Rose Conway Walsh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It might be parked but the engine has not been turned off.

I condemn the attack on the Istanbul airport and offer condolences to the families of all those who were killed and those who were injured. It is a frightening time for those whose loved ones travel to areas targeted by such attacks, not knowing if their relatives have been caught up in them.

I want to table an amendment to the Order of Business to allow for time to discuss the motion put down by Sinn Féin Seanadóirí on Seanad reform. It is essential that if parties are serious about reform, they at least agree to allow time to discuss one of the first motions laid before the current Seanad.

I raise the issue of spending by the suicide charity, Console. I am aware that an administrator has been appointed and it is important to stress that services offered by the charity continue.

Following the charities sector wage scandals, arguments were put forward for the 2009 Charities Act to be implemented, with full accountability in terms of the salaries of senior employees. The Government dragged its feet on this issue to the degree that Sinn Féin introduced a Private Members' Bill to move on the Act. Eventually, aided by the huge public demand for full financial accountability, the Charities Regulatory Authority was established in 2014 aiming to regulate charities to ensure their effectiveness, accountability and transparency to their donor and beneficiary communities.

Despite the controversies faced by charities in recent times, it is essential that the HSE continues to reassure those who use their services or who may need them that there is no break in support. I commend all the workers in the many charities who do wonderful work across this country.

There were many contributions to the debate on mental health in the House and much stress was placed on the role charities and voluntary organisations play in aiding those worst affected. It is a hugely important issue for the House and action should be taken immediately on it to ensure we do not see the contagion effect on other charities as well as Console.I want to raise one other point briefly on the issue of Brexit, which is what we can do in Ireland. There are many conversations going on in Brussels and throughout the EU and Britain, but there are certain things we can put in place. I speak for the cohort of people who live in this State who have English pensions. While they may only be small English pensions, the Irish contributory pension that they receive is paid on a pro ratabasis, and it is very important that the Department of Social Protection immediately take cognisance of the fluctuations in sterling and increase the payments here in line with the decreases in sterling. I believe this needs to be done immediately.