Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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The Order of Business is No. 1, motion of referral to Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality of proposed establishment of commission of investigation into the fatal shooting of Ronan MacLochlainn, to be taken without debate at the conclusion of the Order of Business; No. 2, Competition and Consumer Protection Bill 2014 - Report Stage, to be taken at the conclusion of No. 1 and adjourned not later than 3.15 p.m., if not previously concluded; No. 3, Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland Bill 2014 - Second Stage, to be taken at 3.15 p.m. and conclude not later than 4.45 p.m., with the contributions of group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes, those of all other Senators not to exceed five minutes and the Minister to be called on to reply to the debate not later than 4.40 p.m.; No. 4, State Airports (Shannon Group) Bill 2014 Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil - Report and Final Stages, to be taken at 4.45 p.m. and adjourned not later than 5.15 p.m., if not previously concluded; No. 5, Radiological Protection (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2014 - Report Stage, to be taken at 5.15 p.m. and adjourned not later than 6 p.m., if not previously concluded; No. 6, National Treasury Management Agency (Amendment) Bill 2014 - Second Stage, to be taken at the conclusion of No. 5 and adjourned not later than 8 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the contributions of group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes and those of all other Senators not to exceed five minutes; and No. 7, Civil Registration (Amendment) Bill 2014 - Order for Second Stage and Second Stage, to be taken at 8 p.m. and adjourned not later than 10 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the contributions of group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes and those of all other Senators not to exceed five minutes.
As the House may know, there will be a number of Minister of State promotions and removals today; therefore, the schedule may be liable to change as the day passes. As a few Ministers of State were due to attend the House to deal with some of the business ordered, I am not sure what the position will be, but I will keep the House informed as best I can.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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Ordering the business of the House in recent weeks has been akin to waiting for a bus - one might wait for hours only for six Bills to be brought before it on the same day. There is agreement across the House on the way this and successive Governments have ordered business towards the end of term. This is not a criticism of the Leader; rather, Departments must get their act together.

Tom Shehan (Fine Gael)
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That only involves Dublin Bus.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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What would people in County Kerry know about buses? I am not thinking of ourselves in trying to table amendments but of the staff of the Houses. Last week we held particularly good debates with the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton, whom I am pleased has retained his position. I told him that he had done a good job to date. In the first 90 days of term only one Government Bill was published and dealt with by the Dáil and the Seanad. Today, six Bills will be taken. This is not the way for any parliament to do its business. The Leader agrees and I am not making a political charge, but the House should send this message.

I congratulate the new Ministers and Ministers of State appointed in recent days. I will not go through all of their names because I do not know half of them. For them and their families, it was an important announcement. It is an honour for them to serve in their new roles and I wish them all well. I commit to supporting them when our group believes they are doing the right thing and to holding them to account when they do not. I take the Leader's point about the appointment of Ministers of State today will may result in changes to the schedule.

The substantive issue I wish to raise relates to the property tax which Fine Gael and the Labour Party have termed the local property tax, even though we know that it is not, given the fact that not one cent of what was collected last year went to local authorities. Yesterday, Fingal County Council, the local authority on which I served and which covers the area in which I reside, passed a Fianna Fáil motion - I commend my colleagues on the council - committing to a reduction of 15% in the property tax for hard-pressed home owners. We gave that commitment during the local elections. Other parties supported the motion which was passed with 30 votes for, zero against and seven abstentions. Other local authorities will, rightly, do the same, but the former Minister, Deputy Phil Hogan, deliberately delayed publication of regulations governing how local authorities would go about advising Revenue of such changes. We are nearing the recess and there is a new Labour Party Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in Deputy Alan Kelly. Using his good offices, will the Leader ask the new Minister to publish the regulations immediately in order that local authorities such as Fingal County Council that have, rightly, agreed to pass on the maximum reduction of 15% to home owners will know what needs to be done in advising Revenue?

Under section 20 of the Finance (Local Property Tax) Act 2012, when a local authority avails of the capacity to reduce or increase the rate by plus or minus 15%, as Fingal County Council has done, it must inform the Revenue Commissioners so that the latter will know that the reduced rate applies to households in that area. The regulations cannot be delayed past September because local authorities across the country will be finalising their budgets in the coming months. I am calling on the new Minister to publish them without delay. I take this opportunity to congratulate the former Minister, Deputy Phil Hogan, on his appointment as European Commissioner and wish our colleague, Senator Pat O'Neill, all the best when he joins the Commissioner's cabinet in Brussels.

I ask that the new Minister, Deputy Alan Kelly, come to the House in September to discuss the local property tax, particularly the issue of subventions. I will make a final point.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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The Senator is way over time. I have been very generous to him today.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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The Cathaoirleach has been generous, so I will be brief.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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I am aware that the Senator has an engagement this evening.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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Local authorities which reduce the local property tax should not be penalised by central Government by way of a cut to the their Exchequer subvention. Taking Fingal County Council as an example, the €40 million it will collect from the property tax should be additional to the funds it receives from Government. To reiterate, I am calling for the immediate publication of the regulations to allow local authorities to advise Revenue of reductions in the local property tax to be levied within their jurisdiction. I commend my Fianna Fáil colleagues in Fingal on doing as they said they would, namely, reducing the rate payable by home owners in that area.

Ivana Bacik (Independent)
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I join Senator Darragh O'Brien in congratulating the new Ministers of State, although I understand they have not yet been formally appointed, and offering my commiseration to those who have lost office.

I agree with Senator O'Brien regarding the ordering of business in the House this month. As all colleagues know, it is not a unique feature of this Government. In fact, it has been a recurring theme every July to have legislation crammed into the schedule. There are 11 Bills before the House this week for our consideration and we are all agreed that this is not a good way to do business. It is an understandable human impetus to seek to get legislation through or at least initiated before the summer recess, but it does not make for good legislation. This is not to assign any blame to the Leader or his office, because that is not where the problem is arising. The legislation is coming from Departments. It is important that we should lay down a marker on this issue on a cross-party basis.

I reiterate my call for a debate on the situation in the Middle East as soon as we return in September. We all hope the situation will not have deteriorated further by then for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. The offer by Egypt to broker a ceasefire is very welcome, as is the indication by the Israeli Government of a willingness to accept such a move. We are as one in hoping there will be no escalation of the conflict and, in particular, that Israel will not mount any sort of ground offensive. People in Gaza, particularly women and children, have suffered enough in the past week. That 180 are dead is an appalling tragedy.

I commend the Irish Council for Civil Liberties and other non-governmental organisations on their participation in the United Nations Human Rights Committee hearings in Geneva yesterday and today, at which the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, is answering questions on Ireland's compliance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. I was in the ICCL's green room yesterday, together with representatives of a range of NGOs, to watch the committee's proceedings. It is a welcome example of transparency in the political process to see not only the Minister but also Irish NGOs participating in those hearings.

I will conclude by noting several pieces of good news. First, I welcome the appointment by the Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, of Ms Mary Robinson as Special Envoy on Climate Change. It is a well deserved achievement for our former colleague in the Seanad and former Trinity College colleague for some of us. Second, I welcome the coming into effect today of the Protected Disclosures Act 2013. The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Brendan Howlin, expressed his hope this morning in an interview with RTE that this legislation will usher in a new culture where whistleblowers will not only be protected but given credit for exposing wrongdoing in their organisations. Finally, on a more local note, I welcome the passing by Dublin City Council of Councillor Dermot Lacey's motion seeking to protect the red and white Pigeon House chimneys, which were apparently under threat. Most people in Dublin and elsewhere in the country would hope to see them preserved because they are an iconic symbol of the city and one of the most notable landmarks for anybody arriving into Dublin by sea or air. I very much welcome the steps being taken to seek their preservation.

Marie Louise O'Donnell (Independent)
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I commend the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Brendan Howlin, on the coming into law of the long-awaited legislation to protect whistleblowers. He described the new Act as comprehensive and setting a new standard in international best practice in this area. It sends a clear message that whistleblowers' concerns must be listened to and acted upon and that those who make such reports should not be penalised for doing so.

This welcome development is in contrast to what happened in this House last week when some of my colleagues and I voted against the Government's inclusion of a gagging clause in the Health (General Practitioner Service) Bill 2014.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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Well done.

Marie Louise O'Donnell (Independent)
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We did so as individuals - some of us within this Technical Group would not necessarily vote together under normal circumstances. I opposed the provision in question as serving to restrict criticism of the health service, Health Service Executive and Department of Health. The requirement that general practitioners must give notice and seek approval before voicing any such criticism is unacceptable and a dilution of their natural rights. There is an inconsistency in the Government bringing forward this particular gagging clause while at the same time enacting legislation to protect whistleblowers. The reaction of certain colleagues on the Government side to the decision by some Independent Members to oppose the provision was less than generous and gracious. I do not want to be subjected to reactions that are on the other side of grace and manners when I decide to vote independently, which right I was given by the Taoiseach. He never asked me to do anything other than act in accordance with that independence.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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Well said.

Marie Louise O'Donnell (Independent)
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Will the Leader ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform or the Minister for Education and Skills to come to the House to discuss the plans by Quality and Qualifications Ireland to charge fees of €5,000 to community educational programmes in Dublin's inner city and elsewhere in the country simply to continue doing what they have been doing?

Sean Barrett (Independent)
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I wish the new Ministers every success in their posts and thank the departing Ministers, Deputies Pat Rabbitte and Jimmy Deenihan, for the courtesy they have shown in this House. I join Senator Ivana Bacik in welcoming the appointment of former President, Mary Robinson, to the role of UN Special Envoy on Climate Change.

I welcome the fact that the 12 July celebrations in the North passed off peacefully. I hope the House will redouble its efforts to promote harmony among the traditions on this shared island. What has happened in recent days gives cause for great hope.

Will the Leader invite the new Minister for Education and Skills to the House for a debate on the recent report by the Higher Education Authority on third level dropout rates? It would give a welcome opportunity to meet the new Minister and discuss policy matters, with a focus on the need for inclusiveness.

Tom Shehan (Fine Gael)
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As soon as is practicable, will the Leader invite the new Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to the House to explore options for utilising our rail network to its maximum capacity? As it stands, that network is dormant for some eight hours of the day. It would be useful, for example, to debate the economic viability of using the network to move freight at night. As I said, this infrastructure is not in use for approximately one third of the day.

I raise this matter because long-haul truck drivers are finding it very difficult to make a living as a consequence of the new regulations. I suggest we move freight at night so that long-haul drivers can find work opportunities in the locality where the freight is delivered. Some of the regulations introduced for articulated truck drivers are pretty much unworkable. We must look at these new regulations and I want a debate to be arranged as soon as possible.

Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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I rise to ask the Leader to arrange a debate on the medical card debacle when we resume after our summer break of a few weeks. Anyone who thinks the matter has been resolved since the local elections is living in a different zone.

Over the weekend a number of people came to me, three of whom had queries about discretionary cards that had been removed and have still not been restored. One woman told me that she rings the helpline three times a week. Sometimes she cannot get through but when she does, sometimes she is given a cynical answer. I also met a man in his early 60s who suffers from very severe arthritis. His social welfare appeal lingered on for 18 months. I was alarmed when he told me that for the last nine months he was unable to take any medication for his severe degenerative arthritis because his medical card was taken off him and he could not afford the medication. We hear the same all around the country.

After the local elections there was a furore about this issue and one gets the impression that it has been resolved. The Minister for Health at the time has been demoted to another Department and I wish the new Minister every success in his new venture at the Department known as "Angola". I shall not push a motion or seek an amendment to the Order of Business but say to the Leader and to this House that the medical card debacle is far from resolved. A new Minister has been appointed so I shall let the dust settle. I promise the House and the Leader that if serious developments do not take place in the debacle that resulted from administrative bungling of medical cards, I shall push the matter every day when we return in September.

Michael Comiskey (Fine Gael)
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I call for a debate on rural pubs which is an issue we have talked about here before. I welcome the fact of a rural affairs ministerial appointment. I am not sure of all of the details but congratulate everybody that has been appointed a junior Minister so far.

The closure of rural pubs is a huge problem. I listened to the radio as I travelled here this morning and learned that a new report on rural pubs has been published. A number of issues were outlined such as rates, which I have spoken about here before, taxation and transport in rural Ireland. At the same time that pubs are closing in rural areas there are isolated people living alone in those areas, and sometimes in fear. A rural pub would be a great outlet for them. If they can travel they could enjoy a few hours socially with their neighbours and friends. It is important we debate these issues in the autumn.

Jillian van Turnhout (Independent)
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I support what was said by my colleague, Senator O'Donnell. I am very supportive of the Bill to ensure that children have a rights-based access to universal health care but I will not support the gagging of GPs or the perception of same.

I welcome the new Ministers, particularly the new Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy James Reilly. When Deputy Charles Flanagan was appointed Minister two months ago he called himself a high impact sub. Perhaps my sporting colleagues will explain his analogy to me.

The appointment of Deputy Reilly as Minister may be a crucial and timely move just like the Dutch coach changed his country's goalie at the last minute in the quarter final of the World Cup. I hope that the move proves to be a good one.

Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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It was the semi-final.

Jillian van Turnhout (Independent)
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We will not go there. It was anticipated that the terms of reference on mother and baby homes would go to Cabinet today with a discussion to be held in the Dáil on Thursday. Can the Leader advise us on the up-to-date position? Many groups, organisations and Senators await the terms of reference. It is critically important that the work is commenced but, equally, it is critical that the Minister concentrates on issues that deal with children in Ireland today where their rights are being violated.
The next issue I wish to raise relates to the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. I call for a debate on the broad issue of how we fund national federation networks and civil society organisations in Ireland. We have a White Paper but, unfortunately, we had a funding round announced at the end of last week or the week before. In the past year I have raised this issue four times on the Adjournment. I give that information just in case the Leader suggests I submit an Adjournment motion on the matter. How we support organisations is a real issue for us.
Many organisations give very specialist medical support to families such as the Neurological Association of Ireland Support, ASPIRE and Multiple Sclerosis Ireland. Today I found myself in agreement with Fintan O'Toole's article for the first time. In The Irish Timeshe described the latest cuts to charities as simply crass stupidity. These very small organisations give very dedicated support. Very often the sum involved does not even add up to the amount wasted by other plans and Departments. By not funding these small organisations, community and voluntary organisations will not be able to give families support when they need it. In addition, the cost of rebuilding the structure will be far greater. We need a broad debate on how we fund organisations that do not receive significant funding from the State in any other way but carry out crucial work on behalf of the State.

Catherine Noone (Fine Gael)
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I shall not go into the fiasco that we all spent time talking about last week. The issue highlighted, above all else, the need to revisit the proposal of a directly elected official to whom the Dublin city manager would be accountable. Recent issues showcase the urgent need to revisit the proposal for a directly elected Lord Mayor of Dublin. In recent months this proposal was agreed by 75% of Dublin's councillors but was dismissed on a technicality. I call on the new Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to revisit the proposals once he has had an opportunity to catch his breath. A directly-elected mayor would represent great value for Dublin. It would allow for real transparency and accountability, above all else, for the entire Dublin region, and for the introduction of more cohesive policies across Dublin which is governed by four separate councils. It would also help to improve and further enhance our reputation for business, tourism and transport, and would allow for people who make decisions on matters such as the Garth Brooks concerts, to be held to account.

We live in a world where cities compete directly for resources, investments and tourism so the notion of a super mayor is a necessary one. The need for a mayor of Dublin has been exemplified in a very real way in the past ten days. I ask the Leader to ask the new Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, when he has an opportunity, to come to the House to debate the issue of a directly-elected mayor for Dublin.

Feargal Quinn (Independent)
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May I add my voice to that of Senators O'Donnell and van Turnhout regarding the vote last week and the gagging of doctors. It is a clear example of the benefit of having a second Chamber. I do not understand the confusion caused and why the Government is so upset. A second Chamber and Independent Members will examine a matter and rather than having a Whip they will voice their opinions. That makes a great deal of sense.

Today we will deal with a number of Bills such as the National Treasury Management Agency Bill and the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland Bill. They are worthwhile so we should have a good debate, criticise them, comment on them and make sure we improve them if we can. When we set up agencies do we check that they work? The Insolvency Service of Ireland was established to see what it could do to help 54,000 mortgages in arrears but it has only written-off 27 personal mortgages in the past year.

It seems that when we set up an agency or organisation to achieve something, we want to follow through and see to it that it is unable to achieve more than it has set out to do. Some 54,000 mortgages are in arrears and only 27 people have had mortgages written off. This is probably due to something we can improve when we criticise legislation passed by the House.

Colm Burke (Fine Gael)
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It is important to clarify what happened in the vote last week. I respect the democratic decision taken, but it is important to realise what was published was a draft contract. What was published was not written in stone.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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The Senator should speak the truth. We heard him on radio.

Colm Burke (Fine Gael)
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I did not interfere with the Senator. The IMO would not enter into negotiations because it was awaiting the outcome of High Court proceedings with the Competition Authority. The proceedings have been resolved and there are ongoing discussions with the Department. I do not like to be accused of voting for a gagging clause. I did not vote for such a clause. The draft contract has not been signed off on and is the subject of discussions between the IMO and the Department of Health. It is important to provide that clarification. Those who voted against the amendment did not vote for a gagging clause. It is important to make that point. I respect those who table amendments and the decision taken.

Today, the Joint Committee on Health and Children published its report on a national strategy for palliative care, end of life care and bereavement. It is an important report. Some 32 people contributed to it and over 42 organisations made written submissions. It is important that it not be left on the shelf but acted on. The issue that needs to be addressed is the waiting time for those who are in hospital and in need of palliative or nursing home care in order that they are not left for a prolonged period as currently occurs. The delay in transferring patients from hospital care to nursing home care costs approximately €196 million per annum. That issue needs to be dealt with. What is set out in the report would be cost neutral and we need to ensure the recommendations made in the report are implemented at an early date.. I thank the Chairman, committee members and, in particular, Senator Jillian van Turnhout for their contributions in the preparation of the report.

Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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I propose an amendment to vote against a motion to annul a statutory instrument signed by the Minister on 1 June.

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

Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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The motion is on Order Paper. I propose that Seanad Éireann resolve that Statutory Instrument No. 226 of 2014, Local Government (Financial and Audit Procedures) Regulations 2014, be annulled. We must vote on the issue today to annul this document.

On the ceasefire to be negotiated by the Egyptians, I hope both sides will honour it. Hamas seems to be reluctant to do so, but it is bringing more fire on itself. The Israelis have eliminated more than 192 people on the Gaza Strip, many of them women and children, which is mass murder. They should face war crime trials because they cannot get away constantly with this annihilation. Some action must be taken by the international community, but as Israel has protectors, it will not be held responsible.

I wish Fr. Kevin Doran well. He has become Bishop of Elfin and we attended the event last Sunday in the cathedral in Sligo. I come from Roscommon and a vast area of the county is in the diocese of Elphin. Fr. Doran has an important role in the education of young people and schools management and the development of the diocese. He is from Dún Laoghaire but welcome in County Roscommon. I extend a warm welcome to him and wish him good health and success in what is a demanding position. I also pay tribute to Bishop Christopher Jones who carried out the episcopal ordination last Sunday-----

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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I ask the Senator to refrain from naming people in the Chamber.

Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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Neither of them will object. It is a rare occasion-----

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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That is not the point.

Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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Bishop Jones has served as bishop for 20 years and is retiring. I was disappointed that neither the President nor the Government was represented at the event.

Aideen Hayden (Labour)
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I support the comments made by Senator Feargal Quinn on the Insolvency Service of Ireland and ask the Leader to arrange a debate in early course when we return after the summer break. The Insolvency Service of Ireland will have been in operation and accepting applications for one year in September and a review is urgently called for. There is no doubt that the numbers achieving positive outcomes from the service are incredibly disappointing, with an average debt write-off figure in the cases resolved of a mere 17%. It is disturbing to note that the report of the Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform notes the public refusal of lending institutions to engage with the Insolvency Service of Ireland on a debt write-down for any customer. This makes a mockery of the service and what the country is trying to do in legislation to alleviate the distress of those in severe debt. If legislation is not working and we must introduce amendments to make it mandatory for financial institutions to engage with the Insolvency Service of Ireland in a real and meaningful way, that is what we must do. On a number of occasions the financial institutions have stated the service is not dealing with more cases because they are coming to the table and offering real and sustainable solutions to borrowers. In some instances, that may be true, but in others it is far from it. A period of 12 months is long enough in the current crisis; we, therefore, need an urgent review.

Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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Cé go bhfuil eagar á dhéanamh ar na pearsain atá sa Rialtas, ní fheicim go bhfuil morán athrú ar an bpolasaí, ach beimid ag súil leis na hAirí agus na hAirí Stáit nua isteach go bpléifimid na rudaí seo leo.

I would like to have a debate with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Paschal Donohoe, to address two mistakes made by his predecessors. One concerns the rural transport programme, particularly as it operates in Connemara. Under the new set-up, local offices will be relocated from Connemara to a more central location. This is a mistake and those who run the service think so too. A review was carried out under the previous rural transport programme under which the move was mooted. An expert was sent to drive from Cleggan to Portumna to see how big County Galway was and said it was ludicrous to merge the rural transport programmes in the area.. I am sure there are similar instances across the country. We need to address the issue and reverse the decision to centralise the rural transport programme under local authorities.

Galway is experiencing a boom because of the arts festival and the film fleadh and the race festival is coming up. One of the issues that has been raised a number of times is that of taxi drivers. A huge number of people come into the city and those who play by the rules tell me that a number of rogue taxi drivers are coming into the city with little regulation under the new regime. The branding to do away with double jobbers is not working. The branding and stickers on the sides of taxis make taxi drivers a target at night. The homes of a number of taxi drivers have been broken into and their families put at risk. They are concerned that they are targets for thieves. We need to address this mistake. We raised these issues when the legislation was introduced. Cars more than ten years old, even if they are in pristine condition, must be replaced. The provision which enables taxi drivers to pick up passengers willy-nilly, not at official taxi ranks but wherever crowds may be gathered, is putting bona fide taxi drivers out of business, this is a time when they need to make money to keep them going through the winter. If we cannot have a debate before the recess, perhaps the Leader might intervene with the Minister to have the issue addressed.

Caít Keane (Fine Gael)
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I congratulate the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Fitzgerald, on doing us proud in Geneva yesterday at the United Nations. She demonstrated how quickly she has read into her brief with her expert experience and with the answers she gave. There are many good human rights issues that I could mention but one of the issues mentioned was also mentioned by one of the NGOs - that is, the possibility of Article 42.1 of the Constitution on women in the home and gender neutrality going to referendum.

I rise today to bring to the fore an issue that I read about in the newspaper. We should not believe everything we read in the newspaper.

Michael Comiskey (Fine Gael)
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That is for sure.

Caít Keane (Fine Gael)
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However, I am concerned about it. The article said gardaí driving would be unable to use their sirens, drive in bus lanes or break the traffic lights and that they would have to obey all the rules of the road. This will apply to special branch detectives even if they are called out to an armed incident. One might say this is right and that everyone should obey the rules of the road. However, gardaí may break the rules if they have permission from a chief for emergencies, etc. Obviously, every garda must be trained to drive. The Garda Síochána would be the first to say that. Is this going to handicap gardaí or tie their hands behind their back if they are not trained? It takes three weeks to train them and only ten or 12 gardaí go through the training school at any one time. This new regulation or directive did not come from the Minister. It probably came from the Garda. I want to try to do something about it before it happens. Let us suppose a garda is called out but she must obey the rules of the road. She might come up with the defence that she could not speed or she had to stop because she did not get training in the training school. It is a serious question and I have to raise it. I want the Minister to come to the House to address the matter, to ensure that money is available to train drivers and that the training school is upgraded if it is a thing that only ten gardaí can go through at a time.

I congratulate Mary Robinson on her appointment as climate change envoy.

Rónán Mullen (Independent)
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Senator Leyden very graciously wished the new Bishop of Elphin, Dr. Kevin Doran, welcome and Godspeed to his predecessor, Christopher Jones. I would like to join with these wishes given that he is also the new Bishop of Ahascragh. Two parishes in Galway are part of the Elphin diocese, Ahascragh Caltra and Ballygar in Newbridge. We could have had a session of the Seanad because the Seanad was well represented in Sligo on Sunday. Senators Henry, Susan O'Keeffe, Comiskey, Leyden and myself were all present. In fact there were more present than in many a debate in the Seanad.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Have you question for the Leader?

Rónán Mullen (Independent)
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I wish to move an amendment to the Order of Business to have No. 20 taken before No. 1 today. This would introduce my Criminal Law (Protection of Older People) (Sentencing) (Amendment) Bill. I believe it would be appropriate to have a debate on the manner in which we in society, particularly the Government and the Legislature, deal with the laws that have an impact on vulnerable groups, especially older persons in our society.

During the recent European election campaign I met many older people living in isolated rural areas. These people have been largely voiceless in recent debates regarding austerity measures. The impact of various measures being taken by Government on vulnerable groups is often glossed over. Older people in particular have suffered the limiting of grants, cutbacks in rural transport, the closure of rural post offices and cutbacks in health services. Most disturbing is the phenomenon of violent burglaries which appear to target older people. The closure of rural Garda stations and crimes targeting older people in isolated rural areas are connected issues. The only way we can ensure the measures proposed by the Government do not disproportionately affect older people is by having a statutory requirement for all legislation to be monitored for its impact on vulnerable groups. The legislation I am bringing forward would provide for tougher mandatory sentences for the perpetrators of certain violent crimes targeting older people. I would be grateful for the support of the House on the matter.

Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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I, too, wish to congratulate the new Ministers and Ministers of State on their appointments. I commiserate with those who have not been reappointed.

Following remarks made earlier, I have no desire to revisit any of last week's business, which is last week's business and is gone as far as I am concerned. However, I would like to say sorry, if I should be saying sorry, to any Senators, including Senators O'Donnell, van Turnhout and Quinn, who raised the matter of the so-called gagging of doctors clause.

Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)
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Will the Taoiseach say so?

Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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I am unsure whether gagging of doctors was involved. That may be subject to interpretation, and negotiation may be required. Anyway, it is above my pay grade and I do not wish to get into it.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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It is not.

Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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I am merely the servant of this House as Whip.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Have you a question for the Leader?

Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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My job is to get the business through as smoothly and efficiently as I can. Of course I apologise and am happy to say sorry if anything I have said has caused upset.

Marie Louise O'Donnell (Independent)
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I accept that.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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Senator Coghlan should keep all this stuff in-house. We have no need to hear it. It should be among the Members concerned.

Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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We have a harmonious and collegial atmosphere in the House, if I may say so. As we head into the summer recess at the end of this week on Friday or whenever - hopefully we will not have to come back for a day next week-----

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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There are two parties in the Government and there are two Whips. Senator Coghlan cannot do it all himself.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator, have you question for the Leader?

Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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I have not. I am simply reacting as politely as I believe I should.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator, you can take up that matter with individual Senators. Senator Daly is next.

Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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I am saying to my colleagues that I am sorry if I have caused them any upset. That is all I am doing. The Leader will deal with it, I am sure, on behalf of the Government.

Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
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With leave from the House, I seek an amendment to the Order of Business to the effect that No. 19, the Immigration Reform for US Citizens Living in Ireland Bill, be introduced today. This is tied to the fact that the new US ambassador to Ireland will go before the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations today and I hope the appointment will be ratified. This has been the longest period of absence of a US ambassador to Ireland. The issue of immigration reform for the 50,000 undocumented Irish in America should be foremost in his mind, but also in the mind of the Minister of State with responsibility for the Irish overseas and the diaspora, Deputy Jimmy Deenihan, whom I congratulate on being appointed to that role. He is the first such Minister of State, a position Fianna Fáil has called for these past two years. Indeed, we were the first political party to produce a policy paper regarding the Irish overseas and the diaspora.

Since we are looking for immigration reform for Irish citizens in the United States, we must also be fair in providing immigration reform here. Many US citizens who want to live in, work in or retire to Ireland are being deported by the Government. This is why we are introducing the Bill. We hope the Government will support it because we cannot be sending the Minister for Foreign Affairs to Washington looking for immigration reform for our citizens when we do not do the same here. I hope the Leader will facilitate some time to do that.

I support my colleague, Senator Terry Leyden, on the issue of commercial rates. We want to see this legislation annulled because of part V, which relates to imposing half commercial rates on vacant properties. This will destroy rural Ireland. No regulatory impact assessment has been done on the effects of this. It is quite simple. Where a person who owns a commercial premises cannot run a business there himself or rent it out and cannot afford to pay the rates, he will simply tear down the building. We will see buildings being ruined, destroyed and knocked down in rural Ireland as a result of this legislation.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator, are you seconding Senator Leyden's amendment?

Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
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Yes. I am seconding Senator Leyden's amendment and proposing an amendment in respect of No. 19.

Michael Mullins (Fine Gael)
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I want to join with colleagues in congratulating the new Ministers and Ministers of State on their appointments. It is important that we recognise the contributions that the Ministers who will not be serving in the second half of the Government have made to the country. Many of them have contributed over many decades.

This morning Senator Tom Sheahan raised an interesting issue when he referred to how we might better leverage State assets, particularly Irish Rail and the rail network. I am keen to spread the debate out a little further. When the Leader gets an opportunity in the autumn, he might have the new Minister for Health in to discuss whether we are leveraging the assets of the health service adequately. We are all conscious that equipment worth millions of euro in hospitals is probably only being used actively between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. while, at the same time, we have large queues at outpatient clinics. Car parks such as the one at University Hospital Galway are full to capacity and people cannot use them during the day. Should we not be looking at doing far more from 5 p.m. until midnight or, indeed, through the night? Should we not be looking at how we use our assets and whether we are using them as productively as possible? It would make for an interesting debate in the autumn.

I wish the new Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Charles Flanagan, well in his new role and welcome the statement in which he voiced is support for the UN Security Council's call for a ceasefire in the current conflict in Gaza and Israel. The violence in Gaza and Israel is completely unacceptable and both sides must agree to a ceasefire in order to prevent further casualties among or suffering on the part of civilians. All Palestinians and Israelis have a right to live in peace and security without the threat of indiscriminate violence. Irish people should heed the call made by the new Minister to avoid travelling to Gaza and surrounding areas. Those who do decide to travel should register with the Department of Foreign Affairs in advance.

Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)
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I second the amendment to the Order of Business proposed by Senator Rónán Mullen.

I join colleagues in congratulating those who were successful in obtaining promotion to ministerial office and commiserating with those who are no longer either Ministers or Ministers of State. I particularly wish to congratulate the new Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Heather Humphreys, who hails from the Monaghan end of the Cavan-Monaghan constituency. This promotion is a great honour for the Minister who has only been a Member of the Dáil for three years, her family and the people who live in the constituency. I am disappointed that my colleague in Cavan, Deputy Joe O'Reilly, was not promoted on this occasion. However, I have no doubt that he will be promoted in the near future. Perhaps I might give some advice to the new Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to the effect that she should seek the wise council of Deputy Joe O'Reilly who is a fluent Irish speaker, holds a first class honours degree in Irish history and has been involved in the arts, particularly in the arena of drama, since his teenage years. He has been involved in many successful dramatic productions throughout the country for many decades.

Will the Leader invite the new Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, to come before the House in order that we might discuss the transition from VECs to education and training boards and ascertain what plans her Department has to ensure the five boards which do not have training centres within their remit will be allocated both a budget and staff resources to provide training?

Martin Conway (Fine Gael)
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I join colleagues in congratulating the new Ministers and Ministers of State. It would be appropriate for the new Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to be invited to come before the House to engage in a debate on the holding of festivals and events and how we might restore the country's reputation in the aftermath of the debacle which marked the past couple of weeks. One classic example of a festival that is tremendously successful is the Willie Clancy Summer School held in Milltown Malbay, County Clare. Thousands of people from all over Ireland and abroad come to Milltown Malbay and stay in hotels, camper vans and tents. They park in other people's driveways and outside their houses and busk on the streets day and night. The only security presence over the entire weekend is a single garda who is on patrol on the Sunday when the place is heaving. Said garda keeps a low profile and merely wanders up and down the street. The Willie Clancy Summer School is an example of where people open their homes and hearts to visitors. It is a model from which the country could learn.

In the context of tourism and business, I was delighted to read in today's newspapers that Michael O'Leary had committed to Ryanair for a further five years. He is probably one of the greatest businessmen the country has ever produced and pays his taxes here. Ryanair carries 84 million or 85 million passengers per year and I understand it will break the 100 million barrier in the near future. Many distinguished individuals come before this House to address it. Mr. O'Leary should be invited to address us because, as stated, he is one of the greatest businessmen the country has ever produced.

Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail)
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I second Senator Mark Daly's amendment to the Order of Business. I also propose my own amendment, namely, that No. 21 be taken before No. 1. No. 21 is a Bill I drafted - I thank my colleagues, Senators Mark Daly and Diarmuid Wilson for co-signing it - in respect of what is a very live issue. Last December the then Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government with responsibility for planning announced her intention to review the planning guidelines for wind farms. As she acknowledged at the time, they are completely out of date and do not relate to the new type of wind turbines being used. Since the review was announced, quite a number of planning applications for wind farms have been submitted, either to local authorities or An Bord Pleanála. One such application is for the construction of 50 wind turbines in north County Meath. The position is unclear on which guidelines will actually apply to these applications. The Bill I have drafted proposes that where the Minister announces his or her intention to revise, change or amend guidelines, An Bord Pleanála cannot make a decision until new guidelines are published. Effectively, I am seeking a moratorium on the consideration of the applications to which I refer until the guidelines have been published.

I encourage the new Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to publish good and acceptable guidelines as soon as possible. There is a gap and there appears to be a real rush to have planning applications accepted before the guidelines become relevant in terms of the types of turbine now in use. Communities throughout the country are of the view that people are riding roughshod over them. Planning permission for the construction of wind farms was recently granted in south County Meath and County Laois. I understand an application will be submitted very soon for the massive project in north County Meath to which I refer and which was originally part of the deal to export energy to which the former Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Pat Rabbitte, used to refer and which was cancelled prior to the local elections. One week after the elections another application for planing permission was made, but on this occasion it was stated the project was been designed to service the requirements of the Irish domestic energy market.

There is a great deal happening in this area, but very little is being done to regulate the position. The former Minister of State acknowledged that the planning guidelines relating to this matter were out of date. I would like her former Department to publish good and acceptable guidelines. In addition, there is a need for a moratorium on the consideration of applications until the guidelines have been published. I drafted my Private Members' Bill immediately after attending a public meeting held in Carlanstown, County Meath last week. I wrote the legislation overnight and have already identified a number of issues which arise and which will require amendment. I would be open and look forward to amendments from other Members if the legislation proceeds beyond Second Stage.

Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)
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I second Senator Thomas Byrne's amendment.

I concur with Senator Cáit Keane's request that the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, come before the House in order that we might discuss events taking place in Geneva, yesterday and today, and associated matters, including the organisation of some NGOs. The Minister could also inform the House as to why the Irish representative on the UN Commission on Human Rights voted against a pro-family motion put before it in the past week. We have a constitutional position on this matter and it is surprising that Ireland's representative joined a minority of representatives of other countries in voting in an anti-family fashion at the relevant meeting. I would welcome a response from the Minister on this matter.

I concur with Senator Aideen Hayden's comments on the need for a review of insolvency legislation. I do not believe she or anyone else in the House should be surprised at the relative ineffectiveness of the legislation, particularly in view of the fact that not only did it give the banks all the aces, it also gave them the entire pack of cards. That was an issue in the debate when the legislation was debated in the House. There is absolutely no consideration for borrowers who find themselves in difficult circumstances. There was never going to be engagement on the part of the banks. The legislation should be reviewed and, I hope, amended. In that context, will the Leader arrange for the Minister for Finance to come before the House to discuss the matter and also the current position in the property market, particularly in the capital city? There are observers who have analysed the position and reached the conclusion that in the past year the release of properties onto the market has been very strictly controlled by both the banks and NAMA.

The consequence, of course, is that now prices have increased, properties are being released at these higher prices. There is a view that there could be manipulation of the market going on. There is certainly a view that part of the objective in doing this, particularly on the side of the banks, is that it will lead to a situation where these higher prices will improve their loan books in the run-up to the stress tests. If they are at that, and I do not know if they are, we certainly need to shed a light on it because it is not in the interest of the recovery of a proper effective property market.

Ned O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail)
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I want to stress my deep surprise and disappointment at the attitude of some of our MEPs to the appointment of the former Minister, Mr. Phil Hogan, as Commissioner. It is very unusual to see Irish people bad-mouthing their own when they are away from home. It is not done. As we say at home, you do not talk badly about your own when you are out of town. Mr. Hogan has come through the process like everybody else. He was a Minister of stature who, according to all reports, will have a great opportunity to get an important portfolio. At a time when Ireland really needs help, we should be pulling together and working together rather than having this very silly and disappointing carry-on.

As others have done, I congratulate and commiserate with those who were involved in the reshuffle last week. I welcome the appointment of Deputy Paschal Donohoe as the new Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, which is my brief in the House. Hopefully, he will be able to take a fresh and renewed look at the ongoing problem with the LNG project, which I know the Leader is sick of hearing about but which has taken a new turn lately with the involvement of people from the Emirates who have expressed some interest in getting involved. That might free things up a bit.

With regard to my county colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Jimmy Deenihan, I commiserate with him as he is no longer in Cabinet but congratulate him on his appointment as Minister of State with responsibility for the diaspora. He is ideally suited to the job. He has travelled a lot through his football career and in his other Ministries. Knowing Jimmy, he puts everything into it, so I suggest the Minister for Finance would get a price for a second Government jet.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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Senator Darragh O'Brien referred to the rush of legislation in the last couple of weeks and I agree totally with him. We will have to have a better approach to legislation. As he mentioned, we were waiting for a number of weeks in the early part of this session when we had little or no legislation. It is something the Government will have to look at into the future.

On legislation, I mentioned that we will probably have changes. It is advisable that Members be aware we will more than likely be here on Friday to deal with some items that we may not get to in time.

In regard to property tax and a vote in Fingal, I presume it is in the context of the Estimates that such measures would be taken. I agree with the Senator that the Minister should publish the regulations and I am sure we will do so in early course.

Senator Bacik and other Senators referred to the situation in the Middle East and called for a ceasefire there, as did our new Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. I am sure we would all hope to see peace and reconciliation in that troubled part of the world.

Senator Bacik spoke also in regard to human rights and the hearings involving the Government. Other Members also complimented the Minister, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, on her position. I will try to find out for Senator Walsh the information he sought in regard to an official or representative on a particular subject.

Senator Bacik also complimented Mary Robinson on being appointed as UN Special Envoy on Climate Change. It is a great honour for the former President and former Senator and I am sure we all wish her well.

Senator O'Donnell raised the issue of whistleblowers legislation and the charter coming into place, and I take her points in that regard. She also referred to Quality and Qualifications Ireland and the charging of €5,000 in fees. I am not sure whether it was Senator O'Donnell who raised this matter previously, although it probably was. I would agree with her in this regard. I suggest this matter should be raised on the Adjournment.

Senator Barrett, among others, wished all the new Ministers well. He also commended the outgoing Ministers on their excellent work over the past three years and the service they gave to this country at a time when we badly needed it. I join with Senator Barrett and the other Senators in commending those Ministers in particular and, naturally, wishing the new Ministers well. Senator Barrett also welcomed the fact the 12th of July celebrations went off in a peaceful manner.

Senator Sheahan asked that we would explore options in regard to utilising the rail network for overnight freight in particular. I would agree totally. In the past, Irish Rail had many freight trains running at night. I remember working in Waterford port when freight trains were coming from Ballina, Belfast, Limerick and elsewhere all through the night but Irish Rail has practically abandoned the carrying of freight, in particular container freight. I agree with the Senator that this option should be explored, particularly in the context of his point in regard to regulations that are coming in for drivers.

Senator O'Donovan asked that we would come back in September to look at the whole medical card situation again. I am sure we will do that with the new Minister. Senator Comiskey referred to Irish Rural Link and rural transport, a matter also raised by Senator Ó Clochartaigh.

Senator van Turnhout raised the issue of the terms of reference on the mother and baby homes. I understand statements are scheduled for the other House on Thursday following an update to Cabinet today on the issue. I will certainly speak to the Minister, Deputy Reilly, about securing a debate with him on this matter early in the autumn session.

Senator van Turnhout also called for a debate on how we fund the national federation networks. I would agree we should have a debate. We have many organisations representing some groups and whether they should all be funded or not is a question we should debate. If there are quite a number of these networks representing a particular group, should we fund them all or should we fund one or two of them? It is a question that should certainly be considered.

Senator Noone called for a debate on the issue of a directly elected mayor for Dublin and said the issue should be revisited by the Minister. I am sure the Minister, when he gets his feet under the desk for a while, will return to this matter.

Senator Quinn spoke in regard to the benefit of the second Chamber. We had that debate and I agree with him in this regard. He also called for a progress report on the insolvency service legislation, as did Senator Hayden and others. The Act will only have been in place for one year in September and I believe it would be good after a year to have a review and to amend the legislation, if necessary.

Senator Colm Burke called for clarification of the situation regarding a draft contract and the difference between a draft contract and a real contract. With regard to the report of the health committee, we will certainly try to have that report debated in this House. As part of the reform of this House, we have many excellent reports from various committees of the House which I believe should be debated. We should also have the committee Chairmen in the House to listen and in order for us to comment on these reports. I hope that will be part of the reforms of the House.

I do not propose to accept Senator Leyden's amendment to the Order of Business regarding the statutory instrument. I note his points on the Middle East.

Senator Hayden also called for a debate on the insolvency service. Senator Ó Clochartaigh called for the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Paschal Donohoe, to come to the House to speak on the management of rural transport and to debate the issue of taxis and rogue taxi drivers. I presume the enforcement agencies should police that area, and I find it unacceptable that rogue drivers can operate and that the laws are not enforced. I agree with the Senator on that and am sure it is an issue we can ask the Minister to deal with at a later stage.

Senator Keane commended the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, on her performance at the UN. In regard to the new directives reported in the press regarding restrictions on Garda drivers, I believe that what has been suggested is ludicrous. If gardaí chasing a criminal must stop at traffic lights, this will allow the criminal get away. I am not sure this is the situation but, if it is, it seems ludicrous. I am sure the Minister will take a look at that.

Senators Mullen, Daly and Byrne proposed amendments to the Order of Business in regard to introducing particular Bills, Nos. 19, 20 and 21 on the Order Paper. I have no objection to these amendments to the Order of Business. I would like to commend Members who put forward Private Members' Bills, but I would also like to ask Members whose items on the Order Paper are dead to remove them from it.

Senator Mullins spoke about leveraging assets of State agencies, particularly in regard to the health area. I am sure this is something the new Minister will consider. Senator Wilson congratulated the new Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Senator Heather Humphreys, who is from his constituency. I am sure she will accept his advice in regard to Deputy Reilly. He called for a review of education and training boards. This is a matter I will raise with the new Minister for Education and Skills.

Senator Conway called for another new Minister to come to the House - the Minister with responsibility for tourism - and mentioned the importance of festivals and of opening our homes and hearts to visitors. I agree with him that this is what Ireland is supposed to be about. He also commended businessman Michael O'Leary.

Senator Byrne spoke about his Bill, which relates to guidelines for wind farms. The former Minister, Phil Hogan, was here last week and dealt with that issue. However, it is the prerogative of the Member to raise his Private Members' Bill as he wishes. I wish him well in that regard.

Senator Walsh raised the issue of human rights. I already referred to the official representative on human rights. I will try to find out what the situation is in that regard, and in regard to NAMA. We expect two Bills before us this week relating to these issues and I am sure the Senator can make his points during those debates.

Senator O'Sullivan spoke about our new Commissioner and the importance of wearing the green jersey and supporting him in seeking the best possible position. We should be uniting on this, as we have always done in the past. I commend Senator O'Sullivan on his proposal and agree with him.

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

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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It is regrettable that some people do not support our nominee for the position of Commissioner.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator Leyden has moved an amendment to the Order of Business, "That No. 69, motion No. 11, be taken before No. 1." Is the amendment being pressed?

Darragh O'Brien (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. 20 be taken before No. 1." The Leader has indicated that he is prepared to accept it. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Senator Mark Daly has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, "That No. 19 be taken before No. 1." The Leader has indicated that he is prepared to accept it. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Senator Thomas Byrne has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, "That No. 21 be taken before No. 1." The Leader has indicated that he is prepared to accept it. Is that agreed? Agreed.

The Leader wishes to make a clarification for the House.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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I understand I said we are to take Committee and Remaining Stages of No. 5, the Radiological Protection (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2014, today. We are actually to take Report and Final Stages because we have finished Committee Stage.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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Has the Seanad been notified of the appointment of the Ministers of State?

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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That is not relevant to the Order of Business.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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Is there a message from the Dáil?