Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I apologise to Senator Mulherin. I missed her by mistake yesterday in my reply to the Order of Business. She raised the issue of food waste, which, as she rightly said, is a very important social and environmental issue. In her remarks yesterday, she referred to the fact that 60% of the waste we use is food waste. It is important that we have a debate on that and I welcome her raising the issue yesterday.

In respect of the point raised by Senators Daly and Wilson on the trauma network, there might be a bit of confusion. There may be two reports. Emanating from the RCSI AGM, the Minister accepted the need for a trauma report in terms of the best outcome for patients in a national strategy. Let us make it clear again, so that we will not stoke fear, as has been done since the commentary at the weekend. The Minister has committed to coming to the House and having a debate when the report is published. He has not got a due date for the report yet. He is committed to coming in here. He is not looking to close or remove trauma services from any hospital and there are no plans to do so. If the Senators want to have a debate on reconfiguration, we can have that, but in the context of trauma and the patient, those involved in that medical specialty believe a trauma patient needs to be able to access the best care service, to have the right resources at the right level to match their own critical needs and to be seen to in the shortest time possible. There is also an underlying need to develop a national trauma policy on what are called trauma networks. In doing that, the report is seeking to put together a national strategy whereby there can be a national clinical programme for trauma and orthopaedic surgery and for those who work in that area. To reiterate, the Minister does not have the plan or the report and he does not have any plans to close or remove trauma services. He is willing to come to the House to debate the issue when the report comes. He cannot be any fairer than that. I hope that has clarified matters for the Senators.

In regard to the issue raised by Senators McDowell, Conway-Walsh, Feighan, O'Donnell, and Daly regarding our growth rate, I note the remarks in the House today. I also note the remarks by commentators and by the Governor of the Central Bank, Professor Philip Lane, but I will point to the statement issued by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and by the Minister for Finance that the Government will present to the Lower House in October a budget based on sensible growth figures, not on the figures we saw yesterday. It is fair to point out, however, that we do have a situation emerging in our country where there is growth, where unemployment is decreasing, and where, as Senator O'Donnell rightly said, consumer spending is on the up. We will see a sensible approach to the budget. In saying that, it is imperative to understand that our economy today is in a much better position than it was seven years ago. The economy is growing and more people are back at work. We will have discussions in the House tomorrow regarding the summer economic statement. While our growth levels are improving, nobody is taking the figures presented yesterday as indicating that we should be going off the charts in terms of public expenditure. It is important to understand that our economy is in a better place and we have seen an improvement in the health of the nation economically. I note former Senator Mary Henry has just left the Chamber. I would like to acknowledge her presence earlier in the Visitors Gallery.

In regard to education, the soaring cost of preparing children for their return to school is an issue of huge concern and a source of worry. The Minister made reference in his speech yesterday to the increase in the back to school clothing and footwear allowance, which is now payable at the rate of €100 in respect of children between the ages of 4 and 11 and €200 in respect of children between the ages of 12 and 22. While these are small amounts in terms of the overall cost for families, it should be noted that overall €38.8 million is being made available for the scheme this year which, at its core, is designed to help people meet back to school costs. Any measures that can be put in place at a local level or otherwise in terms of uniform and textbook costs must be considered.

I know from a discussion I had recently with my sister-in-law that she spent €250 on copies and hardback books alone for my nephews and nieces return to school. It is important to put on the record that the former Minister for Education and Skills, Mr. Quinn, put in place an agreement with the Irish Educational Publishers Association in regard to textbook costs. All of us who have been involved in education recognise the importance of book rental schemes and the significant amounts of money that can be saved by families in that regard. The Minister is acutely conscious of back to school costs. While he does not have powers in regard to the regulation of school uniforms, it is important that we require schools to be sensible in terms of their demands of parents and pupils in that regard. The point made by Senator Butler in regard to bullying is one that we would never want to countenance.

In regard to voluntary contributions, having been in education for almost 20, from my perspective, there is no compulsion to pay. I would be appalled at schools publishing a list of payments and non-payments by parents. That should not be tolerated. There should be no publication of such lists. School principals and boards of management should provide for exemptions in respect of the voluntary contribution. There is an onus on the boards of management of schools to work with parents in regard to how they help meet the needs of the school community.

Senators Conway-Walsh and Feighan raised the issue of the appointment later today of Theresa May, MP, as the new UK Prime Minister. I wish her well today as she takes up her post. Prime Minister Cameron is, as we speak, taking his final round of Prime Minister's questions in the House of Commons. It is important that, as a House, we congratulate and pay tribute to him for his stewardship during his tenure as Prime Minister, in particular in regard to the increased co-operation we have seen between North and South and Ireland and the UK. I hope that this will continue during the tenure of the new Prime Minister, Theresa May.

Senator Black again raised the issue of the misuse of alcohol and alcohol services. The public health (alcohol) Bill will be before the House soon, at which time we can debate the issue. It is important we continue to work on that issue. I commend Senator Black on her work in the area of the misuse of alcohol.

Senator Nash raised the issue of the problems faced by young people as highlighted in the departmental report published today. I will be happy to have the Minister come to the House for a debate on the Low Pay Commission report when it has been published.

Senator Niall Ó Donnghaile raised the issue of the 12th of July events held yesterday. We all welcome that there was no major outbreak of sectarianism, other than that about which we spoke yesterday, and that there were no major casualties or injuries. I hope that we can continue to build bridges such that we can allow for celebrations to be held in a dignified, tolerant and respectful manner. On the issue of voting for immigrants, I will be happy to have the Minister of State, Deputy McHugh, come to the House for a debate in that regard. Senator O'Donnell raised the issue of the Limerick City of Culture. As I said yesterday, I wish everyone involved well in that regard.

Senator Gallagher raised the important issue of assaults on gardaí. We can never allow a situation to develop whereby members of An Garda Síochána are disrespected. All of us condemn unreservedly any attack on members of An Garda Síochána. It is hoped that everybody in positions of influence in communities in all parts of the country will work to ensure that our gardaí are respected. Senator Mulherin raised the issue of water meter installation in Ballina. I suggest that the Senator take up that issue with the Minister by way of a Commencement matter.

Senator Warfield raised the issue of the commissioned report on LGBT victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence. There is an inordinate ten-year wait in this area, which is unacceptable. I commend those involved in producing the report and thank Senator Warfield for raising the matter. We must strive to ensure that those who feel vulnerable or are victims of abuse or violence can overcome such awful events in their lives and that barriers are removed so that they become more accepted within society. We must work to improve the lot of all our people.

Senator Norris again raised the issue of transport in Dublin. I am happy to work with him in providing such a debate. Like Senator Clifford-Lee, I believe the Luas and DART are important parts of our public transport system and rather than say they are useless services, we should work to ensure increased utilisation of them.

Senator Clifford-Lee also spoke about the housing action plan and the important point made in regard to the Ombudsman for Children, Dr. Niall Muldoon. I agree with the Senator and Dr. Muldoon that hotel rooms and bed and breakfast facilities are not suitable accommodation for young children or families. The Minister with responsibility for housing, Deputy Coveney, will present his housing action plan in the coming weeks and we can discuss that point during the debate on it in this House.

Senator Conway raised the issue power surges. I will be happy to take up that matter with Electric Ireland. The Senator also raised the issue of the Committee of Public Accounts. The Cathaoirleach is correct that this House does not have any remit in regard to the Committee of Public Accounts but is important that the points made by Senator Conway are taken on board. Perhaps we can write to the committee in that regard.

Senators Mullen and Ned O'Sullivan raised the important issue of chefs and the deficit in regard to staff in our hospitality sector. This is the by-product of a decision by a previous Administration, during which time Senator Mullen and I were last Members of the Seanad, which has resulted in a lack of training and expertise in this area and the recruitment of staff from abroad. Thankfully, the Ministers of State, Deputy English and Deputy Halligan, are addressing this issue via the future skills need programme. I hope that we will see an improvement in the situation soon. The Senators are right to raise that important issue. Ireland is the island of cead míle fáilte. Our tourism sector is growing exponentially and it is critical that our service is being provided at expert level and that we have trained chefs and other staff required by the service industry. I thank the Senators for raising that issue.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh raised the issue of bins. We will revert to that matter. In regard to debates, because of the need for have legislation passed, some of the debates requested and agreed to have had to be postponed. These debates have been placed on the list for the autumn session. I assure the Senators they have not been forgotten. In regard to the case mentioned by the Senator, I am not familiar with it. If the Senator outlines it to me following the Order of Business, I will raise it with the Minister.

Senator Paddy Burke called for a debate on Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade funding for the International Development Association, IDA. I am happy to provide for such a debate.

Senator Ned O'Sullivan raised the issue of Humanist ceremonies. It is important VAT is paid. It is also important we have transparency in regard to the payment for services being provided to all people, whether they are getting married or being buried, and that everybody pays their taxes. Those of us have attended Humanist ceremonies recognise the importance of them. I will be happy to work with the Senator on how we can address any imbalances in that area.

Senator Murnane-O'Connor raised the issue of funding for social protection schemes. I would be happy to have the Minister come to the House for a debate on that issue. I am also happy to accept the Bill, as amended.