Paul Bradford (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I support Senator Norris's remarks on the need for a cold weather shelter. I am sure every Member would support his request and I hope the Leader will try to pursue it. That the matter is before us for debate must cause us to reflect on the fact that while there is a positive and welcome degree of economic progress, there is still, to put it mildly, a subset of society that is living on almost unacceptable levels of reduced means. We must never forget those people.

My question relates to the local government Bill. It passed Second Stage in the Dáil and Committee Stage is under way at present in the select committee. Has the Leader received any indication as to when the Bill will be brought before the Seanad? I accept that there is a degree of urgency due to the local elections being held next May but given the unique relationship between Members of this House and the members of local authorities, both town and county councils, we will have to reflect at substantial length on the Bill.

If we have to resume a little earlier in January or whatever, we need to give the debate time. I hope that the legislation will not be rushed through and finalised before Christmas and that the Leader will give a positive indication in this respect.

I concur with the comments of Senators Mullen and Burke on the question of the top-up allowances and the arrangements under sections 38 and 39. A request has been made for the Minister for Health to appear before us but we must be realistic that this will not happen today. Hopefully, he will attend the House before Christmas to debate this issue. It was disturbing to listen to yesterday's interview with Mr. Peelo because he presented his version of events in a clear fashion. The HSE has disputed his intervention but somebody is presenting a false picture. Either these meetings took place and sanction was given or they did not and sanction was not given. Mr. Peelo's interview and the HSE and departmental response to it do not connect. Somebody is not telling the truth and we need to know the facts as soon as possible. The issue of top-up allowances must be tackled because the taxpayer needs clarity and value for money. While there are questions about this and a lack of transparency, there will be a vacuum, which needs to be filled.