Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In response to the matter raised by Senator Wall, the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, has given a commitment in regard to the licensing laws and to the introduction of whatever legislation is needed to ensure there is no issue with regard to outdoor hospitality for the summer ahead.

I would like to raise with the Leader the issue of Bóthar in respect of which there have been numerous reports in the media over recent weeks. Are there questions that need to be asked of the Charities Regulator given that every couple of months there is an issue with regard to a particular charity and its finances? This is becoming so commonplace, people no longer have confidence in supporting various charities. The Charities Regulator needs to put in place additional controls in regard to these issues.

I would also like to raise an issue of behalf of members of Bar Council from my local area and the fees that have been paid to them. Some junior barristers are earning only €25 per day. This is the only group that has not had any restoration of cuts imposed in response to the downturn in our economy. I call on the Government to restore the link with public sector pay agreements and engage in a process to unwind the cuts applied to professional fees. A local barrister I know is asking that his profession be treated fairly and reasonably, consistent with the approach taken with other groups of workers for whom the State is the paymaster. I am not sure the public is aware that there are people working in our courts earning only €25 per day. That is not acceptable.