Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise a number of issues. Yesterday I spoke about the Women of Honour report as we heard about it in the media. Today we have a little more information in regard to that report. Once again I thank the Women of Honour and indeed the Men of Honour who have come forward in regard to stark revelations in the report. Once again I note the substantial work that Senator Clonan and Katie Hannon have done on this issue. It is good that the Government has decided to publish the report at this time. It is also important to note the work of the members of the independent review group.

The report illustrates and highlights a range of out-of-date policies and practices that are not fit for purpose in terms of tackling unacceptable behaviour such as bullying, discrimination, harassment and sexual harassment.I congratulate the Tánaiste on ensuring the report will be a catalyst for transformation within the Defence Forces. The establishment of a statutory inquiry and an external oversight body, as well as changing the legislation to ensure that offences within the Defence Forces can be reported to the Garda, are very important. Work on cultural change and restoring confidence must start now. I wish all those who will be involved in a commissioning ceremony at Collins Barracks this afternoon well. All those considering a career in the Defence Forces should know the culture will change - the Government will ensure it does.

I recently raised issues relating to dog wardens and dog controls and the impact of that, particularly on sheep farmers in south Kildare. My colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy McConalogue, brought together an interdepartmental working group to look at areas such as enforcement of relevant laws at local level, microchipping, licences, breeding establishments and the sale of dogs. I am pleased the group has come forward with 15 strong recommendations, under which an extra 40 dog wardens will be put in place throughout the country. It is an important matter I have raised previously. I am pleased that the report has been forwarded.

I was shocked to learn that the ESB recorded an operating profit of €847 million last year. I do not know whether other Members had a similar reaction to the news. That level of profit is shocking when one thinks of the bills people are paying. On Monday I spoke to a dad of four. The most recent electricity bill received by that single-income family is €1,100. It is not sustainable. I acknowledge the electricity credits and the discounted VAT rate but enough is not going to the end user. The Government has to do something about this.