Aideen Hayden (Labour)
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I would like to remind our colleague on the other side of the House that all of the measures that were taken in last year's budget would not have been necessary if it had not been for the mismanagement of the economy by his party.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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I knew the Senator would say that.

Aideen Hayden (Labour)
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All of that having been said, I would like to ask the Leader to arrange a discussion in advance of the budget on the basis of some of the pre-budget submissions all of us have received from groups like Age Action Ireland. This House could usefully contribute to such a debate. On behalf of the Labour Party group, I would like to wish my colleague a very happy birthday.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Senator.

Aideen Hayden (Labour)
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I would also like to congratulate the Minister, Deputy Burton, on her election as leader of the Labour Party. She is the first woman in the history of the Labour Party to be elected into that position. Indeed, she is the first woman to be elected to lead any significant political party in this State.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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The Labour Party might not be significant for long.

Aideen Hayden (Labour)
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I welcome the comments she has made since her election, particularly about improving the plight of those on low incomes. I was personally impressed by what she said about prioritising social and affordable housing. At present, six people are presenting to the services of Threshold every day because they are at risk of becoming homeless. There is a huge and crushing need for additional housing in Dublin, in particular. I appreciate the new Tánaiste's decision to make that a priority. I also welcome her comment that we will rule with our heads and our hearts, and not just with our heads, as we go forward.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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Does that mean all the cuts that were introduced in the last two social protection budgets will be reversed?

Aideen Hayden (Labour)
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I can understand why Senator O'Brien is reluctant to disclose his age.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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Why? Is it because the Government might take something off me?

Aideen Hayden (Labour)
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During the Labour Party leadership elections, I heard some very worrying comments from the media to the effect that older people have to make way for the youth. Such comments are very worrying in a society with an ageing population. At a time when we are consistently pushing out the retirement age, it is a very negative attitude to be giving.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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It was started by the Minister of State, Deputy White.

Aideen Hayden (Labour)
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I am very happy that the Tánaiste, apart from being clearly the most suitable candidate in the minds of the electorate, was also the oldest candidate presenting for election. This is a matter of record.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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Is this a Labour Party broadcast? Is the Senator going to ask any questions of the Leader?

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

Aideen Hayden (Labour)
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We need to be very aware of any comments that are allowed to go forward, in the media or elsewhere, on the issue of age in Irish society. We should be cautious and concerned about this very worrying development. I ask the Leader to invite the new Tánaiste into this House at an early opportunity to discuss her views on the development of this country and her priorities as Tánaiste.

Sean Barrett (Independent)
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I welcome the ambassador of the United Kingdom to the House. I also welcome the invitation that has been extended to President Higgins from the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ireland to attend next year's parade in Rossnowlagh. I hope the processing of that invitation in the normal way will enhance relationships and promote friendships, which is what happened during President McAleese's time in office.

I note in his speech after the parade in Rossnowlagh, County Donegal, the Orange Lodge grand master said, "Two years ago, our grand secretary, Drew Nelson, made a landmark and historic speech in the Irish Senate in Dublin". These are valuable links which I hope will be promoted.

In the same vein, I welcome the initiative of Trinity College Dublin to increase its intake number of Northern Ireland students which has been welcomed by the Minister, Deputy Ruairí Quinn, praising the all-Ireland approach to education, as well as by John O’Dowd, the Northern Ireland Minister for Education, and by Dr. Stephen Farry, Minister for Employment and Learning. These contacts between young people from both sides of the Border can only do good. Both initiatives are important in a week when we wish the parades season will pass off peacefully.

Tom Shehan (Fine Gael)
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Whoever will be Minister for Health come tomorrow, can he or she be brought to the House as a matter of urgency to debate the extension of the free cervical cancer screening programme to college students on their entrance to third level? As it stands, free screening is only available to the over-25s. There seems to be a quasi and lackadaisical approach to this matter. I dealt with a young lady recently who is under 25 and who, unfortunately, was diagnosed with cervical cancer. She had to go to great lengths to get a screening because she was refused one at several junctures. In Britain, free cervical cancer screening is available to students when they enter college. As every Member knows, prevention is better than cure and can also be cheaper than treatment. I hope the Minister will look on this in a favourable light.

For some time I have been looking for the Coroners Bill to be brought before the House. The last time I queried its status, it was No. 7 on the Order Paper but now is at No. 13. Will the Leader give some indication as to when we can expect this Bill?

Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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I want to be magnanimous and wish Deputy Joan Burton the very best in her new position. I was enthused by her remarks that she would look more into her heart than be ruled by her head. If that were the case, she might return to the real, true, red rose of Labour policies, so much of which were reneged on over the past three and a half years. If she really does look into her heart, I suggest that without further ado, she call a general election and go to the country.

Martin Conway (Fine Gael)
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Is the Senator ready for an election?

Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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If her head rules, she will want to spend the next two years as Tánaiste. If her heart is true - she has a decent heart - then she would bite the bullet and face the music of a general election instead of procrastinating and talking out of both sides of her mouth.

I want to raise the scrapping by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Phil Hogan, and the Government of the advocacy services for deaf people. It is a mean-fisted act. This cut will affect a minority group, approximately 11,000 people, but it means a lot to them. Earlier this morning when I arrived at Leinster House at 9.15 a.m., a deaf person presented me with a leaflet setting out the circumstances and difficulties that will ensue because of this decision.

I will go further by proposing an amendment to the Order of Business, that the Minister in question, before he jets off to Brussels and forgets about this and the other House, comes to this House today to explain the reasoning behind this cut and commit to reinstate this paltry amount of money which meant so much to deaf people. It is important this matter is dealt with today.

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

Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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There is no point in a new Minister dealing with this after the summer recess and claiming it was a decision from the past. This is a serious issue and we all know someone in our community who has a serious hearing problem. Will the Minister, Deputy Phil Hogan, have a small bit of compassion before he leaves? He is a big man and should show a bit of compassion in this case. Perhaps he did not realise the serious implications of what reneging on funding for advocacy groups for deaf people would mean. I trust the Leader will consider accepting my amendment which would allow the Minister to reverse that cruel decision.

Susan O'Keeffe (Labour)
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I too join with Senator Barrett and the Cathaoirleach in welcoming the British ambassador to Ireland, Dominick Silcott, to the Visitors Gallery today. I had the pleasure of being in his company at the Hay in Kells festival over the weekend. It was a good and varied festival at which I took part in the Google debate, a valuable discussion on freedom of information and protection for whistleblowers. It also touched on the new issues raised by the right to forget ruling from the European Court of Justice that now puts an onus on Google to make decisions as to whether information ought to be kept or forgotten. We would do well to have a debate on this matter in this House as it will impinge on everyone’s life, one way or the other.

I agree with Senator Hayden on having a debate on the many pre-budget submissions we are receiving and will continue to receive. It is important we do this before the recess, if at all possible. I know we are very busy but the budget process may run away from us at a pace with which we will not be able to keep up if we leave it to when we come back after the summer.

I extend my congratulations to Deputy Joan Burton on becoming leader of the Labour Party. It is a unique situation to all political parties that the chair of the party is a woman, Loraine Mulligan, the leader is a woman, Deputy Burton, and the general secretary is a woman, Ita McAuliffe. This is the first time in political history that all three key positions in a political party have been held by women. I am proud of that fact and that it is the Labour Party that is leading the way in this regard. I am sure Deputy Burton will bring her heart and head to all the matters which face us. I welcome the fact she has pledged to stay in government. As Senator O’Donovan knows, there is much work to be done, particularly on debt forgiveness. I feel she will play a leading role in helping bring a resolution to that issue.

Feargal Quinn (Independent)
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Often, when I am a buying a newspaper, I say to the vendor, "Give me one with only good news in it". It is interesting that newspapers over the past few days have much good economic news in them. We should be careful to ensure we continue with the vigour and energy of recent times to create good news on the creation of extra jobs, the return of investor confidence and improved sales. I am concerned, however, that, like on occasions in the past, we go too far and take our eye off the ball. We must make sure the new Cabinet insists on maintaining the vigour and energy it needs to keep this going.

In the election manifestos and the programme for Government, the Cabinet made several promises it has not kept. For instance, I was delighted a promise had been made to reduce the number of quangos. However, while it has reduced them by 45, it has created 33 new ones. There is a legislative solution to upward-only rent which I have urged is passed through the Dáil. I hope the new Cabinet will ensure it is passed soon because it will create confidence.

The Government must make sure it continues with all its efforts to ensure businesses get the opportunity to survive and thrive.

Too often we place too many bureaucracy red tape controls on businesses. Small businesses need a lot of help, but they are not looking for any help other than removing the barriers. The new Cabinet should make this a priority and aim at it. If it does we will manage to keep the ship afloat for the next number of years.

Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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I am delighted with today's good news story. I join all colleagues in congratulating our good friend and colleague, Senator Daragh O'Brien, on his birthday. I also congratulate Deputy Joan Burton on becoming leader of the Labour Party. I also welcome H.E. Mr. Dominick Chilcott, the British ambassador, to the Chamber.

Thanks to Senator Feargal Quinn, and I am pleased to follow on this, we have the Construction Contracts Act. A commitment was given in the programme for Government to aid small building contractors who were denied payment from bigger companies. The Act introduces a new regime to aid subcontractors in the construction sector, many of whom have experienced difficulties for many years. It introduces interim payments of moneys due to subcontractors and new statutory rights for subcontractors in the industry. It also establishes a new adjudication system to arbitrate on disputes in the area. This morning I had a query from a poll-topping colleague in Kerry who is very concerned about the matter. I will discuss this with Senator Quinn afterwards. Perhaps the Act now requires an order on all or part of it and the sooner it happens the better. There are huge shortfalls in this area. There is something very wrong where it occurs when subcontractors deal with organs of the State. I look forward to pursuing the matter further. We should pursue it in government and ensure it is dealt with speedily.

Marie Louise O'Donnell (Independent)
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I would be delighted if the Seanad congratulates me when I am next 40.

Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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Again.

Marie Louise O'Donnell (Independent)
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It will be a reversal of fortunes; I have been 37 for so long, but there you go.

I call on the Leader to invite the new Minister for Education and Skills to the House to answer the Larkin Unemployed Centre, which is involved in community education in north inner-city Dublin. When one hears the word "community" in Ireland one thinks of devastation, as community projects, leaders, organisations and workers are being devastated by the Government.. Quality and Qualifications Ireland, QQI, which has yet to prove itself, is asking community educational organisations to pay €5,000 for the process and privilege of its programmes. This is outrageous. It is contained in the new Bill. No community organisation involved in FETAC levels 5 to 10 should be asked to pay this as they do the State an enormous service. On his or her first outing, the new Minister for Education and Skills should come to the House to discuss this. I have yet to see the work of QQI, which has wonderful pages on what it will do and its aims and objectives, actually delivering. This is a very serious issue for all community projects and community education throughout the country. The organisations cannot afford to pay €5,000 to validate and organise what they already do. It is all right for big universities and technical colleges but it is not all right for community education where real education begins. More money should be pumped into it and organisations should not be asked to pay for the purpose of planning or validation.

Denis Landy (Labour)
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Yesterday the long-awaited Indecon report on the review of certain matters relating to Bord na gCon was published. It makes startling reading when one considers the fall-off of revenue in the greyhound industry of 56% since 2006. The organisation is in debt to the amount of €21 million and sales and gate receipts are drastically down. The pension fund is underfunded by almost €7 million. The report calls on the Minister to bring forward legislation to deal with a number of issues within the ambit of the board, such as the inspection of premises, and significant regulatory proficiencies which need to be addressed on the conduct of off-course tests. Additional sanctions are also required, according to the report, for doping and animal welfare breaches.

This detailed report covers 70 pages. I call on the Leader to request the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with responsibility for the area, Deputy Hayes, to come to the House and debate the issue before we break for the summer recess. In fairness to the Minister of State, he has accepted the report and has afforded Bord na gCon three months to respond to it. It is important to have a public debate on the matter in the House before we break for the summer because the three months will be up and we will not have had an opportunity to have an input.

David Cullinane (Sinn Fein)
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On several occasions we have called for the Leader of the House to arrange for the First Minister and Deputy First Minister of the Assembly in the North to address the Seanad. I want to put on the record my appreciation, as the Leader has tried to facilitate us in this matter and has written to the First Minister and Deputy First Minister on the issue. Since then, it is fair to say, we have had an escalating crisis in the North. Last year we had the publication of the Haass proposals, which followed extensive and exhaustive talks between all of the parties. Unfortunately the Unionist parties refused to sign up to the recommendations. Efforts were made in recent weeks to have fresh talks aimed at dealing with issues relating to the past and contemporary issues which need to be implemented by the Assembly. Again the Unionist parties walked out of these talks. In recent times we have had a threat from all of the Unionist parties to withdraw from the Assembly and bring down the institutions which were democratically elected by the people and endorsed by people North and South in the referendum on the Good Friday Agreement.

It is important that we do not take our eye off the ball with regard to what is happening in the Assembly. It would be a crisis if the institutions were brought down. A pro-Agreement axis needs to be put in place, with both Governments front and centre, to defend the peace process, the Good Friday Agreement, the St. Andrews Agreement and the institutions which, as I stated, were put in place through the Agreements and endorsed by the electorate. The two Governments are co-guarantors of the Agreements but they have taken their eye off the ball in recent times, in particular the British Government. Only last week we had the first official meeting between the Sinn Féin leadership, the Deputy First Minister of the Assembly and the British Prime Minister, David Cameron. There needs to be much greater focus and we need to understand the very real threat which exists.

We are moving into the marching season and all it could bring. We all want to see calm on the streets, which is not what we had last year from some in the loyalist community. There is a very real threat which needs to be addressed . I called on the Leader of the Seanad to attempt again to arrange a special sitting of the Seanad with the First Minister and Deputy First Minister of the Assembly, but if this cannot happen we need a debate on the peace process and the agreements. I hope the new Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade will come to the House to discuss these important issues.

Catherine Noone (Fine Gael)
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I am sure everybody is aware of the recent controversy about the Garth Brooks concerts.

What has happened is rare because an artist like Garth Brooks would rarely attempt to do five shows at a venue such as Croke Park. However, there is an urgent need to amend the outdoor licensing process to ensure that events for which more than 10,000 tickets are sold to people obtain a licence prior to tickets going on sale. We do not want to discourage artists like Garth Brooks from coming to Ireland but it takes a rare case to highlight the inadequacies in a system. Obtaining a licence for concerts such as these is a complicated system, and the council has major concerns to do with safety. I speak from a legal point of view as I have defended many cases on behalf of music organisations. People do suffer significant injury, and it is only when that happens it is realised that the process gone through to ensure safety is so important. The case has highlighted some problem with the system, despite the good intentions of the people trying to carry out the process. Councils, residents, promoters and all stakeholders would need to engage in a transparent process prior to tickets going on sale. The main difficulty is that 400,000 tickets were sold for an event without a licence. That has always been the way it occurs but it is difficult to believe it has been allowed continue like that for so long when the statutory instrument that applies to it is from 2001. I will discuss with my colleagues in Fine Gael the possibility of tabling an amendment to that legislation to the effect that these events could be promoted but that the tickets would not go on sale until a licence has been obtained. The chamber of commerce, the restaurants association and the hotels associations are calling for the concerts to go ahead, and a majority of the councillors on Dublin City Council voted in favour of the concerts going ahead. It will be unfortunate for the economy in Dublin and a lost opportunity for all associated with these events, particularly the people in the area who run businesses, if the concerts do not go ahead.

Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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I second Senator Denis O'Donovan's amendment to the Order of Business. I want to place on record my welcome to the ambassador, Dominick Chilcott, and his cousin. He is fulfilling a wonderful ambassador role in Ireland on behalf of the United Kingdom. He is always available to Members of the Oireachtas. He is doing an excellent job and I wish him continued success. I am delighted that he took the time to visit the Seanad today. It is a welcome recognition of our position.

I congratulate Deputy Joan Burton on becoming the second woman to lead a substantial party in Ireland. It is a step in the right direction. Senator Aideen Hayden mentioned comments about ageism but the comments I heard were from Deputy Dominic Hannigan and the Minister of State, Deputy Alex White. Deputy Burton is a very experienced Minister and I believe she will do an excellent job as leader of the Labour Party. From a national point of view it is important to have somebody of her calibre as Tánaiste, and I wish her success.

I refer to an aspect of social media. The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources should examine cases where people post untruths on social media and members of the public do not have any recourse in terms of having their names vindicated. It has become viral now, and it is a problem that Senators, TDs and councillors are coming across more frequently. There appears to be no regard for the truth or for respectability in the responses made to individuals. It is a form of bullying, and I believe-----

Marie Louise O'Donnell (Independent)
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It is pornography and violence.

Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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Yes. It is outrageous, and it is about time some government said it will not allow that. If people put something on social media, they should have to prove what they are saying is correct or it should be removed. Ordinary citizens and professionals such as teachers and so on are finding this is becoming a fact of life. It is an issue Members of the Seanad should examine.

I ask the Leader of the House to outline when it is proposed to take the Intoxicating Liquor (Amendment) Bill 2014, to which the Leader, Senator Imelda Henry and Senator Colm Burke are signatories. I do not believe the Bill is a priority, and I have a certain vested interest in this regard. The question of low-cost selling, reduced excise duty and all the other issues affecting small businesses, as Senator Quinn said, are more important. The sale of alcohol on Good Friday is not a major issue.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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The Senator can make those points in the debate on the Bill.

Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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Will the Leader indicate if the Bill will be taken in Government time? Is it a Government Bill or a Bill proposed by individual Senators?

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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The Senator is over time.

Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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The comments made by Bishop Eamonn Walsh in a letter to The Irish Timesare interesting. He has the courage of his convictions, and it seems to me that many senior clergy are reluctant to get involved in any controversial issue.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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The Senator is over time. I call Senator Conway.

Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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The Leader may not be of the view that this is a major issue-----

Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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Linking Friday trading with all the other problems in the trade is not the most important issue.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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The Senator can make those points during the debate.

Martin Conway (Fine Gael)
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The Garth Brooks fiasco has been well aired in the media but the reality is that permission has been given for three concerts and it is reasonable to expect Garth Brooks to perform the three concerts. People will be disappointed if he does not perform all five concerts. I believe permission should have been given for all five because many businesses in Dublin are struggling and such business would be welcome. The Government should intervene where possible to try to prevail on Mr. Brooks to perform the three concerts for which permission has been given. There might be a role for the Irish Ambassador in the United States to make an approach to support Peter Aiken, who I understand has travelled-----

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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We cannot have a debate on the issue.

Martin Conway (Fine Gael)
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Hang on. I understand Mr. Aiken has travelled to the United States to use his influence to try to persuade Mr. Brooks to perform the three concerts.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Is the Senator calling for a debate on this issue?

Martin Conway (Fine Gael)
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I ask the Leader to determine the approaches the Government could make to Garth Brooks and his management people in the United States to encourage him to perform the three concerts for which permission has been given.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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The Senator should ring him.

Martin Conway (Fine Gael)
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A structure might then be put in place to allow him fulfil his other two engagements at a later date.

Marie Louise O'Donnell (Independent)
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On a point of order, is it part of the Seanad's remit to promote music promoters?

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator Conway is requesting information from the Leader. I call Senator Walsh.

Marie Louise O'Donnell (Independent)
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Is it our place to promote musical promoters? Is that part of our raison d'être?

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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We are trying to figure out what the Senator's raison d'êtreis first.

Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)
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I concur fully with what Senator Noone said with regard to the licensing arrangements. It is an anomaly that tickets can be sold many months in advance of an event and that the determination of the licensing is done within weeks of the event taking place. That has led to a significant problem in this instance. Given what has happened in this instance I suggest that the licensing regime be examined so that it would be completed much earlier in the process and prior to the selling of tickets.

It struck me as odd but reflective of our undemocratic system of local government that one highly paid official makes these decisions and the elected members who went before the public a few months ago are sidelined regarding it. It begs the question of strengthening our democracy across the system, and in particular at local government level. The Minister came into this House many months ago and spoke about the new arrangements that would apply and the strengthening of local democracy but in its first test we see that it does not jump the fence, so to speak. Nothing has happened to improve the democratisation of politics.

There is a need for an appeals system to be in place within a structure such as this one where decisions are made. I urge the Leader to encourage Ministers to accept the legislation Fianna Fáil has brought forward in the Lower House, which would provide an appeals system in such instances that would allow these matters be dealt with.

For those concerned that two concerts might not take place, perhaps the Leader would consider inviting Mr. Brooks to come to this House. We could have an evening's entertainment with him on one of the evenings that he cannot sing at Croke Park.

Colm Burke (Fine Gael)
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I welcome the election of Joan Burton as leader of the Labour Party. The past three years has been a very difficult time to manage the budget. We pay out more than €400 million a week in social welfare week or €57 million per day. That is a huge budget which has been well managed for the past three years, and an area that the Minister tackled very well was fraud.

Yesterday a report was published on providing a clear career path for junior doctors. My first problem was accessing it so I had to contact the Department. I ask the Leader to ensure that when a report is published and given to the media, it is given to Members of the Oireachtas at the same time. I am extremely disappointed it is not available to me, particularly as I have sought changes in this area for the past three years.

It is important to realise that 4,900 non-consultant hospitals doctors work in Irish hospitals and more than 54% of them are not Irish graduates. For the past 15 and 20 years we have kicked the can down the road in terms of the way we employ them, the way we treat them and the way we pay them. It is time we implemented recommendations made in reports and not shelve them. I ask that the report be made available to us and that we have a debate in this House at some stage in the future, not only about the recommendations but to ensure a timeframe is put in place for the implementation of the recommendations in order that we do not have to deal with the same issue in two years time. We urgently need it and we urgently need the changes to be implemented.

Averil Power (Fianna Fail)
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I propose an amendment to the Order of Business. I call for the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to come before the House today to discuss the Garth Brooks concerts and the economic impact a cancellation will have on Dublin city. Yesterday, I chaired a press conference in Buswells Hotel comprising the head of Dublin Chamber of Commerce, the Restaurants Association of Ireland, the Irish Hotels Federation and the Licensed Vintners Association, all of whom are greatly concerned about the economic damage this debacle is doing to our city. If the concerts do not go ahead, 400,000 fans will miss out but Dublin city will lose €50 million of business that is badly needed by small businesses across the city like hotels, restaurants, bars, shops, retailers and taxi drivers. I refer to small business people right across the city who employ thousands of people and are badly reliant on concert revenue.

The cancellation of concerts will all do huge damage to Ireland's reputation as a tourist destination. Tourism is Ireland's number one domestic industry and is far more significant to the economy than agriculture, manufacturing or any other industry. The debacle over concerts has done great damage to the sector because 70,000 of the 400,000 tickets were sold to people overseas who booked flights, paid for accommodation and do not know over two weeks beforehand whether they are coming to Ireland. For an event of this scale to be in such doubt is a serious mess. Today is the last day to find a solution and, therefore, it is incumbent on the Government to act on this matter.

Last night Dublin City Council voted. The councillors are the direct representatives of people and were democratically elected and voted for the five concerts to go ahead. However, the Dublin City manager has refused to change his mind and has said he will not change his original decision. It is incumbent on the Government to get involved given the economic consequences of the event. The Minister should come in here to discuss the matter and the Government should accept the legislation that my colleague, Deputy Timmy Dooley, is putting forward in the other House. We can then look at longer-term issues that have been raised such as changing the licensing system to ensure we never end up in a similar situation again.

Mary Moran (Labour)
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I add my voice of congratulations to Joan Burton and Alan Kelly on being elected leader and deputy leader, respectively, of the Labour Party last Friday evening. I find it fitting that the first woman leader of the Labour Party was elected on the same day that a women for election breakfast meeting took place at Iveagh House that was hosted by Deputy Eamon Gilmore and was one of his last functions as Tánaiste. I wish Deputy Gilmore well and I wish the new leader and deputy leader well. They are both able and capable politicians.

I wish to mention the recently published figures that reveal a substantial increase in the number of children and young people on the child and adolescent mental health services waiting list. I raised the issue of children, specifically children with an intellectual disability, accessing mental health services during Private Members' time last week. As of 31 March more than 3,000 children and young people await mental health referrals. We also have an unacceptable number of young people being admitted into adult psychiatric units as highlighted in the recent report by the inspectorate of mental health services.

We need an urgent debate on mental health services for children and young people. As I have said on numerous occasions, in my own area we do not have a child psychiatrist for children with intellectual disability. There are also huge problems assessing CAMHS even to accept them onto the list, which only takes people with a mild intellectual disability. Also, the service stops at 16 years regardless, even though it has been said that it continues until children are 17 years. We not only have an issue with waiting lists and admissions to adult units but also a serious issue with consistent treatment. I imagine that the consistency that exists will suffer as a result of the pressure being placed on the service due to the significant increase in the number of children on the CAMHS waiting list and awaiting referrals. When one compares the current figures with the same period last year, it shows an 11% increase in the number of children on waiting lists.

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

Mary Moran (Labour)
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I am looking for a debate on the delivery of mental health services for children and young people, particularly for children in the 16 to 18 year age group.

I wish to mention the closure last week of the National Deaf Advocacy Service. Recently I watched the video forwarded by the Irish Deaf Society which highlights the significant impact the deaf world has had on those who use the service. I understand that the Irish Deaf Society is appealing the decision through Pobal.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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We had a vote on that this morning. It was on that particular issue.

Mary Moran (Labour)
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I know that. I have written to the Minister on the issue.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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Just support it.

Mary Ann O'Brien (Independent)
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I request that the Minister for Health or his replacement comes in here to debate the proposed St. James's children's hospital. I will refresh the memory of Senators. St. James's did not meet the criteria of six hectares set out in the Dolphin report because the site is only 2.4 hectares. I repeat that the children's hospital needed six hectares but the Coombe hospital has 14 acres and the Blanchardstown hospital has 16 acres available.

The next issue is car park facilities. I will outline statistics gathered from around the world that have been compiled for me and which let me know exactly how many car park spaces are needed per bed. Once we have the adult and children's hospital located at St. James's, we will need a total of 5,230 car park spaces. The maximum that Dublin City Council will allow is 2,000 but current planning and design allows for 1,500. The Jack and Jill Foundation wrote to all the Senators this morning to state that we have been deluged by letters and inquiries from parents asking why choose St. James's. I ask Members to imagine the following scenario. A sick child who is tube fed and needs a wheelchair to get about is having an epileptic fit but one's husband is in work so one puts the child in the back of the car. Is any Senator going to tell me they would get on the Luas in that situation?

If one goes to St. James's where there is a bottleneck of traffic anyway, how on earth is one going to park? We need 5,280 car park spaces, and in a perfect world there will never be more than 2,000, but currently it appears there will only be 1,500. I apologise for ranting. Some 92% of sick children arrive at hospital by car.

This is an issue that will eventually bring down the Government. Those who are sitting on the Government benches think I am mad but let us go back to the Mater. How much money was wasted on the Mater? We are at the design team stage in St. James's. If I had more time I could outline the issue step by step, and if any Members wish to speak to me individually I will be available. St. James's will not make it to the end of planning. It will not get planning permission. Do Members want to sit here and preside over the next expensive failure of the next children's hospital? We need to sit down and debate this issue. The servants at the back of the HSE have somehow blackguarded the Minister that this is the place, whether it was the adult hospitals and their associated powerful universities who have pushed this through. I assure the House that the parents of the sick children do not want the hospital in St. James's and I wonder if the paediatricians have had any say either.

Michael Mullins (Fine Gael)
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I join colleagues in congratulating the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Joan Burton, on her elevation to the leadership of the Labour Party, and wish her well. She is a fine politician. We saw her operate in this House on many occasions.

I would advise Senator Darragh O'Brien not to be particularly concerned about the review of the travel pass scheme which is being undertaken. The scheme in place is not fit for purpose. There is massive abuse and misuse of the free travel pass. There is a need to put in place a scheme that is tamper proof. All the technology to do that is available. It is appropriate that the Minister would conduct a review of the free travel scheme.

While I will not support the amendment to the Order of Business proposed by Senator Denis O'Donovan, I call on the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Phil Hogan, to restore funding to the advocacy service for the Irish Deaf Society. A number of constituents from east Galway have been in touch with me about this issue. I intend to lobby the Minister strongly as it is unfair to a vulnerable group who need professional and strong representation on occasions.

I was very pleased to hear the contribution from Senator Feargal Quinn earlier. I hope the positivity he was spreading around will rub off some of my colleagues. I ask the Leader for a debate as soon as possible on Ireland's investment performance in the first half of the year in conjunction with the Action Plan for Jobs. Ministers take a good deal of stick in this House when things go wrong. However, it is appropriate that we recognise the contribution made by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton, in respect of the Action Plan for Jobs and the very significant new investments we have witnessed in the first half of the year. Some 100 investments have been secured in the first six months compared to 70 in previous years. Of those, 40% are new investments. Therefore, new companies are investing in Ireland because confidence has been restored since the improvement in our finances. Ireland is the place for job creation and new investment. Some 8,000 new jobs have been located here by IDA Ireland-backed companies in the first half of the year and some very significant operations are locating here. It would be appropriate early in the next term to review the Action Plan for Jobs with a view to accelerating the job creation process for the remainder of the year.

Ned O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail)
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I found the arguments made by Senator Mary Ann O'Brien on the suitability of St. James's quite compelling and I am keen to support her call for the Minister to come in to examine the issue before it goes any further. Clearly, she knows what she is talking about through her involvement with the Jack & Jill Foundation. The issue should be looked at.

Senator Denis Landy mentioned the Bord na gCon report which I read with dismay. It is tremendously disappointing and parts of it are shocking. The dog racing industry is very important in the area from which I come, both for track and coursing dogs. While the industry is well run and regulated there, clearly that is not the position all over the country. I hope the incoming Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine will respond to the report in a proper manner. The finances are disaster, not to mention the regulatory aspects.

As others have done, I wish the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Joan Burton, well in her appointment as Tánaiste and leader of the Labour Party. She is a long-standing politician who has been around for some time and knows what it is about. In opposition, she was well able to tackle other leaders including my former leader, Brian Cowen, and indeed she made life uncomfortable for her own party leader. This is her chance to take a lead and to step forward.

I second Senator Averil Power's amendment to the Order of Business.

Part of the local government programme was to set up local community development companies, LCDCs. Currently these are being formed around the country. There will be a huge protest here tomorrow from the Leader groups who, to some extent, have been replaced by the LCDCs. In that debate we supported the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Phil Hogan, because we felt it was sensible approach. However, there is much confusion and misinformation currently concerning the role of LCDCs, their funding level and budgetary powers. I ask the Leader to invite the Minister, Deputy Phil Hogan, to make a statement clarifying how he sees the volunteer sector working with local government into the future.

Terry Brennan (Fine Gael)
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Homelessness has been mentioned here on several occasions but not this week. A debate was called for, which I support. There are many homeless people. I am deeply concerned at the increasing number of young people who are homeless and living on our streets not alone in the capital city, but in many provincial towns, and also young families living in dilapidated caravans at the bottom of fields or the bottom of their own home gardens who have nowhere to go. An urgent debate is required to establish the extent of the problem and the number of homeless persons, particularly as many local authority houses in various counties throughout the country lie idle. Some of these are in need of repair but that is not an excuse. I call on the Minister of State with responsibility for housing, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, to come to the House for a debate on the issue.

An issue that is of concern to me and many middle income earners is the universal social charge. The universal social charge is imposed on persons earning €59,999,00 gross per annum. The amount of additional tax paid by a person earning €60,010 gross per annum is of the order of €1,350. I call on the Minister to remove that tax. The charge was 4% for those earning between €16,000 and €60,000, and it is now 7% for those earning €1 more than €60,000. I call for an urgent debate on the issue before the next budget and ask the Minister to take that into consideration. It is income tax.

Rónán Mullen (Independent)
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I sympathise with people who would like to see all the Garth Brooks concerts going ahead. I was surprised, nonetheless, listening to Senator Averil Power and others that there has not been a note of censure for those who made this arrangement and led people to understand that these concerts would take place, in apparent disregard for the requirements of the law or the need to have the licensing steps taken in advance. One wonders why people are ruling out the possibility of the Aviva stadium. I understand Mr. Peter Aiken has gone to the US to persuade Mr. Brooks to change course.

If tomorrow never comes, so to speak, as regards the five events, it seems that holding two of those concerts elsewhere would be a reasonable solution.

Last night, I attended the inaugural meeting in Ballinasloe of the National Post Office Users' Association, which is coming together to make the case from the users' point of view. There is no vested interest other than of those who see the value of post offices to rural areas and who want to see their vital rural services protected. Great credit is due to former councillor, Mr. Michael John Kilgannon, Ms Angela Magennis and others who were involved in convening this meeting. It would be timely for us to hear from the Government as to its level of commitment to the maintenance of the rural post office network. It seems we are at a troubling time in Ireland where, because of the recession, decisions, whether about the provision of maternity services, mental health services or post offices, seem to be left in the hands of bean counters and bureaucrats, who may have an eye to the economic bottom line but who do not seem to understand the need, in particular, in rural areas, to have a decent level of services provided.

The Irish Postmasters' Union has commissioned two reports produced by Grant Thornton that bear out the argument that 557 post offices will close if the Department of Social Protection contract is eventually lost to An Post. In March, the Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, stated this was balderdash. I am aware the contract has been secured for a couple of years. However, we need to remember that it is unfair to expect people, in particular, older persons, to have to travel many miles to access services. We need only see how in countries, such as France, they are good at finding derogations from the effect of EU regulations, for example, a certain amount of songs played on French radio must be French songs, and yet we do not seem to be able to make the argument-----

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator Mullen is way over time.

Rónán Mullen (Independent)
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-----that we need the post office network in Ireland to be available to those in rural areas. Whatever it takes, we must not fall for mere commercial arguments about such matters as competition if there are important issues of local cultural value to be protected.

Marie Louise O'Donnell (Independent)
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On a point of order, to let Senator Mullen know, the Government has significant plans for this in relation to the social welfare and pensions Bill.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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That is not a point of order. Does Senator Healy Eames have a question for the Leader?

Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)
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I have two brief questions for the Leader.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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One, because we are away over time.

Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)
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I am sure this matter has been raised many times across the House today. I encourage the Government to find every way possible to sort this mess out about the Garth Brooks concert. I was stunned yesterday morning to hear that 70,000 people are flying in from abroad.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Is Senator Healy Eames supporting the amendment to the Order of Business?

Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)
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In particular, could we ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Bruton, on whose remit this has an enormous impact, to intervene? It is a total mess. The licensing situation must be reviewed, and the residents around Croke Park must be thought about.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator Healy Eames can make those points during the debate.

Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)
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If I could get 30 seconds, local, national and international reputations are at stake here and we have to find a way to make exceptional grounds at this point to make this happen.

Finally, I ask the Government, particularly the Minister for Health, why it is not considering the offer of €750 million that is on the table from a philanthropic source for a new national children's hospital? It should answer that question. Why is that not being considered on a green field site when there is testimony from so many families with sick children that St. James' is not suitable on the basis that they cannot manage those children in traffic?

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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The Leader of the Opposition raised the question of the free travel scheme. We have had Fianna Fáil stoking up shamelessly and fear-mongering on this scheme.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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I would not call it that.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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The purpose of the ongoing review is to examine and report on the current operation and future development of the free travel scheme. The group's terms of reference are wide-ranging and involve the examination of several issues, ranging from the control of fraud, which the Senator mentioned, and abuse of administration. There are currently 780,000 persons in receipt of free travel. The Government has no intention of interfering with this. The Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Burton, will examine the report of the working group as soon as it is available. However, on the specific issue of recipients, the Minister has made it abundantly clear that she does not envisage any changes to the benefits of recipients under this scheme. The Minister cannot be any clearer on the issue. It is about time Fianna Fáil listened to the undertaking the Minister has given in this regard.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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We were listening to Age Action and those who are using it.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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Senator Hayden and others raised the election of the Minister, Deputy Burton, as leader of the Labour Party, and as Tánaiste. I am sure we all wish her well in her position as leader of the Labour Party.

Senator Barrett raised the invitation to the President to attend next year's 12 July celebrations in Donegal. I am sure the President will give consideration to that matter. Senator Barrett also spoke about young people. It is essential that we have representatives from all sides of the community doing as much as they can to mend fences and work together in the interest of peace and harmony in the country.

Senator Sheahan raised extending free cervical screening to students entering third level colleges, and I note the points he made in that regard. On the Coroners Bill 2007, a matter which Senator Sheahan raised previously, I understand it is the intention to remove the current Bill from the Order Paper and that a new Bill will be proposed during the autumn session.

Senators O'Donovan, Moran and others raised advocacy services for those who are deaf. Perhaps that could be dealt with by way of an Adjournment matter, where one will get all the facts and have a Minister here to address the issue. Senator O'Donovan's heart really is ruling his head by calling for a general election.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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We are ready. We are trying to put Labour out of its misery.

Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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We are not really ready but nor are they.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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Senator O'Keeffe raised Google and the right to have one's information removed, which is an EU ruling. It is a matter which should be addressed and, I am sure, will be addressed.

Senator Quinn raised all the good news on the economy and jobs and the need to keep our eyes on the ball. I can assure him that such is the intention of Government. The Government has removed quite a lot of red tape in relation to small business and will continue to do so for the remainder of its term. Senator Paul Coghlan raised the Construction Contracts Act 2013 and the need for further regulation, and that measures should be expedited in that regard.

Senator O'Donnell raised Quality and Qualifications Ireland's proposed fee of €5,000 to community development organisations in education. I would suggest that this matter also should be addressed by way of an Adjournment matter to get all of the facts in that regard but I would agree with her that those who are providing these services should not be charged a fee similar to that for universities.

Senators Landy and O'Sullivan raised the Indecon report on the greyhound sector, highlighting many difficulties. There certainly are difficulties in relation to a number of issues, including finance and regulation. I will call on the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Tom Hayes, to have a debate on that matter as soon as possible.

Senator Cullinane raised the invitation to the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to address the Seanad. I have invited them in the past and I will renew our invitation to both of them in the near future. I agree with the Senator that the Haass proposals need to be addressed by all sides sitting down and addressing many areas of difficulty, in particular, parades and flags which were addressed by Mr. Haass. I can assure Senator Cullinane that the Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister are in constant contact and there is no question of forgetting the Good Friday Agreement and all the proposals contained therein.

Senators Noone, Walsh and many others raised the problems with the Garth Brooks concert. I would agree with the sentiments expressed that in future no tickets should go on sale before a licence is issued.

That is an important point and if necessary, legislation must be amended to address this matter. I note the points made by several Senators on the boost given to the economy by hosting concerts such as those proposed by Garth Brooks and it is important for the tourism industry. However, there is a question of planning and licensing and I note that planning is a reserved function of the manager rather than the council. I believe the proposal to have an appeal system to the Minister is politicising him again. It actually is looking for somebody to go to friends in high places to deal with the issue, with which I certainly would not agree.

Senator Colm Burke spoke on the €57 million per day being spent on social welfare and praised the Tánaiste on her efforts to tackle fraud in recent years. He also raised the report regarding career paths for doctors, the need to publish and make available that report to Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas, as well as the need to address urgently the matters contained therein. I agree with the Senator in that regard. Senator Moran raised the issue of 3,000 children awaiting referrals for mental health services. This undoubtedly is a major issue and the Minister has assured Members in this Chamber several times that money is ring-fenced for the purpose Senator Moran mentioned. Perhaps I can get the Minister back into the House to address this matter.

Senator Mary Ann O'Brien referred to the proposed national children's hospital at the site at St. James's Hospital. The Senator raised this matter in the House approximately two weeks ago on the Order of Business. The question of the location of the children's hospital has been debated for quite a long time over many years. The decision has been made and the most important thing is to have in place a proper national children's hospital as soon as possible. If the Senator seeks further information and debate on the matter, she might also consider an Adjournment motion, which I suggested two weeks ago.

Senator Mullins referred to the restoration of funding for the advocacy group for the deaf. This matter was also raised by Senator O'Donovan and again, I suggest that the Senator should table an Adjournment motion on this issue. Senator Mullins also raised the Action Plan for Jobs and complimented the Minister, Deputy Bruton, on his efforts in this regard, whereby more than 65,000 additional jobs have been created over the past 12 months. Senator O'Sullivan referred to the role of the voluntary sector in working with local authorities on economic development in particular. Even during the debate in this House, the Minister has outlined the position with regard to the voluntary sector and working, and he has issued several statements on this issue. Senator Brennan raised the need to tackle homelessness, as well as the number of boarded-up local authority houses. I assure the Senator that the Government has provided significant funding to local authorities to address this matter and to get those houses back into habitable conditions to let to people on the local authority lists. I also note his point on the universal social charge and the anomalies in the system, which I am sure he will bring to the attention of the Minister for Finance.

Senator Mullen spoke on protecting the post office network. The Government is fully agreeable to protecting the post office network in any way it possibly can. Moreover, I note the social welfare contract for more than €60 million was granted recently to the post office network. I believe there is a problem in respect of electronic transfers payments, which appear to be going to banks rather than post offices. I suggest that were they to go to post offices, the Department would have greater control rather than the money going to banks and people simply being paid one week after the other. However, were the payments to go to the post office, they could be stopped by the postmaster in the post office were a social welfare officer to check and discover that some fraud may be taking place. I am aware the postmasters are anxious to do this but I assure the Senator that the Government is fully committed to maintaining the post office network. I provided figures some months ago on the last three years of the previous Government, during which more than 200 post offices were closed down nationwide. Only 17 have closed during the three years in which the present Administration has been in office. Consequently, I believe people should get their act together and have the facts and have their ducks in a row-----

Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)
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It had nothing to do with the Government.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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----- in respect of these matters before raising them in this Chamber.

Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)
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It was the economic downturn that closed those post offices. The Leader is peddling rubbish.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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I am not blaming Senator Mullen in that regard. When the facts are there and the facts are put forward-----

Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)
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That is not a fact at all.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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----- they are very difficult to deal with. I know and understand that.

Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)
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That is a fact without context. It is only propaganda.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Can we have order in the House and no crossfire?

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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I believe that completes my response.

Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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On a point of order-----

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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Moreover, I do not intend to accept either amendment to the Order of Business.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator Leyden, on a point of order.

Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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The Leader has not responded to my question regarding a Bill.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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That is not a point of order.

Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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A Chathaoirligh, I asked when the Intoxicating Liquor (Amendment) Bill 2014 will be taken in this House.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator Leyden, resume your seat. It is not a point of order.

Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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Obviously, the Government is running away from it.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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May I apologise? I usually do not miss Senator Leyden because it is very difficult to miss what he is saying. However, I assure him that the Bill in question will be taken in the autumn session. It is a Private Members' Bill.

Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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So it does not have Government approval.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator O'Donovan has moved an amendment to the Order of Business: "That a half-hour debate on the termination of the funding for the Irish Deaf Society be taken today". Is the amendment being pressed?

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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Yes.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Some Senator inadvertently pressed Senator Wilson's button, so the result of the amended vote is Tá, 21, Níl, 25. The question is thereby defeated.

Senator Power has moved amendment No. 2 to the Order of Business, "That a debate with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport on the economic impact of the reduction of the number of Garth Brooks concerts scheduled for Croke Park be taken today". Is the amendment being pressed?

Averil Power (Fianna Fail)
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It is.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Is the Order of Business agreed to?

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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No.