Aideen Hayden (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I also echo the remarks of Senator Darragh O'Brien on the setting up of an electoral commission, as well as Senator Bacik's comments. As somebody who sat through a count from Saturday night until 7 a.m. on Sunday morning and who is returning tomorrow morning to a count in Dún Laoghaire, it is not acceptable either to those who work on these counts or to the candidates themselves. The individual councillor concerned, Jane Dillon Byrne, has been a councillor for 40 years and it is outrageous to find oneself in an electoral system in which one is subjected to that type of endurance test.

I also add my voice to the other voices that have paid tribute to the Tánaiste, Deputy Eamon Gilmore. It is important to remember that he has been the leader of the Labour Party for seven years, has led the Labour Party to its best ever electoral performance and to the election of President Higgins, who has done this country nothing but proud.

History will be very kind to Eamon Gilmore. His key role, particularly in our very successful EU Presidency at a time when our reputation was, not to put too fine a point on it, in the toilet is something that will always be remembered. I also believe that he acted with dignity in stepping down when he did and that he did not subject this country to weeks and months of uncertainty. As a Labour Party Senator and the party Whip in this House, I thank him for that dignity and consideration he paid to the members of the Labour Party and to the people of Ireland.

I thank Senator Zappone for her intervention in regard to housing. It is a matter of urgency that we have a more fulsome debate on the Construction 2020 programme. There is a good deal that needs to be said regarding the housing crisis here. In regard to rent supplement, I have a letter from a lady whose rent has been increased to €1,300 and she is in receipt of €880. She has an autistic child and another child with special needs. We have reached a point where it is imperative that we deal with the whole issue of rent supplement and, as many Members will know, I have personally called on a number of occasions for the introduction of legislation to control rents. I echo Senator Zappone's call for the Minister of State, Deputy O'Sullivan, to come into the House in order that we can have a more fulsome debate on this matter. We will be speaking to the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Burton, tomorrow on the rent supplement issue.