Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yes, I thank Senator Feighan. We cannot compromise on water quality. The Expert Commission on the Future Funding of Domestic Public Water Services speaks about equality. We want to see equality. The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Future Funding of Domestic Water Services, chaired by Senator Pádraig Ó Céidigh, recommended there would be an enhanced budget for small group water schemes. This is a priority for the Government and is happening as we speak with a process under way. Underpinning this is the presence by Irish Water of investment plans in the improvement of water quality and in the infrastructure. In my city of Cork we are pumping raw sewage into Cork Harbour. We cannot allow this to continue to happen. We must take action but this will cost money. The philosophical question that has not been addressed by some people is "Where does the money come from?" Do they want to increase taxation on the ordinary citizen? Senators must face this question themselves.

Senators Lynn Ruane, Grace O'Sullivan, Ivana Bacik and Michelle Mulherin raised the issues of climate change, the national mitigation plan and licensing. I have not got the information on revoking the licences but I can tell the Senators that the Cabinet is meeting today to discuss climate change. The Government is committed to implementing 100 actions around climate change, decarbonisation and ensuring Ireland has a reduction in carbon emissions. The Minister, Deputy Naughten will be in the House today to discuss the Minerals Development Bill 2015. Maybe the Senators could have a conversation with the Minister as part of that debate. If it is not relevant to that Bill I would be happy to have that debate in the autumn.

Senators McFadden and Craughwell raised the issue of bullying. I commend the founder of the I'm A Friend organisation, Charlie Wynne, whom I have met. It is important we continue the work being done by a former Minister, Ruairí Quinn and now by the Minister, Deputy Bruton around the issue of bullying and its inclusion on the curriculum in schools. It is an important issue that has not gone away.

Senators Bacik, Ó Ríordáin and Black raised the issue of the report on children in direct provision. The report makes for a very disappointing and upsetting read. As Senator Ó Ríordáin has rightly said, it is important that the actions from the McMahon report are implemented in full. If one visits a direct provision centre one comes away with an absolute need to see action continue and, in this case, to be concluded. The Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Flanagan and the Minister of State, Deputy Stanton are working on the matter. I would ask that all Members would read the report of the consultation we are debating here because it is a very honest reflection, especially of the young people involved, and is one we need to see. The report should not gather dust on a shelf or just receive a headline in a newspaper; there needs to be direct action by the Government. Action is being taken. The Minister, Deputy Flanagan and the Minister of State, Deputy Stanton are committed to implementing the recommendations of the McMahon report and, as Senator Ó Ríordáin has alluded to, we have had debates in this House. We will continue to do so. To be fair, as the former Chairman of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice and Equality and now as the Minister of State, the Minister of State, Deputy Stanton has committed to the implementation, as has the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Flanagan. I would be happy to have that debate in the house in the autumn. It is about ensuring that there is an end to direct provision.

Senator Gallagher raised the issue of body cameras for members of An Garda Síochána. It is an operational matter but I would certainly be happy to see the report referred to by the Senator introduced.Labhair an Seanadóir Ó Céidigh mar gheall ar ár dteanga dúchais. Bhí díospóireacht againn faoin Ghaeilge san earrach agus beidh díospóireacht eile againn faoi san fhómhar. Tá mé cinnte go dtiocfaidh an tAire Stáit, an Teachta McHugh, isteach. Is mór an phribhléid é go bhfuil an Seanadóir Ó Céidigh, mar dhuine ón nGaeltacht, in ann cúrsaí a bhaineann leis an nGaeltacht agus lenár dteanga dúchais a phle sa Teach seo as a very good ambassador for the Gaeltacht and Irish language in this House. We have had debates in the past. The Minister of State, Deputy McHugh, is very much looking forward to resuming duty as Minister of State responsible for the Gaeltacht. We will have that debate. We will see an extension of the Senator's Commencement matter of yesterday because it is important that there is a 20-year plan for the Irish language as a living language. Today and this weekend in the city of Cork the Munster Fleadh Ceol will take place, which ensures our language and culture are promoted and that we all use them. I welcome the Senator's remarks and look forward to that debate.

Senators O'Reilly and Lawless referred to the Intoxicating Liquor (Amendment) Bill 2017, which is before the House today and I am happy to take it to its conclusion today. I gave a commitment on behalf of the Government to Senators McDowell and Lawless on that. The issue is a matter of opinion. I will be happy to let the debate unfurl and to have that discussion.

I am not aware of the issue about family resource centres in An Tusla raised by Senator Gavan. This Government and its predecessor have increased and restored the minimum wage and terms and conditions of those on low pay. I am not aware of the pay and conditions of those in the family resource centres but if Senator Gavan sends me an email about that I will be happy to bring it to the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs.

In response to Senator Lombard, it is important to have infrastructure for the provision of clean drinking water.

Senators Leyden, Coghlan and Feighan referred to Brexit and the British Irish Parliamentary Association, BIPA, and North-South relations. This arises in the context of the report from the House of Lords today which is particularly worrying given that there is no devolved Government yet in the North of our country but I hope there will be. It is important, as Senator Feighan said, that the normalisation of politics continues and that we continue to draw on the friendships, expertise, benefits and experience we gain from these interparliamentary groups.

Senator Leyden referred to Guy Verhofstadt. I think there will be a motion before the House tomorrow on that and I will be happy to deal with it then.

Senator Hopkins referred to the tourism strategy for the midlands, Roscommon and east Galway. That needs to be addressed because it does fall between Ireland’s Ancient East and the Wild Atlantic Way. Senator Marie-Louise O’Donnell who does snippets on the "Today with Sean O’Rourke" programme would be a very good ambassador for Roscommon and east Galway.