Katherine Zappone (Independent) | Oireachtas source

As Members are aware, the Minister for Education and Skills yesterday launched SOLAS's further education and training strategy, which covers the period up to 2019. The chairman of SOLAS, Mr. Pat Delaney, has claimed that the aim of the strategy is to turn further education into a fourth pillar of the education system alongside primary, secondary and higher level education. Having worked in the further education sector in Tallaght for the last 25 years, I heartily welcome this noble goal. The sector requires this kind of strategic attention and support, particularly in the light of the FÁS scandal. Today's edition of The Irish Timescontains a report on An Cosán, the community organisation I co-founded with Dr. Ann Louise Gilligan as a key player in the further education sector. Our latest innovation aims to make community learning which is intrinsically a local activity available nationwide through a virtual learning programme. The article does not mention that we are doing all of this while suffering from significant cuts in further education budgets. I ask the Leader to schedule a debate with the Minister for Education and Skills on the new further education strategy and pay particular attention to resources directed towards community education. We are not afraid of the outcomes-based funding model promised in the strategy because we have followed such a path for a long time.
My second question centres on the administration of justice. I heartily welcome the appointment of Deputy Frances Fitzgerald as Minister of Justice and Equality. She is responding with speed to the public crisis of confidence in the policing service and the lack of transparent, accountable and genuinely independent oversight and management. As one of the Seanad members of the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality, I look forward to the meetings referred to by Senator Ivana Bacik. One of the biggest issues concerns the relationship between the Department and the Garda, in which GSOC appears to be a casualty. The attitude of the Department and the Garda to independent oversight is another significant issue. Given that clear information on what is needed has been available for years, why has GSOC not been strengthened? No proposals for legislative reform have been brought to the Oireachtas. It is unclear whether this is due to departmental or ministerial intransigence. Can we have a debate with the Minister or the Taoiseach on the design of a new independent Garda authority? One of my prime concerns is that such an authority should be established as a matter of urgency in order that it would be in a position to appoint the new Garda Commissioner. This is a prime requirement for genuine independence.
I will conclude by referring to another justice matter. I draw the attention of Members to a Bill I have published today - No. 17 on Order Paper - which seeks to eliminate discrimination against people with disabilities in Irish sexual offences legislation. I ask the Leader to provide for a Second Stage debate on this legislation in the near future.