Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Bacik spoke about the Guerin report. Yesterday, the Government agreed a major set of measures in response to that report on foot of the proposals brought to Government by the Minister for Justice and Equality. A commission of investigation to investigate the issues identified in the report will be established soon. The terms of reference have yet to be finalised but will be in line with the proposals of Mr. Guerin.

The Minister also confirmed that she is to ask the Garda Inspectorate to carry out a comprehensive inquiry into serious crime investigation management operational and procedural issues arising from the findings of the report by Mr. Guerin, taking into account the implementation of the recommendations already made by the inspectorate and earlier reports and work currently being undertaken by the inspectorate. The Government has also agreed to urgently bring forward new legislation to strengthen the operation of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, which was called for in this House yesterday. This will be advised by the work of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality. The Government has also agreed to the Minister's proposals for an independent expert review of the performance, management and administration of the Department of Justice and Equality.

This will be undertaken and completed before the summer recess. Further details of this independent expert review will be announced in early course and the independent Garda authority is to be up and running by the end of the year. The new Garda Commissioner will be recruited by open competition, with the establishment of the authority. Therefore, a lot has been done in a very short period by the Government to act on the Guerin report, which is to be welcomed by the public and everybody involved.

Senator Jillian van Turnhout raised the question of violence against women. She referred to last evening's debate in the House, which was excellent. I note her points on the Committee of Selection, but that is a matter for it to deal with.

Senator Feargal Quinn made a number of points. VAT on defibrillators is a budgetary matter and I am sure it will be dealt with in the budget. I am also sure the Minister for Health will be making an effort to have them VAT-free. On the reduction of the rate of VAT from 23% to 9% for artistic works for sale, this issue can be raised with the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in order to influence the Minister for Finance before the budget is announced in October. However, these are budgetary matters which are totally for the Minister for Finance to decide. I could not comment on them further.

Senator Feargal Quinn referred to parking charges and the reduction of the charge period to 15 minutes in France. I understand this system is already in place in some towns and cities in Ireland. It should probably be extended to all areas.

Senator Paul Coghlan referred to tourism in Killarney and the work of volunteers in protecting oak woods, in particular. I am sure this is a matter to which we will return at a later stage with the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh questioned the ban on canvassing in direct provision centres. I agree totally with him. I raised the matter five years ago in connection with a direct provision centre in Waterford in which people were not allowed to canvass, despite the request made by those in direct provision accommodation. The ban is very restrictive. As stated by Senator Denis Landy, some candidates were allowed access five years ago, but I am not sure whether that is still the case. What is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander. This is a human rights issue and people in direct provision accommodation should be informed and canvassed by those running for election. What is occurring is a retrograde step and I will certainly raise the issue with Minister for Justice and Equality.

I will find out when the wind turbines legislation will pass through the other House and be brought before this one. We will be discussing the report on green energy at a later stage.

Senator Denis Landy referred to the plight of snap-net fishermen on the River Suir owing to conservation measures. There is a query about the numbers. I will certainly raise the matter with Minister of State, Deputy Fergus O'Dowd. Perhaps the matter might be raised on the Adjournment, at which time the Senator could receive a full response from the Minister of State.

Senator Paschal Mooney referred to the tragic death of Mr. Andrew Dolan. It was an absolutely shocking case and I agree with the Senator that the law should be re-examined, as mentioned by the judge. The calls made by Mr. Dolan's parents should not go unheeded. They reflected the views of many parents who had found themselves in similar circumstances in recent years. There have been senseless acts of violence in many towns and cities throughout the country. In many cases, they were alcohol fuelled. As was stated, we have to cry, "Halt." I will certainly bring the matter to the attention of the Minister.

Senator Michael Mullins referred to the capital investment programme announced by Irish Water. This is welcome news for many communities throughout the country and long overdue.

Senators Sean D. Barrett and Fidelma Healy Eames mentioned loans for first-time buyers. This matter was raised in the House yesterday. Senator Fidelma Healy Eames mentioned that the Governor of the Central Bank would be and had been attending committee meetings. I am sure the questions she has posed can be answered comprehensively by the Governor.