Seanad debates

Tuesday, 12 November 2013

2:30 pm

Photo of Maurice CumminsMaurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Order of Business is No.1, motion of the European Parliament and of the Council amending regulation on jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters, back from committee, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business without debate; No. 2, motion of the European Parliament and of the Council adapting to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union on the regulatory procedure with scrutiny, back from committee, to be taken on the conclusion of No. 1, without debate; and No. 3, statements on Science Week, to be taken on the conclusion of No. 2 and to conclude no later than 5.15 p.m., with the contribution of group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes and those of all other Senators not to exceed five minutes, and the Minister to be called upon to reply no later than 5.10 p.m.

Photo of Marc MacSharryMarc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Will the Leader arrange a debate with the Minister for Justice and Equality on the outcome of yesterday’s Supreme Court decision which was one of quite a number of high profile legal cases recently involving the State?

Lissadell House, a great national amenity and an important iconic attribute in the tourism infrastructure, has been closed in recent years because of the dispute between Sligo County Council and the Cassidy family. While one celebrates that finally this debacle has come to an end, it raises the general question as to how State agencies consider their responses to legal issues. Should there be a centralised unit, perhaps the Office of the Chief State Solicitor, the Office of the Attorney General or some other fora, which local authorities or other State agencies could consult for advice on how best to proceed in difficult circumstances in legal cases? It would seem ridiculous if all State agencies were to take the view that every possible legal case was to be rigorously defended and pursued.

It would beg the question why any barrister would advise any State entity that it had anything other than a solid case, for the sake of his or her own business? Yesterday we heard the trial may have cost up to €12 million, without prejudice to either side. One hopes the Cassidy family will return to Lissadell House, open it to the public and get a worthy return for their valued restoration and investment over the years. This is something we must examine.

I have just come from a meeting of the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission, which is rigorously defending a number of cases that have been taken against it for a variety of reasons. Do we approach this with a cost-benefit analysis and assess it in the same way as if the Leader and I were personally to assess whether we might go to court on an issue? I am not convinced that is the case. There is a need for the Minister for Justice and Equality to examine this issue and, perhaps, have a national resource to which all State entities can refer when considering their response to a legal case.

Equally important is the ongoing fallout from the Newbridge Credit Union and I ask the Leader to have the Minister for Finance come to this House specifically on this issue. He must ask how a reputable and eminent firm such as Ernst & Young can be in situfor two years yet late in the evening a court must be assembled and a credit union pushed into a failed bank. How is that in the best interests of a co-operative movement? While I appreciate the Central Bank does not act lightly, I do not believe it examined every possible outcome. There were suggestions about Naas Credit Union taking over, but were sufficient investigations done to find a solution within the Irish League of Credit Unions? It is far too easy for the Central Bank to amalgamate some of the banks. It regulates a couple of Irish banks and if it had its way it would probably regulate the credit union movement, which would undermine the community nature of this vitally important social financing outlet. It would be worthwhile to have the Minister here to debate this issue.

2:35 pm

Photo of Ivana BacikIvana Bacik (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

There was some discussion last week about motions coming back without debate from the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality. Those of us who were at the justice committee meeting last week participated in a very full debate. I personally questioned the Minister about the nature of some of the proposals in the motions and we were satisfied that there was nothing in them of sufficient concern to delay the approval of exercise by the State. The motions received a full debate and the transcript of the debate is on the Oireachtas website. If anybody else wants a full debate they may ask for it but it may be useful for colleagues to know we had a full debate on those motions before the justice committee last week.

I ask the Leader for a debate on overseas aid in light of the dreadful catastrophe in the Philippines. More than 10,000 people are presumed dead as a result of the typhoon which has wreaked terrible devastation for the people there. There is a significant Filipino community in Ireland who are very distressed by what has happened. I very much welcome the €1 million contribution Ireland has already made. I ask that we invite the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Costello, perhaps in a number of months, to talk to us generally about our overseas aid budget and Ireland's response to this sort of international catastrophe.

I ask the Leader to set a date for the debate on the youth guarantee which the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Burton, promised us last week in the context of the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill. There have been some worrying reports of concerns that sufficient funding is not in place to ensure there will be adequate places for all the people under the age of 26 to be guaranteed a placement in training or education or an internship if they have no employment opportunity. We had a very good debate in this House during the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill debates, particularly about the implementation of the youth guarantee and the Minister, Deputy Burton gave us a personal assurance that she would come here before the end of this session to debate with us the detailed plan for the implementation of the EU youth guarantee.

I ask the Leader if we could set a date for that. I believe early December would be best as she has promised the plan would be with the EU by the end of December, as I understand it, and it would be very useful if we could have a debate before it is submitted.

2:40 pm

Photo of David NorrisDavid Norris (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I also noted there are, once again, two measures to go through without debate. I am not criticising the procedure and we have had an explanation from Senator Bacik, but it does seem to point out how we need to think very carefully before we take sole responsibility for taking all of this material on board. If we fail in this, it will be held against us, so I believe it is dangerous. Every day that goes by highlights this, as far as I am concerned.

I am also a little concerned at the lack of coverage this House is continuing to receive. Basically, only one newspaper covered it last week and, as far as I could see during a scan of the newspaper, the only thing that was covered was a ministerial speech which was redacted. There was no contribution from any Member of the Seanad, so we might as well not have been here. The Minister might have just issued the speech directly to the newspaper and had it redacted. I do not believe that is proper coverage.

I want to also raise the issue of the Battle of Clontarf, the 1,000th anniversary of which is coming up next year. I have been contacted by the head of the O'Brien clan, The O'Brien, Conor O'Brien, Baron Inchiquin, and a number of other people who are concerned that this very historic matter should not go unremarked. We will be extensively marking the commencement of the tragedy of the First World War but the Battle of Clontarf was one of the most significant dates in Irish history and we still have living descendants of the people who fought there. It would be immensely important for tourism and if we could extend the idea of The Gathering and bring people back here for some kind of celebration, including The O'Brien himself and perhaps representatives of the Scandinavian monarchies given the Vikings were heavily involved as well, this would also be very useful. I ask that the Leader would be kind enough to contact the Minister, Deputy Deenihan, who has already been contacted in this regard. While there is general enthusiasm, the people involved in organising these events have found difficulty in getting access to Fáilte Ireland websites and so on.

Finally, I note we had an important debate on the Social Welfare Bill last week. I am not sure there was any great coverage of it but one of the things a number of us pointed out to the Minister was that there is a very sizeable gap between the number of jobs or placements available for jobseekers and the number of people who are going to be unemployed. This was in the context of a serious cutback to €100 a week for those aged under 25. Today, The Irish Times has uncovered a document from within the Department of Social Protection which appears to confirm everything we said, namely, there are less than half the number of places for young people. Instead of fudging these issues in Parliament, we should face them directly and honestly and try to address them.

Photo of David NorrisDavid Norris (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

This is very disillusioning for young people. If we get real honesty from the other side, I am sure it would be met by understanding on this side of the House.

Photo of Paul CoghlanPaul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I find Senator MacSharry's suggestion worthy of merit and no doubt the Leader will comment on it. In light of the two financial scandals that have been highlighted in recent days involving Royal & Sun Alliance insurance and the credit unions, I believe it would be appropriate that we would review how the Central Bank handled both in order to see what lessons, if any, were learned from previous financial calamities affecting the sector.

Photo of Sean BarrettSean Barrett (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Hear, hear.

Photo of Paul CoghlanPaul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Taxpayers are exposed to the tune of €54 million because of what has happened in Newbridge. The people's trust has undoubtedly been betrayed.

It would appear to me that it was reckless lending that forced the State bailout. It is not good enough. We have to hear more from the Central Bank on the issue, which is something that we should pursue later.

2:45 pm

Photo of Kathryn ReillyKathryn Reilly (Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As mentioned by other Senators this afternoon, European leaders are meeting in Paris to finalise the youth guarantee. We all know that the Government announced €14 million in funding for this. Last year the ILO, in a document based on studies of job creation policies across Europe, estimated that the youth guarantee would cost €21 billion in the eurozone. The EU announced that it would provide €6 billion, which was increased to €8 billion, for the youth guarantee. The ILO said that it would cost Ireland €347 million, without administration costs, to implement the guarantee, but Ireland has allocated only 4% of the ILO's recommendation. I acknowledge that the EU has only allocated 38% of the ILO's recommendation, but Ireland should at least match that figure by giving €131 million. It is important to remember in any discussion on the youth guarantee that Ireland can recoup up to 66% of its investment. The ILO has said that the figures are modest when one considers how much youth unemployment and emigration will cost the economy and society. Therefore, I support Senator Bacik's call to arrange a discussion on the youth guarantee, with the Minister for Social Protection in attendance, as soon as possible. It is important for us to debate the substance of the youth guarantee's implementation plan.

Last week, in a response to a parliamentary question tabled by my colleague Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, the Department stated that the OECD, which is working with the Government on the implementation plan, will submit a report to Government at the end of the month. The Government will then examine the report and will submit its plan to the Commission by the end of December. I want us to hold a discussion on the OECD document after it reaches the Government but before the Government submits its plan in December. It is important for us to discuss the substantive implementation issues, given that the OECD has met stakeholders and carried out a wide range of research on the matter and is examining international best practice on how to implement the youth guarantee.

The reply to the parliamentary question further stated that the Government had not decided whether to publish its plan, which is worrying. I call on the Department and the Minister to make sure the plan is finalised, published and made available to the Houses of the Oireachtas to allow us to openly discuss it.

With regard to discussions at the summit today, I remind Members that Angela Merkel urged member states to boost employment among the young on 3 July. Recently, the Minister with responsibility for this area, Deputy Richard Bruton, launched a submission on the Action Plan for Jobs 2014 that comprised seven key themes, but youth employment was omitted. I urge him to make youth employment one of the plan's key priorities, given that it is so important. The USI, the ICTU and the ISSU called for a youth jobs strategy in their document Locked Out, while our own Joint Committee on European Union Affairs called for a section of the next jobs plan to be dedicated to youth employment.

I have a brief question. Can the Leader let us know when the Protected Disclosures Bill, also known as the whistleblower legislation, will return to the House for Report Stage?

Photo of Michael MullinsMichael Mullins (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I support Senator Bacik's call for a debate on Irish Aid. I extend our solidarity in the House to the unfortunate people in the Philippines who are experiencing severe hardship, with over 10,000 people dead and millions of people displaced and left destitute. I welcome the fact that the Government has provided €1 million to the country, but much more is required. I urge the Government to be part of a major international response that will provide help to the people concerned, because what happens in the next week or ten days will be critical in saving the large number of people who are in dire straits.

The generosity of the Irish people is much recognised and I urge citizens to support the Irish organisations working to help the people in the Philippines. Members can also provide practical help. Today I received an e-mail from a staff member who has arranged a coffee morning for next Thursday in order to raise funds for the people in the Philippines.

I support the call to arrange a discussion on Newbridge Credit Union with the relevant Minister.

We also need to discuss how far removed Newbridge Credit Union has been from the aims and objectives of the founding fathers of the credit union movement. It was certainly acting more like a major bank in having leant €3.2 million to one customer, it had a huge office block and was dispensing major loans. There is a major debate and discussion to be had in the House around how Newbridge Credit Union operated and how other credit unions who may be in difficulty have run their business in the past decade.

On a happy note, it is appropriate that we recognise a major sporting achievement by an Irishman, AP McCoy who rode his 4,000th winner last week and has been a champion jockey in England for the past 18 years. He has been a major role model for young people and those interested in sport. We are particularly pleased that he has Galway connections in that his wife, Chanelle, comes from Loughrea, County Galway, and is a member of the Burke family, significant business people and major employers in Loughrea.

2:50 pm

Photo of Marc MacSharryMarc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Tuam Town Council.

Photo of Diarmuid WilsonDiarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

No credit for that.

Photo of Michael MullinsMichael Mullins (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

We send him our sincere congratulations and continued success and hope he gets to that magic figure of 5,000.

Photo of Mark DalyMark Daly (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I ask the Leader to arrange for a debate on the European Union and its policies. A report by Joseph Stiglitz, a Nobel prize winner for economics, stated that Ireland is facing a lost decade because of the policies being imposed upon it by the EU, the troika and the IMF.

Photo of David CullinaneDavid Cullinane (Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Fianna Fáil.

Photo of Fidelma Healy EamesFidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Senator means Fianna Fáil.

Photo of Mark DalyMark Daly (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I do not want to see fatalism being replaced by pessimism and in light of EU policies 1,000 people per week emigrating. I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach for announcing that we will get reports on EU legislation that have been decided at committee level. However, what we are not getting - I ask the Leader to clarify this - is what was actually decided upon. Did the committee make any changes to the proposals put before it and, if so, may we see what it has done? We realise it is not easy for our staff to keep an eye on all the material that comes from committees, of which there is much, including many reports. Perhaps a short note could be prepared along with the report from the committee stating that no amendments were made to the proposals or, if amendments had been made, what those were. The Leader is not at fault in this area but there is a range of legislation not only by the Opposition but by Government in respect of proposals that would improve the economy.

I note today that there is no legislation on the Order Paper. As the Leader is aware we on this side of the House fully support his efforts for the running of the House but it shows there is not a real and genuine attempt by the Government to reform the way politics is done in this country. If the Government was genuine about improving the position, it would have legislation in the House to cut red tape to create jobs and improve society. I know the Leader will do all he can to rectify the situation but it cannot be allowed to continue. We have no legislation today and a couple of Bills tomorrow.

Photo of Denis O'DonovanDenis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Senator has made his point.

Photo of Colm BurkeColm Burke (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I remind Senator Mark Daly when his party left office that 7,000 jobs per month were being lost; at the moment 3,000 jobs per month are being created.

Photo of Mark DalyMark Daly (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Some 3,000 people per month are emigrating.

Photo of Colm BurkeColm Burke (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I join my colleagues in commenting on the issue of Newbridge credit union. While there is a need for a debate there is also a need to reassure the general public that credit unions are a good place in which to have investments. They have served local communities well down through the years and will continue to serve them. I do not want a situation to arise where there is scaremongering about all credit unions. One of today's newspapers reported that a watchful eye is being kept on 100 credit unions. In fairness they have been quite conservative about giving out loans and managing their affairs and will continue to be so. However, it is important to have a debate on the issue.

Senator Mullins said that over €3 million was given to one company or individual. That is a concern. If there are other credit unions where this has occurred, we need to deal with the issue and ensure this does not happen in the future. We also need to discuss the structure and governance of credit unions to ensure proper procedures are being followed and that expertise is available when needed. It would be useful to have a debate to deal with those issues. Therefore, I support Senator MacSharry's call for the Minister to come to the Seanad for a discussion on this issue.

2:55 pm

Photo of Sean BarrettSean Barrett (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I agree with Senators MacSharry and Burke on the need for a debate in the Seanad with the Minister for Finance on financial regulation in Ireland. It is not just that one credit union has cost us €54 million. An insurance company from the UK has had to be bailed out and two foreign banks, Danske and Rabo, have substantially reduced their operations in Ireland. This has all happened within a matter of days.

Five years after the collapse of the banking system, we need to debate financial regulation here. We need the Department of Finance and the Central Bank to take a positive role in this and to explain what they are doing. We also need to examine the role of auditors and accountants and the need for rules that will enforce loan-to-value and debt-to-income ratios. Mention has been made of a €3 million loan from a credit union. This debate is a matter of some urgency as we are not making much progress in this area.

I compliment the Taoiseach on completing 38 years in the Oireachtas today. I look forward to 38 years' more co-operation between the Seanad and whoever is Taoiseach of the day. I also compliment the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Máirtín Ó Muilleoir, for attending the Remembrance Day ceremonies in Belfast yesterday. This was another step forward in the peace process. I met the Lord Mayor in Toronto at the weekend where he was energetically promoting Belfast tourism and the peace process. I bring greetings from the Speaker of the Senate of Canada, Mr. Noel Kinsella, who has strong connections with this city and who lived in Leeson Street as a student. He was delighted with the popular vote to retain the Seanad in this country because tomorrow a court case begins in the Canadian Supreme Court, with five provinces taking a case against the abolition of the Canadian Senate. We have a lot in common with Canada and people there are delighted with the verdict given by the people in our referendum. One of the positive aspects of bicameralism - I am aware the Leader has been developing these points - is that it is a bulwark against monopoly. An interesting Canadian project in co-operation with Saudi Arabia is to promote a bicameral system in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Arabian draft proposes a strong female representation. This is a positive development and one hopes these female representatives will be allowed to drive to the meetings on the bicameralism system that Canada seeks to export to Saudi Arabia.

Bicameralism is an important part of extending democracy worldwide. I know how much the Leader has developed this House internally. Perhaps there could be a joint initiative to extend that to countries that need the democracy bicameralism brings.

Photo of Martin ConwayMartin Conway (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I noted a recent article on the Swedish penal system and the fact that the number of people committed to prison in Sweden has dropped by 1% a year since 2004. In 2001 and 2012, the rate decreased by between 6% and 12%. The decrease is to such a degree that four prisons and a remand centre there have been closed down. This has come about because of determined penal reform, education programmes and programmes to assist prisoners when they leave prison to ensure they do not re-offend. There have also been programmes of restorative justice. I call on the Leader for a debate on penal reform in this country. Keeping people in prison here is expensive. If we could reduce the number of people in prison, we would improve life for those in prison. This would make economic sense because, despite the fact that we will come out of the bailout on 15 December, the country is still struggling.

I was invited to speak at a conference organised by Féach, an organisation which provides support for the parents of young and visually impaired children who face challenges from birth up to the age of ten or 15 years as a result of the fact that they have difficulty seeing. One of the issues raised with me at the conference was related to school books made available electronically. Some publishers make entire books available in this way but others just make the text version available. A science manual might refer the reader to a diagram, but this will not be available in a text-only version. I would like the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Ruairí Quinn, and the Minister of State at his Department, Deputy Sean Sherlock, to immediately enter negotiations with publishers in order to ensure all schoolbooks, in their entirety, will be made available at the same cost to all students. What is happening in this regard is farcical.

3:00 pm

Photo of David CullinaneDavid Cullinane (Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I again call for a debate on unemployment, specifically in the context of the Action Plan for Jobs. The Leader will agree that we continue to face many challenges and that we still have a great deal of work to do in order to create the jobs that are needed in the State. Job retention which is as important as job creation is an issue on which we must also focus. The Leader will be aware of the Essentra company which may be transferring its operations to Dublin from Waterford, with the potential loss of 50 jobs. I raise this issue because Essentra produces packaging, etc., for pharmaceutical companies. There is a strong cluster of pharmaceutical and life sciences companies in the south east, many of which do not use the services provided by other local companies and instead seek such services either outside the region or even the country. Multinationals which come to the State to set up operations can avail of very attractive taxation rates, which I support. However, there is a responsibility on them to support other businesses and, by extension, employment in the regions in which they are located. If such support was on offer from the multinational pharmaceutical companies operating in the south east, Essentra would not be faced with the possibility of being obliged to make 50 people in Waterford redundant. In the context of job retention, perhaps the Leader might liaise with the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation on what is happening in Waterford in order to discover if anything might be done to retain the jobs in Waterford. As he is aware, there is a very high and unacceptable level of unemployment in Waterford city.

Photo of Mary MoranMary Moran (Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I welcome yesterday's announcement by the Minister for Health, Deputy James Reilly, to the effect that applications are being invited from the 35 or so women who were excluded from the original redress scheme relating to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. Since becoming a Member of the Seanad I have met many of these ladies and campaigned to have the redress scheme extended to them. Many of them were excluded from the original scheme simply because they were over the age of 40 years. The individuals in question suffered unnecessary hysterectomies or were obliged to undergo the unwanted removal of one or both ovaries. They then suffered further when they were excluded from the original redress scheme on age grounds. The programme for Government contains a commitment to the effect that this matter will be addressed and I am delighted that it began to be addressed yesterday.

Will the Leader ensure the Minister for Health will announce in the next couple of weeks or, even better, days the appointment of a judge in order that the Walsh report on the survivors of symphysiotomy might be dealt with? I understand the report will not be published until that appointment is announced.

I thank the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Ruairí Quinn, and commend him for announcing yesterday that he was going to invite education partners to engage with officials of his Department on decisions relating to school uniforms. As a mother, a former teacher, a member of the Joint Committee on Education and Social Protection and my party's spokesperson on education in the Seanad, I deal with the matter of the cost of school uniforms on a daily basis. Parents sometimes find the cost of uniforms to be way beyond their reach.

It is an issue I have campaigned on for the past few years because parents have reported to me that schools demand that uniforms be bought in certain shops and must have certain labels. That can be distressing, particularly when virtually the same uniform can be bought in another shop at half the price, so the idea that this will be put out to parents is extremely important because parents should have a greater say in the uniforms for their children.

3:05 pm

Photo of Paschal MooneyPaschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I want to put on the record my sympathy and I am sure that of Members on all sides of the House to the family of the late Eddie McGrady, the SDLP MP who passed away in the past 48 hours. I had the great pleasure of meeting Mr. McGrady on a number of occasions and he was an extraordinarily compassionate and committed public representative. I extend my deepest sympathy to his family.

To follow up on Senator MacSharry's comments about Lissadell House, as a former chairman of Fáilte Ireland North West I was involved in the early stages of the attempts made at that time to ensure that Lissadell House would remain open for tourism purposes. I attended a launch of what was then called the Yeats Trail in the company of the late great Seamus Heaney in Sligo in 2008 and the portents at the time were very positive in that Lissadell House would be a centrepiece of the entire Yeats Trail but the court case intervened and the matter has remained in stasis for the past five years. I now call on Constance Cassidy and Eddie Walsh, following their victory in the Supreme Court yesterday, to give serious consideration to reopening Lissadell House for tourist purposes. It is the jewel in the crown of tourism in the north west. I understand their position, the fact that the question of costs is unresolved and the amount of money they expended but it is sad to read in the newspapers that the walled garden, which they restored, has returned to weeds and that the restaurant has closed down. I remember it being reopened as part of a shop in the old stable area. The amount of restoration carried out by Constance Cassidy and Eddie Walsh was extraordinary, not only in terms of the initial financial commitment they made but also the amount of money subsequently spent. It would be a tragedy if Lissadell House was to be lost to the many hundreds of thousands of tourists not only in this country but also overseas who come to visit the north west because of the focus on Yeats.

Photo of Catherine NooneCatherine Noone (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I noted with concern in recent weeks that five female Fine Gael councillors have announced that they do not intend to run in the next local elections. At a time when we are actively pursuing policies to encourage women to get involved in politics it seems there is a parallel problem of keeping women in politics, particularly women of my generation. Three of the five mentioned are about my age and four of them are coming to the end of their first term. There are various reasons people decide not to run, and it may be a coincidence, but there appears to be a need for an examination of the factors causing women already active in politics to opt out after one term. While we ponder how we will encourage more females into politics we should also examine how we can encourage them to remain in politics. That is a facet of the debate that might be worth discussing in the House.

I join Senators Mooney and MacSharry in their comments about Lissadell House. I would encourage the two owners of Lissadell House to open it to the public. They did huge work, as Senator Mooney said, in restoring the House and with great enthusiasm. I know them both personally and have had many discussions about the work they did and the efforts they made to get original pieces of art and furniture that belonged to the house back to it, and all the other issues Senator Mooney mentioned. It is not my area but now that the case is behind everyone I hope something can be done in that regard because it is a significant building in the north west.

3:10 pm

Photo of Fidelma Healy EamesFidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Credit unions have been receiving a significant number of calls from concerned customers. I myself took several calls on my way to the House. Customers are not concerned about their savings because they know they have a guarantee but they want to know how safe their local credit union will be. Credit unions enjoy a high level of trust compared with banks. I agree that the Minister for Finance needs to address this issue urgently. There is urgency about financial regulation, foresight and oversight.

This morning I spoke to a manager of a local credit union, who told me that it had more than enough money in provisions to cover the small percentage of its loans that were in arrears. However, he was aware of credit unions in which more than 70% of loans were in arrears of more than three months. He had great difficulty with the statement issued this morning by the Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Deputy Brian Hayes, because he did not accept it was an isolated incident. We need to be vigilant in avoiding a repeat of the situation that arose with our banks. The credit union manager asked me to call on the Central Bank and the Irish League of Credit Unions to issue a firm statement by tomorrow at the latest on the state of individual credit unions.

Photo of Denis O'DonovanDenis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Is the Senator calling for a debate on it?

Photo of Fidelma Healy EamesFidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Yes, it is critical because the public are worried. The last thing we need is a flight of capital from our credit unions. That is the money they lend. They do a good job of meeting their criteria. I have enjoyed the services of credit unions through the years, as have many other people in this country. It is our job as politicians and public servants to ensure they are safe for their customers both immediately and in the long run. The Minister, Deputy Noonan, needs to act quickly by asking the Central Bank and the league to step up to the plate and issue a statement so that the public can feel confident in their local credit unions.

Photo of Marie MoloneyMarie Moloney (Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I join my colleagues in calling for a debate on the youth guarantee. When the Minister for Social Protection was in the House last week she gave a firm undertaking that she would return for a debate on the issue. I ask the Leader to facilitate such a debate at the earliest opportunity rather than leave it linger any longer.

More than 70,000 Irish people have had their credit card details accessed through the breach in the SuperValu getaway breaks data. At a time when public confidence in financial institutions is so low, it is another blow for them to find out that even their credit card details can be accessed. I understand the Data Commissioner has moved to find out from the company concerned why the credit card details were retained. They should not have been retained by any company. We need to restore confidence in our financial institutions and financial matters by assuring the public that no other company retains details of their credit cards. I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on the issue of data protection.

Photo of Rónán MullenRónán Mullen (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

A number of speakers have expressed solidarity with the people of Newbridge on the loss of their credit union but the events of recent days are disappointing not only to the people of Newbridge but also to this House and the High Court. This House has once again been treated with contempt by the Government in the way the matter has been addressed. This day last week I asked the Minister the plans for the future of Newbridge Credit Union but I was told they could not be discussed due to the fact that the High Court had issued an order. Yet again, however, we find the Government telling the media its plans before it informs this House or even the High Court.

The events of recent days have sent shockwaves throughout the credit union movement. The speed with which the Government acted using these special powers - powers which were intended for its dealings with banks - was incredible. Now the people of Newbridge are left without a credit union. The Minister and the Department are sending mixed messages to the 2.8 million people in this country who are credit unions savers.

3:15 pm

Photo of Denis O'DonovanDenis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I have accepted the Senator's Adjournment motion which will allow him an opportunity to discuss this issue tonight.

Photo of Rónán MullenRónán Mullen (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Thank you, a Leas-Chathaoirligh. I am raising very specific questions on the Adjournment. My request to the Leader that the Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael Noonan, come into the House is relevant to the Order of Business. We need to hear from the Minister and a statement on what the Government intends to do. Will there be better consultation with ordinary people, the people who have put together the credit union movement brick by brick, or will there be mergers and takeovers of credit unions by stealth, including their being merged into banks? That would not be in the public interest. The last thing the people of Newbridge or anywhere else need is another bank. The Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes, is saying Newbridge is the only place where this type of merger will occur, but the Minister is saying one quarter of credit unions might be in trouble. It seems, in this case, that the credit union was treated like another failed bank, which clearly it is not. There should have been more consultation, including with the communities served by the credit union. The members who are ordinary people are the owners of the credit unions. I ask the Minister to come to the House in early course to discuss the issue. I hope there will be an end to the situation where information on such matters is communicated to the media before it is conveyed to the Dáil and the Seanad. I do not believe the bogus claims that people are bound by confidentiality in a context where selective leaks are being made to the media, as I believe happened in this case. Above all, however, there must be consultation with the Irish League of Credit Unions and ordinary people who wish to retain a credit union facility in their community.

Photo of Caít KeaneCaít Keane (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Colleagues have already covered the main issues in regard to the credit unions. It is important to reiterate, however, that savings up to €100,000 are guaranteed. I received a telephone call from a person who was concerned about the security of savings. It is important that people are aware of the threshold.

Will the Leader facilitate a debate on public rights of way? The outcome of the court case concerning Lissadell House suggests the goalposts have moved in this regard.

I support Senator Catherine Noone's call for action on the issue of participation by women in politics, a matter that has been debated several times in this House. There are courses one can take on women in politics, women in business, women in this, that and the other, but it all comes down to who is minding the baby. We must facilitate men to take a greater role in child care responsibilities through the provision of paid paternity leave and other means. I take the opportunity to compliment Senator Mary White on her efforts in this regard. Until such time as we have equality in terms of the participative input of males in child rearing, nearly all women in politics will have a choice to make. That choice is already being made. We must have a comprehensive debate on child care and the range of child allowances and benefits available. It is only when we have a more level playing field that we will see fewer women leaving politics. Three young female members of my own party have left in recent times, although I cannot say the reason in each case was child care responsibilities. My youngest child was nine years old when I began my career in politics and I was only able to do it because my husband was a teacher. Many people have to wait until their children start school before they can become involved. We cannot have a debate about women in politics without discussing child care issues.

Photo of Feargal QuinnFeargal Quinn (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I understand the accounting problems being experienced by RSA are not as a consequence of fraud or anything like it but stem from a misjudgment of the number of injury claims. It is only ten years or so since the legislation establishing the injuries board was passed in this House; it was meant to solve the problem of the large increase in the number of injury claims. In this case, however, the RSA has had to put in €100 million to cover the cost of the growing number of claims.

I do not know how this has come about but we should have a discussion on insurance claims. There was a 13% increase in motor insurance. While RSA says it has no intention of increasing its rates, if it has one third of business in Ireland it is highly unlikely we will be able to avoid an increase in insurance premiums. We should have an open debate about this on the grounds that it represents a huge cost to the nation. It will affect our economy and jobs. Some ten years have passed since the legislation was passed and perhaps it needs another look.

3:25 pm

Photo of Terry BrennanTerry Brennan (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Some ten days ago I attended the opening of the first phase of a greenway in north County Louth. I have heard a lot about the greenway from Westport to Mulranny and onto Achill. This is a truly magnificent route along the shores of Carlingford Lough, with magnificent views of the Mourne Mountains and Cooley Mountains. I acknowledge the funding of €687,000 received from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. It will be a major tourist attraction for Omeath, Carlingford and the Cooley Peninsula. I look forward to the second phase of the route, which will be from Greer's Quay in Omeath to my home town of Carlingford, amounting to a total distance of 7 km or 8 km. The route runs from Omeath to Dundalk and we hope to cross the Border to Portadown. I do not think I will be around to welcome that stage when it happens. I acknowledge the co-operation with the proposal from landowners along the route, without which it could not have happened.

Photo of Maurice CumminsMaurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Senators MacSharry, Mooney and Noone raised the issue of the Supreme Court judgment on Lissadell House. They called for more joined-up thinking and for cost-benefit analysis before cases are taken. I note the points and empathise with the point made by Senator MacSharry. I do not know how that position can be arrived at but I will bring his point to the attention of the Minister for Justice and Equality. It is an important issue where councils or State bodies take cases. There is a need for examination before cases are brought to court.

A number of members have raised the question of Newbridge Credit Union today. I praise the role of credit unions since their foundation. They have done a tremendous job in local communities throughout the length and breadth of the country. I am proud of my membership of the credit union. It never ceases to amaze me that credit unions can give out loans of €3.2 million and 26 loans over €550,000. This was not what the credit union movement was set up for and the founders mentioned today would be turning in their graves if they heard that such loans were being given out by any credit union in the country.

The Government recognises the important role of credit unions as a voluntary co-operative movement and the distinction between them and other types of financial institution. The Government's priority in assessing the Central Bank's proposal on Newbridge was to protect the savings of depositors and members of Newbridge Credit Union. The action by the Central Bank of Ireland protects and secures the savings of all depositors and members of Newbridge Credit Union. Members of the credit union will continue to have full and uninterrupted access to their savings. The Government's second priority was to prevent the liquidation of Newbridge Credit Union because of the negative impact this would have on members and their locality and also because of the wider implications for the credit union movement overall.

I agree with Senator Barrett on this issue that we must look at the role of auditors and accountants, not alone with regard to credit unions but throughout the financial system as a whole. The House has debated financial regulation but there is a need for a further debate and I will ask the Minister for Finance to come to the House to discuss financial regulation and the role of auditors and accountants. There are many unanswered questions for auditors and accountants with regard to the collapse of the banks many years ago.

Senator Bacik raised the matter of overseas aid in light of the dreadful happenings in the Philippines. Senator Mullins made the same point. It is a dreadful situation and we should ask the Minister of State, Deputy Costello, to come to the House to give us an update on overseas aid. Senators Bacik, Norris, Reilly and Moloney asked about the youth guarantee. The figure of 42,000 mentioned in this morning's edition of The Irish Times- referring to those potentially coming under the umbrella of a youth guarantee - was a 2012 figure which is based on estimates that about 66,000 young people became unemployed and signed on for welfare payments in 2012 and that 42,000 of these claims lasted for four months or more. However, there has been a reduction in the number of new claims in 2013 to date. This suggests that the number of new claims from young people for the year as a whole will be down to about 56,000 and the number staying longer than four months will be down from the 2012 figure of 42,000, to 35,000. The Minister intimated that she was willing to come to the House before Christmas to discuss the youth guarantee. I will ask the Minister to honour that commitment she gave when dealing with the Social Welfare Bill. The Taoiseach travelled to Paris today at the invitation of President Hollande for the second conference on youth employment in Europe. This is an effort to maintain the political momentum for addressing the challenge of youth employment. The Taoiseach regards the issue of youth employment as being of great importance.

I note Senator Norris's points about the thousandth anniversary of the battle of Clontarf. I will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister for the Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Deenihan. His point about the lack of media coverage of the proceedings of this House is a long-playing record at this stage. There is very little we can do to entice the media to come to the House.

Senator Paul Coghlan spoke about the credit union and the €56 million that the taxpayer, through the Government, has had to pump into the credit union in Newbridge. We can discuss those matters when we have a debate on the subject.

I have addressed Senator Reilly's points about youth unemployment and the Protected Disclosures Bill, will come to us the week after next. Senator Mullins mentioned the need for a major international response to the disaster in the Philippines. Our hearts go out to the people there and we are probably only seeing a small portion of the effects of the unfortunate disaster. Senator Mullins also complimented Irish jockey A. P. McCoy on riding more than 4,000 winners, which is an extraordinary feat that will probably never be emulated by another jockey. Senator Daly spoke about EU reports from committees. These are available for access by any Member. I assure the Senator that any legislation that becomes available will be in the House as soon as possible. We can only act on the legislation we receive from Departments and we are doing as well as we possibly can in that regard.

I note Senator Barrett's points on financial regulation and I welcome the Lord Mayor of Belfast's attendance at the Armistice day services, which is to be welcomed. I also note his points with regard to Canada, and we welcome the Senator back from his trip there. He has indicated that the Canadians are discussing a unicameral system but they will probably reserve judgment after seeing the results here.

Senator Conway asked for a debate on penal reform and restorative justice. We have a report from the justice committee on the issue and we will try to invite the Minister to the House to debate that important matter. I also note the Senator's points about pupils who are visually impaired and their need to access school books. I will raise the matter with the Minister for Education and Skills.

Senator Cullinane mentioned a printing company in which 48 jobs could be lost. I would not give up on those jobs as these people are doing excellent work in difficult conditions. Their company has bought another firm in Dublin and these people have found their services dispensed with. It is a despicable action and the union should act strongly. I hope these people will retain their jobs and I agree with Senator Cullinane's comment that there is a need for local companies to support each other in the regions. It is of paramount importance that people should look out for each other, with companies in the region supporting others in the locality. That would apply in this instance and in many others.

Senator Moran commented on the extension of the redress scheme for former patients of Dr. Neary, which is to be welcomed. The Minister for Health, Deputy Reilly, should be complimented on the issue. I note the Senator's points on symphysiotomy and the Walsh report, and I will inquire about the appointment of the judge as requested. Senator Moran also discussed the cost of school uniforms in lauding the greater role for parents announced yesterday by the Minister for Education and Skills.

Senator Mooney extended his sympathy to the family of Mr. Eddie McGrady.

We would all like to join him in sending our sympathy to the family of the late Eddie McGrady who was an excellent representative for his people.

Senators Catherine Noone and Cáit Keane spoke about the role of women in politics and how they could be kept involved in it. That applies not only to women but also to many young people who have become involved in politics in terms of retaining their interest. The matter is worthy of further debate in the House. I will invite the Minister to come to the House to discuss it.

I have addressed the points raised by Senator Fidelma Healy Eames on the safety of local credit unions. The message should go out from this House that people’s money in credit unions is safe. They have the same guarantees as in the case of banks in that savings up to €100,000 are guaranteed. The Irish League of Credit Unions and the Central Bank are singing from the same hymn sheet in that regard.

Senator Marie Moloney referred to the youth guarantee, an issue I have addressed. I note her points on data protection in connection with accessing the credit card details of 70,000 people, which is not proper. I agree that we should possibly have a further debate on data protection, an issue we debated in the House previously.

Senator Cáit Keane called for a debate on public rights of way following the Supreme Court's decision yesterday. We should wait for the dust to settle before we have such a debate in the House. I agree that the decision gives rise to a number of questions, but we need time to consider them before having a debate in the House.

Senator Feargal Quinn spoke about problems with RSA Insurance. He said much of the problem related to insurance claims, but I do not think the major shortfall in the accounts in question was due fully to injury claims. They account for part but not all of the problem. The Personal Injuries Assessment Board has done an excellent job in recent years since it was set up. Perhaps we might receive an update and discuss the matter in the House.

Senator Terry Brennan commented on the opening of a greenway in Carlingford and the Cooley Mountains. Greenways such as it and the one in Westport and Castlebar are of great benefit to the tourism industry and for the general health of those who use them. I hope to see a similar greenway open in Waterford along the old railway line between Waterford and Dungarvan. That will need similar co-operation from landowners as has been shown in other areas. I hope it will be forthcoming because there are major benefits for tourism in areas where they are located.

Order of Business agreed to.