Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Mark Daly is making a mockery of his party with the issues he has raised on the Order of Business today.

Senator Ivana Bacik made reference to the low pay commission, which starts its work today.We all welcome the fact that the commission is up and running. Senator Keane asked that it examine the child care sector and I am sure that is one of the sectors that will be included in its deliberations.

Senator Bacik welcomed the surrogacy proposals by the Department of Health. I am sure we will discuss the heads of the Bill, if not the legislation itself, in the autumn session. The Senator also sought a debate on schools admission policies. As she rightly stated, the Minister for Education and Skills has indicated that legislation will be forthcoming on this matter and, therefore, we will have ample time to discuss it.

Senator Norris looked at the political reality currently and stated that we need a firm hand at the tiller. He mentioned this yesterday as well. Although he has difficulties with many Government policies, he believes it should be returned on the basis of the work it has done over the past four years to put the country on the road to recovery and to secure that recovery.

Senators Naughton and Mullins outlined the difficulties being experienced in the accident and emergency department of UHG and welcomed a new submission from the HSE regarding investment in a new department because the current unit is not fit for purpose given the increased numbers attending. I am sure the submission will be received favourably by the Government.

Senator Mullins also welcomed the IDA's new strategy. Its forecasts for the next number of years are encouraging. He lauded the work of our embassies and our ambassadors are doing a great deal to promote trade. Recently, the Irish ambassador to the UK stated that the work of ambassadors has changed so much over the past number of years. Previously, they would have dealt with foreign matters but now they are much more involved in the trade sector and promoting Ireland as a good place to do business. That is paying dividends for our economy.

Senator Mooney raised the issue of the need to remain competitive in the hotel sector and he is correct in that regard. He lauded the Government for retaining the 9% VAT rate, which has proved to be beneficial for hotels and the tourism and hospitality sectors. According to CSO data published today, the number of persons employed in the accommodation and food services sector stands at 138,400, which represents an increase of 1.2% or 1,600 in seasonally adjusted figures compared to the corresponding period in 2013. The tourism sector is a good news area and we can do even better in the coming years but I take on board the Senator's comments that we need to ever mindful of competition and that prices need to be pitched at an appropriate level.

Senator Paul Coghlan responded to Senator Daly and he outlined that the Government is doing everything to secure our recovery. He noted that, as any economist will say, political instability will bring economic instability. Political stability brings economic stability, as has been the case over the past number of years.

Senator White raised the issue of the high percentage of people emigrating who, as she rightly pointed out, have jobs. They are leaving because the taxation system is killing them. Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin voting against the increase in the standard tax rate band from €32,800 to €33,800 in this year's budget in both Houses.