Ned O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I support Senator Rónán Mullen in his call for the Minister to address the shortage of chefs in the country. It is a matter I had planned to raise here last week, but I did not get around to it. It is well known that there is a serious shortage in the hospitality sector and it is not just in my own county of Kerry. I have picked it up around the place. Chefs are reportedly very volatile people and it is very hard to hold onto them at the best of times, but it seems to be their market because there is such a shortage. Bringing back CERT and that type of programme would be of use and I support Senator Mullen in that regard.

I am not sure whether the Leader has ever attended a humanist ceremony, but such ceremonies, particularly weddings and funerals, even though a minority thing, are of growing interest, especially to people who may not have any religious beliefs and who wish to have either their marriages or funerals attended by proper and appropriate services. These humanist celebrants are selected and trained to perform their duties in a professional and sensitive manner. Their fees are in the order of about €470 per ceremony, but unfortunately of late the Revenue Commissioners have decided that VAT is payable on the fees, at a rate of 23%. These humanists celebrants have to register for VAT and it adds to the cost of the celebration. I am not sure what the average parish priest or curate does with the stipends he receives.