Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Before calling the Leader for the Order of Business, I welcome Deputy Grealish, who is in the Visitors Gallery.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on Growing Tourism to 2025, to be taken at 1 p.m. and to conclude no later than 3 p.m., with contributions from group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes, those of all other Senators not to exceed five minutes and a Minister or Minister of State to be called on to reply to the debate no later than 2.50 p.m.; No. 2, Communications Regulation (Postal Services) (Amendment) Bill 2015 - Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken at 3 p.m. and to adjourn no later than 5 p.m., if not previously concluded; No. 2a, motion for early signature of the Communications Regulation (Postal Services) (Amendment) Bill 2015, to be taken on the conclusion of No. 2, without debate; No. 3, Petroleum (Exploration and Extraction) Safety (Amendment) Bill 2015 - Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken at 5 p.m. and to adjourn no later than 7 p.m., if not previously concluded; No. 4, Private Members' business, Harmful and Malicious Electronic Communications Bill 2015 - Second Stage, to be taken at 7 p.m. and to conclude no later than 9 p.m.; and No. 5, Statute Law Revisions Bill 2015 - Report and Final Stages, to be taken at 9 p.m. and adjourn no later than 11 p.m., if not previously concluded.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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Unfortunately, for the second day in a row I must, on behalf of the Fianna Fáil group, extent my deepest sympathies, this time with regard to the tragedy that occurred yesterday in Baltimore, with the loss of three lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ryan and O'Connor families.

Last week I raised with the Leader, and brought to the attention of colleagues, the situation in regard to pancreas transplants in Ireland, which is extremely grave. I do not know if anybody read the interview with the retired surgeon, Dr. David Hickey, who performed all 118 pancreas transplants done to date. He effectively said that Beaumont Hospital and the HSE could face corporate manslaughter charges over the closure of the pancreatic transplant programme. I am dealing with some families whose relatives are on the waiting list for pancreas transplants and they have no access to the transplant teams. They have been told that if there is a problem, they must go to an accident and emergency department. This is in the case for both pre-transplant and post-transplant patients. People who have received pancreas and kidney transplants are being told that if they have a problem, they should go to the accident and emergency department. That is the worst place a person in such a position should go because of the fear of infection, to which he or she would be much more prone.

I wrote to the Minister for Health nearly two weeks ago about this matter but he has not yet responded. I know he has responded to Fine Gael colleagues who raised the issue with him. He has indicated that the service is moving from Beaumont Hospital to St. Vincent's Hospital. That may be the case but the problem is that we have not appointed a surgeon to carry out the duties.I will not name those mentioned in the article in The Irish Times who outlined their cases. They have been left in limbo. Neither the Minister nor anyone in the Department of Heath or the HSE is giving any guidance as to when this situation will be rectified. The operation in question is a lifesaving and life-changing one; therefore, time is of the essence. Dr. Hickey's retirement was well flagged in advance and that position is still vacant. For the HSE and the Minister to say to that the service is being moved to St. Vincent's Hospital means nothing because the position has not been filled and there is no one to carry out these operations. I am meeting families who have been affected by this issue at half past five this evening. It is not acceptable that the Minister has not answered me at this stage. It is also not acceptable that neither the HSE nor the Minister has arranged for the appointment of a replacement for Dr. David Hickey to carry out these operations. Further, it is unacceptable that citizens who are dependent on our health service to save their lives are being told to go to an accident and emergency department as there are no services available. It is wrong. I would like the Minister, Deputy Varadkar, to come to the House today and explain what is happening here and to outline his plans for the carrying out of pancreatic transplant surgeries. When will the service be reinstated? If the service is to be moved to St. Vincent's, when will a surgeon be in place to carry out these surgeries. With that in mind, I propose an amendment to the Order of Business to the effect that the Minister for Health, Deputy Varadkar, come to the House today to explain his plans for the filling of the vacancy in the pancreatic transplant programme in Ireland, as no such surgery is currently available here. It will be an opportunity for him to outline his plans.

Ivana Bacik (Independent)
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As the leader of my group, I wish to express my sympathy to those families who were bereaved so tragically yesterday as a result of the drownings in Baltimore. Most tragically, every summer, and particularly in the summer, drowning tragedies occur, and it is appalling. It reminds us all of the need for extreme care and caution around water, beaches, lakes and rivers.

I raised the issue of the commemoration of the Srebrenica massacre on yesterday's Order of Business and I am glad to report that, at my instigation, members of the Bosnian community have met with officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs concerning the holding of an official commemorative event. I also want to inform colleagues that members of the Bosnian community in Ireland are organising a commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the genocide in Srebrenica, which will take place outside Leinster House on Kildare Street at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, 7 July. Anyone who is interested may attend and all are invited. I want to recall the appalling atrocity of the Srebrenica genocide, the worst atrocity on European soil since the Second World War, which occurred on 11 July 1995. This year is the 20th anniversary of that atrocity. A range of events are being held across the water and in Belfast, and we will have the event here next Tuesday.

I welcome the publication of the report on direct provision yesterday, which went to the Minister, Deputy Fitzgerald, and the Minister of State, Deputy Ó Ríordáin. There was a good deal of publicity around the recommendations in it. I ask the Leader if a debate on that report can be arranged in early course. As the Minister of State, Deputy Ó Ríordáin, said, we need to examine how best to implement the important recommendations contained within it, which would greatly improve the lives of those currently in direct provision. It is an issue on which we have had cross-party agreement in this House - namely, the need to ensure greater protections for those in direct provision and greater adherence to human rights, particularly for children who are in direct provision along with their families. I would like us to have a debate on that. I very much welcome the findings of that report and welcome the recommendations made in it.

We might also have a general debate in due course on industrial relations with regard to business closures and having respect for workers. The Minister of State, Deputy Nash, was in the House yesterday dealing with the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Bill. I, along with many colleagues, met some of the former Clery's employees outside Leinster House yesterday. Those employees were treated with immense disrespect by the new owners of Clery's. Along with many colleagues, I signed a petition in support of the former employees who are seeking a meeting with Natrium, the new company with ownership of Clery's, and asking that it treat them with greater respect. We must ensure there is greater respect for both the employees and the concession holders, who were also so badly treated in the very sudden closure of Clery's, which was carried out without notice. I believe we can achieve cross-party consensus on the need to reform industrial relations in that area.

David Norris (Independent)
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I would like to second the amendment to the Order of Business proposed by Senator Darragh O'Brien. I am rather a fan of David Hickey. I remember him as a very useful Dublin footballer. He was extremely courageous in support of Cuba and he was a very fine surgeon. I do not see how that case for corporate manslaughter could be sustained in court - I just do not see it running - but that is a legal matter. I am happy to support the proposed amendment. The closure of the pancreatic transplant unit is a very serous business. It means that people are put in peril of their lives. Pancreatic cancer is almost universally fatal. We have the heroic example of the late Brian Lenihan to bear witness to that.

I would like to ask the Leader and the Deputy Leader about the Civil Registration (Marriage Equality) Bill 2013, which is on the Order Paper. I understand that all moves in this area are being delayed because of legal action by two gentlemen. I wonder why this Bill is entirely in the names of those in the Labour Party. Does that suggest any disagreement?

Ivana Bacik (Independent)
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On a point of order, that is a different Bill. That is a Private Members' Bill that I introduced, if it is the Bill to which the Senator is referring. It is not the Government Bill to give effect to the outcome of the referendum.

David Norris (Independent)
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I see. I thank the Senator for that clarification.

With regard to direct provision, the House is more or less united on this, even though it voted down my legislation on a series of completely spurious grounds, and we were promised that there would be movement on direct provision almost immediately, but we are still waiting for that. We have the report now, and for goodness' sake, let us act on it. I am happy to make available the Bill I prepared if the Government wants a model to work on, and this time I hope it will be supported throughout the House.

Hildegarde Naughton (Fine Gael)
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I wish to raise again the issue of the proposed greenway between Galway and Dublin, particularly the proposals concerning the route from Loughrea, Craughwell, Clarinbridge and Oranmore into Galway city. Following discussions between the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, myself and a number of other Oireachtas Members, he instructed his Department to engage in further consultation on the matter, and it has now done this. The local authorities wrote to those landowners who are directly affected last week. While the authorities have said that they are flexible in the route chosen, I sincerely hope that proves to be the case. We are told that they have no interest in bisecting people's fields and that they are willing to look at going around areas that are going to cause farmers difficulty, and that is very much to be welcomed. However, there are towns where the proposed greenway has to dock, and these areas would require particular sensitivity. I urge all landowners in the area to engage with the local authorities and the National Roads Authority, which will shortly begin the consultation process. This greenway would have very significant benefits for the areas concerned in terms of tourism, but it must be planned in a sensitive manner.

Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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I would like to concur with the Leader of the Opposition in expressing sympathy to the Ryan family on the tragedy that occurred in Baltimore as a result of a freak wave. What happened there was extremely tragic, and we are aware of all the other tragic situations.

I did not get an opportunity yesterday to join in the expressions of sympathy extended to the bereaved families of the 38 people who were slaughtered in the massacre in Tunisia. They were defenceless holidaymakers. Those who perpetuated the atrocity set out to destroy the economy of that region, and this will destroy it. Larry and Martina Hayes of Westlodge, Athlone, County Westmeath, died, along with Lorna Carty, who was holidaying with her husband, Declan, from Robinstown, County Meath. Martina Hayes, née Kelly, was from Kiltoom, County Roscommon, and was a member of a large and well-respected family. I know her brother Billy and his wife Caroline, and the couple who died had one daughter, Sinead. It is a terrible tragedy.

Tunisia, Morocco and the other countries in that region are in a state of crisis. When referring to the Egyptian coastal resort of Sharm el-Sheik on the Sinai Peninsula, I note that the website of the Department of Foreign Affairs advises Irish citizens to exercise caution, to arrive and depart by air and to avoid travelling outside the resort.They almost become prisoners in the resort they choose. It would be advisable at this time for people not to travel to these countries when they are in such a state of chaos. There is not a great deal of security in operation on the part of the Tunisians. Also, I hope they release the bodies shortly. People should be advised also not to wear any emblems that would identify them as being Christians because they might become targets for assassination in those areas. The situation is very serious and, unfortunately, it all goes back to the disruption of that region by Bush and Blair.

David Norris (Independent)
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Hear, hear.

Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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Anyone who reads history will know what happened. It is no excuse but the entire region has been destabilised, and in the circumstances the Department should advise Irish citizens not to holiday in those countries when security is so lax. There was no security on the beach in Tunisia when one person, or more, was able to bomb, shoot and kill so many people in such a short period. It is a warning to everyone. It is also a wake-up call for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade which might consider advising people on its website that they should not travel unless it is necessary for business purposes, which is different. I am reluctant to travel to Morocco or countries in the area when there is so much instability arising out of Libya, Syria, Iraq and elsewhere in that region.

Colm Burke (Fine Gael)
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I, too, convey my sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives yesterday in Baltimore. These incidents occur during the summer months in particular when all of us need to be careful. Incidents occur which we do not expect, and this is one of those tragedies. We should encourage people to be mindful in those circumstances. We cannot control everything that happens to us but this is one of those incidents in which a tragedy has occurred.

I agree with Senator Darragh O'Brien's comments about the lack of long-term planning in the health service. Last October, I sought details of all the consultant vacancies in the Health Service Executive, HSE, and I was told that information could not be provided to me. At the time I suggested it might give me the name of a porter in each hospital whom I could ring for the information. It took a further six months before I got the information that 325 consultant posts were either vacant or occupied by locums.

Another issue that I raised at the time I got that information was the number who will retire over the next 12 months so that we can start doing long-term planning. There seems to be a policy within the HSE to wait for the vacancy to arise before it advertises for the post to be filled. Ten or 15 years ago there was a far more effective system in place in that long-term planning was done. Up to two years before a consultant retired the vacancy was advertised. If an appointment is confirmed today, it takes anything up to 12 months before a person is able to take up the appointment because he or she cannot walk out of their job. Whether they are in Canada, Australia or the United Kingdom, they have to give notice to their current employers but that does not seem to have been taken on board by the HSE. I agree with Senator O'Brien about the lack of planning in this area. It is an issue I have highlighted in the health committee, and it appears to be going unnoticed. It is an issue that needs to be brought to the attention of the Minister, and the Minister should take it up with the HSE because it is a crucial area. There are 300 positions vacant. At least another 100 will become vacant over the next 12 months, and no long-term planning is being done. That is a major issue that must be tackled immediately.

David Cullinane (Sinn Fein)
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Can the Leader tell us when the civil debt Bill will come before the Seanad? It has worked its way through the Dáil this week. This is the fourth item of legislation this Government has brought forward regarding water charges. Essentially, that is what the civil debt Bill is about. The Minister is dressing it up as a Bill which allows all utility companies to recover debts but it is being brought forward to penalise people who either cannot or will not pay the Government's water charges.

We have debated three previous water services Bills, and this is a water services Bill mark 4. In the discussion we had on the first one we were told by Ministers that there would not be any dipping into people's pockets, that this was not a tax, and that Irish Water would not be given the power to take money from people's bank accounts, wages or welfare. We now have a Bill that allows it to do that through the back door and with the permission of the courts, which is essentially what the Bill will allow the courts and Irish Water to do. It does not offer protections, as the Government propaganda states, for those not in a position to pay their water charges because they cannot afford to pay them. This is a punitive Bill brought forward by a Government which is desperate to get people to sign up to a charge many have already taken a decision not to pay because either they cannot or will not pay.

Is the Leader in a position to inform us when the Bill will come into the Seanad when we can have that debate again? Unfortunately, we were misled when the previous water services Bills were brought forward. When those of us who opposed those Bills said this would happen, we were told "No", and shouted down at the time by Ministers who were in the House, including, on the last occasion, the Minister of State, Deputy Coffey, who said that would not happen. Here we are again with the Government having to backtrack and bring forward a Bill I believe is punitive. I look forward to the Bill coming before the House quickly to allow us have that debate.

Catherine Noone (Fine Gael)
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I will be brief. I raise the long awaited public health (alcohol) Bill 2015, aspects of which we have discussed on numerous occasions in the House, including below-cost selling of alcohol, health labelling etc. I was expecting it to come before the Houses of the Oireachtas in advance of them going into recess in July but I would be interested to know if the Leader has any idea when we will see that Bill, which is urgent and long anticipated.

Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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I concur with the remarks of other Senators and offer my deep sympathy and condolences to those who lost dear ones in my home territory off Baltimore yesterday evening. It is very difficult to understand the plight of those who are suffering the loss of three family members, and I note the search for the missing body. I have been involved in two such rescues, one of which resulted in a body not being recovered from a tragedy that occurred in Bantry Bay. In another incident, when the body of somebody very close to me was recovered the divers handed me the body to bring it back into the boat. When one goes through that experience one feels the deep emotion, tragedy and loss, and no words of mine will be sufficiently adequate to console those suffering, particularly the teenage girl who lost her brother, her brother's girlfriend and her father. She saw that unfold, and I wish the Lord will calm her and give her some consolation in this desperate situation.

It is important to say this was a freak incident. We hear talk of safety at sea, the need to wear life jackets and all sorts of gadgets whereby if one falls overboard, a signal will be sent to the lifeguard station and so on. That does not apply in this situation. It was a rogue wave. People were walking along the shoreline on a lovely afternoon, which is something I and many other people would do. When somebody is washed out to sea the normal reaction is for the father, son, girlfriend or boyfriend, as the case may be, to jump in to rescue that person. That is basically what happened. I hope the community as a whole will bear that suffering, and that they will bond together. Unfortunately, tragedies of this nature, whether they are fishing or drowning tragedies, are commonplace in west Cork or off the coast.I hope the other body will be recovered because the recovery of a body is a huge consolation and brings some sort of closure.

I ask the Leader to ascertain from the Minister with responsibility for the marine and fisheries, Deputy Simon Coveney, the reason he has not met a group of 60 razor fishermen from the east coast who have implored and beseeched him to meet them on certain issues they wish to raise. This request is reasonable and I urge the Leader to convey my annoyance and displeasure at the Minister's refusal to meet this group. They can meet him in Dublin in Leinster House or anywhere that is convenient to him. It is a very basic request on issues they have and it is a very democratic request. I urge the Leader that the Minister should attend to this as soon as possible. If not, I will table amendments to the Order of Business next week to compel the Minister to come to the House to explain his reasons for not meeting these fishermen.

Michael Mullins (Fine Gael)
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I join colleagues in expressing our deepest sympathy to the families who have lost loved ones in one of the most beautiful parts of the world, Baltimore in Cork. Senator O'Donovan explained matters very movingly. It is difficult to comprehend that something like this should happen; such a freak accident. It is a message we need to get out from here today to all our citizens that as the fine weather sets in and people are tempted to take to the waters at our beaches and rivers, they must exercise extreme caution at all times.

I join Senator Bacik in encouraging all colleagues to stand with the Bosnian community next Tuesday at Leinster House to mark the 20th anniversary of the appalling genocide at Srebrenica. We must never lose sight of what happened there and keep our eyes on the ball to ensure we never see a repeat of that, albeit there is evidence that atrocities almost as grave are happening in other parts of the world.

I ask the Leader to organise a debate in the House with the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton, at the start of the next term on the Action Plan for Jobs. It is very welcome that figures published yesterday show the unemployment rate at its lowest since 2009. According to the CSO, the unemployment rate now stands at 9.7% down from 11.4% at the same time last year. There are now 335,900 more people at work than in June 2014. The percentage of male unemployed is still very high at 10.8% while the percentage of unemployed females is at 8.3%. There was a very significant development during the week when the first of the regional plans under the Action Plan for Jobs was launched. The plan is for the midlands and it is the first of a series of eight regional plans, which is the element we really need to discuss with the Minister. We want to see how each of the regions can build on their strengths and determine how we can have seamless collaboration between all agencies, local authorities and the private sector to secure quality jobs right around the country. What was announced in the midlands during the week included the establishment of a midlands manufacturing technology campus. It will have a major spin off. I want to ensure that when the western regional plan is launched, towns like Ballinasloe, which have been particularly badly hit over the last decade, will start to see some worthwhile jobs being created. I would like a debate with the Minister on the very successful Action Plan for Jobs to discuss how we can give it a little bit more momentum to reduce the unemployment figure which is still too high at 9%.

Gerard Craughwell (Independent)
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I rise once again to ask the Leader to amend the Order of Business to take No. 17 dealing with lone parents before No. 1 on the Order Paper today. I cannot understand for the life of me why the penny has not dropped with the Minister that the policy she is bringing in will wreak havoc on at least one third of the lone parents of this country. Time and again, I have asked that we bring the Minister to the House to let her set it out for me because she has failed steadfastly to set out for anybody how this will benefit parents. There is no Scandinavian child care system in this country. There is no way one can force people into changing their lifestyles by cutting their money and bringing them to starvation levels. This morning, the Minister spoke with Sean O'Rourke. If she has time to go to Sean O'Rourke, surely she has time to come to the House.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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Hear, hear. Probably not.

Gerard Craughwell (Independent)
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She should explain the policy to the House, which is the democratic forum to explain her position. She should set out the numbers for us. Let us take a number of examples, set them out here and debate them in the House. She has not convinced the lone parents of this country and she has not convinced the social commentators. Let her try to convince us and perhaps we can then assist her in convincing others.

The one thing that has come across today is that the Government is hell-bent on forcing through things that are fundamentally wrong. My colleague, Senator David Cullinane, averted to the water services Bill and the fact that we are going to have legislation to allow what is for all intents and purposes a private utility company to stick its hand in my pocket, take my wallet out and take a payment from me. This is a retrograde step for Ireland. I was delighted to be able to advert to the fact of social media and the Minister's presence on Sean O'Rourke because if the Bill that is before the House tonight passes, we will no longer be able to go on social media. I ask for an amendment to the Order of Business on that one.

John Kelly (Labour)
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Like others, I offer my sincere sympathies to all the families who lost loved ones in the Tunisian massacre and in particular to the families of Lorna Carty in Meath and Larry and Martina Hayes in Athlone. Martina hailed from Kiltoom in County Roscommon and was a namesake of my own having the maiden name of Kelly. I cannot imagine what the families are going through.

On a separate note, I raise the issue that people are always very critical of politicians. Sometimes they say that politics does not work yet when they have a problem, it is to politicians they come. Sometimes, we are in a position to solve problems and sometimes we are not. We had a serious issue in my county over the last number of months where the HSE was proposing to close a psychiatric unit that was home to 23 psychiatric patients. I took a particular stance on that issue and said I would not stand for it or allow it to happen. Many of my Oireachtas colleagues felt similarly about the issue. Following a meeting with the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, last night, I confirm that the unit will not close. The patients will be left there for the rest of their lives. I was encouraged at the meeting when the HSE put its hands up and said the way it tried to do its business in this case by clinically assessing patients without family involvement was something for which it apologised. For many years, I have had an issue with the way the word "consultation" is built into everything we do in this country. We have consultation when it comes to windfarm developments, but unfortunately consultation appears merely to be a matter of saying "We are just telling you what we are doing and not listening to one word of what you are saying". It is the same with pylons. The consultation involves a statement to the effect that "This is where we are putting them. We are listening to you, but not acting on what you are saying". We had consultation when it came to the patients of the Rosalie unit in Castlerea where every one of them was consulted. Every one of them told the HSE that they did not want to leave, but the HSE still planned to move them out. All I can say is that thanks in particular to my own stance on this issue, it proves that politics can work. I am pleased about that.

Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)
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I second Senator Craughwell's proposal to amend the Order of Business. I join Senator Terry Leyden in extending sympathy to the families of Larry and Martina Hayes from Athlone and Lorna Carty from Meath, who were so tragically killed in Tunisia.I echo his call for anybody intending on going on holidays to these regions to think again. It is very volatile and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade should increase the risk analysis for these areas.

I join with colleagues in extending my sympathy to the three people who so tragically lost their lives in west Cork. Senator O'Donovan brought home to us the reality of such a situation and the trauma it causes to those involved as well as to the communities involved.

Caít Keane (Fine Gael)
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Like the other speakers, I extend my sympathy to the Ryan and O'Connor families which have lost their loved ones.

I welcome the report on direct provision published yesterday and the certainty the Minister for Justice and Equality has now brought to the very uncertain and unsavoury situation in which many residents find themselves. Implementation of the report is a necessity.

Senator Darragh O'Brien raised the issue of pancreatic cancer. There are eight people on the list. Every year for the past number of years eight pancreatic operations are carried out in Ireland. I agree with Senator Colm Burke who said that planning for consultants is necessary. In this situation, however, the post was advertised quite a number of times but they failed to fill the vacancy on the national kidney and pancreatic transplant programme. It was said that no one with the required skills has been found. As an interim measure, a surgeon from the North of Ireland is working one in four days, which is not enough.

It is a very complex and quite costly operation but could patients be transferred to hospitals in the EU until such time as a surgeon with the skills is found? There are surgeons with skills but oversight is required. The State saves €700,000 per operation as people to not have to receive dialysis over a 15 year period. Given the cost of dialysis versus the cost of transfer to another EU country, could that be looked at? I am asking the question because I do not know the answer. It may solve a problem in the short to medium term. It is not for the want of trying in that the HSE has advertised the post. I am reading the report on it.

I also welcome the announcement that all children diagnosed with cancer will have the medical card today. We might as well get in a bit of the good news along with the bad news.

Ivana Bacik (Independent)
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Hear, hear.

Caít Keane (Fine Gael)
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That is very welcome. In August, everybody over 70 years of age will get the medical card. We are looking after the most vulnerable - the children and the elderly - and hopefully the people in the middle in time. We cannot do it all in a day.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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How about four years?

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator Keane, you are way over time.

Caít Keane (Fine Gael)
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When will the water Bill be before the House?

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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Senator Keane should sit down.

Caít Keane (Fine Gael)
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People have to pay for services and have to make choices.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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Senator Keane should tell that to the people outside.

Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)
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Cuirim le focail mo chomhghleacaithe i dtaca leis na daoine a chaill a saolta tráthnóna inné i dtimpiste ar an uisce in iarthar Chorcaí - another tragedy at sea. Unfortunately, this time of year brings an increase in the number of such occurrences and it is extremely sad, particularly for those involved and their extended families. It is most unfortunate that west Cork has again been hit with this sort of tragedy. Our sympathies go to those families today.

I wish to address the Greek issue and the question of the founding principles of the European Union and where they are today. The founding principles go back to the Treaty of Rome and involve issues of integration and solidarity with other member states and citizens. Those principles are being quickly eroded. Solidarity means assisting other people. When we see the pictures of people trying to get food and scraps from rubbish bins in Greece - elderly pensioners - and hear stories of schoolchildren fainting in the classroom because they have no food, it is apparent that the founding principles of solidarity are being challenged.

David Norris (Independent)
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Hear, hear.

Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)
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An international protectionist system is being used, through democratic institutions of government, where international financial speculators and the capital markets are being protected by democracies. That is wrong.

Gerard Craughwell (Independent)
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Hear, hear.

David Norris (Independent)
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Well said.

Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)
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We must have a debate about this issue because the central pillar of the European Union in its founding form, together with the euro, is under threat. At what cost do we protect the euro? Is it at the cost of lives or of children dying? How dare the German Finance Minister ask or instruct the ECB not to intervene?

David Norris (Independent)
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Exactly.

Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)
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The ECB was supposed to be independent but the Germans seem to think they control it. How dare our Taoiseach stand up to protect capitalism in a world where hunger is allowing people to die. If we believe in the Europe that was founded by the Treaty of Rome, there should be solidarity and integration at Europe's core. That is not happening today. As democrats, we need to stand up for it.

Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)
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Our Greek colleagues are in desperate shape at the moment. I am very friendly with a member of parliament there who wrote to me on Monday and said she cannot believe this is happening so quickly that she may not be a European by the weekend. Of course, she will still be a European, but this is the result of reckless leadership by the Greeks themselves----

David Norris (Independent)
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By the European Union and the European banks and the German and French banks who presented the Greeks and Cypriots with their gambling debts.

Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)
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Senator Norris is so right, but I am talking about today. Since this new Greek Government was elected a high-wire strategy is being played which is risking everything for all of us. We paid the price for the entire European banking system. We never got it back but that is another day's work. What I am talking about right now is the need to re-stabilise things.

I want to check with the Leader if the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade has arranged for the repatriation of Irish tourists and families in Tunisia. I listened to many of them yesterday. They are literally trapped in their hotels. A mother with four children plus a baby cannot leave the hotel. Given what has happened there, how could they risk going out? I understand the UK has repatriated its citizens using the RAF. These are times when people need their country, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and quick action. Some of this was known before these people left Dublin Airport last Friday and they were not stopped from going. I understand that the travel companies are not playing ball quick enough and are forcing these people to stay out their term. That is not a holiday.

Feargal Quinn (Independent)
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I would like to bring up the question of Seanad reform. It is a long time since we had the referendum, after which the Taoiseach came back almost immediately and talked about having had a wallop and that we would have to do something about it. Eventually, last October, I think, he set up a committee consider it. It reported, to the best of my knowledge, in April and we were given a guarantee that action would take place. It is now 1 July and I fear that all these promises of Seanad reform are going to die.Will the Leader ask the Taoiseach when something can be done about this issue?

Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)
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Hear, hear.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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Senator Darragh O'Brien and many other Senators expressed their deepest sympathy to the Ryan and O'Connor families following the dreadful tragedy which occurred in Baltimore yesterday. As Senator O'Donovan, a resident of the area, stated, this was a freak accident caused by a freak wave and no one could legislate for it. Our hearts go out to all the families concerned and we all pray that God will console them in their grief in the days ahead.

Senator O'Brien and a number of other Senators referred to people who require pancreatic transplants and others who had experienced problems following pancreatic transplants. Senator Cáit Keane pointed out that a consultant post has been advertised on several occasions in the past year and a suitable candidate has not been found to fill it. The health service is not attracting a sufficient number of consultants. Senator Colm Burke stated that information he received recently indicated there are 300 consultant posts vacant, with some positions currently covered by locums. The Minister will have to address the serious problem of the continued failure to attract consultants to the health service. It is not possible to pluck surgeons out of the air.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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I am aware of that, but they are not being given priority.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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I am surprised that the Senator has not sought a Commencement debate on the issue, as I am aware that he has written to the Minister about it. I suggest he seek a Commencement debate to ensure all relevant information is provided by the Minister.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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I will receive the same answer. I want action.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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Senator Bacik and other Senators raised the commemoration event proposed by members of the Bosnian community. I believe all Senators would support that event. The Senator also called for a debate on the recently published report on direct provision. I will try to arrange such a debate before the recess. She also referred to the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Bill, which was before the House yesterday and will come before us again. I expect that amendments on any of the issues to which the Senator referred would be most welcome and I am sure the Minister would consider them on Committee and Report Stages. The Senator also clarified the matter raised by Senator Norris on the Government's civil marriage equality Bill, which has been held up.

Senator Naughten referred to the greenway project in east County Galway, which Senator Mullen discussed at length yesterday. Engagement and consultation are the only solutions to these types of issue. I hope that consultation will continue and an amicable agreement will be reached.

Senator Leyden referred to a number of matters that were raised yesterday and offered some advice to the Department of Foreign Affairs. Officials in the Department have done a terrific job in recent weeks in response to a number of tragedies. The Department deserves our praise and I am sure it will welcome any suggestions people may have.

Senator Cullinane asked me a question about the civil debt Bill, but he is not present for the answer. While dates have not been confirmed, the legislation will more than likely come before the House before the recess. The Senator also spoke about speakers being shouted down. Nobody is shouted down in this House, although Sinn Féin appears to be engaged in a great deal of shouting down and bullying in east Cork. I will not refer any further to that matter.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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It is not only in east Cork.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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In response to Senator Noone, I will try to find out when the public health (alcohol) Bill will come before the House.

Senator O'Donovan referred to a group of razor clam fishermen who wish to meet the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. I am sure the fishermen in question have written to the Minister expressing their concerns. If not, I suggest they do so, but I will also raise the matter with the Minister.

Senator Mullins called for the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton, to come to the House to debate the review of the Action Plan for Jobs. He also noted that unemployment has declined to 9.7%, which marks a significant improvement in recent years, although the figure remains high. The Senator also welcomed the IDA's focus on regional policy. While I will try to ensure that the Minister comes to the House again, we have had a number of debates on the Action Plan for Jobs.

Senator Craughwell has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business to the effect that No. 17 be taken before No. 1. I do not propose to accept his amendment. The position has been flagged for more than two years and was discussed in the House on several occasions when social welfare legislation was debated.

Senator Kelly confirmed that a unit for elderly people in County Roscommon will not close, which is a welcome decision. An all-party motion was passed accepting the position in this regard.

Senator Wilson expressed sympathy to the families of the victims of events in Tunisia and Baltimore.

As I stated, Senator Keane responded to Senators who raised issues related to pancreatic transplants. As of today, children with cancer who are aged under 18 years will automatically receive a medical card. This measure will be welcomed by all right-thinking people. While it should have been in place many years ago, Senators will agree that it is a major step in the right direction. I also welcome the fact that medical cards for people aged over 70 years will be in place by August. These are good news stories, especially for older people.

Senator Ó Domhnaill raised the issue of Greece, on which I gave a comprehensive statement yesterday. The Government continues to urge the Greek Prime Minister to return to negotiations in order that an amicable settlement that suits all parties can be reached.

Senator Healy Eames raised the repatriation of Irish families in Tunisia. As she indicated, the relevant travel company has responsibilities in this regard. The ambassador to Tunisia, Mr. David Cooney, is on site and has met the people involved, who will probably return home on Friday next.

Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)
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That is not repatriation.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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Senator Quinn raised the issue of Seanad reform, on which we had a fairly short debate recently. At that time, I indicated I would arrange a further debate and provide for ten minutes' speaking time for every Senator who wished to contribute. I hope to have this debate before the recess to allow everyone to comment on the proposals. I am not aware of the Government's stance on the draft Bill on Seanad reform. I will try to arrange the debate in the next couple of weeks. I am sure the authors of the report will welcome the debate and Senators' comments on it. We have had sufficient time to digest its contents. Those Senators who disagree with much of its contents will be able to voice their reservations in the debate.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator Darragh O'Brien has moved an amendment to the Order of Business: "That a debate to allow the Minister for Health to outline his plans to fill the vacancy for a pancreatic transplant surgeon in Ireland be taken today." Is the amendment being pressed?

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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Yes.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator Gerard Craughwell has moved an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 71, non-Government motion No. 17, be taken before No. 1." Is the amendment being pressed?

Gerard Craughwell (Independent)
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Yes.

Gerard Craughwell (Independent)
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Under Standing Order 62(3)(b) I request that the division be taken again other than by electronic means. I would like Senators to remember what they are voting on.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator Craughwell is on record.