Seanad debates

Thursday, 7 February 2019

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

 

10:30 am

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senators Mullen and Byrne raised the issue of direct provision. I would be happy to have the Minister come to the House to discuss this important matter, which needs clarity. To be fair to both Senators, especially Senator Maria Byrne who has raised it previously, it is a source of concern for parents and school communities.

I do not have an answer to Senator Ó Céidigh's question on why a company has moved. It is important that we have a discussion on job retention in Gaeltacht areas. Bhí an Seanadóir ag caint mar gheall ar Chonamara ach go mórmhór i ngach áit sa Ghaeltacht. It is important that we have people ag obair agus ag caint Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht. Iarrfaidh mé ar an Aire Stáit, an Teachta Kyne, teacht isteach go dtí an Teach.

I join Senator Maria Byrne in congratulating those involved in the first world tag rugby event in the University of Limerick.

I could not agree more with Senator Wilson's comments on education and training boards, ETBs, and the need for recruitment. It is imperative in our education system, especially given the conversation we had about apprenticeships, that the ETBs, which were formerly known as vocational education committees, recruit front-line youth workers and teachers and provide services and facilities. We should have a debate on that. The Minister of State, Deputy Halligan, will be in the House next week and we may be able to dovetail that issue into the debate.

Senator Lombard raised the issue of directly elected mayors of Cork. The point he made is very valid. There is a need for an information campaign, but also a need, if it is successful, for clear, defined roles for directly elected mayors of cities. As Senator Lombard said, that is important, and I believe we should support our local authorities to have that role.

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