Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I suppose the Oireachtas banking inquiry, of which Senator Barrett and others are members, will be the appropriate body to investigate the role of the Central Bank and any failings in its regulation or lack of regulation in the past. We all await that strand of the banking inquiry's investigations with anticipation.
Senator Brennan mentioned the vandalising of the grave of W.T. Cosgrave and I agree with him in that regard. He also welcomed the Lonely Planetannouncement.
I have already commented on Senator Cullinane's contribution. I was disappointed, however, to hear such an aggressive approach being taken on this sensitive issue. It is important that we would be sensitive in our treatment of this issue. It does appear that there has been a cover-up and I think most people would agree with that.
Senator Jim D'Arcy raised the issue of cattle and sheep rustling, which is not a new crime. In fact, it was a widespread crime in Ireland in the 19th century. I entirely agree with him that it is a serious criminal matter and I will be happy to seek a debate with the appropriate Minister. He suggested contacting the Minister for Justice and Equality with a view to re-examining penalties for rustling. Of course, it is already a criminal offence under the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act, but I think the Senator's idea is to create some sort of specific offence. We will ask for the Minister to attend the House for such a debate. It might also be a matter for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. It seems to me that it is more of a policing issue, however, so that may be the appropriate view to take on it, rather than looking at a new offence.
Senator White raised her 2012 Bill on the compulsory retirement age and age discrimination. Like Senator White I was delighted to see Deputy Anne Ferris introducing a similar Bill in the Dáil. As the Senator said, there is lottery system in the Dáil which means that Deputy Ferris's Bill cannot be guaranteed a hearing. If I may say so, I think we have a much better system, through Private Members' time, of allocating time for Bills in the Seanad. I hope we can move forward with Senator White's Bill if Deputy Ferris's one does not get time in the Dáil.

On that note, I also commend Senator White on introducing her Bill on parental leave. Trinity College is organising a talk on parental and paternity leave tonight and I will be chairing it. The talk will contrast the approach in Ireland to the superior approach in Sweden. The Minister, Deputy Fitzgerald, made positive comments on this matter and we will all work together on it.

Senator Mullins raised the issue of cattle rustling and called for the Minister for Justice and Equality to come before the House. The Senator pointed out that Irish Water is seeking to fix a system broken through decades of under-investment and he raised issues regarding County Roscommon in this regard. He made the point that in many rural areas people are used to paying for water - this raises issues of equity as those in urban areas may not be used to such payment.

Senator Mullen raised the issues of Irish Water and wind farms, calling for a general debate on energy pricing and security. I think this would be a useful debate in anticipation of a climate change Bill.

Senator Leyden also referred to Irish Water but I must confess I lost track of his contribution when he spoke of a revolution in the Labour Party of which I am not aware.