Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator. I will certainly write to the Taoiseach. I also believe a cross-party motion would carry more weight.

Senator Gerard P. Craughwell raised the issue of additional funding to tackle homelessness, a matter about which I have spoken. He also spoke about the need for additional funding for Childline, an issue, again, to which I have responded.

The Senator also supported the calls for a debate on the issue of rent regulation. I will seek to have that debate held in early course. The legislative schedule for the Seanad next week is full. Senators will note that the House will sit next Monday and may well sit next Friday in order to get that legislation through. Bearing this in mind, I do not wish to make promises today that I will not be able to keep. I will, however, seek to have the Minister come to the House for a debate on the issue of rent regulation, which debate, as Members will be aware, my colleague, Senator Aideen Hayden, has been calling for for some time.

Senator Martin Conway raised the issue of rendition flights and supported the remarks made by Senator David Norris in that regard. He also raised the issue of direct provision. I do not think anybody mentioned the fact that the Human Rights and Equality Commission had published a useful set of recommendations for improvements to the system of direct provision and asked that they inform the work of the working group on direct provision established by the Minister, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, and the Minister of State, Áodhan Ó Ríordáin.

The Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality, Deputy Ó Ríordáin, spoke on this issue in the House. Some of the recommendations include that direct provision centres would become self-catering. I think that is of major importance, having visited centres. I think we are all conscious that one of the key issues is that people are not able to cook for themselves. One may have a door key to one's accommodation but not being able to cook is really problematic, especially for families with children. I support Senator Conway's call for the Minister of State, Deputy Ó Ríordáin, to come to this House in January to give us an update on the working group's progress. Our debate would be informed by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission's recommendations on direct provision.

Senator Rónán Mullen referred to the award given to an organisation called Mary's Meals. All of us would commend the work of these charities in encouraging education and lifting people out of poverty. I agree with Senator Mullen on the need for human solidarity across the developing world and that we just do not focus on our own problems at home. Earlier this week I spoke of Comhlámh, having launched one of its funds, and the great work it does in supporting the many volunteers, about 2,000 a year from Ireland, who go to work in developing countries.

Senator Mullen also raised the case of the residents in Áras Attracta and pointed out the irony that in the same town, Swinford, there are families pioneering a new approach on autism. Senator Healy Eames raised questions on Áras Attracta and praised Mr. Peter Tyndall, the Ombudsman. I also heard Mr. Tyndall speak this morning and was very impressed by him. It is important that following the "Prime Time" programme, anyone who is aware of abuse in other institutions would make them known to the Ombudsman. That has been highlighted over the week. If there can be any positive outcome, we could hope that more revelations will be brought forward.