Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I call for a debate in the House on the non-sanctioned payments to senior managers in section 38 agencies. Much has been written in the media in recent weeks and the level of payments made to some people is outrageous. The public are rightly outraged but I am more concerned at the impact this is having on legitimate charities, 95% of which have not been making top-up payments to any of their executives. Many charities rely on the Christmas period for much of their income to keep services going for the coming year. I share the desire of Senator Mac Conghail to have the charities regulator appointed as a matter of urgency and to have the Charities Act implemented.

I could not let the opportunity go without complimenting the Taoiseach and the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine on the very welcome re-opening of the beef export market to Japan. This is the first time since 2001 that this market has been open and we are one of a select number of countries that are allowed to export beef to Japan. In the short term, it is worth €12 million to €15 million, with very significant potential for expansion. As we all know, the agrifood sector is a significant driver of economic growth and employment. I am sure Senator MacSharry is scaremongering in regard to Pillar 2.