Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Listening to Senator Martin Conway, one is left wondering what we as a society are at. I spoke last night on the Adjournment about efforts to prevent flooding in places like Skibbereen, Bandon, Clonakilty and Bantry. The same water seems to be a problem for people in Dublin, but sin ceist eile.

Will the Leader agree to a debate, if not before Christmas then in the new year, on the issue of job creation? This is relevant to our ongoing debate on the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill. There are serious challenges to contend with, including mass emigration, the collapse of the construction industry and the huge decline in the fishing industry. It is vital that attention is given to creating sustainable jobs outside the metropolises of Dublin, Cork city and other urban centres. Sustainable jobs are simply not being created in rural areas; there is no point in claiming otherwise. I am not rushing the debate, but these issues must be addressed as soon as possible. Several Members spoke yesterday of how IDA Ireland is focusing on the main centres of population at the expense of rural Ireland. I concur with that view. It would be an interesting debate.

I hope Senator David Norris's long campaign on the issue of same-sex marriage is finally coming to a head. A great deal of work has been done on that issue in the past 20 years and is now coming to fruition. I am concerned, however, about the impact of the Taoiseach and certain members of his Government on a campaign, given that their success rate in referenda in recent times has been very hit and miss. As such, I am proposing that Senators Norris and Zappone should be appointed joint directors of elections. They know what they are talking about, will create a fresh image and side-step the problem of the damage that could be done to this very valid and important proposal through the appointment of a Government director of elections. Any effort by members of the Government in this regard could see the initiative sink like a lead balloon. We were all told the Seanad would be abolished, and thank God it was not. In fact, the Taoiseach and some of his Ministers made sure this House will be here longer than I will be on this earth.