Seanad debates

Friday, 12 March 2021

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

 

10:30 am

Photo of Fintan WarfieldFintan Warfield (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach for the shamrock. I do not believe I have worn shamrocks since I was very young.

Last Monday, the House debated a Sinn Féin Private Members' business motion on the private rental sector. The Government proposed an amendment which referenced the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien. I did not mention it on the night as I did not want to pay any disrespect to the Minister of State, Deputy Noonan, who turned up. The Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, failed to turn up, however. It was reported in the media that he was on a cross-county trip announcing funding for various projects, something which, I believe, could have been done by a short video or press releases, as has been standard over the last year.

Sinn Féin engaged with the Seanad Office on what Private Members' business we were presenting and what it was likely to cover. The officials, therefore, had time to clear their diaries. We have two Private Members' business slots every term. When the Opposition, or any party in this House, brings forward a Private Members' business motion, the Seanad Office should intervene if the Minister offers no viable excuse for not being able to attend.It sends a message to this House and it is contrary to the commitment that the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, has given to this House on numerous occasions when he has been here for legislation.

The Taoiseach has said he supports lowering the voting age to 16. We understand from reports in the press that Fianna Fáil want this on the agenda. It is necessary, prior to any referendum, that we legislate to lower the voting age for local and European elections. To show our support and to thank the Leader, we in Sinn Féin have retabled our vote at 16 years Bill for debate on Committee Stage. I thank the Leader for that. This is the change young people deserve and it is supported by organisations that support young people. I thank the Civil Engagement Group for working with me in the past on lowering the voting age.

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