Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Senator O'Keeffe raised very specific questions in regard to the special investigations unit in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. She welcomed that it had been disbanded but said that questions remain. Again, that could either be raised directly with the Minister or as a matter on the Adjournment. We can seek to have the Minister, Deputy Coveney, to the House for a debate on the issue, if that is the more appropriate channel for asking those questions.

Senator Mullen proposed an amendment to the Order of Business to ask the Taoiseach to come to the House. I cannot accede to that today. As I said, I will seek to find out when we will have Committee Stage of the Seanad Reform Bill that was put forward by Senators Zappone and Quinn in this House. That is the specific question many people had focused on in terms of Seanad reform. It has been over a year since the referendum result, and it was Senator Zappone who noted that anniversary on 3 October. It would certainly be good to hear what has happened in the interim and what is proposed. I would be very happy to push for a debate on Seanad reform broadly but, in particular, to find out when we will have Committee Stage of the Bill.

Senator Mullen asked a specific question about representation from Ireland at a world nutrition conference.

That request would best be taken up directly with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Senator John Crown seconded Senator Rónán Mullen's motion and referred more generally to Seanad and political reform. As I said, we have sought for the Minister for Public, Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Brendan Howlin, to come to the House for a general debate on the matter.

Senator Marc MacSharry commented on Irish Water. We are going to try to arrange a debate with the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Alan Kelly, on it this term. The Senator also raised particular issues relating to the situation in Sligo and dates of works taking place. That would best be the subject of a direct communication with the Minister or a matter on the Adjournment, given that there are specific issues surrounding specific works.

Senator Jim Walsh also raised the issue of Irish Water and expressed the hope water would stay in public hands. The Taoiseach has confirmed this week that it will remain in public hands. The Senator also called for a debate on the proposed Central Bank controls on lending. We can certainly seek such a debate. Since it is proposed the controls will not take effect until January, there is plenty of time to seek that debate.