Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

It is proposed to take No. 1, address to Seanad Éireann by Mr. Phil Hogan, European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, to be taken in accordance with the arrangements set out in a motion passed by the House on 18 June; No. 2, Teaching Council (Amendment) Bill 2015 - Second Stage, to be taken at 5 p.m. and to adjourn no later than 7 p.m. if not previously concluded, with contributions of group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes and those of all other Senators not to exceed five minutes; and No. 3, the Garda Síochána (Policing Authority and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2015 - Report and Final Stages, to be taken at 7 p.m. and to adjourn no later than 9 p.m. if not previously concluded.

David Norris (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Can the Leader give us an indication of the time the Commissioner will be here?

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

At 3.30 p.m.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

It is a good day for the Seanad that Commissioner Hogan will address it. I welcome this opportunity for Senators to raise issues.

I call on the Leader to raise a matter with the Minister for Health, Deputy Varadkar, regarding his non-attendance here last week. He said he was not advised on time about a Commencement debate. This was untrue because his Department was advised of the matter on Tuesday. I have written to him to seek clarification on the issue. He effectively blamed the Seanad for his not being here to take a debate on Beaumont Hospital. This is not true as the Department got nearly 48 hours notice for him to attend. I am going to pursue this. I am aware the Leader mentioned he would also pursue the matter and I ask him to keep it on his agenda.

Keeping that in mind, it might be useful for the Minister to know when we are having a specific debate on health. We have had a number of such debates because the health system in Ireland is in crisis. I want to raise a specific issue now. Members may not be aware that we have no pancreatic transfer surgeon in this country. Beaumont Hospital has had a vacancy, which has remained unfilled, for a transplant surgeon specialising in pancreatic transplants-----

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Can we have silence to allow Senator O'Brien to continue?

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

This is an important issue. We do not have a transplant surgeon who deals with pancreatic transplants. At least ten people are waiting for this surgery currently but the waiting list has been suspended. Furthermore, none of these patients have access to transplant co-ordinators in Beaumont. They have been told that if they have an issue they must go to the accident and emergency unit. This is the last place they should go to, as consultants in the accident and emergency unit would say when told this. This is a serious issue and it has been raised by the Irish Kidney Association. The former pancreas transplant surgeon, Mr. David Hickey, was quite public on the issue a number of months ago.

We are being told now that the service will move to St. Vincent's Hospital. If that is correct, that is fine, but the difficulty is that we have not been given a timeframe for the move and no surgeon has been appointed. A patient can transfer to St. Vincent's, but if there is no surgeon appointed to do the work and carry out a transplant, we have a serious issue. I have written to the Minister about this issue. It is an issue that cannot wait until September and I will probably submit it for a Commencement debate as it is appropriate for that. Will the Leader use his good offices to arrange a debate on some broad health matters before we leave for the summer? The Minister has other stuff to do. When he comes to the House and takes a Bill, as he did last week, it is inappropriate for me to raise issues like this one. The Cathaoirleach or Leas-Chathaoirleach would rightly say to me it is not relevant to the Bill and that I cannot raise it. The Seanad can do a job here. We did a job a couple of years ago in regard to organ transplants where the Seanad was recalled for a specific debate. In some parts we got ridiculed for sitting but the debate raised the profile of the issue and brought about some changes. The Minister of State at the time was Deputy Alex White and he attended for the recall. Therefore, I ask the Leader to address the issue and to arrange a debate.

I propose an amendment to the Order of Business, that No. 17 be taken without debate before No. 1. Most Members across the House will agree, or should agree, that the proposed cut to the lone parent's payment is wrong. The cut is due to be made next week which will mean the parents of children aged seven or older will no longer be entitled to the payment. I have listed, along with my colleagues and others-----

David Norris (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I seek guidance. On my list No. 17 is the Corporate Manslaughter Bill.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I meant to say No. 70, motion 17. I propose that No. 70, motion 17, be taken before No. 1.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Senator is way over time.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I know. I am not seeking a debate, rather that the motion be passed by the Seanad. As an independent House of the Oireachtas, we can send a very clear message that the Seanad does not support the targeting of single parent families and the level of cuts to be foisted upon them from next week. The move started way back in 2012 and everyone knows it is wrong. I ask colleagues to accept No. 70, motion 17, calling on the Government not to cut the lone parent's payments and not to single them out for the savage cuts that have been called for. I formally propose that measure by way of an amendment to the Order of Business and thank everyone for their time.

Aideen Hayden (Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I wish to note the burial today of Eoghan Culligan at the Church of the Annunciation in Rathfarnham and the burial of Eimear Walsh at the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour in Foxrock. I know that the thoughts of all the Senators in the Labour Party, and I am sure of all the Members in this House, are with their families today.

I also note that today is the 30th anniversary of the destruction of a flight with 329 passengers on board which went down more than 300 km off the coast of Ireland. It was one of the worst disasters and one of the worst terrorist attacks in the history of aviation. Our sympathies must lie with members of both communities, the Canadian and Indian communities, and all the communities that lost family members on that flight.

I welcome the news that white knights have appeared on the landscape to save the Beit collection, or at least individual works in the Beit collection. As we understand it, although we have no details, under section 1003 of the tax code, these works can be purchased by wealthy individuals and donated to a national institute, such as the National Gallery of Ireland, with significant tax reliefs available to the donors. It is a shame this avenue had not been followed before we encountered the threat to sell these very valuable items.

I do not think these developments will change the situation for a number of country homes such as Russborough House in the long run. In terms of the schizophrenic attitude of the Irish people, we need to make up our minds about the matter. Such schizophrenia dates back to 1918, the War of Independence and the Civil War, where a number of these great houses were destroyed. We still do not have a proper line of funding in place for what are, in fact, national heritage sites. I hope we have learned from what was nothing short of a disaster in terms of the arts heritage of this country and deal with the funding of these magnificent homes appropriately.

The UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights has published a report. A lot of media attention has centred around its recommendation to go back to the people in terms of the eighth amendment to the Constitution and abortion. I also note that the UN committee made a number of other recommendations such as on direct provision. It made a number of far reaching recommendations in terms of the availability of social and rental housing and mortgage arrears. I note that it asked that we consider the introduction of legislation on the private rental market and increasing the rent supplement budget.

The Cathaoirleach indulged my colleague significantly. The Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Affairs has published a report today on the implications for Ireland in the event that the United Kingdom exits from the European Union. I request a debate on the Brexit and the Grexit and some of the other pressing issues in the European Union.

David Norris (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I support Senator Aideen Hayden's remarks on the Beit collection. I was astonished to learn that a Russian oligarch was able to buy a major painting off the wall for €500,000 without the board consulting anybody. We did not know this at the time the debate took place in the Seanad. The fact that individuals and corporations have decided to stump up a fair amount of money shows what might have happened had they not been asked and if the sale had been conducted secretly.

I support my colleague, the Leader of the Fianna Fáil group, who raised the issue of pancreatic cancer. I have had a transplant. Pancreatic cancer is almost universally fatal and it seems extraordinary that we are in a situation where there is such a gap. If the service is to be transferred to St. Vincent's University Hospital, that is splendid. I was a patient there and cannot speak highly enough about the treatment I received in both the private and public services. Where there is no service available, people are left in despair and, as Senator Darragh O'Brien, said, the worst possible place to go is the outpatients department.

I refer to the fact that all doors in the Houses of the Oireachtas are locked. One needs to have a key or a swipe card to open a door. They are becoming more like a prison. Working in the Houses of the Oireachtas is becoming less and less satisfactory. I used to come every single day and campaigned to have the building open even at weekends. The offices are now closed at the weekend because I was the only one who came in. I feel less inclined to come as, just as in a factory, one must sign in. It is undignified. We are elected by the people and should be treated with respect - at least by the political administration, if not by the public. There was no consultation that I recall about the proposal to put locks on doors. If one is caught without a swipe card and there is a fire, what will happen? It is a complete and utter bureaucratic nightmare and a mess. The same group is taking money off the poor unfortunate ushers. What is going on? We talk about democracy and this is a democratic House. Let us have some democratic input and let freedom of access between our offices and this Chamber be guaranteed.

Imelda Henry (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I welcome the report of the Joint Committee on Health and Children, of which I am a member, on the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015. The committee received many submissions and heard evidence at many meetings. I am mainly concerned about the price and availability of alcohol. It is proposed to introduce minimum unit pricing in the legislation; however, the price has to be high enough for it to be effective and deal with our concerns about pricing. I have heard that it is proposed to bring the legislation before the House before Christmas. My party has been in government for four years and the introduction of such legislation has been discussed for many years. I want to ensure the Bill will be brought before this House before Christmas.

Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I second Senator Darragh O'Brien's amendment to the Order of Business on lone parents.

I call on the Leader to ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to come before the House to discuss his Department's decision to undertake a review 12 months after his decision to abolish town councils. I understand a parliamentary reply to my colleague in the other House, Deputy Barry Cowen, revealed that the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government was establishing a review group to examine the decision to abolish town councils. We argued against the proposal when the former Minister, Mr. Phil Hogan, brought forward the legislation to abolish local democracy at the level closest to the citizen by taking 80 town councils and their local councillors out of the democratic sphere. Mr. Hogan will be before the House later today in his new capacity as Ireland's European Commissioner, but he did not heed the call from this side of the House to carry out of a review before embarking on such a draconian measure. That legislation effectively removed two thirds of the bodies that represented citizens. By so doing, Mr. Hogan put a carving knife through local democracy. The change damaged rural and regional development because the 80 towns in question were the pivotal resource for regional development. They have been left without any democratic institution or democratic accountability. Will the Leader invite the Minister, Deputy Alan Kelly, to the House to outline his thinking on this matter, explain why a review group is being established and tell us whether he now accepts that such review should have taken place prior to the introduction of the legislation instead of having the taxpayer bear the brunt of poor public policy on the part of this Administration? In the wake of the Irish Water debacle, we are facing a town council debacle. It is an important issue, not just for councillors across the country but also for citizens who formerly were represented by town councils.

Denis Landy (Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I welcome the resolution of the outstanding issues in the provision of medical cards for children aged six years and under.

I take the opportunity to pay tribute to a legend of hurling, Jimmy Doyle, who passed away suddenly yesterday in Thurles. He was a man who loved to talk about hurling, but he never wanted to talk about himself as a hurler. He was named on the team of the century and the team of the millennium. He won six all-Ireland finals with Tipperary, nine Munster finals and seven national league finals. He captained Tipperary on five occasions, including to victory in 1962 and 1965. He also was a legend in his club, winning ten county championships with his beloved Thurles Sarsfields, and spent all of his life involved in the club. He saw out his life as he lived it - energetic, full of life and the joys of hurling. Perhaps it was fitting that he should pass on the day after Tipperary hurling gained some recompense for the losses of the past two years by claiming victory over Limerick. When I met Jimmy at the Thurles Sarsfields clubhouse after last year's county final, all he wanted to talk about was the county's prospects, not about himself. We all knew he was a legend. I hope he has gone to his eternal reward.

Sean Barrett (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am concerned by reports that local authorities are imposing extremely high levies on new house construction at a time when such construction is needed to meet housing demand and rents are rising to record levels. The report last Sunday from the National Asset Management Agency, NAMA, told us there was a €60,000 levy on each new house and a levy on construction of €351,774 per hectare for sites within 1 km of the Luas line. There have been complaints at the banking inquiry that we rely too much on once-off taxes such as development levies, property taxes, water charges and so on. Why is that still the case? The Government was supposed to change the financing base for local authorities, but these once-off charges are still being imposed and are a huge barrier in meeting urgent housing needs.

Several colleagues referred to a related issue, namely, the slow turnover of local authority properties, with waiting times of up to 40 weeks in some cases, and the slow acceptance of local authorities when they receive offers from NAMA in so-called ghost estates. If there is a homelessness problem, surely there should be a faster transfer of the ghost estate dwellings to people who need housing. We need a housing policy that is about something more than bricks and mortar. Let us use the existing stock and stop implementing policies that push up the price of housing for society as a whole. Let us get rid of the one-off levies because we have replaced those levies with the recurrent taxes.

I am concerned about postcodes having seen the "Prime Time" programme on them. This matter has been raised in the House several times. Seven-digit, non-sequential addresses are to be attached to every house in the country, where, already, 98% of the post is delivered the next day. I compliment the postman who do that; they know where places are. We are hearing arguments that we must introduce the postcodes because every other country in Europe is doing so. If the machinery in the post office knows where Portlaoise and County Offaly are, what is the point in adding seven digits? We could all think of better uses for the €27 million that the project is supposed to cost.

Terry Brennan (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I welcome the local voucher scheme introduced by Dundalk Chamber of Commerce recently. This initiative will encourage shoppers to shop locally, thus encouraging and boosting local businesses. More than 100 businesses in and around Dundalk have already signed up to the voucher scheme. Vouchers will be validated for a two-year period. The scheme is all about buying locally, supporting local businesses and sustaining local jobs. Dundalk Chamber of Commerce should be congratulated and applauded on introducing this initiative. It should be widely supported by townspeople and those living in the wider hinterland of Dundalk.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, CPR, and defibrillators have been mentioned in the House by Senators, particularly Senator Quinn. I recently saw somebody brought back to life by an individual who was able to complete CPR on him while awaiting a defibrillator. When the defibrillator arrived seven or eight minutes later, it brought the man back to life. He is alive and well. There is a need for an urgent debate on this. Everybody in this House should certainly be able to deliver CPR, if necessary, in an emergency. I cannot emphasise enough the importance of CPR to ensuring it will not be too late when a defibrillator arrives. Training in the use of defibrillators is required urgently for as many people as possible throughout the country.

Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Ba mhaith liom tagairt a dhéanamh don alt sa The Irish Timesar maidin ag Kitty Holland. The article refers to the cuts imposed during the financial crisis disproportionately hurting the disadvantaged and marginalised and it states that, according to the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, they must be phased out. As we know, there were hearings in the past couple of weeks by the committee, and the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Sean Sherlock, attended, as did the representatives of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, which led a group of 12 NGOs and members of civil society. This was the first time representatives from Ireland appeared before the committee since 2002.

The report this morning outlines the findings or recommendations of the committee. The committee has said that notwithstanding the unprecedented economic crisis that faced Ireland, the response had been “disproportionately focused on instituting cuts to public expenditure in the areas of housing, social security, health care and education, without altering its tax regime”. It has also said: "The austerity measures, which continue to be applied, have had significant adverse impact on the entire population, particularly on disadvantaged and marginalised individuals and groups, in enjoying their economic, social and cultural rights.” That echoes much of what we have been saying in opposition about the way the austerity policies have had an impact. The committee notes the impact on people living in consistent poverty or at risk of poverty, particularly children, single-parent families, older people, people with disabilities, Travellers and migrants. That really echoes many of the calls we have been making here for the past two or three years regarding the way budgets have come forward and the way Government policies have affected these groups. Perhaps the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Sherlock, could attend the House for a debate on the findings of the UN committee. We should discuss how the Government intends to address the issue that has been raised and rectify the situation that citizens have been put in. It would be a worthwhile debate that could cover a number of the issues we regularly raise.

Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I welcome the postponement of the sale of extremely valuable artworks from the Russborough House collection. I also welcome the emergence of Irish donors who are prepared to purchase these works of art and have them made available in Irish cultural institutions, using the relevant section of the Finance Act which grants appropriate tax relief.

I congratulate the Minister, Deputy Heather Humphreys, on her engagement in this matter. I welcome the fact that she is engaging with the Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Deputy Harris, to better secure the future of all our historic houses. As a trustee of Muckross House, I know well that these places are in constant need of repair. Given their age and condition, there is always work to be done and sometimes it can cost hundreds of thousands of euro. I therefore welcome that engagement and, please God, given a bit of time because a committee is dealing with it and is about to report, it will better secure the future of such buildings. These houses are so important to this country culturally and historically, as well as being of great benefit to tourism. For all of those reasons, I welcome the recent developments.

Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Is mian liom aontú leis an méid atá ráite faoin sár-iománaí, Jimmy Doyle, atá imithe ar shlí na fírinne. Mar is eol don Teach ar fad, sheas sé an fód go minic ar son Chontae Thiobraid Árainn agus chothaigh sé bród ionainn mar dhaoine ó Thiobrad Árainn freisin agus mar Ghaeil. Níl aon amhras faoi ná gur spreag sé ionspioráid ionainn go minic. Bhí tionchar faoi leith aige ar dhaoine óga. Ní gá ach bualadh le daoine atá óg go leor agus bíonn siad ag caint faoi daoine cosúil le Jimmy Doyle, Tony Reddin agus John Doyle agus na daoine sin ar fad. Bhí an t-ádh linn sa chontae go raibh duine cosúil le Jimmy Doyle againn. Níl aon amhras faoi: ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.

The comments by Senator Ó Domhnaill about town councils are particularly timely. It is never too late to correct a mistake and I believe the abolition of town councils was an error. It definitely eroded local democracy and undermined the identity of local communities. It also totally ignored the history and tradition attached to many of those councils. My own town of Cashel obtained its charter from King William, which was not yesterday, so that gives an indication of the history and tradition to which we are referring.

I hope the review will be open, focused and guided. We should engage in particular with local communities and those who have sat on councils in the past. I sat on Cashel Town Council for 18 years and I could always see how close we were to the people. I can remember that on estimates night, one would come outside Cashel city hall and people would be there to meet councillors and discuss what rate had been struck.

We have argued about this in other instances concerning the decentralisation of power and giving it back to the people. However, the opposite has happened in this case. While it cannot be laid at anyone's doorstep, one of the greatest mistakes was not to grant proper powers to councils when we had an opportunity to do so. I know one thing for certain. History will remember us kindly if we have the courage to undo what has been done and restore those town councils to their rightful place once again.

Martin Conway (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I agree with Senator Paul Coghlan regarding the engagement taking place between the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and the Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Deputy Harris, concerning the traditional houses in our country that have so much history attached to them and the rightful upkeep of them. I would like to see a strengthening of protocols and procedures to ensure that valuable assets in the possession of the State that are entrusted to boards of directors and various organisations on behalf of the people are protected and that what happened is not repeated in any guise without prior ministerial approval. Things happen and we must learn from them. I sincerely hope that this situation will not be repeated because it was unfortunate. I certainly welcome the development relating to donors.

I also welcome the review of town councils and believe it needs to look at municipal districts. Some municipal districts are just not workable. I am sure that the situation in my area is similar to that in Senator Paul Coghlan's area. There is one municipal district that covers almost 50% of the geography of County Clare. It goes from Ballyvaughan right down as far as Kilrush and almost into Ennis. It is not realistic for eight councillors to try to holistically and properly serve that type of geographical area. Any resources they are given will not help them.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

They have Timmy Dooley to help them.

Martin Conway (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Well Timmy would help the country in the way he operates. It is not just the county. It is something we need to look at. It may eventually result in increasing numbers of councillors in order to possibly divide an area like that, give them five each, divide it in two and go back to something that is workable because what is there is not workable. While some municipal districts may work well, there are many that do not. From the feedback I am getting from local councillors around the country, it appears that there is a lot of unease and councillors feel that they are hamstrung in terms of being able to be effective representatives who understand all of their areas. It is fair to say that up until now, a councillor would have known what was going on in all of their electoral area but it is just not possible now.

Gerard Craughwell (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I also support the review of the town councils but I want it to be in the open and transparent. It must look at the funding, supports and powers available to councils.

Leaving that aside, I support Senator Darragh O'Brien's call for No. 70, motion 17 on the Order Paper to be taken today. It is too urgent to leave aside. I have never had calls from constituents because I do not see myself as a constituency politician but I am getting calls now from people who are afraid of being left destitute. In respect of a sum of €36 for one child and €52 for two, the decision is wrong and must be reversed. I support Fianna Fáil on that.

On the Beit collection, I am delighted to see that some action has been taken which would not have taken place but for the Opposition in this House which stood its ground and forced a debate on it. I want to know a couple of things. I understand that the people who are going to save these paintings will get tax breaks and that is all very well. There is nothing wrong with getting a tax break for doing something of a philanthropic nature. However, where will ownership of the paintings reside if these people put money into them? Another issue of deep concern to me is the question of whether the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht misled this House when she was here last week because she told me straight out that there was no way to stop the sale, which has been paused. When I last raised this issue in the House I asked that the Minister seek an injunction in the United Kingdom to prevent the sale and to allow the Irish courts decide on the validity of the licence which allowed those artefacts to be removed from the State. Either we can or cannot stop the sale. Clearly, the people in Russborough House came under such pressure that they decided they had to stop the sale themselves. It is a terrible thing when our Government will sit by and watch the assets of the State being ripped out to save a building. At the end of the day when there are no paintings left why not simply create a virtual tour of all the fine houses in the country and sell off the lot? It might be the right thing to do and we would make a few bob that way.

Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Never.

Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I rise to seek a debate on a particular issue. I am the Chairman of the Seanad Public Consultation Committee. Perhaps something the Leader would consider is the area of support for votes for the diaspora - people who have gone abroad. This is a big issue. I see it as a precursor to any constitutional or legislative amendment to the workings of the House. It was one of the prime issues brought up recently.

We must seriously look at this issue. I have grand-nephews in their teenage years who have Irish passports. I come from a family where eight of the 11 emigrated at one stage or another. Do we allow people who emigrated in the 1940s, 50s and 60s to have a vote in this country? What do we do with the 60,000 undocumented Irish in America? Logistically, how can they present themselves to vote? That is an ongoing festering sore I have spoken on many times.

How do we construct a register of the diaspora, whether they are in Australia, Europe, America or South America? We must look at this realistically. I raised this in the House on a previous occasion and somehow the media got the notion that I was kicking for touch. What are the cost implications in allowing the diaspora to vote? If someone is gone for 20 years and has set up home in Canada, New York, Sydney, Perth or Italy and has decided to stay there, who has the choice? How do we do that?

This is a major area. We all say it is great to give the diaspora a vote, but where do we draw the line? There is the question of the logistics and the costs involved. I believe it would be a worthwhile exercise by the Seanad Public Consultation Committee to look at all these issues and see where we are going. I am making this suggestion. It is something I would very much like to see happen. Some of my older sisters in America are so immersed in their work - they are American citizens and they have children there - that they do not need or want to vote. How do we draw the line? Where do we draw the line?

When we come back in September this is something we could usefully have a look at until Christmas, if it was possible. It would be a worthwhile exercise for this House and for the diaspora. Perhaps it is something the members of the Seanad Public Consultation Committee could pin their hats on. I have serious views on it. My gut feeling is that we must reach out to the diaspora, particularly with a view to reform of the Seanad. The questions include how we do it logistically, the costs involved and where we draw the line. If a youngster or teenager in New York, whose grandmother or grandfather came from Ireland, has an Irish passport, do we allow such people to vote? These are serious questions. It is a major issue and it is certainly worth looking at from an investigative point of view, including the costs and logistics and so on.

Rónán Mullen (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I seek a debate on why the HSE seems to be making such a mess of the provision of mental health services in Galway and in the west generally. In County Galway it seems we are in a parallel universe at the moment, where every rational policy gets turned on its head and common sense gets thrown out of the window.

The HSE plans to centralise mental health treatment into a leaking and overcrowded mental health unit with 22 beds in University Hospital Galway in the city. That is fine but we have been promised a new 50-bed unit by the end of 2016. I will believe that when I see it. Meanwhile, instead of waiting for the Galway city unit to be completed, the HSE closed a state-of-the-art mental health facility in St. Brigid's Hospital, Ballinasloe, which cost over €3 million to renovate. Furthermore, last year it was announced that the Bon Secours Hospital in Tuam, called the Grove hospital locally, was to get a €3 million renovation to turn it into a mental health day hospital, but that plan has not left the drawing board. Thousands of euro are being spent on security in the place. In light of all the other broken promises, one wonders when that one will see the light of day. While the farce of closing units before new facilities are ready appears to be HSE policy, we are still sending vulnerable patients abroad for urgent treatment.

The much vaunted Vision for Change plan for mental health services recommended that care be given close to the communities in which patients live, but the opposite is now happening in Galway, with all mental health care being centralised in the city hospital even though it is already overcrowded and in an appalling condition. A new unit in Ballinasloe was renovated at great cost but it now houses record boxes. It must be the must the most expensive warehouse in the county. Another facility was promised in Tuam after the closure of the newly refurbished unit in Ballinasloe. Where is the planning or sense of purpose? Where is the vision for change? HSE policy in this area is beyond a sham. I have been in contact with families struggling to cope with loved ones who are suffering from mental illness. In some cases their only option is to seek treatment abroad, which puts enormous strain on the patients and their families. The HSE's policy for mental health requires an urgent reality check and an urgent debate in this House.

Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I support the proposed amendment to the Order of Business on the lone parent allowance. All of us have received representations on this important issue and I hope the Government will accept the amendment. I commend the Taoiseach on his recent announcement in Killarney that he will release the files on the Kingsmill massacre in the North. He met the families involved and promised to release the files but this was delayed for technical reasons. I ask the British Prime Minister to do the same in regard to the Dublin-Monaghan bombings and to honour his commitment under an international agreement, the Weston Park Agreement, to hold an inquiry into the killing of Pat Finucane. The nature of the cover-up of past incidents, which is the nicest way I can put it, is revealed by the fact that the Birmingham Six files are under lock and key until 2069.

My colleague, Senator Darragh O'Brien, referred to the issue of organ donation and transplantation. Senators will be delighted to hear that we will not recall the Seanad this summer to debate that issue. One in ten people on organ transplant waiting lists die not because of a shortage of organs but because of systems which do not work. Our systems for pancreatic transplants have collapsed. The Government knew that Dr. Hickey was retiring but he has not been replaced. Thankfully, we now have 19 organ donor co-ordinators who were hired as a result of the recall of the Seanad. The head of the Spanish transplant authority stated that we had the worst system in Europe and that our system was killing people. The publication of those embarrassing comments on the front page of a Sunday newspaper one week before the Seanad was recalled forced the Government to act. It now needs to act on the issue of pancreatic transplants because the current situation is not good enough. The Minister for Health acts like a commentator, as if he has nothing to do with these issues and just happened to appear on the Marian Finucane show after reading a newspaper article, which is where he appears to get most of his information, as opposed to being briefed by his own Department. If he put a proper system in place instead of spending millions of euro on dialysis, the taxpayer would save €325 million per year. The sad reality is that 65 people will die on the organ transplant waiting list this year simply because the system does not work. As the Minister with responsibility for that system, I ask Deputy Varadkar to come to the House to explain why he is allowing people to die under his watch.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Minister for Health was in the House to take a Commencement matter prior to the Order of Business.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

He has learned his lesson.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

It is not a question of the Minister avoiding Commencement debates.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

He picks and chooses the debates.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I will try to bring him in to discuss pancreas transplants and the fact that there is no surgeon at Beaumont. While everybody would welcome the fact that services are being transferred to St. Vincent's Hospital, there is a need for consultants. It is a problem not only regarding transplants. The lack of consultants being recruited is a major problem in our health services and will have to be tackled in order to attract consultants to work in our health services. There are vacancies in practically every hospital in the country and it is a very serious matter.

Senator Darragh O'Brien proposed an amendment to the Order of Business that No. 70, motion 17 be taken before No. 1. I do not propose to accept the amendment.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

That is a pity.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Senator Hayden raised the funerals of the young people who died tragically in Berkeley. Some of the funerals are taking place today and our thoughts are with the parents involved, as they are with those commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Air India flight in which more than 300 people lost their lives.

Senator Hayden also raised the observations of the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights regarding housing and rent controls, and we will try to have the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Alan Kelly, or the Minister of State, Deputy Coffey, here to debate the issue as a matter of urgency. The Senator also called for a debate on EU affairs. Although the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Dara Murphy was here approximately two months ago, he would be willing to come in again. I am sure the Minister, Deputy Charles Flanagan, would be willing to come to the House to discuss these matters.

Senator Norris raised matters of security and access in the House. A number of e-mails were sent regarding access to LH2000 in particular and other areas. The Senator should take up the matter with the superintendent if he is having problems. Nobody should have problems accessing their offices and it is not acceptable, if it is the case. Senator Henry raised the proposed public health (alcohol) Bill on the minimum unit pricing of alcohol, stressing the importance of legislation and the desire that it come in before the end of the year. I support her in that regard.

Senators Ó Domhnaill, Ó Murchú, Conway and Craughwell raised the review of local government, which most Members welcome. While I am not sure the restoration of town councils in all their past glory will be acceded to, it is welcome that the Minister is prepared to review the issue. As has been rightly stated, the identity of towns and their councils was very important to these towns and there is a feeling that there has been a loss as a result of the change. There is no doubt about that.

Senators Landy and Ó Murchú spoke on the death of a legendary hurler, Mr. Jimmy Doyle, a gentleman to the core and one of the most skilful hurling players ever. We express our sympathy to his family and county. We will all grieve his passing.

Senator Barrett raised the new levy on house construction which is pushing up prices and the fact that local authorities have not taken up offers from NAMA regarding ghost estates in some cases. The Minister has said he will address the levies on construction in early course. Perhaps we could have the Minister, Deputy Coffey, here to speak to us on the matter. On numerous occasions, the Senator has raised points regarding postal codes, and we will discuss the relevant Bill here on Thursday. Senator Brennan spoke about a local scheme in Dundalk to encourage people to shop locally. He also stressed the importance of CPR, which was addressed in the House last week.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh spoke about the report of the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Getting people back to work is the best means of eliminating poverty. Increased taxation into the Exchequer will provide more and better services for people in need. The Government's main policy is to get people back to work, and increase the services and provide the services that are necessary rather than taxing people out of existence, which is what Sinn Féin would do if in power.

Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

That is a load of rubbish.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am glad Sinn Féin has reviewed its position in Northern Ireland in that regard.

Senators Paul Coghlan, Conway and others spoke about the future of historic houses. It is of paramount importance for tourism and also for our built heritage. It is important that proper boards are put in place. However, money is also required to afford the upkeep of these houses.

Senator Conway spoke about municipal districts. I am sure they will be examined in the context of the review of local government. He is right in saying that many of the districts are too large and unwieldy. It is most unfair to councillors and the people they represent. I am sure that will be examined and, I hope, addressed in the review of local government.

Senator Craughwell spoke about the Beit collection. I do not think the Minister misled the House in any way. She said she was informed by the board that to stop the sale would require €1.4 million, the fees due to Christie's. Obviously the chairperson and the board have a different viewpoint as a result of overtures made to the board. It is to be hoped as a result that those paintings will be retained in the country. I am not sure who will own them at that point. However, the idea is that the paintings will be kept in Ireland. As was emphasised last week, these paintings were not donated to the State. These paintings are part of the Beit collection and are not part of the paintings that were given to the State, which are on display in the National Gallery. These are held under trust by this board.

Senator O'Donovan spoke about votes for the diaspora. He made very valid comments in asking where we draw the line. On that point, we are due another debate on Seanad reform. I gave an indication that we would have a further debate on the matter with the chairman of the group that produced that report, Dr. Maurice Manning. We should have that debate before we discuss the Bill. I indicated that we would give people considerably more time than we gave on the previous occasion. It was a preliminary discussion that we had. We may give people eight to ten minutes to discuss that Seanad reform report before we proceed to the Second Stage of the Bill. I hope we will have that before the summer recess.

Senator Mullen spoke about HSE policy in Galway. I said he could mention it on a Commencement debate, but unfortunately he is not here for me to reply. As with all other areas of the country, politicians should have debates on policy with the HSE through the regional forum. I think the matter should be taken up at that forum.

Senator Daly welcomed that the Taoiseach indicated that the files for the Kingsmill massacre would be released. That is a commitment the Taoiseach has given. The murder of Mr. Pat Finucane, and the Dublin and Monaghan bombings were raised by many Members last week. Everyone in the House supports the need for the British to release these documents.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Senator Darragh O'Brien has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 70, non-Government motion No. 17, be taken without debate before No. 1." Is the amendment being pressed?

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Yes.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Is the Order of Business agreed to?

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

No.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As Senator Martin Conway forgot to press his button, the vote result has been amended to include him. The sitting is being suspended until 3.30 p.m. at which time we will hear the address of the Commissioner, Mr. Hogan.