Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join colleagues in congratulating the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Joan Burton, on her elevation to the leadership of the Labour Party, and wish her well. She is a fine politician. We saw her operate in this House on many occasions.

I would advise Senator Darragh O'Brien not to be particularly concerned about the review of the travel pass scheme which is being undertaken. The scheme in place is not fit for purpose. There is massive abuse and misuse of the free travel pass. There is a need to put in place a scheme that is tamper proof. All the technology to do that is available. It is appropriate that the Minister would conduct a review of the free travel scheme.

While I will not support the amendment to the Order of Business proposed by Senator Denis O'Donovan, I call on the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Phil Hogan, to restore funding to the advocacy service for the Irish Deaf Society. A number of constituents from east Galway have been in touch with me about this issue. I intend to lobby the Minister strongly as it is unfair to a vulnerable group who need professional and strong representation on occasions.

I was very pleased to hear the contribution from Senator Feargal Quinn earlier. I hope the positivity he was spreading around will rub off some of my colleagues. I ask the Leader for a debate as soon as possible on Ireland's investment performance in the first half of the year in conjunction with the Action Plan for Jobs. Ministers take a good deal of stick in this House when things go wrong. However, it is appropriate that we recognise the contribution made by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton, in respect of the Action Plan for Jobs and the very significant new investments we have witnessed in the first half of the year. Some 100 investments have been secured in the first six months compared to 70 in previous years. Of those, 40% are new investments. Therefore, new companies are investing in Ireland because confidence has been restored since the improvement in our finances. Ireland is the place for job creation and new investment. Some 8,000 new jobs have been located here by IDA Ireland-backed companies in the first half of the year and some very significant operations are locating here. It would be appropriate early in the next term to review the Action Plan for Jobs with a view to accelerating the job creation process for the remainder of the year.