Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Ó Domhnaill referred to Seanad reform proposals. As the Leas-Chathaoirleach stated, we will be having further debates on the proposals before we deal with any Bill. I have copies of the draft Bill, which were furnished to me by Dr. Manning yesterday. It is a draft Bill and has not been published. I gave an indication that the House will have a further more lengthy debate on the topic. Yesterday's discussion was only a preliminary one on the report. I assure the Senator that there will be a further debate in the House in the near future.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh raised the matter of Irish Water. We cannot have a situation where one person is paying for water while a neighbour is not. There is a distinction between people who cannot pay and those who will not pay and it will be addressed in the legislation and proposals that come from the Government. In regard to dismantling Irish Water, I assure Senator Ó Clochartaigh that it is not on the agenda. The provision of a safe, clean water supply for all the people of Ireland is what is required and it will be provided. Brave steps have been taken by the Government to ensure that people have clean drinking water and that the supply for industry will be available. We have a situation where we are near capacity in Dublin in terms of the water supply and that will be addressed also.

Senator Ó Domhnaill also asked for a debate on a vision for Ireland for the next ten years. We can start with that vision tonight when we speak about the spring economic statement, which addresses the economic situation over the coming years. Listening to Senator Ó Domhnaill towards the end of his contribution, one might have been led to think the country should close up shop given all the negativity one heard. We have no intention of doing that. Calling for 20 minute contributions from Members, I found it difficult at times to get five minutes from some.

Senators Ivana Bacik, Catherine Noone, Eamonn Coghlan, Michael Mullins, Cáit Keane, Mary Ann O'Brien and others referred to the projections on obesity, which are very troubling. As Senator Eamonn Coghlan said in a passionate contribution, there is nothing new in the figures. It is something that has been discussed for years. We have enough reports and what we need now is action. The Senator is right, as are all the speakers. Senator Noone has spoken on several occasions on the subject also. We need legislative action if necessary.

We are spending €15 billion on our health service, but it will be double that if we fail to tackle the whole problem of obesity. Physical exercise is very important. Senator Eamonn Coghlan should make those points on the Sport Ireland Bill also. He made the very good suggestion that Sport Ireland could be given some responsibility in the area of promoting physical exercise in schools in particular. It is something that will have to be addressed. I will ask the Minister for Health to come to the House to debate the issue with us. He has been here previously, but I will ask him to come in again in view of the recent report.

Senator David Norris referred to the evidence given by Mr. Jean-Claude Trichet to the banking inquiry. I am sure it will be considered at length by the inquiry committee. We can have a debate on the committee's findings when it publishes its report. I note also Senator Norris's points in regard to the referendum on marriage equality.He has made similar points over recent days.

Senator Noone referred to the recent report on obesity levels and called for legislative action to deal with the issue. Senator Leyden referred to yesterday’s debate on Seanad reform. As I stated already, it was a preliminary discussion. I note his views on the diaspora, representation with taxation and other related issues which can be raised in our next debate on this matter.

Senator Paul Coghlan referred to the living cities initiative. This is an exciting scheme which will help rejuvenate certain areas in our cities. If there are further calls for a debate on the scheme, I am sure we can facilitate one. The scheme was launched by the Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael Noonan, today. It provides property tax incentives for certain regeneration areas, as designated by the Minister, in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Waterford and Kilkenny. The maps and boundaries of these areas can be found on the websites of the respective local authorities. The two types of relief are an owner-occupier residential element for properties originally built for use as a private dwelling prior to 1915 and a retail-commercial element. The scheme will last for five years from the day it is commenced by order of the Minister for Finance.

I dealt with the matter raised by Senator Ó Clochartaigh regarding Irish Water. I have also already addressed the matter raised by Senator Eamonn Coghlan on sport in schools. He has made proposals himself on this issue. There has been a successful pilot project but the time for talking is gone. We need action on this matter.

Senator Kelly raised the issue of online gambling and betting. In this session there was a comprehensive debate over several days on the Betting (Amendment) Bill. The gambling control Bill is also to be brought before the House soon. I share the Senator’s concerns about this matter.

Senator Heffernan referred to the provision of changing facilities for women at sporting venues. The same facilities should be provided for both sportsmen and sportswomen. Why arrange games with ladies togging off and having team talks in different areas to the main changing facilities? It does not make sense. Whoever arranged those fixtures has something to answer for in that regard.

The regulation of English language schools was raised by Senator Mooney last week and again yesterday, as well as by other Members. It is a matter of great importance because the reputation of the country is at stake where education is concerned. The Department of Education and Skills has worked closely with the Department of Justice and Equality and other stakeholders to assist and co-ordinate a sympathetic response through the task force formed for students affected by the closure of private language colleges.

The two Departments have also produced a package of reforms to the student immigration system for international education which will be brought to the Government for its approval in the next two weeks. These reforms will drive restructuring of the sector which will improve the overall quality offered to international students and protection for learners. They will also enhance Ireland’s reputation and reduce the negative impact on the Irish labour market and social protection costs. These are all strongly in line with the goals of Ireland’s international education strategy. When we have this report and the reforms are decided on by the Government in the next two weeks, we will have a debate on the matter in the House. Senator Michael Mullins raised the issue of the atrocities in Aleppo and the recent report by Amnesty International which was shocking. The use of barrel bombs is a despicable act. I can assure him that the Government will keep pressure on our EU compatriots and the UN to take action against the Assad government because what is happening is absolutely atrocious.

Senator Cáit Keane explained what is proposed in terms of people who will not pay for water. She called for a debate on child care. She also called for Sinn Féin to deal with the issue of child abuse which it has not dealt with as yet.

Senator Terry Brennan raised the issue of the reduction in the number of fatalities on Irish roads and outlined that we all have a responsibility in this area. He commended the Garda and the Road Safety Authority on their actions.

Senator Mary Ann O'Brien paid tribute to Phil Farrington, a veteran of the Second World War, who has died at the age of 94. As she rightly pointed out, it was right and proper that he and his colleagues were granted a pardon by the then Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Alan Shatter, and the Government. I extend my condolences to the Farrington family.

In terms of the spring economic statement I do not think I gave the times for speakers. The contributions of group spokespersons shall not exceed eight minutes and those of all other Senators shall not exceed six minutes.