Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Yesterday, I asked for a debate on the new package of measures for the protection of tenants and on stabilising rents and boosting supply. It has received a general, albeit cautious, welcome from those working in the sector but there can be no panacea for the crisis we have in housing and rent. It is, none the less, very welcome to see these very practical measures put forward and I take issue with Senator MacSharry's points, in particular his suggestion that landlords all across the country are raising rents today. I do not think that is the case and it is pointless to scaremonger in this way. A careful, reflective debate on the measures that have been proposed, and which have been generally welcomed, would be worth having.

I welcome the signing, last night in Dublin Castle, of the Marriage Act 2015 regulations by the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, and of the accompanying regulations by the Tánaiste. They are the last step in ensuring gay couples will be able to enter into civil marriages in very early course.

I commend my Labour Party colleague, Senator Mary Moran, who is bringing forward an Education (Welfare) (Amendment) Bill this evening in Private Members' time. This important Bill seeks to increase the school leaving age from 16 to 17, noting the significant positive benefits for children resulting from that. It would also reflect the increased reality as most children now stay in full-time education to the age of 17. Both the Minister for Education, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, and the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy James Reilly, have approved the Bill.

Will the Leader arrange a debate on third level education generally? This week The Irish Timeslaunched its new online resource, The Student Hub, a general resource aimed at third level students. It is hugely important that this is happening and it is very welcome. I would like such a debate before Christmas, if possible or early in the new year, to look at a number of issues, including accommodation, which is a pressing issue, and funding for the third level sector, which has been a source of frustration for many in universities and colleges.

I welcome the plans for the redevelopment of College Green in Dublin city centre. Will the Leader arrange a debate on national traffic policy, particularly in our urban centres?