Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I support Senator McDowell's amendment to the Order of Business regarding No. 47, which is supported by Labour Senators. I think Senator Higgins is seconding the amendment but I would be happy to do so if required. It is important that Government time should be allocated to debating the Seanad Bill in the autumn and I am very happy to support that.

I also propose that we take No. 21, the Education (Welfare) (Amendment) Bill 2017 today. This is an important Bill on education proposed by Senator Ó Ríordáin. I know the Senator will second my amendment to the Order of Business.

I support Senator Ardagh's request that the Minister for Justice and Equality come to the House to discuss the findings of the report of the Committee of Public Accounts into the financial irregularities at the Garda Training College in Templemore. These were very serious findings, particularly in respect of the Garda Commissioner. Many members of the committee, particularly Deputy Kelly, have called for the Commissioner to resign. I think her position is untenable following the publication of that report. However, the report also discloses serious failings in the Department of Justice and Equality in respect of its oversight of policing practices, particularly those in Templemore. It would be useful if the Minister came before the Seanad to discuss those failings on the part of the Department and how the relatively newly-established Policing Authority might best be equipped to take on a stronger oversight role and, in particular, to have a part to play in the appointment of a new Commissioner.

Today, a long overdue report that was in the possession of the Department of Justice and Equality for two years has been published. This is the report conducted by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs on children's experiences in direct provision. It contains some very serious findings, notably that children in direct provision are concerned for their safety, particularly where they see single men seeking asylum being housed alongside families, and really serious problems with the system in terms of food provision. I also welcome the forthcoming publication at noon today of the national mitigation plan by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment. I hope the noble aspirations of that plan will be translated into concrete reality and, in particular, that a commitment will be given to include solar energy in renewable energy support schemes along with real commitments in regard to transport. The decarbonisation of transport by 2050 is the bare minimum that should be achieved.