Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I ask the Leader for a debate, as soon as is practicable, on the fishing industry. It is a while since Members had a debate and there are many issues with which the fishing and coastal communities are having severe difficulty, particularly quotas and so on, as well as over-regulation and it is important to have that debate. With the permission of the Cathaoirleach, I wish to welcome a group of transition year students from Beara community school who are in the Visitors Gallery. They are most welcome to the Oireachtas and to the Seanad and I am delighted to welcome them.

Might I also raise the issue of the announcement by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Kelly? While the announcement per seis welcome, it is important to note a valid point made by Fr. McVerry in respect of the problem with rent allowance. If the facts he cited are true and if 500 people will lose their accommodation each year because the rent allowance they receive from the State is not adequate, particularly in the Dublin area where rents are extremely dear, it is a matter of severe worry and concern. While I do not wish to throw a bucket of cold water on the announcement, which is a positive step, there must be joined-up thinking by the Minister, Deputy Kelly, and the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection in resolving the crisis for those people who cannot get accommodation, some of whom end up homeless, which is very sad.