Dan Boyle (Green Party)

I fully support Senator O'Toole's call for a debate on investment in the arts in the context of economic and social improvement. Is important to focus on the decisions being made by local authorities on spending priorities. I refer particularly to the Fine Gael-led local authority in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, which has made a decision on local library services. It has the right to make those decisions.

Senator Jerry Buttimer: Who funds the local authorities?

Senator John Paul Phelan: Who is closing the local library services?

An Cathaoirleach: No interruptions.

Senator Jerry Buttimer: Who reduced the funding for councils?

Senator John Paul Phelan: Who has cut the funding to local authorities?

Senator Dan Boyle: That gives an indication as to the priorities of those parties opposite if they were in government.

An Cathaoirleach: No interruptions.

Senator John Paul Phelan: Thug.

Senator Dan Boyle: Despite the shouting we have heard, I would like to make a personal request for non-political debate-----

A Senator: Dream on.

Senator Dan Boyle: -----on the question of politics, the media and the coarsening of public debate.

Senator John Paul Phelan: Would the Senator give it up?

Senator Dan Boyle: Last night when I left Leinster House, I was chased half way down Molesworth Street.

Senator Jerry Buttimer: Senator Boyle never walked so fast in his life.

Senator Dan Boyle: Regardless of the issue in question, I feel that type of behaviour and questioning is magnified elsewhere in public life.

This morning when I was coming down Thomas Street an admittedly very drunk man shouted at me for five minutes calling me a maggot. I believe he did so because he saw last night's scenes involving me on television.

Senator David Norris: Well said.

An Cathaoirleach: Thank you, Senator Boyle.

Senator Dan Boyle: The type of debate we have in this House where some Members mistake shouting, finger-pointing and exaggeration of rumour as fact does not help that process.

Interruptions.

An Cathaoirleach: Please, Members.

Senator Dan Boyle: We need to have a debate in this House about the whole nature of public life and the media. We would benefit from such a debate.

Senator David Norris: Hear, hear.

Senator Joe O'Toole: Hear, hear.

Senator Frances Fitzgerald: I am not clear about whom Senator Boyle was speaking. Was it the media or Deputy Cuffe?

An Cathaoirleach: It is questions to the Leader and no interruptions.

Senator Jerry Buttimer: Senator Boyle did not have any questions for the Leader.

Senator Dan Boyle: I asked the Leader three questions.

Senator Frances Fitzgerald: It was disturbing this morning to hear a representative of the HSE state 20 reports on the protection and care of children had accumulated over the past several years in the health boards, and subsequently the HSE, but had not been published. Why were these 20 reports produced but not made available to anyone? There can be no legal excuse about confidentiality, or any other, that can justify not publishing these 20 reports. Will the Leader ensure the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children with special responsibility for children and youth affairs, Deputy Barry Andrews, attends the House as soon as possible to explain why this has happened, when these reports will be published and when children can benefit from their recommendations, some of which concern the deaths of children in care?

Senator Paschal Mooney: I have every sympathy with Senator Twomey and others who have called for a debate on the proposed changes to pension structures. I too was that soldier whose private pension plans, taken out over the past 15 years, were whittled down well below a viable value. What annoyed me was that when it was plainly obvious in the past few years that the Irish banking sector was in a tailspin and its equities were going through the floor, many of the managed funds were still going into bank shares. I recall attempting to get these funds changed in 2007 and 2008 only to be told they could not.

Will the Leader consider a debate on Irish foreign policy within the European Union? Both sides of the House will be familiar with the implications and consequences of the Lisbon treaty about the expansion of foreign policy within Europe. Earlier this week, it was reported in the Irish media that Baroness Ashton, the High Representative of the European Union, is in the process of setting up external affairs representatives, or in other words, EU ambassadors. A turf war seems to be already developing between France and Germany as to who will get the top jobs.

I believe Ireland should be at the heart of this. Members on all sides have argued Ireland should be at the heart of Europe. I urge for a debate on what Ireland's role will be in these expanded EU foreign policy structures because I am concerned a French-German-British view of Europe would be presented to the world. Ireland does not do war. We do peace, humanitarian aid and all the positive elements which the European Union is well-known for across the world. I would hate to think that decisions taken and appointments made would not be in Ireland's best interest. While it may not seem important in the wider scheme of things, it would be for Ireland's role and image in the European Union and the wider world.

Senator David Norris: I regret once again we are not breaking for lunch. I will not amend the Order of Business because of it but it is a pity. We are entitled, as human beings, to some kind of decent treatment. I have no difficulty whatever with our salaries being cut but I would appreciate if we had decent facilities in this House.

My secretary is in every morning at 7.30 a.m. She does not take lunch but has an apple. She often works until 6 p.m. and after but we have run out of the overtime allowance. I am here every day and I am delighted we are clocking in. At least people will know those of us who are here. It would be very refreshing if they could monitor the doings of the House to see who contributes and all the rest of it.

Since the development of electronic communication, there is a flood of communications every day.

Senator Donie Cassidy: Yes, every day.

Senator David Norris: In the recession, there are people whose homes are under threat, children are sick, have planning difficulties or are in debt which must be answered. I never get to bed until after midnight. Then I have to listen to cheap shots on the wireless claiming we were in the Seanad for a day and a quarter and get paid for doing nothing. I bitterly resent and reject it. I do not mind what we get paid but I want the facilities to do the job. At present, we are being asked to make bricks without straw.

I support Senator Frances Fitzgerald that it is horrifying there are 20 reports on children in care awaiting publication. I must signal the warning, however, that it is terribly important that in intervening in this area we make absolutely certain we do not prejudice the welfare and rights of the other family members concerned. I particularly think of two small children who will probably learn from their schoolmates today of the tragic circumstances of their mother's death. In these matters we need sensitivity.