Rónán Mullen (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Ba bhreá liom cur leis an méid atá ráite ag mo dhá chomhghleacaithe, an Seanadóir Ó Clochartaigh agus an Seanadóir Ó Broin. Aontaím leis an méid a dúirt an Seanadóir Ó Clochartaigh. Má táimid ag iarraidh cur le húsáid na Gaeilge sa Pharlaimint seo, ba chóir go mbeimid in ann gach gné d'ár gcuid oibre a dhéanamh trí Ghaeilge agus is mór an trua é nach mar sin atá.

I will be accepting Senator Colm Burke's amendment to the Order of Business that his Bill be published and No. 10 be taken before No. 1.

Senators Trevor Ó Clochartaigh, Michael Mullins and Mary Moran spoke about the direct provision system and recommended that it be scrutinised further. I agree it is a system that should be investigated more closely because the fact that ¤650 million has been spent on private companies gives cause for concern. It has been acknowledged by Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh that the asylum system and the processing of claims have improved significantly since the Minister for Justice and Equality took office and they will be improved still further, if possible. Waiting times have decreased significantly.

Senator Aideen Hayden spoke about the need for a national investigation unit to be established. I will raise this matter with the Minister.

Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú spoke about Marian Price. The Taoiseach has agreed to raise the matter with the British Prime Minister. I am sure he is aware of the timescale involved and that he will raise it prior to the review due to take place in a fortnight's time. I appreciate the Senator's comments. More certainly needs to be done. The Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement is working hard on many of the issues raised by the Senator.

I have addressed the issues raised by Senators John Whelan and John Kelly. I appreciate the concerns of front-line workers. What we all want is a fair settlement for all workers in the public service. As has been pointed out by Senator John Gilroy, there were significant reductions of up to 17% in the wages of public servants several years ago.

Senator Paul Coghlan spoke about Dingle and road signs. I am glad that people will again be able to find their way around County Kerry.

Senator Diarmuid Wilson thanked the Fianna Fáil leader for apologising for spending 14 years doing nothing.