Seanad debates

Wednesday, 27 February 2013

10:30 am

Photo of Maurice CumminsMaurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding the address to the House by Ms Emer Costello, MEP, on Thursday, 28 February, to be taken without debate on the conclusion of the Order of Business; No. 2, the Taxi Regulation Bill 2012 - Committee Stage (resumed), to be taken on the conclusion of No. 1 and to be adjourned no later than 2.30 p.m.; and No. 3., statements on the final report of the interdepartmental committee set up to establish the facts of State involvement with the Magdalen laundries, to be taken at 5.30 p.m. and to conclude no later than 7.30 p.m., with the contributions of group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes, those of all other Members not to exceed five minutes and the Minister to be called on to reply to the debate no later than 7.20 p.m. Private Members' business, No. 22, motion No. 11, shall be taken at 3.30 p.m. and conclude no later than 5.30 p.m.

Photo of Marc MacSharryMarc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)
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I propose an amendment to the Order of Business, namely, that the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, come to the House to explain what alternatives to the cutting of the mobility grant and transport allowance, as announced so suddenly last night, were examined and deemed illegal. I cannot understand what this Government has against people with disabilities. We have seen this with career guidance, special needs assistance and countless other areas. I found it troubling that the word used by the Minister of State, who could not have been personally responsible, was "agonised". I should probably be calling on the Taoiseach to come to the House to explain the matter. The press release states the Government "agonised" over taking this decision. It has had two years to assess what could be have been done rather than introducing a measure that affects the most vulnerable, who number 4,700. It is laughable in light of the supposed equality spin in the Croke Park negotiations, in which a cut of 8% or 9% is sought for people on ¤150,000 per year. The vulnerable to whom I refer are expected to take a cut of 20%.

As stated this morning by Mr. John Dolan, chief executive of the Disability Federation of Ireland, disability grants of ¤10,000 per annum are to be cut by 20%. What clowns in the public service or at Cabinet came up with this proposal? What alternatives were considered and termed illegal? Was a 3% increase in universal social charge for those earning more than ¤100,000 considered? Was consideration given to amendment of the disability Act? Despite the Government's claim that it agonised over this decision, there was no consultation with the disability sector. It makes me sick. There is no justification for this cut. The Government has failed the disability sector. As I have often stated in this House, there are many reasons for failure but there are no excuses for it. The Minister needs to come to this House to account for this criminal behaviour and treatment of people with disabilities.

Photo of Ivana BacikIvana Bacik (Independent)
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It is hard to listen to Senator MacSharry's manufactured outrage over an issue which Fianna Fáil when in Government failed to tackle.

Photo of Ivana BacikIvana Bacik (Independent)
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It could have been tackled then. The Ombudsman's finding predates this decision. The Minister of State, Deputy Lynch, said that a review group will be established to consider how best to address the Ombudsman's finding and to operate these schemes-----

Photo of Marc MacSharryMarc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)
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The horse has bolted. Consultations on an issue do not take place after the fact rather they take place before it.

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator Bacik without interruption.

Photo of Ivana BacikIvana Bacik (Independent)
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Fianna Fáil in government-----

Photo of Marc MacSharryMarc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)
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I was never in government.

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator MacSharry, please.

Photo of Marc MacSharryMarc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)
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If I have a credible point to make whether the previous Government did or did not do something is not my concern in defending the people.

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator MacSharry please respect the Chair. Senator Bacik without interruption.

Photo of Ivana BacikIvana Bacik (Independent)
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The Senator is like Pontius Pilate washing his hands of the previous Government, of which he was part.

Photo of Marc MacSharryMarc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)
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No. I do not need any Biblical rhetoric from Senator Bacik.

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator Bacik without interruption, please.

Photo of Ivana BacikIvana Bacik (Independent)
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It is hard to listen to that hypocrisy. The previous Government could have dealt with this issue and did not.

Photo of Marc MacSharryMarc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)
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This Government supposedly agonised over its decision to wipe out payments for 4,700 people.

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator MacSharry has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business. Please allow Senator Bacik to continue without interruption please.

Photo of Mark DalyMark Daly (Fianna Fail)
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Senator Bacik has not asked a question of the Leader.

Photo of Ivana BacikIvana Bacik (Independent)
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The Leader will deal with the amendment to the Order of Business.

Photo of Marc MacSharryMarc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)
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Sit down then.

Photo of Ivana BacikIvana Bacik (Independent)
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I will not be told to sit down by anyone other than the Cathaoirleach.

Photo of Marc MacSharryMarc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)
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Has the Senator something to say?

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator MacSharry is out of order.

Photo of Ivana BacikIvana Bacik (Independent)
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I welcome the announcement yesterday that the bank guarantee, introduced by the previous Government in, as we all know, appalling circumstances, will come to an end on 28 March. This is an important step towards normalisation of the banking sector in Ireland. It is welcome also in the context of the insolvency legislation, which again the previous Government failed to introduce. I am sure colleagues on both sides of the House welcome the ending of the bank guarantee.

I also welcome the publication of the climate action and low carbon development Bill, which was promised by the previous Government and is now being delivered on by this Government. I welcome that an independent advisory body is to be established under that Bill and that this legislation will make our EU targets on climate change Irish targets, which will be binding politically on this and future Governments. As the Senator who introduced the first climate change in the Oireachtas in October 2007, I am welcome that at last we will have Government legislation setting binding targets on climate change. This is a hugely important issue, one which has often been overlooked in the past few years owing to the economic crisis. I welcome that the Government has finally grasped the nettle on this.

I ask that the Leader provide time for a debate on the crisis in Syria. I note from the Human Rights Watch report today that 71 children were among those slaughtered in Aleppo during the past few days. We need to keep our eye on this issue and ensure we are doing all we can, through the Department of Foreign Affairs and the EU, to ensure the humanitarian crisis in Syria is ended.

Photo of David NorrisDavid Norris (Independent)
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If acceptable to Senator MacSharry, I am pleased to second his amendment.

Photo of Marc MacSharryMarc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)
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Absolutely.

Photo of David NorrisDavid Norris (Independent)
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I formally second the amendment. I do so in what I believe is an impartial manner because I agree with Senator Bacik that this issue has been around for at least five years. The previous Government did nothing about it. Perhaps its way of dealing with the issue was to ignore it.

Photo of Ivana BacikIvana Bacik (Independent)
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That is how it dealt with a lot of issues.

Photo of David NorrisDavid Norris (Independent)
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That had a slightly humane touch to it in that it did not remove this important grant to the most vulnerable people in our society. The previous Government, of which Senator MacSharry was not a member and as such is not culpable in this regard, abolished the combat poverty agency and reduced the status of the equality authority. I recall previously saying in this House that we need a group like the equality authority or human rights commission to equality proof all our legislation. In my view, all legislation should be proofed by professional bodies established by the Oireachtas to ensure they comply with equality legislation and national and international human rights provisions.

This is a shocking business. This is two attacks on the people in one day. As a result of accumulated taxes, people with mobility difficulties will have a significant amount of their income withdrawn. It is now also proposed that they and everybody else will have to pay for a television licence whether or not they have a television. How absurd? There are people in remote areas of this country who neither have a television nor a computer. Is there any sense of equity or justice? These are the meanest and cruelest cuts of all. I call on the Leader to request the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Rabbitte, come to the House to explain, as indicated by him yesterday, the reason he does not intend to introduce a privacy Bill. There are two privacy Bills on the Seanad Order Paper. Every politician, including those who will vote against it, believes privacy legislation is necessary. It has been proven that it is necessary. The Leveson inquiry to which I made a submission showed this is necessary. It implicated the media in this country in what was being done.

On climate change, I salute Senator Bacik for placing a climate change Bill before this House. Such a Bill was approved by all parties in the appropriate committee of the Oireachtas. I understand Senator Bacik had assistance from Friends of the Earth in the preparation of her Bill. That organisation is totally against the Government's Bill. It believes this Bill is inadequate. It has stated that the Government rather than grasping the nettle is watering and putting manure on it. We need a robust debate on that issue in this House. I am sure Senator Bacik will make an excellent and trenchant contribution to that debate.

Photo of Jim D'ArcyJim D'Arcy (Fine Gael)
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I call on the Leader to request the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Deenihan, to extend the cut off time of 28 February in respect of the burning of scrub on the uplands. As the past year has been very wet farmers on the uplands have not had an opportunity to burn scrubs. The cut off date in Northern Ireland is 15 April. As a result of the cut off date here farmers in the Cooley peninsula will from this Friday be unable to burn scrubs while their colleagues on the Mourne Mountains continue to do so. The UK is ahead of the posse environmentally. The cut off date in Scotland is 30 April, with room for extension. I believe that at least an extension here should be provided this year. Apart from the dangers involved, including the burning on the mountain of scrubs by vandals and so on, which has happened previously in Donegal and other places, the over-grown vegetation creates problems for sheep grazing and grass population as the woody old heather is indigestible.

It is urgent because the time is up tomorrow. We must get a response from the Minister before then.

10:40 am

Photo of Terry LeydenTerry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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I wish to ask the Leader to arrange time to discuss the question of the membership of semi-State bodies arising from an article in The Sunday Times on 24 February 2013. This coalition Government vowed to end cronyism but State jobs are going to political appointees according to an article by Colin Coyle and Mark Tighe. It is a well-researched article which points out that 32 appointments have been made to State bodies by the Labour Party and 26 by the Fine Gael party. These appointments are totally political.

Photo of Fidelma Healy EamesFidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)
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How many political appointments did Fianna Fáil make?

Photo of Terry LeydenTerry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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It is a question of appoint, appoint and disappoint. Fianna Fáil and Independents need not apply. There is no room in the inn as far as they are concerned.

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Does Senator Leyden have a question for the Leader?

Photo of Terry LeydenTerry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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That is the question I am putting.

Photo of Terry LeydenTerry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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I wish to say to my Labour Party colleagues that their manifesto made reference to jobs, reform and fairness. In that regard, the Labour Party and particularly its leader in this House, needs reminding-----

Photo of Ivana BacikIvana Bacik (Independent)
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I thank Senator Leyden for that.

Photo of Terry LeydenTerry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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-----that it promised to end political cronyism.

Photo of Ivana BacikIvana Bacik (Independent)
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I will not take lectures on cronyism from Senator Leyden or Fianna Fáil.

Photo of Terry LeydenTerry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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The Labour Party promised to end the system whereby appointments to State boards are used as a form of political patronage and for rewarding insiders. It said that in future appointments to boards must be based on the capacity to do the job. It added that it intended to start that process immediately and to that end, it would reserve the right to seek the resignation of all those appointed to State boards since 22 November 2010. The party promised to publicly advertise all vacancies, invite applications from the public and create a database of citizens who were willing to serve on State boards.

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator Leyden, do you have a question for the Leader?

Photo of Terry LeydenTerry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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That is the point I am making. That is what the Labour Party said but what did it do? It appointed its nominees to State bodies in accordance with the political commitment of the individuals. Fine Gael said that tackling cronyism and featherbedding in politics ---

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator Leyden, are you looking for a debate on this issue?

Photo of Ivana BacikIvana Bacik (Independent)
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He is making a speech.

Photo of Terry LeydenTerry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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Yes, I am. It said that vacancies would be advertised on the website of the Public Appointments Service-----

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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These matters can be raised in the course of said debate.

Photo of Terry LeydenTerry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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-----and a short list of qualified applicants would be presented to Ministers to facilitate the transition. That is a lie. Fine Gael lied to the Irish people to get votes. The Government is doing the very opposite of what it promised to do.

Photo of Ivana BacikIvana Bacik (Independent)
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I did not think that sort of language was allowed in this Chamber.

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator Leyden, "lie" is a very strong word to use in this Chamber.

Photo of Terry LeydenTerry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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It is accurate. I have explained-----

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator Leyden, I ask you to withdraw that remark.

Photo of Terry LeydenTerry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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No. I have explained-----

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator Leyden, you know the procedure in this House. That is not parliamentary language.

Photo of Terry LeydenTerry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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I explained myself. I know that the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Rabbitte, said we should not believe these ould manifestos, that they do not mean anything and are only makey-up things but-----

Photo of Marc MacSharryMarc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)
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That is what he said. It's just something parties do before elections.

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator Leyden, I ask you again to withdraw the word "lie".

Photo of Terry LeydenTerry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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It is a political charge.

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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It is not a political charge.

Photo of Terry LeydenTerry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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I did not name any individual. I accused two political parties of lying and I can prove ---

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator Leyden, please.

Photo of Terry LeydenTerry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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-----without fear of contradiction that they lied. They are appointing, appointing and disappointing.

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator Leyden is way over time. I call Senator Landy.

Photo of Terry LeydenTerry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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Every one of the appointments is political.

Photo of Marc MacSharryMarc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)
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Many of them did not apply for the positions at all.

Photo of Terry LeydenTerry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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The jobs are going to the Labour Party and Fine Gael.

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator Leyden knows quite well that he is not supposed to display newspapers in the Chamber.

Photo of Terry LeydenTerry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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Fine Gael is losing ground because the Labour Party is making more appointments than it is.

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator Leyden, resume your seat please.

Photo of Terry LeydenTerry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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I want a debate on this issue.

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Resume your seat, please.

Photo of Terry LeydenTerry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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I am glad the Cathaoirleach accepts the fact that "lying" is an appropriate word for lies.

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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It is not an appropriate word and I have asked the Senator to withdraw it. Senator Landy is next.

Photo of Denis LandyDenis Landy (Labour)
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I must say it has stood Senator Leyden well. He made it up as he went along for 35 years and is still going strong.

Photo of Jim D'ArcyJim D'Arcy (Fine Gael)
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How many boards did he have a stranglehold over?

Photo of Terry LeydenTerry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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I am not on any board.

Photo of Denis LandyDenis Landy (Labour)
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As regards amateur dramatics, the stage is still going strong here in the Seanad.

I wish to raise an issue concerning local government and the specific proposal in the Putting People First policy document to abolish town councils in 2014. In that context, I am concerned about the issue of the renewal of town development plans. Under the Planning and Development Act 2000, it is a requirement of every local authority town council to begin the process of renewing the plan after four years of the six-year term. Many town councils across the country have commenced plans in recent months which will never come into play because of the proposal to abolish said councils. These plans cost money, time and resources which cash-strapped town councils can ill afford. All of these elements of time, money and manpower will be wasted because the plans will never come to fruition. In that context, I ask the Leader to ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will establish how many town councils are at this particular stage of their town development plans and furthermore, if he will amend the Planning and Development Act of 2000 to ensure that the current development plans extend up to the local elections of 2014. This will save a massive amount of money across the State, both for local authorities and the Exchequer.

Photo of Feargal QuinnFeargal Quinn (Independent)
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This week it was reported that Deputy Jerry Buttimer, a former Member of this House, is planning to introduce legislation for presumed consent for organ donation. He has a very solid reason for doing this because there has been a considerable drop in the number of organs being transplanted. I ask the Leader to draw the attention of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children, of which Deputy Buttimer is the Chair, to the fact that this House debated and adjourned the debate on such a Bill about three years ago. The debate was adjourned to allow for further consultation. The Bill has already been debated in this House and has almost passed through the Second Stage process. The Leader drawing the committee's attention to this would speed up the presumed consent legislation. This is something we should do immediately given the fact that there has been a considerable drop in the number of organ donations in the last few years.

The second issue I wish to raise is the need for a debate on the question of food and health, particularly in the context of the current horse meat scandal. I am convinced we need a Minister specialising in that area. I accept that the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine is doing a very good job but he has to wear two hats. He has the agricultural hat, which requires him to protect farmers and the food hat, which requires him to protect consumers. There is an enormous need for a concentrated effort with regard to food. More than 25,000 people die in Europe each year because of bacterial infections that are almost impossible to treat. As doctors prescribe even more antibiotics, our bodies develop a resistance to them, yet the meat industry accounts for nearly 80% of all antibiotics that are used. That is the real worry. We talk about horse meat not being a problem but horse meat that contains antibiotics and other medicines could be a danger to human health. This needs a concentrated effort if Ireland is to regain and retain its reputation for having very high standards in food production.

Photo of Fidelma Healy EamesFidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)
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I understand Senator MacSharry's concern for people with disabilities in the context of the mobility allowance and the motorised grant. However, I reassure him that the money will be ring-fenced. We had a clear breach of the Equal Status Act here and that is why the Government had to act. There are times when we must heed the Ombudsman and this is one of them. It is very important for people with disabilities availing of these allowances to know that the money will be ring-fenced.

I rise today to welcome the planned legislation to cut the pensions of the highest-paid public servants, including politicians and semi-State CEOs. However, I have two requests in connection with that. First, the legislation must also include bankers who received enormous pensions from State funds as a result of bank recapitalisation and second, that the cut goes further because at present, it does not go far enough. We must show leadership from the top. This House should debate the amount by which pensions should be reduced. I believe the cut should be up to 20% because everyone is taking a cut and those at the bottom are taking a 5% cut. Those at the very top must show leadership. I ask the Leader to arrange for a debate on this proposed legislation in the House because this issue is registering, in a big way, with the public at large.

I am very pleased to see the Central Bank showing leadership with its stated intention to discuss burden sharing with the banks and credit unions for people who cannot handle their debts. That is what I call leadership. We must move on this issue together.

The Government is taking good steps, but let us bring the people with us. They believe that it is okay to suffer cuts because those at the top are also taking cuts.

10:50 am

Photo of Trevor Ó ClochartaighTrevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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Is minic muid ag cáineadh an Rialtais, ach inniu ba mhaith liom fáilte, fáilte sheachantach i dtosach báire, a chur roimh an scéal a tháinig thar oíche maidir le cúrsaí iascaireachta agus na comhráití atá ar bun.

I will offer a cautious welcome for last night's announcement on a debate on the discards issue in the EU. We have been raising it constantly with the Minister, who has been working on it. We look forward to a debate when he returns from the negotiations so that we can see what the detail entails before we fully endorse what has been agreed. That it seems to be going in the right direction is good news for fishermen and consumers alike.

I wish to raise the issue of the scrapping of the mobility allowance and the motorised transport grants. This morning, the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, mentioned that the HSE was examining the issue in depth. However, that contradicted what she and the Minister for Health, Deputy Reilly, told the Joint Committee on Public Service Oversight and Petitions, namely, that the issue had been under examination for two years. The previous Government did not heed the recommendations of the Ombudsman, who has addressed the committee at length on this issue and on the breach of the Equal Status Act. She neither suggested nor, I imagine, endorsed the scheme's scrapping.

It is important that the relevant available Minister attend the House so that we might examine what will be put in place. In terms of this issue, the most important people are those with disabilities. They need access to transport if they are to be mobile in rural and urban areas where it is difficult to get around or there is no public transport. The Ombudsman has called it a puzzling decision. I was puzzled, having sat and listened to the Minister and Minister of State tell the committee that they were unsure as to which decision they would make. They never indicated that they would take the retrograde step of scrapping the measures without putting in place a replacement scheme to ensure that people with disabilities were catered for.

Photo of Paschal MooneyPaschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)
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Some months ago, I raised a question with the Leader about the deteriorating state of secondary roads around the country. My concerns have been reflected in the report of a group of engineers that was published this week. It rated the country's roads, from motorways to local roads. That there has been a severe deterioration is obvious. I advised the Government that it should not follow the route taken by the coalition Governments of the 1980s, which left a legacy of roads deteriorated beyond acceptable levels that successive Governments spent ten or 15 years trying to restore.

I ask that the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Hogan, outline to the House Government policy in this regard the next time he is in attendance. There has been a deafening silence from the Government on the report. The deterioration is insidious. People in local authorities, particularly those responsible for financial and road planning, will point out that the cuts of recent years have reached unsustainable levels. I am not so much concerned by the fact that we are storing up a legacy for a future Government as I am by the fact that safety is at risk owing to the state of many roads.

Photo of Jimmy HarteJimmy Harte (Labour)
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The Opposition is again challenging decisions that the current Government has made mainly because of the former Government's inaction. It is a mantra. Senator Norris, who has left the Chamber, mentioned that the Members were not-----

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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We do not refer to anyone who has left the Chamber.

Photo of Jimmy HarteJimmy Harte (Labour)
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He mentioned that the Fianna Fáil Senators were not members of the last Government. I am sorry to disappoint him, but they were.

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Has Senator Harte a question for the Leader?

Photo of Jimmy HarteJimmy Harte (Labour)
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Senator Leyden referred to the appointment of members of political parties to State boards. I was a member of Letterkenny Town Council for 17 years. For 15 of those years, every position on every committee was unapologetically and gleefully taken up by Fianna Fáil.

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Has the Senator a question for the Leader?

Photo of Jimmy HarteJimmy Harte (Labour)
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My question relates to Senator Leyden's call on the Minister. Fianna Fáil should consider the damage it did to public bodies over the years between county councils-----

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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That is not appropriate to the Order of Business. Has the Senator a question for the Leader on today's business?

Photo of Brian Ó DomhnaillBrian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)
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This Government is abolishing that council.

Photo of Jimmy HarteJimmy Harte (Labour)
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Abolish the Fianna Fáil party.

Photo of Brian Ó DomhnaillBrian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)
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Who is abolishing his own town council?

Photo of Jimmy HarteJimmy Harte (Labour)
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I have no problem with that. The people will decide. I ask Senator Leyden-----

Photo of Marc MacSharryMarc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)
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What about the two people who-----

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator Harte without interruption. Has he a question for the Leader?

Photo of Marc MacSharryMarc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)
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What about the two who did not apply for the job?

Photo of Jimmy HarteJimmy Harte (Labour)
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The Leader can ask the Minister to explain the appointments to the House. I will follow up by saying-----

Photo of Marc MacSharryMarc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)
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A Labour press officer and an activist were appointed to a State body.

Photo of David NorrisDavid Norris (Independent)
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On a point of order, will the Cathaoirleach point out to Senator Harte that I left the Chamber on Seanad business and am now back? I thank him for his concern for my well being.

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Does Senator Harte have a question for the Leader?

Photo of Jimmy HarteJimmy Harte (Labour)
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The Minister should explain to us how those political appointments were made. During my time on Letterkenny Town Council, Fianna Fáil took every position.

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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That is not relevant to the Order of Business. I call Senator Ó Murchú.

Photo of Jimmy HarteJimmy Harte (Labour)
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At the last election-----

Photo of Marc MacSharryMarc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)
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That is a great defence.

Photo of Brian Ó DomhnaillBrian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)
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That is democracy.

Photo of Jimmy HarteJimmy Harte (Labour)
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I will conclude by saying that-----

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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It is not relevant to today's business. I have called Senator Ó Murchú.

Photo of Jimmy HarteJimmy Harte (Labour)
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When the new council was formed after the last election, we offered Fianna Fáil the chairmanship and the vice chairmanship because it was in the minority.

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator, that is not relevant to the Order of Business.

Photo of Jimmy HarteJimmy Harte (Labour)
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Fianna Fáil refused the offer-----

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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I have called Senator Ó Murchú.

Photo of David NorrisDavid Norris (Independent)
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This is the Senate, not a town council. Let me spell it, S-E-N-A-T-E.

Photo of Labhrás Ó MurchúLabhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)
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Any humane person can understand Senator MacSharry's passion for the issue that he raised. The same passion exists on the other side of the House. For a long time, I have had the feeling that many of the difficulties relating to vulnerable people - those who are handicapped or disadvantaged - do not stem from party policies, but from an attitude that might exist in every country. It certainly exists in Ireland, perhaps as a consequence of the Celtic tiger, namely, hold onto what one has. This attitude applies across the board. One cannot communicate with someone who is not in a position to find an extra ¤2 or ¤3 by getting caught up in semantics. A fundamental change in attitude is necessary. It is not a question of knocking percentages off of people, as knocking a percentage off of someone on a higher income does not mean much to him or her. For people at the bottom of the ladder, however, the same percentage can mean the difference between existence and non-existence.

Photo of David NorrisDavid Norris (Independent)
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Hear, hear.

Photo of Labhrás Ó MurchúLabhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)
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Consider the Croke Park agreement. I have calculated that Senators will suffer a cut of ¤34. This will not be per week, but per year. It is not that Senators have already taken cuts. We have taken major cuts, including in expenses. Rather, the issue has to do with everyone in broadcasting, the media, business and so on. One section attacks another because we will not engage with the need for radical change. If there is no such change, there will be no improvement for people who cannot see any light at the end of the tunnel. They have no reason to get out of bed in the morning. They have broken hearts looking at their children who they cannot feed, keep warm or clothe. Whenever the House holds a debate, let us forget about parties and partisan positions.

Photo of David NorrisDavid Norris (Independent)
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Hear, hear.

Photo of Labhrás Ó MurchúLabhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)
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Let us examine the basic attitudes that are causing many of the problems facing us.

Photo of Michael ComiskeyMichael Comiskey (Fine Gael)
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I support my colleague, Senator Jim D'Arcy, in calling on the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Deenihan, to extend the date for burning on commonages. The Oireachtas committee has discussed commonages a great deal in recent weeks.

It is very important for the management of commonages that farmers are allowed to burn in a managed way until 15 April, as is the case with colleagues in Northern Ireland.

I welcome the agreement overnight on the dumping of fish. That came from a meeting chaired by our Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Simon Coveney. It is a good move as we have seen for a number of years people exceeding a quota and dumping perfectly good fish overboard. It is a welcome development.

11:00 am

Photo of Deirdre CluneDeirdre Clune (Fine Gael)
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I remind Senators opposite that the mobility allowance to which they refer is not being scrapped and the ¤10.6 million is ring-fenced. It will remain in place for the next four months while the Minister for Health, Deputy Reilly, and Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, engage with representative groups. They have already met some of the groups-----

Photo of David NorrisDavid Norris (Independent)
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They will not get there for four months.

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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The Senator, without interruption.

Photo of Deirdre CluneDeirdre Clune (Fine Gael)
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-----to see how the matter can be best dealt with. There is no possibility that the money will be scrapped and there is a commitment from the Minister and the Minister of State to continue supporting those who need transport. The money is ring-fenced to be used in an effective manner. I am sure I do not need to remind anybody of the Ombudsman's statement and the advice from the Attorney General that the-----

Photo of David NorrisDavid Norris (Independent)
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When they eventually made up their minds.

Photo of Deirdre CluneDeirdre Clune (Fine Gael)
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I do not understand the statements from the Senators opposite, and it would be helpful if they aided in delivering the message that the funding is still in place rather than give the impression that-----

Photo of David NorrisDavid Norris (Independent)
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It is not.

Photo of Deirdre CluneDeirdre Clune (Fine Gael)
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-----it is scrapped. The funding is still there.

Photo of David NorrisDavid Norris (Independent)
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That is not true.

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator Clune, without interruption.

Photo of Deirdre CluneDeirdre Clune (Fine Gael)
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From 18 March to 22 March we will have Ireland's first alcohol awareness week. It would be an appropriate time to have a debate in the House to highlight the issue and it would be important for us to contribute. The emphasis will be on communities and families and how best they can utilise a role in tackling excesses in alcohol. Will the Leader liaise with the Minister of State, Deputy Alex White, on how this House can best contribute to the debate in that week?

Photo of Brian Ó DomhnaillBrian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)
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I refer to what the Acting Leader and many others have mentioned, the withdrawn mobility allowance and motorised transport grant schemes. An investigation was carried out by the Ombudsman in 2009 and the results were conveyed to the Department in April 2011. That is some time ago and no subsequent action was taken.

There are two issues, the first being the motorised transport grant application. In my county 300 applications for this scheme were refused since 2009, and all of these were under investigation by the HSE. They will remain under investigation but as of yesterday, no person who is unable to walk will be allowed to apply for the grant scheme, which is a disgrace.

Photo of Marc MacSharryMarc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)
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Hear, hear.

Photo of Brian Ó DomhnaillBrian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)
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We can speak in glossy terms but these people cannot make an application. A disabled person who cannot walk and needs a car in rural Ireland will not be able to apply today for that scheme because it is closed.

The withdrawal of the mobility allowance scheme removes ¤6 per day from the pockets of people who cannot walk. That scheme is under review and will continue for four months for that process. We do not know the specifics of the review. Why has it not been-----

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Is the Senator supporting a call for debate?

Photo of Brian Ó DomhnaillBrian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)
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Absolutely, and I commend Senator MacSharry, our health spokesperson, for seeking the debate. The Minister for Health must attend the House to discuss the matter. We can all participate in glossy politics but in the end we must take a stand on this issue as a Chamber. We should stand up for the 5,000 people affected by this issue and the stroke of a pen, despite the promises made by the Minister for Health and his Minister of State at an Oireachtas committee meeting on 6 February. We can see today that those promises are empty.

Photo of Colm BurkeColm Burke (Fine Gael)
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With regard to the mobility allowance, it is important to emphasise that this year we will spend ¤20 billion on social welfare, and we have spent ¤80 billion in real terms in the area over four years. When something is highlighted as requiring a review, it is important that it is done properly. This is as opposed to what happened a number of years ago, when the nursing homes issue was raised. The immediate response of the Government at the time was to rush through emergency legislation and try to make illegal nursing home charges retrospectively legal. That is not the way we are dealing with the matter.

Photo of David NorrisDavid Norris (Independent)
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That was an ex-Fianna Fáil Minister in former Deputy Mary Harney.

Photo of Colm BurkeColm Burke (Fine Gael)
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We are looking to ensure that fair procedures are put in place for dealing with these allowances.

Senator Feargal Quinn raised a very important issue relevant to how matters are introduced in the House. There seems to be an attitude in the Department of Health that an issue must be parked for three years before it can be touched. This also relates to the review of the mobility allowance. Why does it take Departments so long to respond to an issue when it is raised in a genuine fashion? We seem to keep kicking the can down the road so as not to arrive at decisions. We should examine why, when an issue is introduced in the House, it may be three or four years before we try to deal with it. I ask the Leader to raise the matter with the Minister for Health and have a debate on this issue. When something is raised in a genuine fashion, we must try to move it on within a reasonable period.

Photo of Diarmuid WilsonDiarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)
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I also agree with Senator Feargal Quinn's comments on presumed consent with regard to organ donation. We should all agree to fast-track the legislation. It is not only the Department of Health that tends to ask for Bills in this House to be parked and all of them - under all Governments - have tended to do this. I sometimes think that if we want emergency legislation to be passed, we should get Joe Duffy to publish it. It would get through more quickly than if elected representatives in the Oireachtas sought to do it.

I fully agree with Senator Landy's comments on the extension of town development plans. I ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to reverse without delay the decision to abolish town councils, as it is a retrograde step for democracy in this country. Will the Leader confirm that the Education and Training Boards Bill will be in the House next week?

Photo of Aideen HaydenAideen Hayden (Labour)
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I have no doubt that many on the Opposition benches are genuinely concerned about disabled people in the country but I am also certain many are shouting through crocodile tears for political gain. The Fianna Fáil Party was part of the Government for 14 years and it abjectly failed the people. A recent survey indicates 73% of people in the country are going cold because they cannot afford to heat their homes. We had 14 years with a Government that did not deal with the fact that this country is 90% dependent on imported fuel products. It also abjectly failed on the issue of property standards.

Dublin City Council did a sweep of the North Circular Road recently, surveying 500 units, and of them, almost all failed to comply with the minimum standards in legislation. In 14 years, when people were building a house in every field, the Fianna Fáil-led Government abjectly failed to deal with the issues that really affect people in this country, such as whether they can afford to provide heat for themselves. We know some people are staying in bed all day because they cannot afford to heat a house.

We are throwing stones at each other today but those opposite should bear in mind some of the failures of the last Government. I ask the Leader for a debate in the House on the issue of fuel poverty and property standards.

Photo of Jim WalshJim Walsh (Fianna Fail)
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I will take up the point made by Senator Hayden. I, along with others from all sides of the House, regret that the mobility allowance is being terminated. I am sure we all have constituents who will be deprived as a result. Many of these people are in the autumn years of their life and some live alone. The allowance is a prerequisite for any reasonable quality of life for these people.

I have constantly stated in the House that instead of promises not to reduce pay or social welfare rates, I fully accept that corrections must be made to the fiscal position.

It would be far better to do that evenly so that small amounts are imposed on people rather than depriving a person seeking mobility allowance of the entire payment.

I ask the House to come together and condemn the appalling attack last week on the office of the pro-life group, Youth Defence. Human excrement was spread on the doors, windows, shutters and locks of the building. Most profanely of all, images of the poor Indian lady, Ms Savita Halappanavar, who died in Galway, were pinned with excrement to the doors. The mindless people within the pro-abortion advocacy groups who would do that need to be condemned soundly by all sides of the House. I know some Members of the House are pro-abortion, or pro-choice, but we should condemn all of that.

11:10 am

Photo of David NorrisDavid Norris (Independent)
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May I raise a point of order?

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator Norris, on a point of order.

Photo of Jim WalshJim Walsh (Fianna Fail)
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Senator Norris is ignorantly interrupting, as he normally does.

Photo of David NorrisDavid Norris (Independent)
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I am not. Can we please have honest language?

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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What is your point of order, Senator?

Photo of David NorrisDavid Norris (Independent)
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No one in this House is pro-abortion. I strongly object to this unpleasant and vicious characterisation of people who have a conscience and do not want to have a woman with an ectopic pregnancy or who has a child without a head or a brain or a spinal column being forced---

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator Norris, that is not a point of order.

Photo of David NorrisDavid Norris (Independent)
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That is not pro-abortion. That is pro-decency.

Photo of Ivana BacikIvana Bacik (Independent)
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Hear, hear. Well said, Senator Norris.

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator Norris, please resume your seat and respect the Chair. Senator Walsh, have you a question for the Leader?

Photo of Jim WalshJim Walsh (Fianna Fail)
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I am asking the Leader, in view of this intemperate situation, to ask the Minister for Health to come to the House to tell us when the findings of the report into the death of that lady will be announced to the House. I hope choreography is not at play here with regard to publishing the report at the same time as the heads of the Bill, which I suspect is what the Minister is about.

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator, you are out of time.

Photo of Jim WalshJim Walsh (Fianna Fail)
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When the vote is made on this issue in the next few months, we will find out who is pro-abortion and who is not. That will be the acid test.

Photo of Pat O'NeillPat O'Neill (Fine Gael)
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We are hearing misinformation from the other side of the House, as well as crocodile tears and grandstanding. The statement from the Department of Health on the mobility allowance and motorised transport includes the following:


The funding provided for the mobility allowance and the motorised transport grant of ¤10.6 million will be ring-fenced and used for a new scheme to improve access to transport for people with disabilities. There will not be any reduction in funding.
The important words in that statement are "a new scheme to improve access to transport for people with disabilities". That is what it says. The money will be ring-fenced.

Photo of Brian Ó DomhnaillBrian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)
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A person cannot make an application for the grant.

Photo of Pat O'NeillPat O'Neill (Fine Gael)
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Senators on the other side of the House should refrain from these crocodile tears.

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator, have you a question for the Leader?

Photo of Pat O'NeillPat O'Neill (Fine Gael)
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I have two questions for the Leader. First, I agree with Senators Jim D'Arcy and Michael Comiskey and I ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to consider extending the hedge cutting season for one more week. Much work was left undone this year because of the wet weather. The land is only drying out now.

I also ask that the Minister for Finance would change the status of credit unions with regard to money they invested in IBRC, formerly Anglo Irish Bank. Approximately 20 credit unions invested in bonds of ¤500,000 in a special scheme for credit unions. They are not now on the priority list of creditors and face the loss of some of that money. I ask that the Minister, either through legislation or a ministerial order, would change their status in this regard so that ordinary people will not lose their money.

Photo of Susan O'KeeffeSusan O'Keeffe (Labour)
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I support Senator O'Neill's call for an extension to the hedge cutting season by a week, given the poor weather. I ask the Leader to ask the Minister to attend to that matter.

With regard to the Ombudsman's report on the mobility allowance and motorised transport scheme, Opposition Senators have very short memories, as normal. Many of these problems have been around for a very long time.

Photo of Marc MacSharryMarc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)
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What about Sligo hospital? Does Senator O'Keeffe remember that commitment?

Photo of Susan O'KeeffeSusan O'Keeffe (Labour)
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I am talking about these particular grants.

Photo of Marc MacSharryMarc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)
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These cuts. Of course.

Photo of Susan O'KeeffeSusan O'Keeffe (Labour)
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I am talking about Fianna Fail's failure to do anything about them.

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator O'Keeffe, do you have a question for the Leader on today's Order of Business?

Photo of Susan O'KeeffeSusan O'Keeffe (Labour)
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I do. Like others, I am concerned about people who need grants. The Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, addressed the Joint Committee on Public Service Oversight and Petitions, of which I am a member, and said:


That is the other option. We hope the scheme will continue to protect the people most in need. We will have somebody new to devise a scheme. We are inviting someone in to draw it and we will do this with consultation. We are ring-fencing the money. We do not yet know the shape of the scheme. We hope it can be operated, not only in an efficient manner but that those most in need of the service will receive it.
Not many people noticed that committee meeting. The Minister of State made that statement on 6 February.

I welcome the Ombudsman's efforts to make the scheme an equal one for everybody. If we call for a debate on this matter, I am sure the Minister of State will come to the House so that we can add to the sum of knowledge regarding drawing up a new scheme that would be appropriate for those who most need it, which is what we ought to be doing.

To have continued to ignore the Ombudsman's ruling that the scheme was illegal would have been to do what many previous Governments did regarding Ombudsman's rulings about illegality in the Department of Health. I am grateful to the Ombudsman for her perseverance in this matter.

Photo of Michael MullinsMichael Mullins (Fine Gael)
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I join Senator Healy Eames in welcoming the fact that the Government is to introduce legislation to reduce some of the exorbitant pensions paid to retired Oireachtas Members and public servants. I hope the figure will be higher than the reported one of 5%.

Those who were involved in the negotiation of the new public service agreement are to be complimented on their efforts to ensure those who are on higher earnings and are in a position to take most of the pain will do so. That, however, is only part of the picture.

The Government must now turn its attention to other people who are paid out of the public purse and who provide services to Government. I am talking about legal and financial advisers, providers of various outsourced services and people in the semi-State sector who are not covered by the Croke Park agreement. Employees of RTE, contractors and others on very high earnings will be untouched by the Croke Park ll deal. Until the public sees that everyone is making a contribution to the national recovery, we cannot say there is fairness across the board.

Photo of Terry BrennanTerry Brennan (Fine Gael)
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I support the call by my colleagues for the extension of the time for burning shrub on highland, mountain areas and commonage. Having witnessed one of the wettest winters in living memory, we need extra time for the ground to dry out sufficiently for burning.

I also ask farmers on the scenic Cooley Peninsula to desist from burning close to existing magnificent forestry on both sides of the Cooley Mountains and to consider the wind direction when they are burning. It would be difficult to get to those areas with fire brigades if they were needed.

Photo of Paul CoghlanPaul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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There is some significant good news, and we should welcome it. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Coveney, has triumphed again with regard to EU fisheries policy. We all welcome the banning of the discards policy. It never made sense when so many people are hungry in the world. The new policy is to minimise the catching of juvenile fish. I am not aware of all the detail, but I welcome that decision at European level, following the Minister's share in detailed negotiations.

I also welcome yesterday's announcement by the Minister for Finance of the removal of the bank guarantee. Of course, depositors will be protected in the ordinary way. This is another step back to normality and to getting the banks profitable again so that they will make more of their capital available to small businesses and to deserving people throughout the economy.

The availability of credit is to be welcomed.

Once that is opened to SMEs and others, we will greatly welcome it. However, this will allow banks to stand on their own two feet again and break the link between them and the sovereign, which is important.

I join colleagues in appealing to the Minister for the Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, in view of the weather we have had, to extend the season for burning scrub on commonages and high ground and bring into line with policy in Northern Ireland.

11:20 am

Photo of Rónán MullenRónán Mullen (Independent)
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I thank the Leader for his response yesterday on the Order of Business. I was invited to table an Adjournment matter about the promise the Taoiseach gave regarding core funding for Galway hospice and support for its expansion. I will do so but will the Leader use his good offices as well? That was a particularly sensitive promise that needs to be kept. I ask senior people in the main Government party to bring up the issue with the Taoiseach. I acknowledge Castlebar and Roscommon also have important claims regarding hospice care and I support them as well. However, there was something particular about what the Taoiseach said to the late John Cunningham, which ought to be acted on.

I raised the issue of opinion polls in the context of a poll on abortion some time back and I asked for a debate. I concluded my remarks by saying that when the question is asked whether people support current medical practice provided that all necessary medical interventions to protect women's lives are there, there is support for that. That has been confirmed and I draw the House's attention to that. A reputable company, Millward Brown, carried out a poll for the pro-life campaign and found 66% support for protection and safeguarding in law of the current practice of treating expectant mothers and their babies as two patients and doing the best to safeguard both in crisis situations and 63% support for the constitutional protection for the unborn, which prohibits abortion but allows the continuation of the existing practice of intervention to save a mother's life in accordance with medical ethics. That is very encouraging and it points up the importance of asking the correct question that identifies the issues clearly in a non-emotive way. People are often confronted with hard questions about difficult cases that are traumatising for everybody but when they are asked whether they favour the good medical practice we currently have - our great two-patient model - they support it. We have seen that in the latest poll and that is food for thought for the Government as it contemplates bringing in legislation.

Photo of David NorrisDavid Norris (Independent)
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Hear, hear. The way the question is asked is crucial.

Photo of Rónán MullenRónán Mullen (Independent)
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I have described as dangerous and unjust what it is said it will contain.

Photo of Maurice CumminsMaurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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I do not propose to accept Senator MacSharry's amendment to the Order of Business. The dramatic and theatrical performance of the Senator is lost in the House.

Photo of Paul CoghlanPaul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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I always said he was the star pupil.

Photo of Maurice CumminsMaurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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He forgets that the Ombudsman made these points more than five years ago and Fianna Fáil had ample time to do something about them but the party did the same as it did with many other issues - kick the can down the road for somebody else to deal with. That is what has happened.

The mobility allowance will continue to be paid for a further three months in respect of those in receipt and those whose applications have been received and who have been found to qualify. The motorised transport grant will be paid to those in receipt and those whose applications have been found to qualify. No further application will be accepted for either scheme. The Department of Health will immediately undertake a review of the issues and recommend a solution as to the best way to meet the transport and mobility needs of those who require support within the budget available.

The Ombudsman identified that both schemes do not comply with the Equal Status Act 2000. However, an extension of either scheme, as recommended by her, would create a severe and serious financial pressure on the health budget and would be unsustainable. The current budget is ¤10.6 million and the cost of such an extension could be as much as ¤100 million per annum for the mobility allowance and more than ¤200 million over a three-year period for the motorised transport grant. The Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, has, therefore, established a project group to review and examine the issues and recommend an appropriate solution within three months. That is the current position on the matter. When the Minister of State receives the report and comes back with a solution within budget, perhaps I can arrange a debate on the matter at that time.

Senators Ivana Bacik and Paul Coghlan raised the issue of the termination of the bank guarantee. We have ended many of the measures the previous Government brought in. We addressed the IBRC, promissory note and other issues, which plagued the country over the past number of years, and we are gradually regaining our economic sovereignty.

Senators Bacik and Norris referred to the climate change Bill and I hope we will have a debate on that in early course. Senator Bacik also asked for a debate on Syria and the problems there.

Senator Norris seconded the amendment to the Order of Business and called on the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to come to the House to explain why he will not proceed with the privacy Bill. I also note the Senator's comments on climate change.

Senators D'Arcy, Comiskey, O'Neill and others called on the Minister for the Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to extend the deadline for the burning of scrub and hedge cutting. I will bring that matter to his attention. We have had a wet winter and people realise the problems faced by those in the farming community in this regard. I am sure the Minister will act and extend the deadline.

Senator Leyden raised the issue of filling posts on State bodies. They are still littered with Fianna Fáil nominees, many of whom are probably incapable of doing the job.

Photo of Marc MacSharryMarc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)
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On a point of order, on two occasions, I asked the Leader and Deputy Leader for an explanation about the two people appointed to the Heritage Council who did not even apply,

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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That is not a point order. The Senator should resume his seat.

Photo of Marc MacSharryMarc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)
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It still requires the Leader to usefully reflect that before he casts------

Photo of Maurice CumminsMaurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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I will reflect and say that nobody applied for any of the positions Fianna Fáil filled over the years.

Photo of Marc MacSharryMarc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)
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If that is the Leader's defence, I am afraid it is a sad day.

Photo of Maurice CumminsMaurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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I draw the Senator's attention to the more than 100 appointments made to various boards as the people kicked Fianna Fáil out of government.

Photo of Paschal MooneyPaschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)
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Fine Gael did the very same.

Photo of Maurice CumminsMaurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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Fianna Fáil Members should think about that and reflect on that if they are asking me to reflect on this issue. When the party was kicked out of government, it continued to make appointments and none of the appointees applied.

Photo of Marc MacSharryMarc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)
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The Leader is touchy.

Photo of Paschal MooneyPaschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)
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The record shows that Fine Gael did the same.

Photo of Marc MacSharryMarc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)
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Will the Leader answer the question about the two Labour Party activists who did not apply? Did the letter to the people whose application failed say the Government was sorry but that they had to look after two party hacks and thank them for their applying?

Photo of David NorrisDavid Norris (Independent)
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On reflection, I have to award the prize for drama to Senator Cummins.

Photo of Terry LeydenTerry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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Fine Gael was supposed to be a new party with a new manifesto.

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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The Leader, without interruption.

Photo of Maurice CumminsMaurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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Senators Landy and Wilson raised the issue of the development plans of town councils and asked that they be extended. Senator Landy also referred to amending the Planning and Development Acts. I will bring these matters to the attention of the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government.

Senator Quinn referred to presumed consent for organ donations. He has raised this issue on many occasions. I acknowledge his comment that Deputy Buttimer will introduce a Bill similar to that introduced a few years ago. The Deputy was a Member of this House when the original Bill was introduced and, therefore, he should know a great deal about it. Senator Burke referred to the delays on the part of all Governments and Departments, including the permanent government in the Civil Service, in proceeding with Bills that have passed Second Stage in the House. If the Government supports a Bill on Second Stage and is not going to proceed with it, it should introduce its own legislation within a short period and not wait as long we have witnessed in recent years.

I agree with Senator Feargal Quinn, Senator Colm Burke and others in that regard.

Senator Fidelma Healy Eames called for a further cut in pensions to former Ministers. Senator Michael Mullins also raised that point.

Senators Trevor Ó Clochartaigh, Michael Comiskey and Paul Coghlan raised an issue from the discussions last evening on the dumping of fish disregards. We should all compliment the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Simon Coveney, in this regard. When he was in the House to speak about fishing, he said he would raise the matter and continue to raise it at European Union level. I hope, as a result of the meeting yesterday, that the matter has been solved to the satisfaction of all. It was disgraceful that so much fish was being dumped overboard when people are hungry in Europe and in the world. I am glad this issue has been solved once and for all.

Senator Paschal Mooney raised the issue of the deterioration of roads. I agree that there are many roads around the country in urgent need of repair. In January 2012 the Department of Transport announced a ¤100 million, 24 month programme of works to target black spots and include road safety. We are half way through that plan. Work commenced on 31 of the projects in 2012, three of which have been completed. Construction work continues on the remaining 28 projects which are expected to be completed in 2013, as planned, on schedule. When the scheme was announced in 2012 it was made perfectly clear that 29 of the projects, for which no funding is currently available, would be brought through the planning process. These 29 projects will be ready to proceed when funding becomes available. Certainly there are moves in the roads area but I agree that more needs to be done. That is recognised throughout the length and breadth of the country.

11:30 am

Photo of Paschal MooneyPaschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)
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Bring in a supplementary budget?

Photo of Maurice CumminsMaurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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Senator Deirdre Clune mentioned alcohol awareness week. I will try to have the Minister come to the House to discuss that matter.

Senator Diarmuid Wilson raised the extension of town development plans. He also asked about the further education and training Bill. That Bill will come before the House on Thursday next.

Senator Aideen Hayden raised the issue of the failure of previous governments to deal with fuel poverty and property standards. We see the result of that at this time.

Senator Jim Walsh mentioned that the attacks on offices of any group must be condemned. I am sure everybody would agree that they should be condemned. We have witnessed attacks on the offices of various organisations in recent years. As I mentioned last week, the report into the death of Savita Halappanavar was not with the Minister. I understand the report still has not been furnished to the Minister. I will confirm that for the Senator.

Senator Pat O'Neill raised the issue of credit unions. I have raised the matter with the Minister for Finance. I was surprised that credit unions did not withdraw their moneys from these schemes immediately, after IBRC had outlined its problems.

Senator Michael Mullins mentioned the necessity for cuts to legal services and all others who provide services to the State. That is a very good point.

Photo of Michael MullinsMichael Mullins (Fine Gael)
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Maybe we could have the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform come to the House?

Photo of Maurice CumminsMaurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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Senator Rónan Mullen mentioned the results of recent opinion polls. I note his point in that regard.

A number of Members left the House because they had to attend various committee meetings. I remind the House that as and from 1 March, as fully agreed by the House, Members should not go to meetings prior to or during the Order of Business. That takes into consideration meetings that start at 9.30 a.m. as well as meetings that start at 11 a.m. and 11.30 a.m. and similarly on a Tuesday. That will not operate unless all Members comply with the motion unanimously supported by all sides of the House.

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator Marc MacSharry has moved an amendment to the Order of Business, "That a debate to establish what alternatives were examined prior to taking the decision to reduce mobility grants be taken today."

Amendment put:

The Seanad divided: Tá, 18; Níl, 26.

Tellers: Tá, Senators Ned O'Sullivan and Diarmuid Wilson; Níl, Senators Paul Coghlan and Aideen Hayden..

Amendment declared lost.

Question put: "That the Order of Business be agreed to."

The Seanad divided: Tá, 28; Níl, 15.

Tellers: Tá, Senators Paul Coghlan and Aideen Hayden; Níl, Senators Ned O'Sullivan and Diarmuid Wilson.

Question declared carried.