Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We are not delusional about the Leader programme. We have actual budgets for Leader and the local improvement schemes being approved and implemented for every community in the four corners of the country. If the Senator has an issue, I would be happy to raise it with the Minister. I agree with her that we need investment in rural areas. That is why we created a stand-alone Ministry for rural areas and there will be investment across areas outside of Dublin.

Senator Bacik raised today's report from the Irish Penal Reform Trust and the eighth amendment. I agree with the Cathaoirleach that there is a committee under the chairmanship of Senator Noone who is doing a good job. There are divergent views on the eighth amendment. I have not seen the article to which Senator Coghlan referred or heard the remarks of Senator Mullen. It is important, no matter one's viewpoint, that we have a temperate debate on the matter.

The members of the committee take their responsibility seriously. The Cathaoirleach's earlier comment that we should not have a discussion on it was fair. We should allow the committee do its work. Whatever the committee brings back to the Government will be a matter for it in the fullness of time. Equally, the Government has said a referendum will be held on the eighth amendment. Ultimately, that will be a matter for the people. They will make their decision in a calm and reflective manner that befits a modern society in deliberating and, ultimately, voting on a matter. I trust the people. I trust Oireachtas Members at the committee in question to do their job seriously. However, as the Cathaoirleach said, we should allow the committee do its work and then we can have a debate on that again.

Senator Lombard commended all involved in last night's publication of Doing Business in Kinsale. Like Senator Conway-Walsh, he said it is about prioritising areas, promoting business and providing jobs. That is the important point.

Senators Gallagher and Ó Céidigh raised the issue of pay equality in the education system. I accept their points but I must remind the House that last year the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Bruton, concluded an agreement with the teachers' unions which included a 15% to 22% pay increase for newly qualified teachers. Under the agreement, the starting point for a new entrant coming out of college in January next year will be €35,600. I accept the financial emergency measures in the public interest, FEMPI, legislation cuts had an adverse effect.We are now beginning to restore pay. I remind Senator Gallagher that it was his party in government that caused the country to go into chaos. The policies that they started, under a Taoiseach of his party, left us where we were. Now we are back appointing more teachers and recruiting more staff in schools, and the Senator will welcome that.

I have not got the information for Senator Ó Céidigh regarding Shannon-Foynes and Galway ports. The Senator might be best advised to seek a Commencement matter where he might get the answer faster, but the issue the Senator raised is an important one.

Senator Byrne raised the issue of the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, report today on sewerage and the need for investment by Irish Water in public wastewater services. That report today illustrates the need for Irish Water, and those who opposed Irish Water should read that report and explain how they can now pay for the required investment.

I have not seen the issue Senator Devine raised about the European Union finding Ireland in breach of Article 16, but the issue of social housing is one that was also raised on the Order of Business. I would be happy to have the Minister, Deputy Eoghan Murphy, come to the House on the matter.

The Senator referred to Senator Ó Ríordáin's comments. No matter who one is, one should not use the death of Savita Halappanavar for one's own end, and I am not saying Senator Ó Ríordáin is doing so. It was a tragedy and we all mourn her loss. We remember her on the eve of her anniversary. I hope that her family will be left to grieve and to get on with their lives. We should always remember her. I have not seen Senator Mullen's article and I cannot comment on it.

In response to Senator Conway, the issue of the new Chamber and the new entrance is a matter for the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, CPP, or the Office of Public Works, OPW. I am sure the Cathaoirleach and I can raise it at the CPP on the Senator's behalf. It would be disappointing if it was not disability friendly and accessible for those with disabilities.

I thank Senator Clifford-Lee for raising the important issue of pyrite. The previous Government and this Government have done work on the issue but obviously there is more to be done. I would be happy to have the Minister, Deputy Eoghan Murphy, come to the House. The matter the Senator raises is critical, especially for families with young children who in some cases have had to leave their homes or who are uncertain about their future in them. The Senator is correct to raise it but she might be quicker raising it as a Commencement matter. The point the Senator makes is a good one and I will make a list to give to the Minister.

Senator Reilly raised the issue of unfinished housing estates and the issue of bonds and developers and taking in charge. I would be happy to have the Minister, Deputy Eoghan Murphy, come to the House.

Senator Boyhan raised the important report that is with the Minister, Deputy Zappone. Whereas Members will be aware the report is with the Department, it is going to Cabinet. When it comes back from Cabinet, having been cleared by the Attorney General, I would be happy to have a report on the matter of what it contains. I congratulate Ms Catherine Corless on the well-deserved accolade being paid to her for her work on human rights.

Senator Warfield raised the issue of young people in terms of both the proposed zero-hour contracts legislation and the issue of quality and the future labour market. I would be happy to have the Minister come to the House in this regard.

Senators Butler and Noone referred to the issue of the 9% VAT rate. Some Members of the House did not want to see it kept in its entirety. I am glad it was kept. It is about the retention of jobs. It is about promoting Ireland. Equally, it is about ensuring that we get a competitive retail and hospitality sector. Both Senator Noone and Senator Butler are correct in raising the issue of a two-tier country. Certainly, the value in Dublin is a lot different from that outside of the M50 or the Red Cow Inn. It is a matter that should be addressed by the stakeholders in the sector.

Senators Davitt, Feighan and Norris referred to the invitation to be extended to Pope Francis. It is a matter for the CPP and the Dáil. I am happy to lend my support to his visit. Certainly, the visit of His Holiness, Pope Francis, to Ireland is a welcome one. On a personal level, I certainly hope that he will travel north and meet both unionists and nationalists, Protestants and Catholics, in the North of our country. The symbolism and the importance of that trip north would be huge in the history of our country. Today, Fr. Tim Bartlett visited the House. I happen to be a former seminarian colleague of his in Maynooth. He is working hard on the visit. I hope that Pope Francis comes to Ireland, that his visit is a positive one and that he communicates a positive message to all of us on the island of Ireland.

Senator Coghlan raised the matter in regard to The Irish Timesand I would be happy to defer to him on that. I was not aware of the protest today to which Senator Paul Gavan referred. There is a need for quality control in training and the teaching of English as a foreign language, TEFL. On the Senator's point, I hope there will be engagement and dialogue to enhance the legislation. I will be happy to ask the relevant Minister to ensure that will happen.