Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senators MacSharry, Mooney and Noone raised the issue of the Supreme Court judgment on Lissadell House. They called for more joined-up thinking and for cost-benefit analysis before cases are taken. I note the points and empathise with the point made by Senator MacSharry. I do not know how that position can be arrived at but I will bring his point to the attention of the Minister for Justice and Equality. It is an important issue where councils or State bodies take cases. There is a need for examination before cases are brought to court.

A number of members have raised the question of Newbridge Credit Union today. I praise the role of credit unions since their foundation. They have done a tremendous job in local communities throughout the length and breadth of the country. I am proud of my membership of the credit union. It never ceases to amaze me that credit unions can give out loans of €3.2 million and 26 loans over €550,000. This was not what the credit union movement was set up for and the founders mentioned today would be turning in their graves if they heard that such loans were being given out by any credit union in the country.

The Government recognises the important role of credit unions as a voluntary co-operative movement and the distinction between them and other types of financial institution. The Government's priority in assessing the Central Bank's proposal on Newbridge was to protect the savings of depositors and members of Newbridge Credit Union. The action by the Central Bank of Ireland protects and secures the savings of all depositors and members of Newbridge Credit Union. Members of the credit union will continue to have full and uninterrupted access to their savings. The Government's second priority was to prevent the liquidation of Newbridge Credit Union because of the negative impact this would have on members and their locality and also because of the wider implications for the credit union movement overall.

I agree with Senator Barrett on this issue that we must look at the role of auditors and accountants, not alone with regard to credit unions but throughout the financial system as a whole. The House has debated financial regulation but there is a need for a further debate and I will ask the Minister for Finance to come to the House to discuss financial regulation and the role of auditors and accountants. There are many unanswered questions for auditors and accountants with regard to the collapse of the banks many years ago.

Senator Bacik raised the matter of overseas aid in light of the dreadful happenings in the Philippines. Senator Mullins made the same point. It is a dreadful situation and we should ask the Minister of State, Deputy Costello, to come to the House to give us an update on overseas aid. Senators Bacik, Norris, Reilly and Moloney asked about the youth guarantee. The figure of 42,000 mentioned in this morning's edition of The Irish Times- referring to those potentially coming under the umbrella of a youth guarantee - was a 2012 figure which is based on estimates that about 66,000 young people became unemployed and signed on for welfare payments in 2012 and that 42,000 of these claims lasted for four months or more. However, there has been a reduction in the number of new claims in 2013 to date. This suggests that the number of new claims from young people for the year as a whole will be down to about 56,000 and the number staying longer than four months will be down from the 2012 figure of 42,000, to 35,000. The Minister intimated that she was willing to come to the House before Christmas to discuss the youth guarantee. I will ask the Minister to honour that commitment she gave when dealing with the Social Welfare Bill. The Taoiseach travelled to Paris today at the invitation of President Hollande for the second conference on youth employment in Europe. This is an effort to maintain the political momentum for addressing the challenge of youth employment. The Taoiseach regards the issue of youth employment as being of great importance.

I note Senator Norris's points about the thousandth anniversary of the battle of Clontarf. I will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister for the Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Deenihan. His point about the lack of media coverage of the proceedings of this House is a long-playing record at this stage. There is very little we can do to entice the media to come to the House.

Senator Paul Coghlan spoke about the credit union and the €56 million that the taxpayer, through the Government, has had to pump into the credit union in Newbridge. We can discuss those matters when we have a debate on the subject.

I have addressed Senator Reilly's points about youth unemployment and the Protected Disclosures Bill, will come to us the week after next. Senator Mullins mentioned the need for a major international response to the disaster in the Philippines. Our hearts go out to the people there and we are probably only seeing a small portion of the effects of the unfortunate disaster. Senator Mullins also complimented Irish jockey A. P. McCoy on riding more than 4,000 winners, which is an extraordinary feat that will probably never be emulated by another jockey. Senator Daly spoke about EU reports from committees. These are available for access by any Member. I assure the Senator that any legislation that becomes available will be in the House as soon as possible. We can only act on the legislation we receive from Departments and we are doing as well as we possibly can in that regard.

I note Senator Barrett's points on financial regulation and I welcome the Lord Mayor of Belfast's attendance at the Armistice day services, which is to be welcomed. I also note his points with regard to Canada, and we welcome the Senator back from his trip there. He has indicated that the Canadians are discussing a unicameral system but they will probably reserve judgment after seeing the results here.

Senator Conway asked for a debate on penal reform and restorative justice. We have a report from the justice committee on the issue and we will try to invite the Minister to the House to debate that important matter. I also note the Senator's points about pupils who are visually impaired and their need to access school books. I will raise the matter with the Minister for Education and Skills.

Senator Cullinane mentioned a printing company in which 48 jobs could be lost. I would not give up on those jobs as these people are doing excellent work in difficult conditions. Their company has bought another firm in Dublin and these people have found their services dispensed with. It is a despicable action and the union should act strongly. I hope these people will retain their jobs and I agree with Senator Cullinane's comment that there is a need for local companies to support each other in the regions. It is of paramount importance that people should look out for each other, with companies in the region supporting others in the locality. That would apply in this instance and in many others.

Senator Moran commented on the extension of the redress scheme for former patients of Dr. Neary, which is to be welcomed. The Minister for Health, Deputy Reilly, should be complimented on the issue. I note the Senator's points on symphysiotomy and the Walsh report, and I will inquire about the appointment of the judge as requested. Senator Moran also discussed the cost of school uniforms in lauding the greater role for parents announced yesterday by the Minister for Education and Skills.

Senator Mooney extended his sympathy to the family of Mr. Eddie McGrady.

We would all like to join him in sending our sympathy to the family of the late Eddie McGrady who was an excellent representative for his people.

Senators Catherine Noone and Cáit Keane spoke about the role of women in politics and how they could be kept involved in it. That applies not only to women but also to many young people who have become involved in politics in terms of retaining their interest. The matter is worthy of further debate in the House. I will invite the Minister to come to the House to discuss it.

I have addressed the points raised by Senator Fidelma Healy Eames on the safety of local credit unions. The message should go out from this House that people’s money in credit unions is safe. They have the same guarantees as in the case of banks in that savings up to €100,000 are guaranteed. The Irish League of Credit Unions and the Central Bank are singing from the same hymn sheet in that regard.

Senator Marie Moloney referred to the youth guarantee, an issue I have addressed. I note her points on data protection in connection with accessing the credit card details of 70,000 people, which is not proper. I agree that we should possibly have a further debate on data protection, an issue we debated in the House previously.

Senator Cáit Keane called for a debate on public rights of way following the Supreme Court's decision yesterday. We should wait for the dust to settle before we have such a debate in the House. I agree that the decision gives rise to a number of questions, but we need time to consider them before having a debate in the House.

Senator Feargal Quinn spoke about problems with RSA Insurance. He said much of the problem related to insurance claims, but I do not think the major shortfall in the accounts in question was due fully to injury claims. They account for part but not all of the problem. The Personal Injuries Assessment Board has done an excellent job in recent years since it was set up. Perhaps we might receive an update and discuss the matter in the House.

Senator Terry Brennan commented on the opening of a greenway in Carlingford and the Cooley Mountains. Greenways such as it and the one in Westport and Castlebar are of great benefit to the tourism industry and for the general health of those who use them. I hope to see a similar greenway open in Waterford along the old railway line between Waterford and Dungarvan. That will need similar co-operation from landowners as has been shown in other areas. I hope it will be forthcoming because there are major benefits for tourism in areas where they are located.