Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

During our time in opposition, we were on the fifth floor.

I wish to return to the important point Senator Craughwell made. He suggested that we are facing a winter of discontent, which is disappointing. There is a public sector pay mechanism in place to allow for discussion and the hammering out of deals, etc. It is disappointing that we now have a plethora of unions coming forward with more demands. While that is their right, we must balance expectation against reality in terms of what we can afford. I hope that there will be no strikes. It is important to understand that the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform is committed, along with the rest of the Government, to reaching with the various unions an overall public service stability agreement that will serve us well. We all know what happened in the past when we did not have collective bargaining. It is important that we continue with this model into the future.

Senator Conway-Walsh referred to bondholders. It is important to point out that the State has benefited to the tune of €1.2 billion. That money will be used to improve our Exchequer borrowing requirement, thus reducing our level of debt. This debt reduction will mean that more money will be available for services and for prescription drugs, which were also mentioned. While I understand where the Senator is coming from, I must also point out that the Attorney General advised the Government that not paying the subordinate bondholders would not stand up to constitutional challenge. The Government must listen to the advice of the Attorney General, as the Senator knows. It is important to recognise that the Government has done a good job in term of managing all of the elements involved and getting money back for the State, which it is now using to benefit the people.

On behalf of the House, I congratulate Senator Bacik for her work on the committee that was involved in the Vótáil 100 commemorations. The display in the anteroom, the debate we had here last week and the ongoing series of debates and engagements in respect of Vótáil 100 are testimony to the importance of the Oireachtas and a tribute to the leadership of all Members of the House, particularly Senator Bacik. I thank all Members who worked on this, as well as staff of the communications unit and the Houses of the Oireachtas. They made a tremendous contribution. Senator Bacik specifically mentioned Mr. Derek Dignam. I would also like to thank him for his work. Congratulations again to all involved.

I am happy to organise a debate on Brexit in the new year and a motion will go before the Committee on Procedure and Privileges today regarding the Brexit committee. Senator McFadden referred to the losses incurred by RTÉ, the national broadcaster, and the inordinately high salaries being paid to some who work for the organisation. It beggars belief when one sees some of the salaries involved. I know that people work hard in RTÉ but some of the salaries being paid are incredible. While I am on the subject of RTÉ, I wish to congratulate Ms Martina Fitzgerald on her work as a political editor. I do not want to get involved in the internal machinations in RTÉ but her departure is disappointing for those of us who have got to know Ms Fitzgerald on a professional and personal level. Every day she brings balance, insight and fairness to her job. We will all miss her. I want to thank her for her work and express the hope that RTÉ will reconsider its decision. I do not want to get involved in the internal appointments procedure in the organisation but do want to thank Ms Fitzgerald and wish her continued success in her career.

Senator Murnane O'Connor referred to special needs education. A new assessment model has been introduced and each school is given an allocation based on its size, the profile of students and so on. Furthermore, under the review of the special needs assistant scheme, there are now 15,000 special needs assistants working in our education system, which is an increase of 42% since 2011. I agree with the Senator that the entire special needs education model must be reviewed, including resource allocation, transport services, access to speech and language and occupational therapies and so on. It is frustrating for everyone that there are young boys and girls in school who do not have the resources they need. That beggars belief, particularly when one considers that we have increased the budget for education substantially. There have been significant changes in our education system in recent years but the Senator's point is both valid and well made.

Senator Boyhan referred to the Local Government Bill. It is my intention to have a debate on local government in the new year, specifically on the issue of directly elected mayors. Senator Boyhan will be glad to hear that we were in contact with the Minister's office this morning to arrange such a debate for the end of January. I acknowledge Senator Boyhan's remarks on the planning and development regulator.

Senators Colm Burke, Lombard, Paddy Burke and Ned O'Sullivan raised the important issue of the role of Members of the Upper House in the committee system of the Oireachtas. I wish to express my disappointment at the lack of understanding and the downright ignorance displayed by a Member of the Lower House yesterday. The Cathaoirleach will not allow me to name the individual Deputy but it is disappointing that a Member of the Oireachtas should behave in that way simply because a Bill proposed by that Member did not get through. As the Cathaoirleach has pointed out, we are required under the Constitution to be part of the Oireachtas. A joint committee cannot sit unless at least one Senator is present. We have the right to vote and to contribute at committee meetings. Many Members of this House have made excellent contributions at committee-----