Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Mooney paid tribute to the captain and crew of the LE Eithne. This is a special day for the Naval Service with the LE Eithnereturning and the LE James Joycearriving in Haulbowline at the same time. It is great to see €70 million being spent on such a wonderful new vessel.As the Senator pointed out, our seas are almost ten times greater than our landmass and it is very important that we have these vessels. I wish to join in complimenting the captain and crew and I commend them on their humanitarian work. Senator Craughwell raised a related item. I was not aware that there is a claim for overseas service. I am fully aware of the sacrifices that members of our Defence Forces make and I will raise the matter with the Minister for Defence, but I am surprised to hear that. I had not been informed of the situation.

Senators Mooney, Craughwell, Healy Eames and Hayden raised the issue of homelessness. We are all aware that the problem has not gone away and that there is a need for further investment. We saw a big improvement. There was a significant injection of capital last year and it solved it for some time, but we still have problems, especially the dreadful problem of homeless pregnant women, which has been highlighted by Senator Healy Eames.

Senator Hayden praised the work of the Dublin Region Homeless Executive. There is no doubt those involved have done Trojan work since the organisation was set up. This issue needs to be addressed and it is a priority. I will certainly bring the matter to the attention of the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government and ask him to address the question of the shortfall in funding for homeless services. The Minister of State with responsibility for housing will be in the House later today and I will bring the matter to his attention as well.

Senators Bacik and Ó Clochartaigh commented on direct provision and the recent report which has been published. A task force has been established by Government to assist with the transition of persons from direct provision. It will be chaired by the Minister of State, Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, and will report back to Government on key aspects of the report by 30 September. The working group will deal with the protection process. Separately, the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, is writing to her Government colleagues to seek their views on aspects of the report that impact on their Departments. The immediate focus of the task force will be on the particular needs of the cohort of people who continue to reside in direct provision, despite having been granted protection status or leave to remain. The task force will bring together representatives of Departments and will draw on the expertise of relevant agencies and non-governmental organisations, as appropriate, to consider the issues involved in the successful transition of these people into Irish society. I imagine this will be welcomed by everyone. Perhaps we can have a further debate on the matter in the autumn session.

Senator Barrett welcomed the return home of some of the survivors of Berkeley. I imagine we all wish them good health and happiness for the future. Senator Barrett also recalled the resilience of the Irish race - despite our difficulties - in the recent report which has been published.

Senator Eamonn Coghlan welcomed the €100 million additional investment in tourism, transport and sport. The injection of capital for remedial roadworks will be welcomed by local authorities throughout the country. It is great to see the sod being turned on the new indoor arena at Sport Campus Ireland, something which was mooted over 50 years ago, as Senator Coghlan mentioned.

Senator Ó Domhnaill and other Senators raised the matter of procurement services within the HSE and hospitals. I did not see the programme but I agree these practices are totally unacceptable and need to be addressed as a matter of urgency. In respect of Senator Craughwell's comments, I take the view that the procurement issues are employment disciplinary matters and I do not think there is a suggestion of criminal activity. However, I am sure if there is the Garda will be actively involved in the situation.

Senator Hayden, as I mentioned, spoke on homeless services and the need to hold the line on housing standards. I agree totally with her. There can be no short-term or quick fixes in respect of the difficulties we have with housing. Standards will have to be maintained.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh raised the matter of direct provision, which I have addressed, and the Magdalen sufferers, a matter raised by Senator Heffernan on Tuesday. I hope these matters will be addressed by Government in early course.

Senator Mullins highlighted the case of a prisoner in Castlerea. I will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister for Justice and Equality. When we have people convicted of serious offences, it is important that they are incarcerated as soon as possible but I am sure this matter will be addressed. I will certainly bring it to the attention of the Minister for Justice and Equality.

Senator Daly relayed facts in respect of judges. I wish to point out that the facts and figures he gave relate to civil law jurisdictions. We are a common law jurisdiction, so the facts to which he referred have no bearing on the Irish situation. Senator Daly should note that 33% of judges in Ireland are female, which is one of the highest, if not the highest, percentage in Europe among the common law jurisdictions. Last year, the Government appointed 21 judges, 12 of whom were female, that is, over 50%. I think Senator Daly should look at that situation. These are the facts. I believe the Government is doing everything possible to raise the number of justices who are female, and I believe Senator Daly should acknowledge that. The question of sentencing is another issue altogether. I will certainly try to arrange a debate on sentencing in the autumn.

Senator Healy Eames remarked on the homeless situation, which I have addressed. She also asked about Commencement debates. We will not have Commencement debates next week.