Seanad debates

Friday, 27 March 2015

10:30 am

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

Senator Mooney asked about the Joint Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and its 15-point plan for small businesses, especially those in rural Ireland. He called for the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton, to come into the House to discuss the proposals. I will certainly try to get the Minister in as it is a very important issue. The Senator made a number of suggestions about rates and free car parking but local authorities would have to compensated for the loss of rates and car parking. Nevertheless, the matters can be discussed and we will try to arrange a debate as soon as possible.

Senators Hayden and Barrett spoke about matters arising from the banking inquiry. I would prefer to wait until we have the report from the inquiry so that we can discuss everything at that stage. Otherwise we will discuss bits and pieces as they come up in the inquiry day by day.

The report on transatlantic trade and investment partnership, which will be launched today, will show that a comprehensive EU-US trade deal would add up to 1.1% to Irish GDP, creating between 5,000 and 10,000 additional jobs in the exporting sector of the economy and providing benefits amounting on average to €1,200 per family. It is something we can have a discussion on at a later date.

Senators van Turnhout, Moloney and Craughwell spoke about child and adolescent mental health services. We will certainly try to get the Minister to come into the House for a debate on the matter. As Senator van Turnhout said, the Minister, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, has been in the House previously to speak on the matter but we can certainly try to get her to come in again.

Senator Naughton lauded the Irish Cancer Society's daffodil day and urged support for what is a very worthy cause. Senator Naughton and Senator Ó Clochartaigh spoke about the kerosene contamination of the water supply on an estate in Galway. Senator Naughton highlighted the delays in dealing with the matter and said she had brought the matter to the attention of the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. It is a very serious matter and delays cannot be tolerated in such a situation so I will follow up the matter with the Minister.

Senator Barrett welcomed the Taoiseach's visit to Northern Ireland and his meeting with victims of atrocities. Senator Moloney also called for a debate on suicide. We have had a number of debates on suicide but I agree with the Senator that it is something we have to keep on the agenda at all times.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh spoke about voting rights for the diaspora, especially in presidential elections, and we can try to find out what the Government's proposals are on the matter. Giving votes to the diaspora is not as simple as it sounds and there is a lot to be done first. We could have a situation where more people from outside the country than inside vote for the President and such things have to be taken into consideration. The Senator also made points on direct provision, which he has done on a number of occasions. We will try to get the Minister to come to the House to address the matter and talk about the report. Senator Coghlan talked about mortgage stress and the need for all banks to engage in a process with customers.

Senator Wilson asked about medical cards for children with special needs and I will try to get the information from the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch. Senator Burke said there was a need for a further debate on the reform of the health service, in particular the recruitment of nurses and care workers. The Minister for Health has been in the House on a number of occasions and I am sure he will be willing to come in again.

Senator Norris spoke about the referendum and we will have plenty of time to discuss that matter. As he said, as with any referendum the result is in the balance until the people decide. I note his points on the selection process for the presidential election and I will try to find out what the up to date position is, and whether the proposed legislation will be brought forward.

Senator Brennan welcomed the new high-tech survey vessel, the RV Tonn, which will do very important work around our coastline. Senator Byrne asked about EirGrid and the question of the undergrounding of cables. I am sure we will have plenty of debate in the House with the Minister on that matter.

Senators Craughwell and Mullen proposed an amendment to the Order of Business regarding the Thirty-fourth Amendment of the Constitution (Marriage Equality) Bill 2015. It has been normal, especially with Bills requiring a referendum, to take Committee and Remaining Stages on the same day. We have given a lot of time to the matter and we will devote a lot of time to it again today.I do not propose to accept the amendment to the Order of Business that Report Stage be held on Monday.

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