Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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The Order of Business is No. 1, motion re regulation on the temporary relocation of the European Police College, CEPOL, back from committee, to be taken without debate at the conclusion of the Order of Business; and No. 2, ESB (Electronic Communications Networks) Bill 2013 - Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken at 11.45 a.m.

I wish to inform the House that next week we will concentrate on jobs and the economy. The Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, will be in the House to discuss jobs and economic growth, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation will be here to discuss the Action Plan for Jobs and the Minister of State at the same Department, Deputy Cannon, will discuss apprenticeships and training with us.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Leader for the update on the schedule for next week. Many of us have called for a debate on jobs and I appreciate the Leader's arranging these important debates with the Ministers and Minister of State.

I commend Senator Quinn on the passing of his Upward Only Rent (Clauses and Reviews) Bill 2013 yesterday. I know that many Senators on the other side of the House support the Bill but they did not see fit to vote for it. It is important that the Bill was passed. I hope that Fine Gael, in particular, will see through the commitment in its party manifesto prior to the 2011 general election which said the party would pass legislation to give all tenants the right to have their commercial rents reviewed in 2011, irrespective of upward-only or other review clauses. I know that manifesto promises do not really mean anything but this is an opportunity for Fine Gael to make good on its promise on this issue. Senator Quinn did a magnificent job yesterday and my party was only too happy to support him. The Bill has now passed in the Seanad, with the tacit assistance of the provisional Labour Party grouping of the three missing-in-action Senators. I note that they are not here this morning either, but I would say to those Senators that they would be better off voting for proposals that they support rather than just going missing.

David Norris (Independent)
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Hear, hear.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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I think their actions are pathetic. If they are going to ride two horses on every issue and stand for nothing, that is pretty pathetic. They have done it before on many occasions-----

David Norris (Independent)
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They let the Bill through.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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Yes, and I am delighted the Bill went through, but I would prefer it if they came to the House and actually put their money where their mouths are.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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I do have a question. I want to know what the position is with regard to Senator Quinn's Bill. Will the Government accept the Bill in the Dáil?

I would also like to commend my colleague Senator Mary White and thank the Government for agreeing to pass the Parental Leave Bill 2013 on Committee Stage. It is very good legislation and all of us agree with it. That Bill gives lie to what the Taoiseach and the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Bruton, said in the run-up to the campaign to abolish the Seanad - namely, that the Seanad was a dog that never barked. That assertion is completely untrue, as demonstrated yesterday by Bills from Senators Quinn and White. This House has a very important function and carries out that function very well.

Finally, I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on the proposed new GP contracts. I ask that the Minister for Health, Deputy Reilly, or the Minister of State, Deputy White - to whom the buck seems to have been passed on this issue - come to the House to discuss the matter. I ask that we be given an opportunity to put some of the concerns of the GPs directly to the Minister or Minister of State. I ask the Leader to arrange a debate specifically on the contract for the under-sixes. Most of us would prefer to see children who need GP cards getting them. I am all for the idea of under-sixes having free GP care but I am not in favour of children who are seven, eight or nine losing medical cards or GP cards. What is the point in trying to roll out an unworkable contract to give free GP care to healthy children under six, many of whom are in families who can afford to pay for such care, while taking medical cards and GP cards from children and the elderly who need them? I met a woman last week with terminal lung cancer who really needs her card. Cystic fibrosis patients are having their cards taken from them and the Government knows this. I ask that the Minister of State come to the House to address these issues and urge the Leader to make the necessary arrangements.

Ivana Bacik (Independent)
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I join with Senator O'Brien in thanking the Leader for outlining the format of the debates for next week. I welcome the fact that the focus will be on jobs, because a number of Members have called for a debate on this issue, and it is good to hear that the Minister for Finance, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and the Minister of State at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation will be here to discuss different aspects of the jobs strategy.

I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on the forthcoming report of the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality on domestic violence. There are suggestions before the Committee on Procedures and Privileges that the Seanad formally debate reports from Oireachtas committees, and it would be good to see that set up formally. The Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality is currently in the process of conducting hearings on domestic and gender-based violence. We had an excellent series of presentations yesterday and last week we had another excellent set of presentations which have been discussed on the floor of this House. Indeed, Senator Mulcahy made a particularly powerful contribution in that regard. It would be good for this House to debate the report that the Oireachtas committee produces, which will recommend specific changes in legislation that may assist in more effective tackling or combating of domestic and gender-based violence.

David Norris (Independent)
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The committee also heard from the Turn Off the Red Light campaign.

Ivana Bacik (Independent)
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On the same note, I welcome the vote in the European Parliament-----

David Norris (Independent)
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One might ask about the blue light.

Ivana Bacik (Independent)
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-----on Wednesday. The Parliament voted on a resolution put forward by socialist MEP Mary Honeyball calling for EU support for the Nordic approach to criminalising the clients of prostitution rather than those engaged in prostitution. This follows a report of the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality published last year in which the committee recommended that a similar approach be adopted in Ireland. I have asked the Leader for a debate on that report. We are engaged in correspondence with the Minister for Justice and Equality on that issue.

David Norris (Independent)
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This is sanctimonious rubbish and an abuse of language.

Ivana Bacik (Independent)
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I really welcome the clear signal from the European Parliament that the best approach to tackling prostitution is to criminalise the client, that is, to criminalise the purchase rather than the sale of sex. We are seeing that understanding develop across the EU and-----

David Norris (Independent)
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There is no evidence base whatsoever.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Please allow Senator Bacik to continue without interruption.

Ivana Bacik (Independent)
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Finally, I would say-----

David Norris (Independent)
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Senator Bacik should read the Swedish Government's own report-----

Ivana Bacik (Independent)
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I have been to Sweden and met many of those involved on a front-line-----

David Norris (Independent)
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I am sure Senator Bacik is not the only one.

Ivana Bacik (Independent)
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-----basis with those engaged in prostitution. I would urge Senator Norris to read the transcripts of the extensive hearings of the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality on prostitution.

David Norris (Independent)
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I urge Senator Bacik to read the academic reviews.

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

Ivana Bacik (Independent)
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I do not want to engage in a conversation across the floor-----

David Norris (Independent)
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Why not?

Ivana Bacik (Independent)
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Finally, I add my support to those who have called for a debate on the situation in Ukraine, which is very volatile. We all very much welcome the fact that the killing has stopped and deplore the awful killings of last week. We must debate the situation in Ukraine and keep an eye on ongoing developments there.

Sean Barrett (Independent)
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I thank the Leader for arranging the debates on unemployment next week. I would also like to thank colleagues for supporting Senator Quinn's Bill yesterday. The advice communicated from the Attorney General is strange. It suggests that one form of property right - namely, rent - enjoys constitutional protection, while all other forms of income do not. All other forms of income have declined in this recession. Indeed, the Constitutional Convention debated a wider definition of property rights only last weekend. Social welfare payments, wages and other forms of income are not protected by the Constitution. We need to have a wider definition of property rights rather than the one that was used to back up the Government's stance yesterday.

David Norris (Independent)
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Hear, hear.

Sean Barrett (Independent)
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I also call for a debate on Northern Ireland. This is a critical time and the Northern Ireland Assembly may collapse. It is ominous that in February 1914, Edward Carson, speaking in the House of Commons, stated:

I say this to my Nationalist fellow-countrymen [...], you have never tried to win over Ulster. You have never tried to understand her position.

David Norris (Independent)
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That is a splendid idea.

Sean Barrett (Independent)
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I have sent correspondence to the Cathaoirleach regarding the fact that the record indicates that George Sigerson was the first Cathaoirleach of this House, if only for a few days, but he is not commemorated as such. Perhaps we might consider setting the record straight. Mr. Sigerson was a distinguished scientist and a promoter of the Celtic revival. Mr. John Grainger of UCC has communicated his thanks to the Seanad for commemorating the fact that UCC is the current holder of the Sigerson Cup. Sigerson appears to have been overlooked but he played an important role in the very first Senate in December 1922. I ask that he be commemorated in some way, as he appears to have been neglected in the intervening period.

Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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I am always amused when Senator Darragh O'Brien speaks slightly tongue in cheek. I do not wish to revisit anything that happened yesterday but we all know the only flaw in Senator Quinn's Bill related to the wise counsel of the Attorney General, which the Government wisely took on board. That said, and let us not argue, there is nothing preventing landlords and tenants taking into account market conditions. As a practising valuer, I have seen it happen and have engaged in it and I have seen rents held and rents move downwards. In the conditions we have faced over the past few years, commercial landlords were quite wise to try to hold on to tenants, as they did successfully in many cases, so let us be honest. This is a matter of the legal interpretation of a constitutional issue, so let us park it. The other House can deal with it now. That is all I have to say on the matter.

Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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I raise the issue my colleague, Senator Mooney, and others have raised on a number of occasions, including last week, namely, the appalling downgrading of, and lack of concern for, rural Ireland and rural post offices, which was very obvious last night with the very large and peaceful demonstration outside the House. For some time, this side of the House has called for a Minister for rural affairs and that legislation should be rural-proofed.

I tabled a matter on the Adjournment about the closure of a number of banks in west Cork, in particular in Schull and Ballydehob, and the Minister of State the Department of Finance, Deputy Brian Hayes, felt that, in some instances, the banks were using economic restructuring as a scapegoat and that was not justified. As the banks in Schull and Ballydehob were closed, he indicated that the three post offices on that peninsula would be supported by extra financial business which the banks had failed to provide to the local community. As has happened all over the country, another bank was closed in Dromcollogher. One arm of Government is saying that social welfare must be paid through the banks rather than the post offices but Government policy should be tweaked in such a way that rural post offices are supported.

Last night I met a postmistress from Ardgroom village, which is 110 miles from Cork city. She said farmers who were in receipt of farm assist had to travel 50 miles the bank in Bantry to draw the money as the money must be lodged in a bank rather than a post office. This is serious kick in the teeth to rural Ireland. As it is such a serious issue and as this is the first time I have spoken on it for some weeks, I propose an amendment to the Order of Business that the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Rabbitte, or whoever is the appropriate Minister comes to the House today, even for one hour, to explain the direction in which we are going in regard to rural Ireland.

The banks have closed and the Garda stations are closing. If the rural post offices go, it will be an awful kick in the teeth. The policies of the Government are dictating that they will be closed. The banks bullied us and let us down with a bang and now the post offices, which are the only back-up people in rural Ireland have, are being ground to a halt because the policy of certain Ministers is that people should forget about rural post offices and use the banks. We should forget the banks and support our post offices, so I am proposing an amendment to the Order of Business.

Susan O'Keeffe (Labour)
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It is about time Fianna Fáil forgot the banks. That would be a good move.

Michael Mullins (Fine Gael)
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I thank the Leader for arranging the debate next week with the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Bruton, on the Action Plan for Jobs. It is only right that in 2014, the Government places a major emphasis on job creation, the promotion of entrepreneurship and additional manufacturing.

I wish raise an issue a constituent raised with me this week and ask the Leader to arrange a discussion with the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Shatter, on the operation of the jury system and how it impacts on people. I was contacted by a constituent who lives in Ballinasloe but who was called to the courthouse in Galway three times this week to be considered for jury duty. That involved a round trip of 80 miles three times this week. This person works part-time and her husband is on a two-day week. There is absolutely no consideration of out-of-pocket expenses in respect of travelling for jury service, or to be considered for jury service. That is wrong in this day and age, in particular when people face serious financial difficulties, and it needs to be reviewed. Will the Leader take this up with the Minister? The person in question was most anxious to do her civic duty and would certainly look forward to participating on a jury but she felt aggrieved that she would be significantly out of pocket and was not entitled to any reimbursement in respect of her participation in, or consideration for selection for, jury duty.

Jillian van Turnhout (Independent)
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I raise two children's rights issues. I circulated a motion to my colleagues yesterday evening condemning the holding of child beauty pageants. I really hope we get cross-party support for this motion and I worded it in a way which I hope enables that. We need to unite in our opposition to these types of pageants held purely for financial gain. The message it sends to young people is reprehensible and we need to ensure we unite and say they have no place in Ireland. I thank Members who have already signed the motion and ask that all Members put their names to it.

I refer to Senator Crown's and Senator Daly's Bill on smoking in cars with children. Senator Crown has been in touch with Department officials and has been advised that the Government should have amendments by the first week of April. I have been in contact with the Minister's adviser and got a similar message. Will the Leader set a date for the first week of April, remembering that May will the second anniversary of commencement of this Bill in the House? The Government has had 20 months to draft amendments to quite a clear Bill, which everybody says they support. However, we do not seem to be able to get the amendments. I hope that in the first week of April, the Leader will allocate time for this Bill but I put him on notice that I expect the Government amendments to be tabled here. We will not accept it going to the Dáil with the Bill and tabling the amendments there. This House should ensure the Bill is completed here so that it can sail through the Dáil and perhaps be agreed by it before Easter. I ask for a date for that Bill.

David Norris (Independent)
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Yesterday was a superb day for Seanad Éireann. If anything vindicated its right to exist and its importance to democracy and political life in this country, yesterday was it. It was a superb triumph for our colleague, Senator Quinn, and I compliment him on that. He has been extraordinarily industrious. If one looks at the number of Bills he has produced, I simply do not know how he does it. He must have a back-up team somewhere. This really does justice to the House and justifies its existence.

I disagree with my friend, the leader of the Fianna Fáil group, Senator Darragh O'Brien, and commend the Labour Party Members. It took guts to stay away. I do not think anybody in Fianna Fáil would have done any more than that or would have broken the Whip. This is the realism of politics and it allowed that Bill to go through.

Being a politician, I would like to lay a bit of a claim to the triumph because I both took and gave advice. I asked Senator Quinn if he wanted support for the Bill. He said: "Yes, but would you ever keep your mouth shut because we are afraid the Government will talk it out", so I went to the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality and came back for the vote.

I suggested to Senator Quinn that we call a walk-through vote. That is part of the way we run it, but it is the Senator's triumph and we should all unanimously commend him on this.

This also questions the Cathaoirleach's position under Standing Orders. I do not mean this in a personal way or as a criticism of the way he chairs proceedings. The Cathaoirleach is elected as an independent representative to be neutral and I am not sure if this nonsense that he or she must always go with the Government is in Standing Orders, but it is not in the Constitution. I acknowledge that it follows precedent, and the Cathaoirleach was perfectly correct in what he did, but that is one of the reforms that needs to come in. Perhaps if we provide for a secret ballot for the Chair whereby he or she is instructed to vote on the issue and not to automatically to go with the Government, that would be an enhancement of our democracy.

I refer to the question of the Garda Commissioner. I do not call for heads but I am sorry to say he has to go. There is no doubt in my mind about that. The latest revelations involve claims of sexual harassment and this woman-----

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

David Norris (Independent)
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Can we have a discussion on the role of the Garda Commissioner and the position of the Garda? When a woman makes a serious complaint of sexual harassment and she is told that the last person who made a complaint is now washing cars in Navan, that is much worse than the time the late Brian Lenihan asked a garda whether he wanted a pint or a transfer.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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The Senator is way over time. I call Senator O'Keeffe.

David Norris (Independent)
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There are grave questions about the Minister for Justice and Equality. He is an excellent reforming Minister but he has character flaws which have led him into serious errors of judgment. There are questions about him too, but the Commissioner must go first.

Susan O'Keeffe (Labour)
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I support Senator Bacik's call regarding the report of the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality on domestic violence. I have invested time and energy in this area and anything that raises the profile of those who work in this area, the sufferers or the perpetrators is positive, but there is much work to be done. It is something we are only coming to terms with now. If the Leader could find a way to assist that, I would be grateful.

Unfortunately, Senator O'Donovan has left the House, but I remind him regarding the post offices-----

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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The Senator cannot allude to Members who have left the Chamber.

Ivana Bacik (Independent)
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Senator Darragh O'Brien mentioned the Labour Party Senators who were not present.

Susan O'Keeffe (Labour)
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I was merely pointing out that he is not present to hear what I am about to say.

Ivana Bacik (Independent)
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Just like Senator Darragh O'Brien.

Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)
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Senators are not allowed to do that.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator O'Keeffe without interruption.

Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)
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On a point of order, it is normal in these circumstances that the Cathaoirleach asks the Member who does that to withdraw his or her comment.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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I did that.

Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)
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But the Senator did not listen to the Chair.

Susan O'Keeffe (Labour)
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What am I supposed to withdraw?

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Members should not allude to colleagues who have left the Chamber.

Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)
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The Senator is not supposed to make reference to an absent Member.

Ivana Bacik (Independent)
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Senator O'Brien alluded to three Labour Party Senators not being present earlier.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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That related to yesterday's votes.

Ivana Bacik (Independent)
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The Senator said they were not present here today.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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Four Labour Party Members were absent for votes yesterday.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator O'Keeffe without interruption. Senator O'Brien should resume his seat.

David Norris (Independent)
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Everybody is entitled to go to the lavatory.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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The Senator is rowdy.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Has Senator O'Keeffe a question for the Leader?

Susan O'Keeffe (Labour)
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I have asked a question. Can I not make a point?

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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The Senator has asked a question. I call Senator Ó Clochartaigh.

Susan O'Keeffe (Labour)
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In fairness, most Members speak for three minutes.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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The Senator had two minutes and she is way over time. I call Senator Ó Clochartaigh.

Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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Ba mhaith liom tacú leis an moladh atá déanta ag mo chomhleacaí, an Seanadóir Barrett, maidir le díospóireacht ar chúrsaí an Tuaiscirt.

We have called for a debate on Northern Ireland issues on many occasions. It would be timely as there are many issues of concern to us. It is obvious from some of the comments made yesterday on HGV regulation that there is a great deal of confusion, or else Members are getting misinformation from their SDLP or Unionist colleagues in the North regarding the HGV levy. It is a tax over which the Assembly has no control. I assure anybody who is concerned that Sinn Féin has lobbied long and hard to ensure the levy is not introduced. Our leadership is very much engaged on that issue. However, there is a role for both governments to play in these issues to ensure tax affairs are fully devolved to the Assembly in order that it would have full control over them.

I welcome the fact that we will have debates on employment. It is ironic that an announcement on jobs is being made today when we are being given information by newly qualified social workers that they will be employed on a graduate scheme, similar to what happened with newly qualified teachers and nurses. During the debates, it will be important to discuss the rates of pay that people are being asked to work for and the fact that newly qualified social workers are being recruited on less favourable conditions that their predecessors, which is a huge issue.

I raised a serious question that needs to be answered by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine on the Adjournment last night regarding the development of a fish farm on Inis Oirr and the meeting that he and the Taoiseach had with the chief executive officer of Marine Harvest, a company that could potentially win the licence for the project. The reply given by the Minister of State at the Department, Deputy Tom Hayes, was correct in that he said the licensing process must be independent, but the fact that the Minister and the Taoiseach have met one of the major stakeholders in the industry at a time when the licensing process is under way was inappropriate. I ask the Leader to use his office to ask the Minister to make a clear statement that the issue of the Inis Oirr fish farm was not discussed with the chief executive officer of Marine Harvest when they met recently and that he does not intend to discuss it when he attends the aquaculture conference in Norway in the next few weeks.

Aideen Hayden (Labour)
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A social welfare contract worth €50 million has been awarded to An Post, which will secure its future and the jobs therein.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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Did the Senator notice the postmasters' briefing?

Aideen Hayden (Labour)
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I refer to the sale of the Irish Nationwide Building Society, INBS, loan book, which has been raised in the House on a number of occasions. I attended yesterday's meeting of the Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform expecting to be reassured by the special liquidator and Department of Finance officials that those with INBS loans would be protected when the loan book is sold. All the bidders will not be subject to regulation by the Central Bank. I was shocked to discover that the commitment given that the code of conduct on mortgage arrears would be adhered to by prospective bidders would not form a legal condition of the contract for sale, which means it will not be binding. That is an unacceptable flaw. The second flaw is that even if that condition had been incorporated into the contract, there is nothing to protect mortgage holders from a further sale of the loan book, either in its entirely or as individual loans.

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

Aideen Hayden (Labour)
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I have, but this is an important issue. Third, interest rates will be imposed by the lender. That is grand when we are dealing with Bank of Ireland, AIB and so on, but these mortgage holders will be dealing with organisations that are based outside the country and there will be no restriction on the interest rate they charge unless it is described as usury, and we all know what that means - more than 50% and up to 200% in some instances. This is a serious issue. The alternative is that the loan book should move to NAMA, and that is what should happen. There is no protection for INBS mortgage holders in what is proposed. Only 1% of them are on tracker mortgages, which means 99% of them have no protection.

Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)
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I second Senator O'Donovan's amendment.

I commend tourism interests on the latest tourism figures, which highlight an 8% increase in tourist numbers between November 2013 and January 2014. That is an astonishing achievement and I congratulate Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland and everybody in the hospitality sector for upping their game. Will the Leader consider inviting the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to the House to support the view that, as we are hopefully on an upward curve in the context of visitor numbers, the hospitality sector and those who provide services to tourists should not engage in a rip-off republic syndrome? The reason I raise this is that I had occasion yesterday afternoon to visit the self-service restaurant of the National Library, which is one of our cultural institutions.

I preface my remarks by saying that I understand cultural institutions in the country are struggling financially, mainly as a result of cutbacks since the recession started in 2008. They must make themselves financially viable. However, I had occasion to look at the prices being charged for small slices of cake. This applies to several varieties of cake on sale in the self-service area, at the exploitative price of €3.25 each.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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That is not a matter for the Order of Business.

Aideen Hayden (Labour)
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Senator Mooney does not get out much.

Rónán Mullen (Independent)
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Let them eat bread.

Jillian van Turnhout (Independent)
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Those with a reader's card receive a discount.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Does Senator Mooney have a question for the Leader?

Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)
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I have already asked the Leader to invite the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Varadkar, to the House. This is because cultural institutions are a main source of tourism revenue. An extraordinary number of visitors, Irish and non-Irish, visit our cultural institutions and I strongly encourage them to continue to do so. I do not want to single out the National Library of Ireland. How many hospitality outlets are charging exorbitant prices that will not help the tourism industry? That is why I ask whether it is an opportunity for the Minister to encourage the Irish hospitality sector to ensure it does not exploit tourists coming into the country.

Rónán Mullen (Independent)
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I congratulate my colleague, Senator Feargal Quinn, on what was a triumph for the Seanad yesterday evening. Sinn Féin colleagues were eager to remind the correspondent from The Irish Times of my absence from the Chamber. I was addressing a school in Bettystown and I was happy to be obliged by one of my Government colleagues with a pair, which is more than my Sinn Féin colleagues managed to do when I tabled a motion on the need to put high-voltage lines underground.

I propose an amendment to the Order of Business: that we take No. 8 before No. 1. This is First Stage of the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) (Amendment) Bill 2014, which provides for a requirement that high-voltage electricity transmission cables are placed underground where physically possible and makes certain other changes. I ask if the Leader can make time for a debate in early course. We have not had enough debate in the Chamber on issues relating to pylons, on our energy strategy and on the concerns of tens of thousands of people about massive turbines being erected in many parts of the country with a view to supplying cheap energy to Britain but without the public interest first and foremost.

I agree with Senator Bacik on the European Parliament recommendation on the need to criminalise purchasers of sexual services in the Honeyball report. When I first heard about the report I thought it referred to a character in a James Bond movie, but it appears to be a substantial proposal. I compliment Senators Bacik and Zappone on their work on the issue at the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality. I took the lead in the previous Seanad by introducing amendments and Private Members' motions calling for legislation to bring us in line with the Nordic policy of criminalising the user. It is an important development and we should debate it in early course.

Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)
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The point I want to raise was well articulated by Senator Aideen Hayden. Yesterday, I listened to the debate on the IBRC loan book at the committee. It is appalling that we are approving a situation in which foreign private equity funds can target the purchase of the loans with no safeguards and we are depending on their goodwill in treating borrowers sympathetically. It is unacceptable for any Government to be in that position. The loan book will go to the funds who target returns on investment of 20% to 30%. Usually, this is in a high-risk area. I disagree fundamentally with the Minister for Finance, who claims it is not practical to make these loans saleable to the borrowers at the discounted rate. That is exactly what we should do. For people trying to hold onto their own houses, it is a given that it should happen.

I am concerned about foreign funds buying property at the bottom of the market. If the economy recovers over the coming decade, all of the money will be sent abroad and we will not have the indigenous investors and the capital required to reconstruct our economy. There is no thought, and deficiencies in the Department of Finance and at political level must be addressed.

I said at the time that the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Shatter, politicised the Garda Commissioner by using politically sensitive information against Mick Wallace, who is a constituency colleague-----

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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It is Deputy Wallace.

Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)
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Deputy Wallace put on record exactly what must have happened and, reluctantly, I said at the time that the Commissioner must look at his position. The Minister and the Commissioner must now go. I appeal to the members of the Labour Party, who would have been shouting from the rafters for far less fundamental breaches when in opposition. They should not bend the knee because it involves a Minister who goes with their social agenda.

John Crown (Independent)
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Two years ago, in conjunction with Senators Daly and van Turnhout, I proposed legislation to ban smoking in cars where children are present. The Bill has passed a number of stages and we should be given a definite date for the debate on Report Stage. I received correspondence from one of the officials involved telling us that the various Departments' Report Stage amendments would be ready by the first week in April. The official asked us not to press for any debate earlier than that. I acknowledge the co-operation of the Leader in the past few weeks, when he indicated he would make time available.

In January 2013, we were given a similar assurance that the amendments would be ready by the end of January 2013, which is 13 months ago. I respectfully ask the Leader to designate a specific day for the debate. It should be 2 April, which provides an opportunity for the promised amendments to be delivered. I would be grateful if the Leader could designate a time on that day for the debate on Report Stage.

Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)
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I join Senator Barrett in a request for a debate on Northern Ireland as a matter of urgency. I request the Leader to invite the Taoiseach to address the House on a serious situation. I support my colleague, Senator Denis O'Donovan, in his request that the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Rabbitte, attend the House to discuss the future of rural post offices. The issue has been raised over the past number of weeks. While I appreciate the replies to the Leader and the Deputy Leader, it is a serious situation and the Minister must come and outline Government plans to sustain post offices, particularly in rural Ireland. There should be positive discrimination towards rural Ireland in respect of post offices and other services, including representation at local and national political levels. The Labour Party policy on local government involves taking away representation from rural Ireland and moving it to the heavily populated areas of the east coast. Will the Labour Party pursue this policy in respect of post offices?

Ivana Bacik (Independent)
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On a point of order, to correct Senator Wilson, he is talking about Government policy rather than any particular party policy. He is also misrepresenting Government policy. As he knows, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Hogan, has provided a comprehensive report-----

Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)
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May I make a point of order?

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Yes.

Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)
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Invariably, Senator Bacik gets up under a pretence of making a point of order.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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The Senator is doing exactly the same thing.

Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)
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It is a point of order.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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I call Senator Wilson, without interruption.

Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Deputy Leader for confirming that it is not only Labour Party policy but Fine Gael policy for rural Ireland to be discriminated against with regard to representation at local government level. I have a question for the Leader and perhaps the Deputy Leader could give her opinion on it. Is it the policy of this Government to close rural Ireland altogether?

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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Hear, hear.

Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)
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Is that the policy? I would be grateful for an answer. I congratulate Senator Quinn on his excellent Bill, as it shows what this House can do when we put our minds to it. I also commend my colleague, Senator Mary White.

John Gilroy (Labour)
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I am sure Senator Wilson is under some misapprehension regarding the Government's position on rural Ireland. I remind the Senator that under his party in Government, 197 post offices were closed. That was the last Fianna Fáil Government.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Is there a question for the Leader?

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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Did Senator Gilroy meet the postmasters?

John Gilroy (Labour)
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I certainly did.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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The Senator without interruption.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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It is an important point.

John Gilroy (Labour)
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I explained to them that despite Fianna Fáil's scaremongering on the issue, the Government has no intention whatever of undermining the very efficient network. The Government recently invested €50 million in a contract for the post office relating to the Department of Social Protection, which is to be welcomed. One might half-expect it from Sinn Féin but it is remarkable that Fianna Fáil is competing with Sinn Féin in scaremongering in rural Ireland.

Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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I did not say anything about post offices this morning.

John Gilroy (Labour)
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It is only a matter of time.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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The Senators should speak through the Chair. Is there a question for the Leader?

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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Senator Gilroy is all over the shop.

John Gilroy (Labour)
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It is only a matter of time before there will be negativity flowing from both Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin, as the local elections are coming up.

Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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That is very negative.

John Gilroy (Labour)
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They are codding people on this issue and scaremongering. Senator Wilson has failed to understand that democracy is about representing people and not particular areas, fields or mountains.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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The Senator could remind the Tánaiste of that.

John Gilroy (Labour)
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If the population of Ireland has become more urbanised in recent years, I suggest it would be good to have those people living in urban Ireland equally represented.

Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)
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Forget about people.

Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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We can ask them to turn off the lights when they emigrate.

John Gilroy (Labour)
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If Fianna Fáil has a problem representing people, as opposed to codding them-----

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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The Senator does not seem to have a question. I call Senator Quinn.

John Gilroy (Labour)
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-----perhaps those in the party can reflect on that.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator, I asked if you had a question. You are now over time.

Feargal Quinn (Independent)
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I rise to second Senator Mullen's proposal that No. 8 be taken before No. 1 today. I ask the Leader to consider having a debate involving the relevant Minister on the licensing of livestock ships. A livestock ship licensed by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine last year was recently impounded in Cornwall. Although the licence was issued by the Department, on a return trip to Germany the ship was impounded because the British found it lacking in normal standards of safety. The British agency examined the fire detection and crew emergency systems and crew accommodation and it noted an absence of hot water. Compassion in World Farming has argued that the system of licensing ships carrying livestock is lacking. I did not know anything about this until recently but it appears to be an issue deserving attention. Perhaps we could have a debate on it in the House.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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Senator O'Brien asked about the status of Senator Quinn's Bill. It has been passed by Seanad Éireann and the other House will decide where and when it will proceed. The Government accepted Committee Stage of the Parental Leave Bill 2013 and, as the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, outlined, the Government has many reservations about the Bill. Nevertheless, it was prepared to accept Committee Stage and it will have many amendments on Report Stage. I will certainly ask the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy White, to come before us to address the matter of GP contracts and the treatment of children under six. I hope he will come to the Seanad in the next number of weeks.

Senator Bacik called for a debate on a number of reports, including one from the European Parliament and another from the justice committee regarding prostitution. I do not know if the report on domestic violence has been published-----

Ivana Bacik (Independent)
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No.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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-----but when it is, we will arrange to have a debate in the House. I also note her points on Ukraine and the request for a debate on the matter.

Senators Barrett and Wilson called for a debate on Northern Ireland and I will request the Taoiseach to come here for that. Senator Coghlan commented on Senator Quinn's Bill. Senators O'Donovan and Wilson spoke about post offices and rural Ireland. As I stated yesterday and the day before, the Minister in question attended the Seanad for an Adjournment matter and he gave a very comprehensive report on the issue. It is not the intention of the Government to close post offices. When I mentioned that in the first place I indicated that the Government does not close post offices, but I was heckled from the other side. Seventeen post offices were closed in the past three years but 197 were closed in the three years before that under the previous Administration. The figures speak for themselves in that regard.

Senator Mullins spoke about expenses for people on jury duty and we will bring that matter to the attention of the Minister for Justice and Equality. Perhaps the Senator could consider it as an Adjournment matter. I am sure we will have a very good discussion on next week's Private Members' motion, which is put forward by Senator van Turnhout. Senators van Turnhout and Crown commented on the Bill regarding smoking in cars where children are present, and there are a number of items of correspondence from the Department on the matter to both Senators. It has been indicated that the Bill will be taken in early April and I intend to put it on the agenda for 2 April. It is appalling that there has been such a delay with the Bill but I am unsure about who or what held it up. I assure the Senators it will be on the agenda for 2 April.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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Well done.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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I note Senator Norris's comments regarding the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Shatter, and the Garda Commissioner, and Senator Walsh had similar comments. I do not share that opinion. Senator O'Keeffe spoke about domestic violence, a point raised by Senator Bacik, and we will have a debate on the matter when the report is complete.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh clarified Sinn Féin's position on the heavy goods vehicle levy. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Coveney, gave a clear and comprehensive response to the Adjournment matter last evening. Senators Hayden and Walsh spoke about the Irish Nationwide Building Society and Irish Bank Resolution Corporation mortgage book. The Minister for Finance will be here next week and I am sure the opportunity will be taken to mention those matters. Senator Mooney spoke about a significant increase in tourism numbers, which should be welcomed by all, and it was welcomed by the Senator. I note his points on the need for the industry to monitor prices so that we do not see significant increases. However, I would have thought €3.25 for a piece of cake was fairly reasonable in this day and age.

Senator Mullen sought an amendment to the Order of Business but it is customary that it would be raised with the Leader prior to the commencement of proceedings. I will accede to the request that item No. 8 be taken-----

Rónán Mullen (Independent)
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No discourtesy was intended.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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I have already mentioned Senator Wilson's contribution, and I note his comments on rural Ireland. I also note Senator Gilroy's comments in that regard. Senator Quinn mentioned the licensing of livestock ships.

I will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister, Deputy Coveney.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator Denis O'Donovan has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That an hour's debate on the need to protect the economy of rural Ireland in view of the threatened closure of post offices be taken today." Is the amendment being pressed?

Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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Yes.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator Rónán Mullen has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 8 be taken before No. 1." The Leader has indicated that he wishes to accept the amendment. Is the amendment agreed to? Agreed.