Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I would like to address a number of issues to the Leader and to the House, the first of which relates to Tusla. There is a very disturbing report in this morning's newspapers in regard to Tusla and the problems within that agency. The specific issues mentioned are a lack of consistency in how Tusla operates and the retention of staff, which is a particular concern. There are many fine people working in Tusla and doing an excellent job but it is difficult for them within what is described as "an over-centralised out-of-date structure". As we know, children are being moved from social worker to social worker. This is very traumatic for children because it means they have to relive their negative experiences again and again. There are many challenges facing Tusla, including securing foster parents. I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on Tusla, how it operates and what it needs to do to improve.

The other area is remote working and poor broadband and telephone services, particularly in regard to Eir. I welcome that the chief executive of Eir is to appear before an Oireachtas committee this week. Many people are having horrific experiences in their dealings with customer services at Eir. A staff member in my office has not been able to make or receive calls on a mobile for the past four months and cannot access customer services in Eir. As the largest telecoms operator in this State Eir needs to do better. We need to engage with ComReg on this matter and, possibly, a debate in the House on communications would be worthwhile.

The final area is public transport, which is always important. It is important it is accessible, affordable and flexible, particularly for those in the commuter areas outside of Dublin, including Kildare, Laois, Meath and Wicklow. In Kildare, north Kildare is part of a short-hop zone and the remainder of Kildare going forward part of a long-hop zone. There is need for a medium-hop zone, particularly now when many people are working from home and may not need to avail of a full-year annual tax saver ticket. There should be more flexibility for people who need to travel to Dublin once or twice a week. The extension of the Leap card would provide this for people in commuter belt areas. I ask the Leader to ask the Minister for Transport to come the House for a debate on accessible and affordable public transport.