Seanad debates

Thursday, 4 December 2008

12:00 pm

Photo of Donie CassidyDonie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators Bradford, O'Toole, Alex White, Regan, Coghlan and Coffey called for debates on job creation, the economy and the banking system. We all welcome today's announcement regarding a reduction in interest rates. I hope that reduction is passed on to customers. The provision of a State guarantee to the banks was the correct action to take. However, we do not want to see those institutions attempting to claw back their losses through increases in interest rates and margins. We hope everything will become clearer in the next week. The decrease in the European Central Bank interest rate, along with corresponding decreases in Sweden and the United Kingdom, should be of considerable help to businesses, especially small and medium enterprises. Members also referred to difficulties in regard to apprenticeships. The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment has taken this matter on board and is actively engaged in addressing it.

This is an important week for the 1.3 million social welfare recipients who will receive an additional payment this week, totalling €200 million. The Christmas bonus of 100% of the normal weekly payment is very important to those in receipt of social welfare. I congratulate the Minister, Deputy Hanafin, and her Department on their achievement in fulfilling this commitment in these difficult economic times. The Minister said this week that this is the ninth year in which the full 100% bonus will be paid. This shows that the Government, despite the difficult economic situation, wants to continue to protect the most vulnerable in our society. Some 900,000 recipients and their 400,000 dependants will benefit from this bonus to help them through the Christmas period. This will be warmly welcomed by Senators on all sides of the House.

Senators O'Donovan and Keaveney referred to the proposal for fishing penalty points by the eminent lawyer, Mr. Gerard Hogan. This is an issue worthy of debate and I will convey the Senators' views to the Minister after the Order of Business.

Senators O'Toole, Keaveney, Ó Murchú, Healy Eames, Coffey, Buttimer and Regan expressed their views on funding for the arts, including Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and the Irish language. It is fair to say that all Senators wish to see the maximum funding in place to protect and support the language. That has always been the case in the House. I commend Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann on its heroic work since its establishment in Mullingar more than 50 years ago. Senator Ó Murchú, an eminent Member of the Seanad, is also chief executive officer of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. People are overjoyed at the commitment he and his lady wife have given over the years, engaging regularly in fund-raising. I referred yesterday to the work done by the late Edward Longford and Mrs. Longford to ensure the Gate Theatre, which celebrates its 80th birthday this year, remained open. Such unsung heroes should be acknowledged.

Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann has done great work in affording respect to the intellectual and creative talents of musicians. It is an underestimated talent that is not appreciated in this State to the extent it is elsewhere. Irish music is a trade brand, a claim few other places can make, with the possible exception of blues music in certain parts of the United States or country music in Nashville. Irish musicians are of great importance as ambassadors for our nation.

Senator Keaveney expressed serious concerns about the incidence of domestic violence. I have no difficulty with having a debate on this issue. As I said yesterday, it may be accommodated within next week's Second Stage debate on the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill. I will pass the Senator's strong views on to the Minister.

Senators Norris, O'Reilly, Bacik and McFadden voiced their serious concerns on humanitarian grounds about the Nigerian woman, Pamela Izevbekhai, her two lovely young children, and the difficulty in which she finds herself. The decision is to be made by the European court by 10 December. The matter is before the courts but last week I expressed strong humanitarian views on it. I wish them well when the European court gives its determination.

Senator Hannigan welcomed the Cullahill to Cashel——

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