Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Senator Buttimer called for a debate on the HSE's winter plan. That is a good idea. A request to the Minister for Health, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, to come before the House has been made. I have been told that we are tentatively looking at Wednesday, 7 October for the debate and that has been confirmed by the Minister's office.

I was asked to arrange a debate on the aviation sector. It is my understanding that Senator Conway has sought Private Members' time to discuss that topic. Senators, including Senator Gavan, asked for a debate on Shannon Airport. Senator Conway's Private Members' business relates specifically to that airport. That should give all Members scope to discuss the aviation sector, which is in a difficult situation. I echo the sentiments of Senator Gavan on regional airports. My local airport, Ireland West Airport Knock, is in a similar position. If it were to go, it would be devastating for the region.

Senator McDowell raised also raised the winter plan, which I have dealt with. The Senator also made an interesting suggestion to amend the Health Act 1947. The pandemic has thrown up many new issues for the country that we have never dealt with before. We should be concerned with regulations that are imposed on the country without proper debate on their long-term effect. Obviously, we have to be able to respond in an emergency and deal with matters as they arise. The Government has to have such flexibility. The Senator's suggestion is certainly wise and I will pass it on to the Minister for Health.

Senator Niall Ó Donnghaile raised the issue of Emma DeSouza. As others, including Senator Higgins, have said, Ms DeSouza has performed a significant public service to all of us in highlighting the issue. The previous and current Governments completely agree with her position. She absolutely has the right to identify as an Irish and British citizen. That should be respected under the Good Friday Agreement. I was glad and heartened to see that crowdfunding has assisted in the significant legal bill she and her partner are facing. That shows the goodwill of the people in backing up what is a worthwhile and worthy cause she has taken up.

Senator Moynihan raised the issue of defective apartments. The Minister with responsibility for housing was to conduct a review of these homes. I do not have an updated position on that review. Senator Moynihan told the House that the review group has not met and I will take her at her word on that. Certainly, these concerns will be passed to the Minister to try to address the matter. Senator Moynihan also asked that the Minister for Justice and Equality come to the House to discuss the Planning and Development Act. That is a worthwhile proposal which I will pass on to the Minister. On the issue of Covid assessment hubs raised by Senator Martin, it is a very sensible solution and recommendation, given that the hubs currently deal with those over the age of 16. With the return of children to school, it is fortunate that they are broadly unaffected by Covid because it would be a very different pandemic if our children were getting very sick, so we thank God for that small mercy from this deadly virus. It is certainly a sensible suggestion that perhaps there should be a separate location for children in such circumstances so that we can keep our GP practices clear and free as best we can.

I note very clearly the points that Senator Higgins made. She has raised them consistently at the Committee on Procedure and Privileges with all the group leaders. I share her concerns on that front, as does the Leader of the House. This is no way for us to be doing our business. We should be seeking to return to taking all Stages of Bills, as is appropriate, with sufficient spacing between each Stage to allow for amendments, proper scrutiny and debate. I want to see that happen and will relay those concerns up the line. The Senator received agreement throughout the House on that point and there has been widespread praise for her ability and passion in regard to the legislative process, which we are all grateful for. It is very important for all our work as Senators.

Senator Ardagh raised the importance of looking after the south inner city of Dublin. An Taoiseach, Deputy Micheál Martin, visited the constituency with her to meet local residents and examine the issues in that area. There is no doubt that parts of the city are very disadvantaged and are suffering because of that. There was considerable success with the north inner city task force established by the former Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, and there is no doubt that something similar could be very effective for the south inner city too.

Senator Kyne raised the issue of local government funding. I have had the same representations, from not just elected members of local authorities but also council staff. There will be a considerable shortfall this year and again next year, and potentially beyond that point. The Senator rightly pointed out that all the areas of income for local authorities have been severely hampered by coronavirus, such as people applying for planning permission, using council facilities, rates and so on. The suggestion there could be a 30% cut to non-payroll expenditure is very worrying for every local authority and it is incumbent on us to do something about that.

Senator Craughwell raised the issue of the Defence Forces' conditions and pay and the specific issue of the Jadotville soldiers, something on which he has my support. I raised the issue during the previous Oireachtas and cannot understand why it has not been addressed. The Senator and I have discussed the matter on numerous occasions and he has my full support on it. I acknowledge he supports Senator Higgins's motion. As for the issue of ministerial advisers, my view is that it is good that Ministers or Ministers of State seek the advice of those who have expertise in areas where they do not. I would like to know that if Ministers of State at various Departments do not have a particular expertise, they will seek it out and not just go on the hoof and make it up as they go along. Expertise is good, but I take the Senator's point and his views on the matter.