Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Mooney raised the issue of IDA Ireland visits and correctly noted the criteria applied to such visits. Ultimately, the saying that one can lead a horse to water but one cannot make him drink applies. The companies in question must decide whether they wish to locate in County Waterford, County Leitrim, Paris or elsewhere because that is the nature of competition. IDA Ireland has a difficult job and has played an excellent role in recent years in creating jobs and assisting companies to locate in Ireland. The creation of between 135,000 and 140,000 jobs speaks volumes about the efforts made by IDA Ireland and the success of the Government's Action Plan for Jobs.

On that point, Senator Bacik welcomed the news that unemployment has declined from more than 15.5% when the Government took office to the current rate of 8.6%. As Senator Craughwell stated, that is all very well. However, the Government recognises that a significant amount of work remains to be done in that area. To borrow a slogan from another party, a lot has been done, but there is more to do. The main reason for returning the Government is to enable it to reduce unemployment by half again.

Senators Bacik, Cahill, Daly, Walsh and others raised a case involving abuse in a foster home in the south east. From reading and hearing about the case, it is both appalling and disturbing and I agree with all speakers that accountability is required. I understand criminal investigations are ongoing and I welcome the commitment to establish a commission of investigation into the matter. I also compliment the whistleblowers involved, without whom the case would have gone unnoticed, which is unacceptable.I am sure that if criminal offences occurred, the Garda will investigate it. I welcome the commission of investigation. There is a need for accountability and transparency around this appalling issue.

Senator Norris, as he would as a Joycean scholar, welcomed the 134th birthday of James Joyce. The Senator also raised the conditions of workers, in particular, in the construction industry. The exploitation of any workers is to be deplored. If they are going about it in this way, by making workers self-employed by whatever means, it is totally unacceptable. That was the subject of a Private Members' Bill that the Labour Party introduced on the rights of the self-employed and around that area. The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton, agreed to accept the Bill on that occasion. I hope his issue will be acted upon as a matter of urgency, if not by this Government then by the incoming Government.

Senator O'Brien praised Terry Wogan. Mr. Wogan was a wonderful Irishman. He was gentle and charming and had a witty style which the public enjoyed. The public remained loyal to him until the very end. I note Mr. Wogan's comments on journalism nowadays. He said that radio stations now like people who are "louder, brasher and more shouty". He said, "I do not like shouty". That is something that some of the radio presenters of the day might take note of.

I think I have addressed the matter raised by Senator Cahill. I tried to have a debate on the issue today but I understand that Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Kathleen Lynch is in the other House from 5.00 p.m. until 7.30 p.m. and may be there longer than that. I will try to facilitate a debate but I am not suggesting that I will be successful in holding one tomorrow.

Senator Daly referred to role of people in public services and the need for more transparency. I know that I promised last week that I would guide Senator Daly to the relevant official in regard to No. 31 on the Order Paper. I believe that was done. My understanding is that my office contacted the Senator in regard to-----