Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I join with other speakers in congratulating the Cathaoirleach and Leas-Cathaoirleach on their appointments.

In terms of today's Order of Business, there are two issues I would like to highlight. The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation will be in the Seanad today for a debate on sustainable full employment. I express the hope that we will also hear during that debate about proposed legislative measures to reflect the recently agreed Labour Party motion in the Dáil on employment issues such as if-and-when contracts, protection in cases of insolvencies and, crucially - given the process of development of our public procurement policies in terms of our trade agreements such as CETA and TTIP - protection of employment standards within public procurement. These are legislative issues which we know are on the table. I look forward to us having the opportunity to speak again to the Minister on these types of concrete measures and the need to move forward on them.

Today is Bloomsday. It is a day in which Ireland's arts, heritage and culture are celebrated across the world. I am sure others will speak more knowledgeably on that issue. It is important that on this day we address the wide concern expressed in regard to what has been perceived as a roll-back on the commitment to the arts. It is unfortunate in the context of the future debate on the heritage Bill that the term "heritage" is not reflected in the title of any Department. Ireland lags behind the rest of Europe in terms of its funding for the arts. We need to move towards an 0.6% average, which is the average across Europe, as opposed to the 0.3% which currently applies. I urge the Leader to inquire of the Minister what opportunities the Seanad may have to engage around Culture 2025, plans around our sustainable development goals and the right to cultural participation. I look forward to having an opportunity in the future to discuss those issues with the Minister.

I am slightly concerned about the proposed change to Standing Orders. I believe the current system, which allows for a diversity of voices to be heard, is important. I am sure we will have an opportunity to discuss this further through the appropriate channels. I support the idea of the imposition of a one-hour limit on the debate.