Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Taoiseach to the House. Others have spoken about the collective work on Brexit, which is important, and the solidarity from our European partners. It is important that Ireland also shows solidarity by engaging actively and genuinely in the debates Europe is facing around a social and sustainable future. Europe is at its best when we are pressing each other to raise standards in terms of environment, equality or employment and when we are willing to challenge countries or groups that seek to erode human rights. I hope the Taoiseach will be able to be a champion on those issues in the decisions to be made ahead.

The Taoiseach spoke about some of the best contributions being given in the Seanad. Occasionally, that is still the case. However, he also spoke about Seanad reform on a previous visit here. Those of us who had put in a Seanad reform Bill on the very first day of this Seanad, recognising the mandate that came from the public in that regard, put aside our Bill to engage in good faith, and I was one of them, in an implementation group for the Manning report, which was in the Government's programme for Government. Despite having produced a report on how that may be implemented, the Taoiseach spoke in the Dáil and questioned all of the founding principles of that report on which he had asked us to produce implementation legislation. I refer to the very principle of giving a direct vote to members of the public on this House. Was the Taoiseach sincere about Seanad reform? If he is sincere about Seanad reform, how can he deny the public a direct vote on this House?

The Taoiseach must show that his words and actions are strong and meaningful. There are responsibilities which cannot be abdicated to the market, the EU, officials or any Department. We need to know that he is able to make choices for the common good even when it goes against some corporate interests or pressure. For example, on housing, we need to know he will take the decisions to have the State build and rent social housing but that he will also seek to shut down the investment loopholes which are distorting and toxifying the housing market rather than exporting our vulture fund model to Europe as is currently proposed. Everyone knows that the market will not fix housing, nor will it fix climate change. Again, political leadership is needed, and it is needed in this budget.

Lastly, if Ireland is sincere in terms of peace, disarmament, immigration and human rights, I ask the Taoiseach to take action to deliver safe passage to and not block our International Protection (Family Reunification)(Amendment) Bill to ensure that Ireland is a voice of peace and human rights that supports families to be united together. I ask him to lift any money message on that Bill, on which my colleague will expand.