Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding the report of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges concerning changes to Standing Orders, to be taken without debate on the conclusion of the Order of Business; No. 2, Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill 2014 - Committee Stage (resumed), to be taken at 11.45 a.m. and to adjourn not later than 1.45 p.m., if not previously concluded, and to be resumed at 6.30 p.m. to take Report and Final Stages; No. 3 Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2014 - Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken at 3 p.m. and to adjourn not later than 4.30 p.m., if not previously concluded; and No. 58, motion 13, to be taken at 4.30 p.m., with the time allocated for this debate not to exceed two hours.

Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)
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I am not sure we agree with the Order of Business. It is proposed to complete the Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill by taking Committee Stage today and Report and Final Stages this evening. I do not believe that schedule is in the best interests of finalising the debate. The legislation should be included in tomorrow's business.

I want to raise an issue with the Leader that has dominated the media for the past 24 hours - the refusal by Mario Draghi, President of the ECB, to come before the banking inquiry which starts today. This is an inherent weakness in the deliberations of the banking inquiry which has already generated enormous controversy about the political motives behind its setting up by the Government. Many people feel the inquiry will be a witch hunt against Fianna Fáil and very little else will emerge. The process is completely flawed if the person who represents the European institution which is to blame for this country incurring €65 billion in bank debt refuses to attend. The Irish Government should adopt some method to change this situation. I am echoing here the sentiments expressed this morning by a Minister of the Government, Deputy Coveney. He said the institution should be compelled before the inquiry. To suggest that the European Central Bank, on which we sit through the representation of Professor Honohan, is answerable only to the European Parliament and not to a national parliament is, in my opinion, a national insult. It is yet a further indication of how far European institutions have become disconnected from the ordinary people of Europe.

The ECB is a powerful institution which continues to have a very important and significant impact on the lives of every citizen in this country. The ECB, under Mr. Draghi's predecessor, Mr. Trichet, forced this country and its Government into incurring a debt that will hang around the Irish people for the next couple of decades. I call on the Government to issue a very stern response to Mr. Draghi's intransigence and convey to him that his refusal is completely and totally unacceptable. I ask the Taoiseach to come here today to explain exactly what the Government's response will be to Mr. Draghi.

I also ask that the Taoiseach will come here to make a statement on the growing and developing crisis in Northern Ireland. He and the Prime Minister, Mr. Cameron, came, looked, saw and left Northern Ireland last week. I was bitterly disappointed with the Taoiseach's rapid departure from these important talks. He seems to have gone to Belfast for a photo opportunity with Mr. Cameron and then left. We have a frail peace process but he has left Northern Ireland in limbo. I have questioned on repeated occasions in this House the Government's commitment to engaging in Northern Ireland issues. It is as if they are up there and we are down here, which is totally unacceptable.

I propose an amendment to the Order of Business that the Taoiseach come before this House today to address those twin issues which are of vital importance, not only to this economy but in the context of what is or is not happening in Northern Ireland. This matter is of vital importance to the national economy and to the island economy.

Ivana Bacik (Independent)
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Yesterday's news of the appalling massacre of more than 140 people, including in excess of 130 children, by the Taliban in Pakistan means that again today we must express horror at this appalling outrage and despicable massacre of children, and I am sure others will join me in that. The Taliban has reached a new low in its series of atrocities in other countries over some years. Other colleagues have spoken before of the Taliban's targeting of Christians. The Taliban has targeted children in education and yesterday it targeted the most vulnerable victims - children in a school. It is an appalling atrocity.

In terms of children's rights, I compliment Senator van Turnhout on the motion she tabled in the House which all colleagues have signed up to. I refer to No. 58, motion 14, which calls for adequate funding to be provided to Childline to ensure its night-time service is continued. I wish to inform colleagues, in particular Senator Mooney, that I have written to the Taoiseach enclosing a copy of the motion and explaining that the issue was raised when I was Deputy Leader in the House last Thursday. This is a good sign of the way the Seanad works and shows how Members come together on such issues.

In terms of the banking inquiry, like Senator Mooney I express my real concern at the ECB's refusal to come before the banking inquiry. I wish all of our colleagues on the banking inquiry well in their work as it commences its public hearings today. Their work is hugely important and they have worked extremely hard already in getting the ground set for public hearings. It is very disappointing that the ECB has taken this decision. I agree with Senator Mooney about that and the Government will send a strong message to the ECB on its decision. Senators may have heard the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine express in very strong terms the Government's view on the matter.

In terms of the Northern Ireland talks, I would like to see us debate the matter in the new year. The talks are continuing this week in Stormont and we all hope we will see some resolution of the outstanding issues. The Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and his Minister of State, Deputy Sherlock, went to Belfast on Friday. I assure the House that Ministers are still engaging and the Irish Government is still very much engaged in the talks this week. It is very important that parties reach a timely resolution this week, and I know others said the same yesterday.

I ask for a debate on collective bargaining. Yesterday, the Government approved collective bargaining legislation. The Minister of State at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Gerald Nash, yesterday announced Cabinet approval to legislate for this long overdue legislation. Its aim is to provide for an improved framework for workers who seek to better their terms and conditions where an employer does not recognise a union. This is a hugely important issue for many workers across the State and for the trade union movement. A number of Supreme Court decisions have undermined collective bargaining rights in this country. In the programme for Government in 2011 it was promised that the law would be reformed, in particular to ensure it is in compliance with the European Convention on Human Rights in respect of rights to collective bargaining. I ask the Leader that we might debate the matter in early course in the new year.

Feargal Quinn (Independent)
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It is very hard to contribute today without paying attention to the banking inquiry. There is little doubt that the two previous speakers have drawn attention to the inquiry. Let us not focus on blaming the ECB for not sending somebody as the only purpose. A great deal can be achieved by the inquiry and the Seanad is well represented on it. I hope we will be able to achieve what we set out to do.

I was very impressed by the reports about the President's visit to China. Before he went, there was a doubt he might use his visit in a manner which would damage the relationship between Ireland and China. Ireland is so tiny compared with China that is so huge. We know that President Higgins has strong views on human rights and there was a danger he could say something that would endanger the relationship between both countries. I believe his visit has achieved a huge amount. I believe the relationship between himself and the President of China is very strong which will help to develop our economy and our relationship in many other ways. I congratulate him on what he has achieved during his visit.

I raised concerns a month ago about the postal service and the danger posed by a movement towards other forms of communications. It is a joy to see there is no danger. Either the Government listened to us or already had planned to do the following ahead of time. It has established a business development programme to develop businesses in the post office. At this time of the year the post office is busy although there may not be as many postcards. A great deal more shopping seems to be taking place online which has led to an opportunity to develop services for parcels and other messages. I believe there is an opportunity for business in the post office. As I mentioned before, in France, other work was found for the postal service, particularly postmen visiting lonely people or people living on their own. The postmen have developed and provide that service. I think the business development programme set up by the Government will provide us with opportunities as well.

Hildegarde Naughton (Fine Gael)
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I wish to raise an issue concerning a member of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant Paul Giblin, who is stationed in the Army barracks in Renmore in Galway.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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I remind the Senator that we do not mention on the record of the House people who are not here to defend themselves.

Hildegarde Naughton (Fine Gael)
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Senators may be aware that this has been widely reported in the media.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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It does not matter. The person is not here to defend himself.

Hildegarde Naughton (Fine Gael)
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The person has been suffering from Hodgkin's lymphoma for the past two years and has to date undergone radiotherapy and chemotherapy, in addition to having had a stem cell transplant. What the lieutenant actually needs is a bone marrow transplant. There has been a search on the global registry but no match is forthcoming. Senators may be aware that there has been significant social media coverage of this story this week. There was a campaign by over 100 people in Galway who gathered to provide blood samples to the Irish Blood Transfusion Service. I am inordinately proud of that. It was a very generous gesture by the people of Galway. I am raising this to highlight the fact that the simple act of giving a blood sample could save a life. We should encourage people to give blood samples. If we saved only one life, it would be a worthwhile process. I commend the people of Galway for supporting Lieutenant Giblin at this very difficult time.

Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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I second the amendment to the Order of Business proposed by Senator Mooney and I wish to expand on what he and others said in the House this morning. It is appalling and a disgrace that Mr. Draghi and the ECB are washing their hands of and giving the two-fingers sign to the Irish banking inquiry. This is so serious that I urge the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to summon an EU Commission summit to discuss this. The ECB banking system was a disaster and when we needed Europe most, it turned its back on us and forced the former Minister for Finance, the late, great Brian Lenihan, to do its bidding in this country to protect the banks. Irish citizens are entitled to answers from the ECB. I wish the inquiry well but its work will not be adequate, proper or definitive in its decisions without the evidence from the ECB. It is a disgrace that it is ignoring us.

Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)
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Hear, hear.

Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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I welcome the remarks made this morning by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Simon Coveney, but we must go further. We note that there is somebody currently being extradited from Brazil to Ireland over a case involving some €80 million. This is a serious issue, yet there are billions involved in the issue concerning the ECB. The Europeans who are supposed to be our partners are ignoring the demands from Ireland. If it is possible, the Leader might explore whether a European arrest warrant could be issued to bring the European authorities here by hook or by crook. Let them answer questions. What are they afraid of? Is there something they might say that would expose Europe such that it might have to compensate Ireland for the billions of euro it put in to support the banks? It is an appalling disaster and it is so serious for the nation.

This is the first time I have ever said, publicly or at any forum, that we, as a small nation on the periphery of Europe, should reconsider our position in the European Union if the ECB officials do not come here to answer questions. The biggest crisis this nation ever faced in my lifetime and in its history happened in 2008 but the ECB is hiding behind the frivolous, vexatious notion that it is a national issue. The banking crisis was a Europe-wide issue. It hit Greece, Portugal, Spain, Cyprus and other countries, yet the European authorities are ignoring this. Perhaps if they came here and gave answers we could move on and learn lessons from the appalling, disastrous position they put us in as a nation.

Denis Landy (Labour)
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I welcome the granting of planning permission for a new greenway or cycleway between Carrick-on-Suir and Clonmel. This has been funded through the national infrastructure package of Exchequer funding to the tune of €1.9 million. It presents a great opportunity for part of the south east to develop a new tourism product. It is most welcome in an area that has a strong tradition of cycling as it is the home of Seán Kelly, who was the number-one cyclist in the world for many years. Contrary to some reports, the funding is actually national funding and does not come from "that crowd over in Europe", as said in other fora. It is actually coming from the Irish Exchequer, which is investing money to create a tourism product in the south east which, it is hoped, will create 80 direct jobs and many more indirectly.

I ask the Leader to request the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to come to the House after Christmas to discuss the tourism product in the south east. When we examine the figures for 2013, we see that Kerry alone had 877,000 overseas visitors, while the whole south east, including Carlow, Kilkenny, south Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford, had only 846,000. Therefore, there is a definite need to promote tourism in the south east. The cycleway is a good start but the Leader should request the Minister to come to the House in the new year to consider a strategy for the south east. We have heard this is planned for the next tourism strategy but we need an opportunity to debate this matter early in the new year.

Kathryn Reilly (Sinn Fein)
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I propose an amendment to the Order of Business, namely, that No. 58, motion 10, be taken today. The motion was tabled on the Order Paper on 12 November requesting the Government to initiate legislation as a matter of urgency to provide for a constitutional referendum to reduce the voting age to 16 for all elections. I decided to propose my amendment in light of the Cabinet's announcement yesterday to hold a referendum next May on same-sex marriage and on the reduction of the age of candidates eligible to run for President. We have not yet got any indication as to when the referendum on reducing the voting age to 16 will take place. This issue is very topical at present. Government sources confirm that the decision to hold a referendum on reducing the age of presidential candidates is part of a drive to make the Presidency more relevant to younger people. That is important but extending the voting franchise to younger people is also important. We need an indication as soon as possible as to when the referendum in this regard will take place.

In recent days, it was announced that the voting age in Scotland is to be lowered to include 16- and 17-year olds after Mr. David Cameron offered to introduce speedily new electoral powers for the Scottish Parliament. That gives added impetus and momentum to the Irish Government to initiate legislation to hold a referendum. It is important that we do so. I fear that it will not be provided for in time for the next general election, perhaps next year. Alternatively, it might not be possible to work out in time the logistics of ensuring young people are able to register for the next general election. I am moving my amendment because it is important that this House put pressure on the Government to ensure the referendum will happen as soon as possible and that it will not be put on the back boiler. We should give more young people a voice.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Could the Senator clarify the amendment?

Kathryn Reilly (Sinn Fein)
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I propose that No. 58, motion 10, be taken today.

Michael Mullins (Fine Gael)
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While I will not be supporting Fianna Fáil’s amendment to the Order of Business, I share the anger expressed over the decision by Mr. Draghi not to appear at the banking inquiry. I hope all political pressure will be brought to bear on him to change his mind. I very much welcome what the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Coveney, had to say this morning and I am sure he was speaking for the Government. Mr. Draghi, I understand, has said he reports to the European Parliament on this issue. I certainly hope our Members there will be bringing all necessary pressure to bear on him to change his mind. It is true that we want a full account of what happened with banking in Ireland in the critical years. We want it warts and all so there can be no hiding place for anybody, certainly not the ECB, which had a central and key role to play in this whole matter.

I am sure Senator O'Donovan will join me in congratulating the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Coveney, on the very good deal he negotiated for the fishing industry over recent days. It has been welcomed generally by spokespersons for the various fishing communities throughout the country. A very good day’s work was done by the Minister and his team of officials.

I ask that pressure be put on the Egyptian Government to have Ibrahim Halawa, an Irish citizen, released from an Egyptian prison.

He is a 19 year-old student who has been in detention in an Egyptian jail for over 460 days awaiting trial for crimes he did not commit. His trial is scheduled for January and he could face the death penalty. His sisters, who were arrested with him, are safe and well back in Ireland. Amnesty International has conducted a thorough review of his case and found him to be totally innocent. His only crime was peacefully expressing his right to freedom of expression. He was arrested over a year ago following the overthrow of President Morsi. I ask the Department of Foreign Affairs and appeal to the Egyptian embassy in Dublin to put pressure on the Egyptian authorities to have this innocent man released.

Gerard Craughwell (Independent)
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The Leader is probably shaking in his boots this morning at the likelihood I would request an amendment to the Order of Business. I wish to withdraw my intention to seek an amendment. I thank Senator Hayden who approached me yesterday and advised me of a report on private rental property that is soon to come out. Senator Hayden has the same concerns as me so I am very happy to withdraw that.

With respect to the European Central Bank and the banking inquiry, I can only liken the ECB to the Vikings who came here, pillaged all we had and then left us to clean up the mess. How dare they turn around and say they will not come here and answer questions, having put this tiny little country to the pin of its collar to save the euro? If they will not answer questions, then we should not pay our loans or anything we owe them.

With respect to the Water Services Bill, I remind the Leader that I indicated yesterday that if the Bill comes to the House tomorrow with a view to having it finished before Christmas, I will propose an amendment the Order of Business and I believe there are others here who will support that. It is wrong to try and rush this serious legislation through. I do not care what impact it has. The Government can decide at the stroke of a pen to delay this at any stage. It is wrong in every way to try and rush this through either House. I am putting the Leader on notice that I will propose an amendment to the Order of Business tomorrow. This is a chance for the independent Senators to show that the Seanad is independent. It may be time to teach our Ministers that they should have a bit of respect for the Members of this House.

Aideen Hayden (Labour)
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I thank Senator Craughwell for withdrawing his intention to propose an amendment to the Order of Business. I very much look forward to having that debate on rent regulation in the new year, after the publication of the National Economic and Social Council report. Yesterday, I launched Threshold's annual report as Chairperson of that organisation. The report clearly shows that the current lack of strategy for the rental sector makes it not fit for purpose. Approximately 20% of Irish people now live in rented accommodation and that number will increase in the future. There are too many loopholes in the current legislation allowing for people to be economically evicted. The legislation does not allow for reasonable rent increases and does not allow tenants to make their homes in the rented sector. We cannot ask people to make their homes in the rented sector with a regulatory system that just is not fit for purpose. In the new year, together with our debate on regulation I would like to see a wider debate on strategy for the private rented sector.

Regarding the European Central Bank's decision not to participate in our banking inquiry, I share the disappointment of everybody in this Chamber. It is easy to conclude that this country is indeed being given the two fingers. The matter came up at the finance committee and the Governor of the Central Bank, Mr. Patrick Honohan has indicated that he would make full and frank disclosure to the committee, to the point where he believed they would not be left lacking any information and would not be in a negative position because of the failure of ECB representatives to appear. I hope I am paraphrasing him correctly. I have found Mr. Honohan to be an honest and very forthright person in the past and I look forward to his evidence to the banking inquiry. I wish the inquiry every success.

Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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Tá mé as seasamh inniu le aird a tharraingt ar cheann de na faillí atá á dhéanamh ag an Rialtas seo maidir le cearta agus ó thaobh na reifrinn atá geallta. There was extensive debate at the Constitutional Convention around a number of referenda that could have been brought forward. One of the recommendations is to extend the voting right in presidential elections to members of the diaspora. I am very disappointed that has not been brought forward. We now have a Minister of State with special responsibility for the diaspora, which is welcome. The Minister of State visits our emigrants abroad and gives them the impression that this is a priority for the Government but it seems to have been kicked to touch once more. It is very disappointing for all those people who will not be able to get home for Christmas, many of whom have had to leave in the last years and who certainly want to have some role in the way people are elected on the island of Ireland.

It is very important that we get clarification from the Government as to when it intends holding this referendum. I hear there are sources from inside the Government being quoted that there will not be any more referenda during the lifetime of this Government. Have the voting rights of the diaspora been kicked to touch completely?

Perhaps early in the new session we might have a debate on these issues, including how they pertain to people in the six counties who do not have a vote in the South, not just in the presidential election but also in the Dáil and Seanad elections. Seanad reform is planned and we need to make sure that we have representation for the diaspora in this House as well.

I second the amendment that has been put forward by my colleague, Senator Kathryn Reilly, on the issue of voting rights. I concur with her.

Caít Keane (Fine Gael)
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I add my voice to those that have already spoken about the decision by the President of the ECB, Mario Draghi, and the ECB not to partake in the banking inquiry. Mr. Draghi said the ECB is primarily held accountable by the European Parliament. The word "primarily" should be taken up there, because Ireland is not secondary. There is more than one way to skin a cat and if Mr. Draghi refuses to come to the inquiry, the inquiry should go to him. If the ECB is primarily responsible to the European Parliament, the inquiry members here can write out the questions they want asked and give them to our MEPs to submit for direct and written answer within the European Parliament. There is more than one way to be held accountable and we have MEPs representing us at the European Parliament. The questions can be put there and the members of the inquiry can go there, give the written questions to their MEPs and observe the answers.

As regards rushing any water Bill through, there is no intention to do this. We have seen debates in the Houses. Could we have a monitor on the Oireachtas system that would monitor repetition when the same thing is said three, four and five times? I was listening to the debate in the Dáil and it was like a hamster going around in a wheel. It is an insult to debate.

I support Senator Mullins in calling for the release of Meriam Ibrahim. Today I am calling for a debate going back to the sexual violence of women because we cannot let that issue die. I am calling particularly on Sinéad O'Connor to go to the Garda. She has said that----

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator, we do not mention names on the record of the House when people are not----

Caít Keane (Fine Gael)
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I am referring to a person of note who has written in a Sunday paper that she was sexually molested by a member of Sinn Féin and I am calling on her to go to the Garda.

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

Caít Keane (Fine Gael)
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She will only do a favour to Maíria Cahill and to every other woman in doing so. As she is writing about it she should be prepared to do it.

David Cullinane (Sinn Fein)
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I would agree with Senator Craughwell that it is not good politics that we rush Bills through at the end of the year. We seem to have this problem every year and we have it again now with the Water Services Bill.

I know the Leader is saying he will allow as much time as possible on Friday for the Committee Stage debate on the Water Services Bill 2014, but it is still not good enough that an attempt is being made to rush it through in a couple of days and that we will be brought back next Monday.

David Cullinane (Sinn Fein)
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I did not interrupt Senator Gilroy or anyone else.

John Gilroy (Labour)
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This is just pathetic.

David Cullinane (Sinn Fein)
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I know it is difficult to listen to the truth from the Opposition.

Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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Senator Cullinane without interruption.

David Cullinane (Sinn Fein)
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Settle down there now and listen for a second. As I do not think the current arrangements are good enough, I intend to support the amendment to tomorrow's Order of Business that will be tabled by Senator Craughwell.

Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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I thought Sinn Féin wanted to do things differently on Friday.

David Cullinane (Sinn Fein)
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I would like to comment on the suggestion made by Brian Hayes, MEP, that "we need to have an honest debate about this, rather than this kind of attacking Johnny foreigner kind of UKIP, au français national, Sinn Féin position". I find that deeply offensive. I think he should withdraw his remarks. By lumping Sinn Féin in with the National Front in France or anywhere else, or indeed with UKIP, he is trying to portray Sinn Féin as a racist party.

John Gilroy (Labour)
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Of course it is.

David Cullinane (Sinn Fein)
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It is absolutely outrageous. It does nothing for the issue at all. Sinn Féin is clearly an anti-racist party. It clearly believes in multiculturalism. It has very progressive policies. It has consistently called for progressive reform of our immigration policies. This type of politics is despicable. I do not like the rise of UKIP. I do not like the rise of the far right anywhere in Europe. Any attempt to lump Sinn Féin in with those groups does nothing for the issue. It shows how silly and pathetic Fine Gael has become. I am calling for a debate on immigration. Senator Ó Clochartaigh has done a significant amount of work on the need to reform the system of direct provision, but that has not happened. Sinn Féin is to the fore in making sure people are treated fairly and equally in this State. I ask for that debate to happen as soon as possible.

John Kelly (Labour)
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The community in Ballingeary, County Cork, like the community in Dysart, County Roscommon, has had to take a High Court challenge to a decision by An Bord Pleanála to grant a wind farm development. The local community won in both cases. It was ruled that a company cannot get planning permission for a wind farm development without knowing how it will access the grid. The company in this case was banking on using the Grid Link project to connect to the grid in the future. I raise this particularly because it seems that a proliferation of wind farm developments is proposed for County Mayo. The Grid West project has not yet been sanctioned. There are serious questions about whether it will go ahead. The ESB needs to ask serious questions about whether it is needed. I have previously called for a serious debate on wind energy in this House. I have to say that on this occasion, as in the Dysart case, An Bord Pleanála has been found out. I am calling on the Leader of the House to arrange a debate as soon as possible after we resume in January on the need for wind energy projects.

Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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Like others, I agree fully with Senator Mooney's remarks about the refusal of Mr. Draghi and the European Central Bank to participate in the banking inquiry. We know we have a first-class record as excellent Europeans. We support the euro and all the institutions. The Taoiseach and the Government will have to take this up in the strongest possible manner. I think that needs to happen quickly. The non-participation of Mr. Draghi and the ECB will weaken the inquiry, which cannot be seen to be full and thorough in the absence of people who were so central to the matters under scrutiny. We await developments in early course in this regard.

I agree totally with what the Minister, Deputy Coveney, said this morning on the fisheries issue. I join Senator Mullins in congratulating the Minister on the €123 million package for whitefish fishermen. This issue is close to the hearts of the Leas-Chathaoirleach and everyone else involved in fishing in the area of the Celtic Sea to the south of his constituency. This package is very much to be welcomed.

It has already been mentioned that we could usefully have a debate on the Northern Ireland situation in the new year. The Minister, Deputy Charles Flanagan, and the UK Secretary of State for Northern Ireland have invested a huge amount of time in this process. It is unfortunate that the parties have not yet managed to come to some sort of compromise agreement. I look forward to a debate on the matter at an early stage of the new year.

John Gilroy (Labour)
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My good friend, Senator Cullinane, is in great form this morning. If we asked Maíria Cahill to comment on the Senator's suggestion that Sinn Féin is interested in fair and equal treatment for people, we might find that she does not fully agree with it. If we asked the families of young Paul Quinn or of many of the disappeared, we might find they do not agree that they have been treated fairly or equally by Sinn Féin. That is not the reason I rise today. I could not allow Senator Cullinane's remarks to pass without comment.

When will we have a debate on homelessness? Has the Leader pencilled in a date for such a debate? The Members of this House would like to comment on it. I would like to point out to the House, in the context of the political debate on homelessness, that when it was recently proposed to build nine two-bedroom social housing units in Balrothery aimed at elderly people and perhaps those with disabilities as well, the great heroes of the Anti-Austerity Alliance and the People before Profit councillors in the Balrothery area voted against it. Members of those parties and Sinn Féin are often heard shouting and roaring about the fair and equal treatment of people in society. When does the Leader propose that we will have a full debate on homelessness?

Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)
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I agree with colleagues that the timing of Mr. Draghi's letter to the Chairman of the banking inquiry was a deliberate attempt to subvert that committee's efforts to reach real conclusions about what happened when the economic process in this country collapsed and this country was forced and blackmailed by the European Central Bank into taking on board a huge debt on behalf of the Irish people. I do not believe we should have had to take on that debt. As Senator O'Donovan has said, if we are able to extradite somebody from Brazil for €80 million of outstanding debt, the least we should expect is for the president of the ECB and the former president of the ECB - the president at the time - to attend the properly constituted banking inquiry that is being held by the Houses of the Oireachtas.

I agree with the Senators who have said the Taoiseach should come into the House to give us an update on the discussions concerning Northern Ireland. Thankfully, huge progress has been made on this issue, particularly in regard to peace, over the last decade or so. I think it has been a victim of its own success, as far as this Government is concerned. It has been totally ignored. It has not been supported in the way it should have been. The Taoiseach needs to come to the House to give us an update on what exactly he proposes to do to ensure progress is made in relation to the present difficulties that are pertaining in the North of Ireland.

Terry Brennan (Fine Gael)
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I welcome the recent announcement by the Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Ring, that an allocation will be made to sporting bodies and organisations as part of the 2014 Supplementary Estimate for the Department. The Estimate provides for funding in a number of areas that will support our athletes at home and as they travel abroad to compete on the world stage. Some €1 million has been allocated for the purchase of equipment by the national sporting governing bodies. Another €1 million has been provided to fund the preparation programmes of high-performance athletes who are preparing for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Some €80,000 has been set aside for the development of a new headquarters for Special Olympics Ireland within the national sports complex. This funding will support elite performance and participation. As part of the stimulus funding that has been announced, some €80,000 will go towards the development of a headquarters for Special Olympics Ireland within the national sports campus complex.

It is important that, as the economy recovers and additional funding may become available, we facilitate the promotion of sport at every level. The social, mental and physical benefits associated with sport mean that we must do all we can to encourage participation at local level. We must do everything in our power to support our athletes as they progress. The measures further demonstrate the Government's continued commitment to sport in Ireland and recognise the important role that sport plays within communities throughout the country.

Mary White (Fianna Fail)
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I wish to refer to the most serious matter affecting the country at present, namely, the position with regard to the talks in the North. I raised this matter yesterday and asked the Leader to arrange for the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Charles Flanagan, to come before the House to discuss it. My colleague, Senator Mooney, has now asked that the Taoiseach come before us to outline the position. I completely support the Senator's call in this regard. What happened at the recent talks was tantamount to fraud. Prime Minister Cameron did not have the patience to await developments and left the talks at 10 a.m. on Friday last. On the basis of the information I have received, I understand that if he had put his shoulder to the wheel for that day, the relevant issues would have been resolved. I have no difficulty placing on record the fact that Brian Feeney of the Irish Republican Newsplaces the blame for this shambles at the feet of the proconsul. I am surprised by the cheek of Prime Minister Cameron in offering those in the North €25 billion of their own money to be repaid over 25 years at normal interest rates. That is farcical. What has happened is very sad. The Taoiseach, Deputy Kenny, is doing his best but it is not good enough. There is a crisis in the North. Massive efforts have been made to bring the peace process to fruition but those involved have now almost been hung out to dry.

Rónán Mullen (Independent)
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I am not a supporter of the banking inquiry. I set out my reasons for this on previous occasions. I do not think that engaging in such an inquiry is a job for politicians. I also do not believe that there will be public satisfaction with regard to its outcome. That said, I do not approve of the complete disregard the European Central Bank and others have displayed towards the Irish parliamentary process. This issue highlights the new power relationship that exists between Ireland, as a small member state of the European Union, and the European bureaucracy.

I wish to raise the issue of the new personal data collection rules proposed by the Department of Education and Skills in respect of primary schools. A number of primary school principals have brought to my attention their concerns regarding the scope of the information being collected and whether this will be shared with other organisations. At present, primary schools collect certain data relating to the age, addresses, PPS numbers, etc., of students. This information is used for identification purposes. The Department is proposing that primary school principals should collect new data on students and record this on the proposed primary online database system, which can be viewed by departmental officials. There will be different categories of personal data held. These will include personal data shared between a school and the Department, as is currently the case; and sensitive personal data shared between a school and the Department - this is a new category which will include information on students' race and religion and those of their parents. Previously, the only organisation which recorded such information was the Central Statistics Office in the form of the highly confidential census. Now a Department of State is proposing to collect and store this information.

The Department of Education and Skills has defended the proposal by stating that it will use pupil data in categories 1 and 2 for planning, policy and statistical purposes. While I support the legitimate collection of information for such purposes, a number of major questions relating to this matter remain unanswered. For example, with what other State bodies will the Department be sharing the sensitive data of primary school students and for what purpose? Why is the Department proposing to retain personal data in categories 1 and 2 for each pupil up to the period of the pupil's 30th birthday? I would like to hear from the Minister for Education and Skills on this matter.

I will not be requesting a debate on the most recent comments of the Minister for Health, Deputy Varadkar, on abortion. All I will say is that it is sad to see this political change of tack on his part. I am also saddened by the fact that the Minister is lending his support to what are really destructive elements in our society. This is an unwelcome development but, thankfully, the people will be required to have their say on any change in this area. The much-maligned Eighth Amendment to the Constitution at least ensures that we are in a situation where only the people can decide. When unprincipled politicians continually shift their ground - under the guise of compassion - it is just as well that the people must be consulted.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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Senator Mooney referred to the fact that we will be taking Committee Stage and Report Stage of the Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill today. There is very little remaining to be debated on Committee Stage. I discussed this matter with the Senator's party's leader in the Seanad and he was quite amenable to having a break between Committee and Report Stages. If a problem arises, we will certainly try to rectify it and take Report Stage at another time. As matters stand, the arrangements I announced earlier remain in place.

The vast majority of Members referred to the refusal of the ECB to attend the banking inquiry. This is regrettable and, in my view, completely unacceptable. An appearance by representatives of the ECB at the inquiry is essential. As Senator Hayden indicated, the Governor of the Central Bank, Professor Honohan, will give evidence to the inquiry. Professor Honohan was involved with the ECB at the time of the bank guarantee. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Coveney, indicated in very strong terms earlier this morning that the ECB should send representatives to appear before the inquiry. The Chairman of the inquiry has indicated that he will be writing again to Mr. Draghi asking him to reconsider his position. I am sure the Government will be making strong representations in order to have Mr. Draghi attend the inquiry. Senator Keane suggested that there might be ways for Irish MEPs to obtain answers from Mr. Draghi. I do not believe anything would be as appropriate as his appearing before the inquiry in order to answer questions posed by its members.

Senator Mooney and others referred to the Northern Ireland talks. The Government is fully engaged with those talks, in which both the Taoiseach and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Charles Flanagan, have been involved. The parties in Northern Ireland have serious responsibilities which they must face up to. Those parties must also knuckle down when it comes to solving the impasse. I assure the House that the Government is fully engaged with the Northern Ireland talks process and that this will continue to be the case.

Senator Bacik referred to the massacre of children in Pakistan. It is absolutely appalling that those children were killed in such a manner. What happened yesterday highlights the need to tackle terrorism worldwide. The Senator also referred to funding for Childline. The Government is involved in negotiations with the organisation and it is to be hoped that the matter can be rectified in early course.

Senator Quinn lauded the President on his successful visit to China. I agree with him that the visit was successful and I hope that great benefits will accrue to both countries as a result of it. The President was accompanied on his visit by a number of Ministers, including the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan. The Senator also welcomed the proposed development of business opportunities for the postal service. It is extremely important that post offices nationwide should remain open and viable.

Senator Naughton encouraged more donors - those who might donate bone marrow, etc. - to come forward.

Senator O'Donovan also referred to the ECB. The word "extradition" may be too strong to use in respect of Mr. Draghi. However, I agree with the general sentiments expressed by the Senator to the effect that Mr. Draghi should come before the banking inquiry.

Senator Landy welcomed the granting of planning permission for the new greenway between Carrick-on-Suir and Clonmel and the tourism benefits to which this development will give rise. The Senator claimed that Sean Kelly is a Tipperary man but I assure him that Mr. Kelly is a good Waterford man from Carrickbeg. Mr. Kelly comes from a place on the right side of the river and he is very proud of that fact. We can certainly arrange time for a debate on tourism, particularly in the context of the strategy for the south east, in the new year.

Senator Reilly moved an amendment to the Order of Business - which I do not propose to accept - to the effect that the No. 58, motion 10, which relates to a referendum on reducing the voting age to 16, be taken today. The date for the referendum has not been set but the Government is committed to holding it.

Senators Mullins and Paul Coghlan referred to the refusal of representatives of the European Central Bank to co-operate with the banking inquiry. They also congratulated the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Simon Coveney, on his success in the negotiations on fisheries. I understand these were very tough negotiations and what the EU was proposing was absolutely crazy. We now have an increase in prawn catches and a benefit in regard to whitefish, cod and haddock. The outcome of the negotiations has been welcomed in general by all involved in fisheries. Senator Mullins also referred to the plight of an Irish citizen who is being held in an Egyptian prison. The Government has appealed to the Egyptian authorities on this case and I am sure that appeal will be renewed into the future.

Senator Craughwell referred to the forthcoming debate on the Water Services Bill 2014. I assure him the legislation will not be rushed through the House in any way. We will give as much time as necessary tomorrow to complete Second Stage and we will have all day and night on Friday for Committee Stage. Several Members on the other side of the House have asked why we are not taking Committee and Report Stages on Friday. There is a difference of opinion on this. However, we will have ample time again on Monday to deal with Report Stage. We will give the same attention to this Bill as we give to all legislation that comes before us. I assure Members the debate will not be rushed in any way and no guillotine will be applied in this House.

Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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Hear, hear.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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Senator Hayden called for a debate on the private rental sector, as did Senator Craughwell. I hope to accommodate that debate early in the new year.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh spoke about giving voting rights to members of the diaspora and reducing the voting age to 16 years. His colleague has tabled an amendment to the Order of Business regarding the holding of a referendum on the second matter. I note Senator Ó Clochartaigh's points in this regard.

Senator Keane referred to sexual violence against women. We will have an opportunity to debate that issue when we take Committee Stage of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) (Amendment) Bill 2014 early in the new year.

Senator Cullinane referred to the debate on the Water Services Bill. As I said, there will be ample time for all Members to contribute to the debate and there will be no rush to get the legislation through.

Senator Kelly raised questions regarding a wind farm development in County Cork. I will renew my request for the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Alex White, to come to the House in the new year for a debate on that issue.

Senator Paul Coghlan spoke about the input of the ECB being central to the success of the banking inquiry. The Senator also called for a debate on Northern Ireland. I will arrange that debate early in the new year.

Senator Gilroy referred to homelessness. We had a debate on 3 December which was attended by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Alan Kelly. We might ask for a progress report on the matter after Christmas. I also note Senator Gilroy's points regarding the Sinn Féin Party and the questions that need to be answered regarding its treatment of Maíria Cahill and the family of Paul Quinn.

Senator Brennan spoke about financial sport for elite sports people and the need for greater participation in sport. There is no doubt that sport plays an important role in Irish society.

Senator White referred to the talks on Northern Ireland. As I said, we will have a debate on this matter early in the new session.

Senator Mullen raised the collection of data from schools in the context of planning and policy. His question about what information the Department of Education and Skills will share with other Departments is a valid one. Perhaps an Adjournment motion would solicit answers from the Minister on that point.

Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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Senator Paschal Mooney has moved an amendment to the Order of Business, "That a debate with the Taoiseach on the decision of the Governor of the ECB not to appear before the banking inquiry and on the Government's approach to the current talks in Northern Ireland be taken today." Is the amendment being pressed?

Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)
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Yes.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator Reilly has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, "That No. 58, motion 10, be taken today." Is the amendment being pressed?

Kathryn Reilly (Sinn Fein)
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Yes.