Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Senator Marc MacSharry raised the issue of storm damage, particularly in counties in which the damage was not so severe as in others. I agree with him that it is important that this matter be tackled wherever there was storm damage. People were enduring terrible conditions as a result of the damage from severe weather between 13 December and 6 January. The initial estimate for cleaning up and restoring pubilc infrastructure caused by the damage nationally is €65 million. Almost two thirds of this pertains to counties Clare and Galway. As the Senator said, other counties may not have reported the same amount of damage. Clearly, however, there is damage elsewhere. I will certainly apprise Minister of State Deputy Brian Hayes of the need to ensure the minor works scheme will apply wherever damage has occurred.

Senator MacSharry also raised the issue of Irish Water. The majority of Senators raised that issue today. I remind colleagues that the Leader said yesterday he has arranged for a debate on Irish Water next week. I pointed out yesterday that it would be useful for us to have that debate when we have heard all the responses from both the management of Irish Water and the Minister on their having appeared before the Committee of Public Accounts and the Joint Committee on the Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht. We are now in possession of more information. The Senator asked a very pertinent question on how many former local authority staff in receipt of lump sums are now employed by Irish Water. I have not gone through the transcripts from yesterday. I just looked at the reports to see whether the question was asked. One would have expected it to have been asked at the meeting of the Committee of Public Accounts yesterday. I do not see a response in that regard. I do see a response in which the management of Irish Water says all those in senior management positions were appointed following open competition. Irish Water told the Minister that and he accepted it. It is certainly one of the issues that may be raised in the debate next week in the House.

Senator Coghlan raised the issue of the Liebherr plant in Killarney. We all share his concern about the news of difficulties at the plant. We sympathise with those whose jobs are uncertain. We all agree with the Senator on the need to ensure a resolution to the matter and on his suggestion that the Labour Relations Commission should be involved.

Senator Zappone spoke in appreciation of the moment of silence. I share her view. I find a moment of silence to be a very good way to start a day in the Legislature. I hope that other Houses, including the Dáil, will follow suit. It was a good compromise that we reached at the CPP to allow for a moment of silence before the prayer to reflect the fact that not everyone here is a practising Christian.

Senator Zappone also raised the issue of the Immigrant Council of Ireland and its report on racism. I saw the report and agree it is a matter of real concern to see the rise in reported incidents of racism. It would be good to have the Minister for Justice and Equality present in the House to have a debate on the supports for victims of racism. I will ask the Leader to arrange that. A particular issue we might all pursue with the Minister is the need to have legislation introduced providing aggravated sentencing for crimes motivated by racism, which are often referred to as hate crimes. We have seen such legislation enacted in other jurisdictions. It has a powerful deterrent and symbolic effect as well as a practical effect.

Senator Sean Barrett raised the issue of Irish Water and pointed out that, between debates in the Houses and committees, 30 hours of parliamentary time have been devoted to it. It would certainly have been helpful if the relevant information had been furnished in the first instance; we would all agree on that. There are still matters we do not know about but there is more information available following very detailed and forensic questioning at meetings of the Committee of Public Accounts and the Joint Committee on the Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht. The point the Senator made on the role of the Comptroller and Auditor General is one I am sure will be made to the Minister during next week's debate, including by the Senator in a very eloquent manner. We all like the fact that the Freedom of Information Act will be extended to Irish Water. This is an important and positive development arising from the controversy.

Senator Kelly welcomed the announcements of the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht on turf-cutting and the redesignation of bogs. We would all agree with that.

Senator O'Donovan referred to Irish Water and mentioned the slightly different issue of fluoridation. Senator Norris organised a debate on that during which Minister of State Deputy Alex White spoke. I am sure this issue will arise in the House again. Senator O'Donovan also referred to the debate on rural development. The Leader promised to arrange a debate on this with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine next week. I will certainly request an extension of speaking time during that debate.

Senator Conway referred to Irish Water and expressed concern over bonuses. We have addressed that. The debate will be held next week.

Senator Norris referred to the plight of single fathers. He raised this based on the very tragic circumstances of the case reported in today's papers arising from the judgment of Mr. Justice Nicholas Kearns in the High Court arising from a Dublin maternity hospital's application.

It is an utterly tragic case and none of knows the full circumstances but I think everyone will want to join in offering sympathy to the grandmother and the father, in particular, and the family of both the young woman and the baby who lost their lives. It is utterly tragic.