Seanad debates

Tuesday, 9 November 2010

3:00 am

Photo of Donie CassidyDonie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Before responding to the issues raised on the Order of Business, I offer our congratulations to Mr. Noel Curran, the new director general of RTE, as announced earlier today.

Senators Fitzgerald, O'Toole, Alex White, Boyle, Mooney, Norris, Regan, Ormonde, Bacik, Hanafin, McFadden, Dearey, Quinn, Bradford, Ó Brolcháin, Donohoe and Mullen all expressed their views on the visit of Commissioner Olli Rehn. It was certainly a very good idea to achieve consensus and brief the leaders of all the parties. With the involvement of the Minister and the Governor of the Central Bank in his deliberations and discussions, it is a partnership that can only bear fruit. I know times are very difficult and unprecedented, but in the national interest it is extraordinary what can be achieved. Everyone is to be complimented on and commended for their efforts to make a contribution. I will have no difficulty in holding a major debate on the four-year budget plan as soon as we receive the final figures and also on the need for a stimulus package, as without growth and competitiveness we will not get over the problem as easily or as quickly as one might think. A major stimulus package needs to be put together in an effort to create employment. While it is marvellous that 1.8 million people are continuing to work during these very difficult times, the 450,000 who are unemployed or available for work certainly present a challenge which we need to meet head on.

Many colleagues called for a debate on the challenge mortgage holders are facing in making repayments. We all fully support Senator MacSharry and the great work being done by Mr. Hugh Cooney, chairman of the expert group on mortgage arrears and personal debt which is due to report later this week. As soon as the report is made available I will listen to the suggestions of Senators and we can debate the issue in the House to see what we can do to help everyone concerned. Senator MacSharry has suggested an amendment may be required to the legislation on the protection of the family home. That is an aspect we should debate and discuss in the House.

Senator O'Toole spoke about Seanad reform and the decision made by the House last week. I am sure that whenever time is available, the Minister will assess that decision. These are difficult times and there are considerable demands on the time of Ministers, particularly in formulating the budget. There have never been as many Cabinet meetings in the formulation of a budget. As the Minister said in the House, the amount of time spent on formulating the three budgets announced in the past two years was equivalent to that put into formulating the previous seven or eight. It is a matter of the Minister finding time in his diary. I will keep the House updated as I receive information from him.

Senators O'Toole, Boyle, MacSharry, Dearey and Ó Brolcháin suggested we should debate the Croke Park agreement again. I have no difficulty with such a debate taking place before the Christmas recess, possibly within the next two to three weeks. I take on board the view that there should be an early review, if at all possible.

Senator Norris spoke about human rights, State records and the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills. I will pass on his strong views to her.

Senator Keaveney spoke about the challenge faced in the switchover from an analogue to a digital television service in 2012 and, in particular, the needs of householders in rural areas. We should hold a special debate on the matter, as such householders will face a considerable challenge. The Senator also spoke about the historic meeting today of Oireachtas Members and their Westminster colleagues and the excellent work being done with the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and other committees. I share her views in that regard.

Senator Ormonde expressed serious concerns about Tallaght hospital which I will discuss with her after the Order of Business. Perhaps the issue might be dealt with in Private Members' time in order to get a response to the matters she brought to thea ttention of the House.

Senator Bacik expressed strong views on the Burma elections, while Senator Quinn called for a debate on food production and processing, the challenges facing farmers and the quality products being produced in Ireland by the farming sector. There is an opportunity for the industry and I will certainly allocate time for such a debate.

Senators Mary White and Glynn spoke about the 13 children under the age 16 years admitted to adult psychiatric units, nine of whom are from the Limerick area. I welcome the provision of two 50-bed units for children in Galway and Cork which, as Senator Mary White said, are at an advanced stage. The Minister of State with responsibility for mental health services will be in the House tomorrow when the matter can be debated after the Order of Business.

Senator Mullen spoke about the Irish Council for Prisoners Overseas. The debate on current overcrowding levels in prisons will resume at 2 p.m. on Thursday. The Senator also asked about the animal welfare Bill, on which I will update the House on the Order of Business tomorrow morning.

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