Regina Doherty (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

With the indulgence of colleagues, I will start by addressing our colleague and friend, Eileen. I know how difficult it must have been for the Senator to raise this matter this morning. I want to acknowledge her courage and bravery because if we do not call these things out, they keep perpetuating and it becomes nearly a part of accepted society. I am really sorry that she had to deal with this matter last night. She is definitely not the first and unless we do something, she will not be the last. I think she has started us doing something this morning. The thing that probably struck me the most other than the event last night was what the Senator said this morning, that she came from nothing. She absolutely did not come from nothing. Not only is the Senator an equal Member of this House, she has done so much to highlight the issues on behalf of her community that maybe most of us do not even recognise. What she has done is really important. Her star is rising and will continue to rise. I thank the Senator for her contribution this morning. It is incumbent on all of us to make sure that we not only support the Senator but recognise the difficulties experienced by her community and do something about that.

Senator O'Sullivan called for a debate on the Arab-Israeli conflict. I have asked for the debate on a number of occasions, as I am sure the Leader, Senator Chambers, has. We will ask again and to see if we can have a debate because it would be a worthwhile. There are some misconceptions about what goes on. It is easy to find yourself in a block, not knowing all of the information so it would be valuable for us to hear all of the information and make an informed decision.

Senator Paul Daly sought a debate on provincial transport services and particularly on the fact that in this day and age we still have to take euro or coins out of our pockets to pay for transport when all of us have phones practically stuck to our hands all day, everyday. I will arrange the debate.

Senator Garret Ahearn sought a debate with the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Simon Coveney, on the businesses that continue, quite shamefully, to trade with Russia. I will arrange a debate as quickly as I can.

Senator Catherine Ardagh and the Leader, Senator Lisa Chambers, raised the welcome debate on auto-enrolment. I hope I do not sound a tad bold about it but Séamus Brennan was the first person to bring the idea of auto-enrolment to Departments 22 or 23 years ago. For the couple of years I was privileged to be in the Department, we did a roadshow that travelled around the country to try to elicit ideas and get a critique of what was on offer. We are still doing that but it is five years on. The one thing that struck me was that at one of the roadshows we did in Galway, one of the youngest people - and this refers to what Senator Chambers said - who arrived was a 16-year-old young man who took over the morning with his views and it was so impressive. Senator Chambers is right, in that even if it is only a small amount, people should start saving from the time they start working, whether it is at 16 or 17 years of age or whatever. I welcome the debate and I appreciate it being raised this morning.

Senator Ardagh raised concerns raised in the media this morning about people's frustrations or fears about renting out their houses while availing the fair deal scheme. I think we need to have a campaign to try to avoid that. It is very much needed.

Senator Ward sought greater consultation between businesses and EirGrid or ESB Networks with regard to cutting off access to electricity for upgrades, and I commend that call. In Skerries, during Christmas week, businesses were cut off for two full days which seemed totally illogical but the provider still went ahead and did it, so greater consultation is definitely needed.

Senator Ward also raised the very bizarre issue where legal aid practitioners is the only ones not have their FEMPI restrictions unravelled over the years. That is long overdue and I thank the Senator for raising the issue.

Senator Blaney spoke about the absolute need to progress the A5 route from Dublin to Derry and mentioned the deficit in the north-west region. It is not just in the north-west region. I am always baffled when I leave Ashbourne, which is located so close to Dublin city, that it is the only route - we have the N1 and N2 - where we do not have a motorway. It is absolutely bizarre. I will certainly write a letter seeking progress on the Senator's behalf and on behalf of all of us.

Senator Carrigy reminded us about the autism training next Thursday. I ask him to please remind us next week because it is something we should all do but life is busy around here and sometimes people get sidetracked. The Senator also advocated for Custume Barracks in Athlone to be the designated new headquarters for Army services.

Senator Fitzpatrick asked me to write to the Minister for Transport to ensure Cabra has a station and a stop included in the planning permission for the new DART south west, which is fabulous. Senator Burke asked for a letter to be written to the Minister to highlight the difficulties between local authorities and banks regarding those people who wish to avail of grant of €70,000 to upgrade their houses.

Senator Chambers welcomed the ongoing work on auto-enrolment. She also sought a roadmap and a plan to protect tourism in every county in Ireland where people rely on tourism to make a living. We will write to the Minister on that.

Unfortunately, Senator Gavan had to raise University Hospital Limerick again. It is baffling. I think it may only lead to the conclusion at which he arrived at the end of his speech whereby it is not necessarily the money but it is the implementation of the plans by people which needs to be highlighted. I will ask for this debate again.

Senator Craughwell raised an issue, and I agree with him on reading the response by the Women of Honour yesterday. There is a well-known phrase, which not only relates to women but to anybody who seeks legislative action. That phrase is, "Nothing about us without us". It seems bizarre that we have continued to draft terms of reference for the women who were brave enough to bring their experiences to us. I think I would support them in seeking a tribunal. I acknowledge what Senator Craughwell said.

Senator Malcolm Byrne spoke about the twinning of a school in Bratislava and a school in Gorey, which is amazing. Perhaps we should be doing more of that. It is a lovely idea.