Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Senator O'Brien raised a number of issues, as did a number of other Senators. Senator O'Brien first asked about the Seanad taking on the role of scrutiny of EU legislation. I am told the Leader obtained a reply on this matter, which has been previously raised in this House, from the Ceann Comhairle. The issue will be discussed at the group leaders meeting tomorrow at 10 a.m.

Senator O'Brien also called again today for a debate on perinatal care. The Leader has followed up on that matter. While I do not have a date for such debate, I understand the Leader has already committed on the Order of Business to providing time for it.

On mortgage resolution measures, Second Stage of the Personal Insolvency Bill 2012 will be taken on 21 November next. This legislation is part of the Government's response to the critical issue of mortgage arrears, which we are all agreed is one of the biggest challenges facing Ireland. The Government has outlined a five-part response to this issue, part of which is rebalancing personal insolvency legislation to strike a fairer balance between debtors and creditors. Another part is challenging the banks to live up to their responsibilities, which is the issue specifically raised by the Senator. I understand that lenders have submitted to the Central Bank the options they propose to address the problem of distressed mortgages. These include split mortgages, trade-down mortgages, restructuring of mortgage payments and forbearance. These options will be rolled out in a measured way so as to ensure the banks have sufficient operational capacity to implement them. It is an ongoing process.

Senator O'Brien also raised the issue of home helps. I have raised this issue with Labour Party Ministers and have asked them to pass on my concerns directly. As stated by Senator Moloney, many of us have asked that action be taken to address the issue of home helps. The Government has made clear its commitment to supporting older people to live in dignity and independence in their own homes and communities for as long as possible.

Approximately ¤320 million has been invested in home help and home care packages this year. As the Senator is aware, regular reviews take place on a case-by-case basis. The Government has committed that no current recipient with an assessed need will be left without a service and the HSE has committed to continuing its partnership approach with non-profit and private companies to operate home care packages and ensure services meet the preferred wishes of many vulnerable older people. We recognise this also reduces pressures elsewhere in the wider care system. We are following up on it.

Senator Clune raised the JobBridge review launched by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Burton, which is an independent evaluation. I share the Senator's welcome for the very positive outcomes of the JobBridge programme, of which many of us have direct experience. It is very welcome. Senator Clune also raised the issue of illegal substances sold over the Internet. We might have a debate on this. It is a very serious issue. Other colleagues raised the fact that we debated this at length in the House when discussing the head shop legislation, but it is clear it needs to be reviewed.

Senator Whelan spoke about the two very brave journalists, Paul Kimmage and David Walsh, who exposed the extent of doping in cycling and faced various repercussions for this. We all agree with the Senator in commending them and on the need for robust media. He raised the legislation on media ownership which has been promised. I checked on this and I am told it is unlikely it will be introduced in this session due to the volume of other legislation on the priority list. It is something for which we need to keep pressing.

Senator Mullen raised the issue of perinatal care to which I have already responded. He asked for a debate on the McKenna judgment in the context of the children's rights referendum. It would be good to have a debate on this. Other colleagues raised it also. Perhaps after the referendum we could discuss it. It is noteworthy the Oireachtas communications unit responded very quickly to concerns raised about staff support for a photocall, which I understand was the issue. It was not a question of the involvement of Oireachtas Members, as we are all entitled to take part in photocalls. The idea by Senator Norris to have a bigger photocall was excellent. The issue was about staff support.

Senator Mullen also raised the issue of the survey for transformation of patronage and Senator Jim D'Arcy also referred to this. I commend the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Quinn, for rolling out this initiative on transformation of patronage. Let us not forget it was an initiative begun by Archbishop Diarmuid Martin in recognising explicitly the fact that having 93% of primary schools in Catholic ownership and control no longer reflects the reality of a changing population. The last census showed 84% of people declared themselves as Catholic, so clearly there is a disconnection. The Archbishop has recognised this and it is on foot of this the Department of Education and Skills and the Minister, Deputy Quinn, are rolling out a proposal for transformation of patronage which will involve surveying parents in a democratic manner to ensure their school provision requirements are met. As someone very closely involved with a local start-up group for a multidenominational school I know the extent of demand that exists for changing patronage.

Senator Jim D'Arcy also raised the issue of a chapter devoted to Senator Leyden in Mary O'Rourke's book. Senator Norris sought recognition of his own book. If he had devoted an entire chapter to Senator Leyden he would have received the same reference from Senator D'Arcy. There is a lesson for us all in this.