Seanad debates

Wednesday, 13 February 2008

3:00 pm

Photo of Paudie CoffeyPaudie Coffey (Fine Gael)

I support the request of Senators Burke and Ormonde that the Leader invite the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to the House to clarify the position on the guidelines on sustainable planning, which are now subject to public consultation. It is very important that such guidelines, which have a great impact on communities, be properly debated in the Seanad.

The Social Welfare and Pensions Bill is being considered in the Dáil at present. Will the Leader ascertain from the relevant Minister whether there will be any provision made for waiver schemes for waste management collection in local authority areas throughout the country? There is an anomaly whereby local authorities are at a disadvantage to private operators in the operation of waiver schemes. They are not on a level playing field and this needs to be addressed in conjunction with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Minister for Social and Family Affairs.

We debated volunteerism some time ago in the House. In this regard, special mention must be made of the work of the Irish Red Cross and Order of Malta Ireland in Civil Defence units throughout the country. Will the Leader organise a debate on this to ensure the volunteer groups are properly resourced so they can continue their good work and expand?

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