Seanad debates

Tuesday, 17 February 2015

2:30 pm

Photo of Maurice CumminsMaurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Brennan also complimented the Irish cricket team. He was joined by Senator Conway in complimenting the community down in the Loop Head Peninsula on its efforts in promoting Loop Head, which is now in the top 100 green destinations in the world. Senator Conway particularly complimented Councillor Keating on his stewardship in that regard.

Senator Quinn pointed out that a Bill on food provenance was introduced last year. My understanding is that this issue was discussed in the European Parliament a couple of weeks ago. I am not quite sure what has transpired on foot of that. I do not know whether legislation or directives have been introduced. I read that the whole question of labelling was discussed in the European Parliament. We will try to get an update on that. It has been highlighted that 30% of pig produce which is labelled as "Irish" is not Irish at all. I note Senator Quinn's points about how the marketplace works. I think competition is the key to that. The Senator mentioned a number of things, including An Post, when he spoke about the need to adapt to the marketplace. I think we all agree. Senator Quinn is one of the experts in relation to the marketplace and adapting to the marketplace.

Senator Whelan spoke about the need for public representatives to speak out on issues. He mentioned the threats from the tobacco industry and to Cork County Council from wind energy interests. He said we need to have a debate on the statutory guidelines for wind farms. We have had a number of debates on this issue. I will ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government whether he is in a position to outline the statutory guidelines. If he is ready to announce them, I will ask him to do so in this House, as requested by Senator Whelan. Senator Craughwell called for a debate on law and order. He outlined the number of burglaries in his area and linked them to the possibility of the closure of Stepaside Garda station. We will invite the Minister for Justice and Equality to the House for a debate on this issue.

Senator Comiskey spoke on coastal erosion in County Sligo, noting that €800,000 in funding was allocated and had been spent. He noted the need for increased finance to combat coastal erosion in the area. This is not a Sligo issue alone, but a national one.

Senator Comiskey mentioned Seán Mac Diarmada's house, which he has mentioned in the House previously, and welcomed the OPW's replacement of the roof, but noted the need for further refurbishment of this very important piece of history.

Senator Wilson spoke on the child care sector and the need for more funding. It has been recognised that more funding is necessary in this area. The Government has taken some steps towards reversing the cuts in the child care sector, in addition to all other sectors, over the last seven or eight years. I take on board the Senator's statements on salaries and wages in the child care sector, which, for qualified people and professionals, are very low. I hope this will be taken into consideration when the low pay commission is up and running. I also note the Senator's point on the refusal of access for some of his constituents. As the Cathaoirleach has mentioned, the Senator might raise this with the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, CPP.

Senators Mullins and Healy Eames spoke about students queuing for access to pubs in Galway at 10.30 a.m. today. I agree with the Senators that our relationship with alcohol needs to be addressed. The public health implications which have been mentioned by a number of Senators must also be taken into consideration. We will be addressing legislation on alcohol. The Minister has outlined that it is hoped to bring the legislation before this House in this session.

We heard from Senator Conway on Loop Head and Senator Moloney on small schools. I mentioned this previously. This covers most of the items.

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