder is this appropriate. If so, is it appropriate for the rest of us to ask the chief executive and chairperson of that authority, Fáilte Ireland, if we could have our dinners there? Who is paying for these dinners and how appropriate is it that this goes on every year?