Seanad debates

Thursday, 5 December 2013

10:30 am

Photo of Maurice CumminsMaurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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The Order of Business is No. 1, Child and Family Agency Bill 2013 - Report and Final Stages, to be taken at 11.45 a.m.; and No. 2, Health (Alteration of Criteria for Eligibility) (No. 2) Bill 2013 - Second Stage, to be taken at 2 p.m., with the contribution of group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes and those of all other Senators not to exceed five minutes in each case.

For the information of the House, I had indicated that we might be sitting next Friday, 13 December, but that plan has changed. The following week, which is the last sitting week before the recess, we will sit for five days, from Monday, 16 December to Friday, 20 December, inclusive.

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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That is great news for which I thank the Leader. We are looking forward to earning our turkey.

I welcome yesterday's announcement by the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Alan Shatter, that applications will be accepted from next week for new recruits to the Garda Síochána. This is a positive step and one for which I have repeatedly called. An issue I have raised directly with the Minister in respect of any new programme of recruitment is the position of members of the Garda Reserve, many of whom would be expected to apply. There is a two-year training programme at Templemore before new recruits pass out as full members of the force. Provision should be made whereby those who have served as members of the Garda Reserve, and have thus completed basic training, are given priority in the application process. I understand there might be a legal issue in this regard, but I would like to tease it out with the Minister. Will the Leader clarify how many recruits are proposed to be appointed?

The Bill to establish the pyrite resolution board and thereby allow people to make applications for funding to remediate their homes was expected to be published before Christmas, with the Leader indicating it would be initiated in the Seanad.

We were expecting it before Christmas and the Leader had indicated it would be initiated in this House. I assume now that it will not be ready before Christmas, but perhaps the Leader could give an indication as to when it will be published.

The tax and online betting legislation has been in preparation for some time. Does the Leader know when that Bill will be brought to the House? The independent bookmakers in Ireland, many of them family-run concerns, are under increasing pressure daily due to the lack of a level playing pitch as no tax is levied on online betting. It will be another income stream for the Government.

Finally, with regard to the HSE service plan for 2014, the Leader said yesterday there will not be a debate on the plan prior to Christmas. That is very regrettable. I do not blame the Leader for this but it is a strategic move by the Government and the Minister, Deputy Reilly, to ensure there is no debate on the plan. I expect it will be published just before the Christmas, which the Government is doing to keep it under the radar. That is unacceptable. I indicated eight or ten weeks ago that this would happen, due to the constant delays and time extensions for the plan. I seek a commitment from the Leader that when Members return in January there will be a full debate on the HSE service plan.

In that context, I have written to the HSE and the Minister, and the Leader's office might follow it up, asking how much money was spent by the HSE on legal fees in 2012 and 2013. I would like to get a response to that, because my information is that a staggering amount of money is being paid every year by the HSE for legal services. Obviously, some of that would be valid in the normal course of events.

Photo of Aideen HaydenAideen Hayden (Labour)
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I welcome the news that Forbes has named Ireland as the best country in which to do business, ranking it first this year as opposed to sixth last year, with New Zealand and Hong Kong in second and third places, respectively. However, it is something of a mixed blessing, in that the reasons cited for Ireland being such a good place to do business include the 12.5% unemployment rate and the availability of a highly qualified workforce. While it is good to be acknowledged as a great place to do business, we must look at some of the reasons for that.

In that context, Pfizer has cut the number of jobs in its Newbridge plant by 150, which follows the loss of 570 jobs at the MSD plant in Swords and 110 jobs in Castlebar. On the other hand, there has been growth in the biopharmaceutical area. It is important that we do not end up with a situation in which there are structural issues where plant is available and educated workers are losing their jobs on the one hand and, on the other, emerging sectors within the industry are showing great promise. Will the Leader invite the Minister to the House to discuss the future of the pharmaceutical sector and what actions the Government is taking to protect jobs in that sector?

Once again, I seek an emergency debate on homelessness, as I have done on a number of occasions previously. A number of matters have emerged in the last week that show the seriousness of the problem. According to the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive, there has been an increase of almost 50% in the number of people sleeping rough, the highest number since 2007 when the count began. That is on top of a doubling of the number of people who are presenting as homeless to the Homeless Agency. It includes a significant increase in the number of families. I was also struck by a recent report on the Dóchas Centre, the Mountjoy women's prison, in which the Irish Penal Reform Trust points to homelessness as a significant reason for women being in prison.

Last weekend, the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, announced the provision of €100 million for the construction of new social housing units. A proportion of those units should be allocated specifically for homeless provision. Money is also being made available to local authorities to bring forward voids more quickly. However, much of that housing is three bedroom housing or family accommodation, but the majority of people in homeless accommodation are single men and women. There must be a strategy to ensure that a proportion of those voids is kept for single people. We must broaden the subject of this debate to cover housing generally and housing supply. It has become clear that the type of people presenting as homeless has expanded dramatically to include people who are experiencing a difficulty with rent arrears or, quite simply, experiencing the impossibility of finding housing.

Photo of Sean BarrettSean Barrett (Independent)
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The Naval Service will take delivery of a new ship early in 2014. Will the Leader and the other party leaders confer, with a view to nominating a possible name for the ship to the Minister for Defence, Deputy Shatter? It would be appropriate for Members of a House which has proved to be unsinkable this year to arrive at a jointly agreed proposal for the Minister, Deputy Shatter, on the name for the new ship.

Yet again this week there was an increase in public transport fares. This follows the publication by the Central Statistics Office, CSO, of its most comprehensive Transport Omnibus, a most valuable document. It shows that since 2007 there are 51 million fewer bus passengers and 8 million fewer train passengers in this country. It is time the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport came up with something better than always increasing fares, particularly in an economy in which there has been zero inflation. That is part of the Forbes accreditation and I agree with Senator Hayden's misgivings, in that some of the prizes we were awarded are ones I would prefer not to have. In an economy with zero inflation, why were some bus fares rising by multiples this week despite the loss of 51 million bus passengers and 8 million train passengers? The mistakes were illustrated by what the Minister of State in that Department, Deputy Alan Kelly, did with his taxi Bill. After 60 pages he included exclusive bus routes for people who have them at present and the award of contracts by direct award without competitive tendering. That produces a system which results in nearly 4 million fewer passengers on Dublin suburban rail per year, 4.3 million fewer on the Dublin Area Rapid Transit, DART, 32.3 million fewer on Dublin Bus, 5.2 million fewer on the provincial city bus services and 8.1 million fewer passengers on the provincial bus services.

The policy is not working. There are obvious differences between the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Varadkar, whom I believe is right on this, and the Minister of State, Deputy Kelly. The result of public transport losing 50 million passengers in such a short period is unacceptable. There must be competition for subsidised routes and competition on the routes. As I have said several times in the House, when the Dublin-Galway service was a monopoly there was one bus per day, and it travelled via Mullingar in case one was in a hurry. There are now 59. That is the type of advance we must have.

I also regret that the Cabinet agreed yesterday - the Leader was following up on this issue for me - to seek yet another deferral of a competitive health insurance market, which was due to be in place by the deadline of December this year. It has asked for another year. This has been ongoing since 1992 and the results are felt in people's pockets when they try to renew health insurance. Approximately 250,000 have decided not to do so. There are 50 million fewer passengers on public transport and 250,000 fewer people have health insurance. It is time the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and the Department of Health woke up to 21st century economics.

Photo of Deirdre CluneDeirdre Clune (Fine Gael)
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Following the CSO figures last week on unemployment, it is important to note the live register figures yesterday, which have decreased from 12.6% last month to 12.5%. I wish I was welcoming a figure of 4%, but I am not. We will get there, however, as we are on the right track. Also, as Senator Hayden mentioned, Forbes yesterday announced that Ireland is the best country in which to do business. I congratulate the Taoiseach on reaching his target in 2013 rather than 2016. Ireland moved from sixth position last year.

It is important to look at the figures for how the country was measured across 11 categories, ranging across property rights, innovation, technology, freedom to do business, red tape and so forth. They are all weighted equally, so none was considered higher than another. That is important. Taxes were also included and they were weighted equally among the 11 measures. This is very positive progress and the challenge will be to remain in that position. The Action Plan for Jobs 2014 will be important in that regard. Like other Senators, I believe we must continue to focus on this area.

I would like the Minister to come to the House early in the new year so that we can track the progress of the 2013 jobs action plan and his preparations for the 2014 jobs action plan, which I understand will be in place shortly. Clearly the current approach is working. We need to keep on track and make sure we maintain the strong position we have at the moment.

10:40 am

Photo of Brian Ó DomhnaillBrian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)
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Tá sé fíorthábhachtach agus fíor-riachtanach go mbeadh díospóireacht againn ar an gcinneadh atá déanta ag Seán Ó Cuirreáin éirí as a chuid dualgais mar Choimisinéir Teanga an Stáit seo. Lá dubh dorcha atá ann don Ghaeilge agus don Stát. Bhí na dualgais seo ar an gcoimisinéir ó mhí Feabhra 2004, ach tá sé ag éirí as anois de bhrí go bhfuil easpa tacaíochta agus easpa dáiríreachta ag teacht ón Rialtas i dtaca lenár dteanga dhúchais. Tá an cheist seo ardaithe agam ar Riar na hOibre sa Seanad le roinnt míonna anuas. Dúirt mé go raibh gá ann plé a dhéanamh ar an straitéis 20 bliain don Ghaeilge, ag cur san áireamh an easpa oibre atá á dhéanamh ag an Rialtas seo leis an nGaeilge a chur chun cinn agus a chosaint i gcóras Stáit na tíre seo. Ní féidir liom focail a chur ar an bhfearg atá orm inniu i dtaca leis an dóigh ina bhfuil an Rialtas agus na córais Stáit ag caitheamh leis an nGaeilge. Tá obair déanta le deich mbliana anuas ó thaobh Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla a chur le chéile agus Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga a bhunú. Tá sé soiléir anois go bhfuil an Rialtas seo ag caitheamh go holc le pobal na Gaeilge agus le pobal na Gaeltachta. Tá na scéimeanna Gaeilge go léir gearrtha. Tá an t-airgead go léir gearrtha. Tá an daonlathas sa Ghaeltacht gearrtha de bhrí nach bhfuil aon toghchán ann do bhord Údarás na Gaeltachta. Tá an tacaíocht airgid atá ar fáil do pháistí le Gaeilge a fhoghlaim curtha ar leataobh. Tá sé sin go léir curtha in iúl ag an gcoimisinéir ina mhíshástacht-----

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Are you looking for a debate on it?

Photo of Brian Ó DomhnaillBrian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)
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Tá mé ar iarraidh Riar na hOibre an lae inniu a athrú sa chaoi is go dtiocfaidh Aire Stáit na Gaeltachta, nó an Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta, go dtí an Teach seo inniu chun an t-ábhar seo a phlé. Tá sé de dhualgas orainn é sin a dhéanamh.

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Is the Senator proposing an amendment to the Order of Business?

Photo of Brian Ó DomhnaillBrian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)
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I am proposing an amendment to the Order of Business calling on the Minister of State with responsibility for Gaeltacht Affairs, or the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, to come to this House to discuss the outrageous situation we now face in our State. The Government Department that is responsible for protecting the Irish language is actually destroying the future of the language.

Photo of Maurice CumminsMaurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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That is nonsense.

Photo of Brian Ó DomhnaillBrian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)
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That was underlined yesterday when the independent commissioner for the Irish language resigned because he has no confidence in the policies of this Government.

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

Photo of Susan O'KeeffeSusan O'Keeffe (Labour)
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I thank my colleagues who attended last night's debate on a thoughtful and constructive Private Members' motion relating to mental health issues. One of the many matters that were raised during the debate was the Irish Penal Reform Trust's report on women prisoners in the Dóchas Centre, which has been raised again this morning by Senator Hayden. I support the call for a wider debate on homelessness, which was highlighted in yesterday's report on the number of women who are in prison, or have been in and out of prison, and who need treatment and counselling but do not get it. Many of them find themselves going through the revolving door and returning to the crowded circumstances they have just left. In many of these cases, homelessness is at the back of the dilemma that leads to offending. I thank Senators again for yesterday's debate. Some of them observed that we have discussed this issue on many occasions. I think it is right and proper for us to keep the many aspects of the complex issue of mental health on the agenda. I suggest we should return to the matter in the new year with the same energy and enthusiasm as before.

Photo of Trevor Ó ClochartaighTrevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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Ba mhaith liom tacú leis an leasú ar Riar na hOibre atá molta ag an Seanadóir Ó Domhnaill. Cuireann sé alltacht orm an easpa tuiscine agus an easpa suime agus an easpa measa atá á léiriú ag Seanadóirí an Rialtais ar an gceist seo inniu.

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Is the Senator seconding the proposal?

Photo of Trevor Ó ClochartaighTrevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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I am. Ba mhaith liom a mheabhrú dóibh gur fhógair an Coimisinéir Teanga, Seán Ó Cuirreáin, inné go bhfuil sé ag éirí as. Ní CEO ar eagraíocht Stáit atá i gceist anseo. Is ról ombudsman atá i gceist. Go bhfios dom, is é seo an chéad uair i stair an Stáit go raibh ar ombudsman, nó duine sa ról sin, éirí as a gcuid dualgais ar bhunphrionsabail mar nach raibh an tacaíocht chuí á fáil aige nó aici ón Stát. Tá sé ag éirí as mar gheall go bhfuil na heagrais Stáit, na hAirí Stáit agus na hAirí Rialtais ag déanamh neamhshuim don dlí agus d'Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla. Is mór an náire don Rialtas é. Ní hé an t-ombudsman ab chóir dó bheith ag fógairt go bhfuil sé ag éirí as - ba chóir go mbeadh an tAire Stáit na Gaeltachta, an Teachta McGinley, ag rá go bhfuil sé ag éirí as. Tá sé seo náireach.

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

Photo of Trevor Ó ClochartaighTrevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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Tá mé ag tacú leis an moladh atá déanta go dtiocfadh an tAire Stáit isteach.

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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You can make those points during the debate.

Photo of Trevor Ó ClochartaighTrevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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Tá mé ag iarraidh a rá cén fáth a bhfuil sé chomh tábhachtach go dtarlódh an díospóireacht inniu. Dúirt an Coimisinéir Teanga inné go bhfuil "trí cheathrú de na scéimeanna teanga ... ligthe in éag", go bhfuil an chuid is mó acu lochtach, go bhfuil ag teip ar pholasaí earcaíochta an Stáit seo agus go mbeidh teip iomlán ar an bpolasaí nua atá á chur i bhfeidhm ag an Aire, an Teacht Howlin, faoi láthair. Bhí ardmhuinín ag pobal agus saol na Gaeilge sa Choimisnéir Teanga. Bhí ardmheas acu ar an obair atá á dhéanamh aige. Is léir dom sa mhéid atá fógartha aige gur beag muinín atá ag aon duine atá ag plé le pobal agus saol na Gaeilge sa straitéis 20 bliain don Ghaeilge, i gcur i bhfeidhm an Rialtais nó, dá bhrí sin, san Aire Stáit é féin ach go háirithe. Ba chóir go dtiocfadh sé isteach - tá súil agam go dtarlóidh sé sin - agus go ndéarfaidh sé go bhfuil sé i gceist aige féin éirí as, ós rud é go bhfuil teip iomlán á dhéanamh aige sna dualgais atá aige.

Photo of Martin ConwayMartin Conway (Fine Gael)
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It is a bit rich to listen to some people talking about the Irish language, given that they destroyed it for the 14 years they spent in government.

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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What is the Senator talking about? That is a ridiculous comment.

Photo of Martin ConwayMartin Conway (Fine Gael)
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It is an absolute fact.

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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The Senator might as well just take his seat. That is pathetic.

Photo of Martin ConwayMartin Conway (Fine Gael)
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As a matter of fact, it destroyed it for the last 60 or 70 years.

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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The Senator represents a party that has no respect for Irish culture or the Irish language.

Photo of Trevor Ó ClochartaighTrevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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Senator Conway is hammering more nails into the coffin.

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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It was a most ridiculous comment.

Photo of Martin ConwayMartin Conway (Fine Gael)
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In fairness to Senator Ó Clochartaigh, at least he is making some effort to promote the Irish language within the Houses.

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

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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Start talking about Clare again.

Photo of Martin ConwayMartin Conway (Fine Gael)
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I welcome yesterday's announcement that Garda recruitment will take place in the coming months. It is another step in the right direction. I commend the action taken by the Garda in west Clare in recent days to deal with money laundering and money lending. It is a significant step in the right direction as we try to deal with those who abuse vulnerable people who are in debt and facing financial difficulties. I believe this is one of a few cases in this country relating to illegal money lending. I commend the Garda in County Clare on their actions in this regard.

Photo of Marc MacSharryMarc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)
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I welcome the fact that tax returns are ahead of target, as mentioned in recent days. We all celebrate these facts. Similarly, it is important that Forbes magazine has named Ireland is a great place in which to do business.

I spoke earlier this week about the issue of co-funding, which is of critical importance to the north west. The rumours in this regard intensified after the Minister said at the annual general meeting of the ICMSA that the current economic environment makes it highly unlikely that 50:50 funding will be possible. The positive news we have heard about the income of €500 million, at a time of the year when approximately one sixth of the tax take has come in, makes it clear that there is scope to do these things. I hope the Leader will impress on the Minister the importance of providing additional resources, if necessary, to ensure this 50:50 co-funding takes place. If the moneys in question are provided, they will go directly into the real economy in every townland in the country. Every shop, wholesaler and feed sales outlet in Ireland will benefit from that. It will get right into the economy.

The second issue I would like to raise is the change in the medical card eligibility scheme, which will save just €25 million. I know we will have an opportunity to debate this matter later this afternoon.

One wonders if we cannot stretch to making available that €25 million to ensure medical cards for our elderly people, those people who, in the words of the Minister, Deputy Reilly, nursed us, raised us and built this country. Additional taxes are available and it would be possible to make that €25 million available to ensure the changes are not necessary. It is one thing to celebrate the good news of better tax results but what is in it for the people? There are two tangible measures, the first of which is for the co-funding of Pillar 2 of the Common Agricultural Policy to be 50:50 and not less, as the Minister said, and the second being medical card eligibility. I am sure any of us would be happy to allow those 25,000 to hold on to their medical cards in the relative autumn of their lives.

10:50 am

Photo of John GilroyJohn Gilroy (Labour)
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On last night's edition of "Tonight with Vincent Browne", Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn from the Sinn Féin movement did the State some service when he allowed the mask to slip to reveal the ugliness and vileness at the heart of the Sinn Féin and republican movement.

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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We are not discussing last night's television programme.

Photo of John GilroyJohn Gilroy (Labour)
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To say that somebody has a duty to kill an unarmed man who is trying to surrender when he is surrounded on a country road by armed gunmen, was an incredible statement which was compounded by the comparing of the current republican movement to the old IRA.

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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We are not discussing the content of television programmes.

Photo of John GilroyJohn Gilroy (Labour)
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I am looking for a debate on this matter.

Photo of Trevor Ó ClochartaighTrevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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The Senator should look at the history of his own party.

Photo of John GilroyJohn Gilroy (Labour)
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I will look at the history. Deputy Mac Lochlainn compared the old IRA to the-----

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

Photo of John GilroyJohn Gilroy (Labour)
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I certainly have.

Photo of Trevor Ó ClochartaighTrevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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Some of the current members of the Senator's party-----

Photo of John GilroyJohn Gilroy (Labour)
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Commandant Tom Barry spent his life refuting allegations that the old IRA tried to kill Auxiliaries who were trying to surrender. He was absolutely scandalised by the mere allegation of it. Despite this, Deputy Mac Lochlainn is considering assault and murder a matter for pride.

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

Photo of John GilroyJohn Gilroy (Labour)
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I am looking for a debate on the Smithwick report. It would sicken all proper and true democrats to hear the words of a Sinn Féin spokesperson in this regard. There is no place, in my view-----

Photo of Trevor Ó ClochartaighTrevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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Keep politics out of this.

Photo of John GilroyJohn Gilroy (Labour)
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-----for the like of him in the other House or in any House or to be let near any parliament. That is my own view.

Photo of Trevor Ó ClochartaighTrevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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The people of Donegal would not agree with the Senator. At least he got elected to the Dáil.

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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We are not discussing television programmes or Members of the other House in this House.

Photo of John GilroyJohn Gilroy (Labour)
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I am looking for a debate on the vileness of it.

Photo of Trevor Ó ClochartaighTrevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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Senator Gilroy should take a run for the Dáil the next time.

Photo of Labhrás Ó MurchúLabhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)
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Tá an-díomá orm go pearsanta go bhfuil Seán Ó Cuirreáin ag éirí as a phost mar Choimisinéir Teanga. Is duine an-chumasach agus an-mhacánta é. Sheas sé an fód ar son na Gaeilge le dínit i gcónaí. Níor chothaigh sé conspóid d'aon ghnó - ionas go mbeadh conspóid ann - riamh. Is cinnte go mbeidh díomá ar an-chuid daoine sa náisiún seo. Is drochlá don Ghaeilge é agus is drochlá don náisiún é. Is droch-ullmhúcháin é do chomóradh Éirí Amach na Cásca. Cuireann sé ionadh orm nach raibh sé ar ár gcumas trí chomhchainteanna é a chur ar a shuaimhneas sa phost. Tá sé tar éis a léiriú nach raibh sé sásta toisc nach raibh comhoibriú á fháil aige.

Ní gá dúinn argóint a dhéanamh faoi seo. Tá an rud seo tar éis tarlú. Tá sé tábhachtach dúinn mar Sheanadóirí ár ndícheall a dhéanamh a chinntiú nach ndéanfar truailliú ar an straitéis 20 bliain don Ghaeilge. Bhí mé an-mhórálach sa Teach seo nuair a bhí an straitéis á phlé againn. Bhí an-áthas orm freisin nach raibh polaitíocht i gceist. Ritheadh an straitéis sin agus glacadh leis d'aon ghnó. Tá sé sin tábhachtach i gcónaí i gcomhthéacs na Gaeilge. Tá dea-thoil i measc an phobail don Ghaeilge. Ní raibh sé mar sin sna 1950í nó, b'fhéidir, sna 1960í. Tá dea-thoil ann anois, go mórmhór i measc daoine óga. Tá daoine thar a bheith mórálach go bhfuil teanga againn anseo. Ní gá ach féachaint ar na gaelscoileanna - tá scuainí ag iarraidh dul isteach iontu an t-am ar fad - nó ar an obair iontach atá á dhéanamh ag TG4. Ba cheart dúinn smaoineamh ar an gcúlra sinn.

Fear macánta, éifeachtach agus cumasach is ea Seán Ó Cuirreáin - ní dóigh liom gur ghlac sé leis an gcinneadh seo go héadrom. Tá súil agam go mbeidh díospóireacht fhorleathan againn sa Teach seo. Ní leor an t-ábhar seo a phlé sa chuid seo den lá. I appeal to the Leader to afford us an opportunity to discuss this matter. I am all against partisanship and politics when it comes to the language because the language belongs to everyone. We proved it here in all our debates. I ask the Leader to give us an opportunity to debate this calmly, quietly and effectively because it needs to be done for the future of the language, the 20 year strategy and the morale of the people.

Photo of Michael MullinsMichael Mullins (Fine Gael)
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I support the call by Senator Barrett for a full debate after Christmas with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Leo Varadkar, on the issue of public transport. The decline in usage to which the Senator referred is quite alarming. We need to debate both whether the taxpayer is getting good value for money and the overall cost to the taxpayer of the system as it is structured.

The month of December will go down in history as a very significant one for our country. In one week's time the troika will exit but the endorsement of Ireland as the premier business location by Forbes magazine is particularly significant. When our Taoiseach came to office he said he wanted to make this country the best small country in which to do business and we are ahead of schedule in this regard. Despite all our difficulties we have maintained a very pro-business approach which is paying off. The number of people at work has increased by 58,000 compared with when the Government came into office. For the first time in many years there has been a drop in the unemployment level to 12.5%. In my own county of Galway in the past year the number on the live register dropped by 6% and in my own town of Ballinasloe the number dropped by 7%, but the overall numbers are still unacceptably high. We must be impatient to accelerate the rate of job creation throughout all sectors of the economy.

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

Photo of Michael MullinsMichael Mullins (Fine Gael)
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I hope Action Plan for Jobs 2014 will be published soon. I support the call to ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Bruton, to come to the House for a debate immediately after Christmas. We need to get working on job creation to accelerate it in areas of the economy that are not performing. The retail sector needs particular attention. The year will end on a very positive note. I want to ensure 2014 has an even more positive start.

Photo of Fidelma Healy EamesFidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)
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It is great news that we are moving up the rankings as a good country in which to do business. I wish to raise two matters with the Leader. It is very important that an independent person is appointed to sort out the mess between the Department of Education and Skills, the Minister and the ASTI. The sides are very strident. The last thing we want is for children to lose out. Children in second level schools deserve an education. The ongoing difficulties are affecting morale in schools. It is not right that schools are being threatened that they will lose teacher posts if the ASTI does not agree to this deal and vote in favour of it. Equally, there are issues to be sorted out by the ASTI. Whatever happens, this cannot be allowed to continue because it is not in the interests of education or our country. I ask the Government to appoint an independent person to resolve this situation and move it on.

I am deeply concerned by the resignation of the Commissioner for the Irish Language. Why did he have to offer his head on a plate for this matter to be taken seriously? If it is not addressed, it could be an act of cultural vandalism. When we are in trouble of financially, we believe that everything can be thrown out to save the economy, yet the Irish language adds to our economy. It gives us our unique identity. We must all be reasonable, but there should be a minimum of one designated person per Department who can communicate with people from the Gaeltacht who want to do their business through Irish. This is not too much to ask.

11:00 am

Photo of Colm BurkeColm Burke (Fine Gael)
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The figures on job creation and the reduction in unemployment are interesting. In the Cork-Kerry region, there has been a reduction in the number on the unemployment register of more than 5,000. Since this is similar to the Dublin region, it is not only the latter that is recovering well. Long may that continue. I hope that, by this time next year, the unemployment figures will have dropped to less than 10%. This should be our target.

Yesterday, I raised a concern about a matter involving taxpayers' money. Houses are lying vacant over the Christmas period. There are 350 such houses in Cork city, one of which will remain so because two State authorities will not co-operate. It is difficult to understand why the Minister cannot intervene. I will correspond with him, the ESB and the city council, but he should intervene. A house is ready for occupation but cannot be occupied because its electricity supply will not be connected. It is unacceptable and wrong that the house will be allowed to sit idle until February. This is a question of taxpayers' money. The house must be boarded up again to protect it from vandalisation over Christmas. This urgent matter needs to be addressed. If I cannot raise it in the House, I ask the Leader to raise it directly with the Minister.

Photo of Sean BarrettSean Barrett (Independent)
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Hear, hear.

Photo of Colm BurkeColm Burke (Fine Gael)
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After giving notice to a former landlord, a family with four young children has been told to move. My colleague, Senator Hayden, referred to the homeless. The family will be homeless within the next week unless this problem can be resolved.

Photo of Feargal QuinnFeargal Quinn (Independent)
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I wish to move an amendment to the Order of Business, that No. 13, the Critical Utilities (Security of Supply) Bill 2013 - First Stage, be taken before No. 1.

Photo of Michael ComiskeyMichael Comiskey (Fine Gael)
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I join with colleagues in welcoming the news that Ireland has been voted the best country in which to do business. I hope that our progress will continue in 2014.

I also welcome the progress made by the Taoiseach and the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in opening up the Japanese market to Irish beef. This is important and will create more jobs. I welcome even more positive news in today's newspapers of the €26 million for 51 research and development projects in the forestry and food industries.

I wish to bring to the attention of the National Roads Authority, NRA, a dangerous junction on the N16 between Sligo and Enniskillen at Manorhamilton. There is a serious problem with crossings that we should examine.

I assure my colleague on the opposite side, Senator MacSharry, that everything is being done to ensure that we get 50:50 funding under the Common Agricultural Policy, CAP, negotiations.

Photo of Paul CoghlanPaul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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Unfortunately, there has been much unjustified criticism of NAMA from someone opposite. I welcome today's announcement that NAMA has met its first major target of €7.5 billion of redemption of senior bonds by the end of 2013. It has an additional €3 billion in cash. This highlights NAMA's progress in obtaining a good return for the taxpayer. It further boosts confidence in Ireland's recovery. There has been much mention this morning of our leading role as a business country. This concrete evidence of our recovery is welcome. I support NAMA in its efforts.

Photo of Maurice CumminsMaurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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Senator Darragh O'Brien raised the question of Garda recruitment, as did Senator Conway. I am unsure of the figures, but it may be 150 in the first tranche, a further 150 within three months and so on. I indicated a month ago that we would have news before Christmas, which has turned out to be the situation. I will take on board the matter of reserve gardaí. They have experience, but I cannot say whether they will have first choice. Since an independent process must be gone through, the Minister will not involve himself with it. I am sure that the experience of reserve gardaí will be taken into consideration in the recruitment process.

I understand that the pyrite Bill will be before the Cabinet next week. I hope that it will be published by Christmas so that we might discuss it early in the new session.

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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Will it be a Seanad Bill?

Photo of Maurice CumminsMaurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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Hopefully. We will try for that.

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Leader.

Photo of Maurice CumminsMaurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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The Minister indicated that he would publish it as a Seanad Bill.

The betting (amendment) Bill will be further down the road, well into next year. More than likely, it will be taken before the summer recess. I agree with the Senator's sentiments. While debating the greyhound and horse racing fund yesterday, the House addressed the importance of putting the betting Bill in place. The majority of betting is done online rather than on-course. I sympathise with independent bookmakers, who are suffering more than most.

Regarding the health service plan, I will inquire of the Minister about the amount spent on legal fees. The House recently addressed a number of cases in which the HSE did not accept liability where it should have. Those cases cost a large amount. I will try to get the information for the Senator.

Senator Hayden referred to the report in Forbes magazine, as did several other Senators. Ireland has been voted the best place to do business. This is encouraging for the country and its prospects of an economic upturn. It is all about confidence, and this vote will certainly help.

In terms of the future of the pharma sector, I agree that the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Bruton, should attend the House to discuss the Action Plan for Jobs, as requested by a number of Senators. I hope to arrange such a debate for early in the new session

I will tell the Minister of State, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, that the House has agreed on an emergency debate on homelessness before Christmas, but it will depend on her availability during the coming weeks. I will try to arrange that debate.

Senator Barrett referred to the naming of the new Naval Service ship. I am sure that the Minister will welcome all proposals. The Senator has a name in mind.

I am sure the Minister will examine all the possible names for the ship.

The rise in bus fares and the decrease in the number of passengers using public transport were referred to, as well as the need for a competitive tendering process. The Minister for transport, Deputy Varadkar, has started that process for a number of designated routes which he announced recently. There is obviously a need for an increase in such routes. I am sure the Minister will be willing to attend the House early in the new year to discuss that matter.

Senator Clune referred to the standard unemployment rate which is down to 12.5%. There is no question but that this is positive progress, although a lot more remains to be done. I cannot understand why Sinn Féin Members seem to be disappointed when the figures go down, although I know they thrive on people's misery most of the time.

11:10 am

Photo of Trevor Ó ClochartaighTrevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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That is wrong. We are just worried about all the people who have to emigrate.

Photo of Maurice CumminsMaurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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They should be welcoming the 12.5% rate and hoping that it will go down a lot more which it will, please God, in the coming months.

Photo of Trevor Ó ClochartaighTrevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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They will not all have to go abroad then.

Photo of Maurice CumminsMaurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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I agree with Senator Clune that we need a debate focusing on jobs and I will press the Minister, Deputy Bruton, to attend the House for that matter.

Labhair na Seanadóirí Ó Domhnaill, Ó Clochartaigh agus Ó Murchú mar gheall ar an gCoimisinéir Teanga. Is trua liom go bhfuil an coimisinéir ag éirí as a hoifig. Tá an Rialtas i bhfábhar na straitéise 20 bliain. There is no question that the Aire Stáit, an Teachta McGinley, is i bhfábhar na straitéise and is committed to implementing it. The Minister of State is committed to implementing that stráteis.

I cannot disagree with Senator Healy Eames that each Department should have a designated person to deal with people in the Irish language. That is a sensible suggestion and I am surprised that such a system is not already in place. We have an excellent Minister for the Gaeltacht who fights hard for that region and the people of the Gaeltacht. He is totally committed to the promotion of the Irish language.

Photo of Trevor Ó ClochartaighTrevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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The commissioner is resigning from that post.

Photo of Maurice CumminsMaurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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The Minister will continue to be so during his period in office.

Photo of Trevor Ó ClochartaighTrevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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Ní ionann caint agus gníomh.

Photo of Maurice CumminsMaurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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Senator Conway mentioned Garda recruitment and complimented gardaí for their activities in Clare.

Senator MacSharry spoke about co-funding, a subject he also raised earlier in the week, and medical card eligibility. We will have a debate on a Bill on the latter subject in early course. I can assure Senator MacSharry that we will be getting our economic sovereignty back, which is a good start. We will continue to build on it in the next few years.

Senator Gilroy referred to a Sinn Féin Deputy's comments on a television programme, but is he surprised? I do not know whether he is or not, but we will have a debate on the Smithwick report.

I understand that ASTI members will be balloting soon and that is a matter for that union. We will await their decision. Senator Colm Burke referred to vacant houses and I will make representations to the Minister on his behalf concerning that subject.

As regards Senator Quinn's point, I will agree to have No. 13 taken before No. 1. I will agree to the amendment.

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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That amendment cannot be moved because there is no seconder for it.

Photo of Marc MacSharryMarc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)
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Can the Leader second it?

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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It can be done on Tuesday, 10 December.

Photo of Maurice CumminsMaurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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I accept your ruling on that, a Chathaoirligh.

Senator Comiskey also referred to co-funding and the Minister is doing everything possible in that regard.

Senator Paul Coghlan mentioned the progress made by NAMA and getting a positive return for the State, which is what we all want from that agency.

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill has moved an amendment to the Order of Business, "That in view of the resignation of the Irish Language Commissioner yesterday, a debate on the future of the Irish language be taken today." Is the amendment being pressed?

Amendment put:

The Seanad divided: Tá, 15; Níl, 24.

Tellers: Tá, Senators Ned O'Sullivan and Trevor Ó Clochartaigh; Níl, Senators Paul Coghlan and Aideen Hayden.

Amendment declared lost.

11:20 am

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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As Senator Quinn's amendment to the Order of Business was not seconded, it lapses. Is the Order of Business agreed?

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

The Seanad divided: Tá, 26; Níl, 14.

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

Question declared carried.