Seanad debates
Tuesday, 12 July 2016
Order of Business
2:30 pm
Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
The Order of Business is No. 1, motion re appointments to the Seanad Committee on Procedure and Privileges, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business without debate; No. 2, motion re appointments to the Seanad Committee of Selection, to be taken on the conclusion of No. 1 without debate; No. 3, statements on social protection, to be taken at 5.30 p.m. and to conclude no later than 7 p.m., with the contributions of group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes and those all other Senators not to exceed five minutes, with the Minister called upon to reply to the debate no later than 6.55 p.m.; and No. 4, statements on public procurement, to be taken at 7 p.m. and to conclude no later than 8.30 p.m., with the contribution of group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes and all other Senators not to exceed five minutes, with the Minister to be called upon to reply to the debate no later than 8.25 p.m.
Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
We will table an amendment to the Order of Business with regard to the reports in TheSunday Business Post about accident and emergency departments. An interesting fact has emerged to the effect that, following over 20 years of reports and consultants being asked to consider issues on behalf of different Ministries in the UK, no report disagreed with the British Government's position.It is an amazing statistic when one thinks about it. I am sure the statistic would not be much different in Ireland but as Mark Twain pointed out, "Facts are stubborn things, but statistics are more pliable." The facts of the report from the trauma steering group which was set up by then Minister for Health, the current Minister for Social Protection and by all accounts the future leader of Fine Gael, Deputy Leo Varadkar, are that the nine emergency departments in Cavan, Naas, Portiuncula, Kilkenny, Mullingar, Clonmel, Cork's Mercy Hospital and Portlaoise would be shut down and their patients would be moved, along with any future patients, into an already overcrowded and chaotic emergency department system.
It must be borne in mind there is a lack of joined-up thinking here. Currently some of those hospitals are actually advertising for consultants for their emergency departments at the same time as a steering group is proposing that those very departments would be shut down. Would a consultant, in all seriousness, take up a post when a death notice is being served on these departments and with 400 trolleys plus per day already in the system of the emergency department wards? That is why we are pushing for an amendment to the Order of Business that the Minister would come to the House today to discuss this issue and the state of our chaotic health system.
From start to finish emergency departments and our emergency ambulance service around the State - and the Leader would know with regard to Cork and Kerry - are hugely under-funded. People are not getting the emergency treatment they require in time and therefore spend longer in hospital, spend more time in recovery and tie up more beds in the long term. This report, although shocking, is a great credit to The Sunday Business Postfor highlighting the fact that a bad situation is now being made chaotic. The chances of people taking up posts in those nine hospitals, the emergency departments of which have been earmarked for closure, will make that situation virtually impossible to rectify. The report in itself will cause chaos in the emergency departments in the hospitals that I have outlined.
I seek leave from the House to introduce an amendment to the Order of Business to allow for No. 18 to be introduced. It is the National Anthem Protection of Copyright and Related Rights (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill to allow for-----
Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
On a point of procedure I understand that only one item can be moved. The Senator cannot move two amendments to the Order of Business.
Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
All right. I will let my colleagues move the amendment in relation to the national anthem. I am proposing an amendment to the Order of Business to have the Minister for Health come to the House to discuss the report of the steering group regarding the closure of nine emergency departments.
Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
I invite Senator Marie-Louise O'Donnell.
Marie Louise O'Donnell (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
Pardon?
Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
I take it you are the leader of the group?
Marie Louise O'Donnell (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
My apologies, unused as I am to this great leadership.
David Norris (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
Glory becomes you madame.
Marie Louise O'Donnell (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
Thank you. I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for Education and Skills to the House to give Senators a heads up on the Peter Cassells' report. I found the report somewhat fascinating. After two years they could come up with only three elements of how third level education could be funded. This is extraordinary: either keep the current fee system and raise the fees, abolish the fees or have loans. The idea of asking students for loans and the way the banks have treated graduates and undergraduates in this country is absolutely outrageous. You could not write it down. Banks are rocking up to the university campuses, setting up stalls on students' day, asking students and their parents, in the safety of the university environment, to take out loans and then when the students qualify the interest is raised on these loans. It is outrageous and it beggars the best of them for the next 25 years. I could not understand why there has been no in-depth analysis on proper means testing of third level education.
Marie Louise O'Donnell (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
People's ability to pay and the means testing of what people are actually doing in our universities have been ignored completely and entirely.I would like some proof that the universities need all this money.
Marie Louise O'Donnell (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
There is a chorus to my left, which was not in my play.
David Norris (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
I was always to Senator O'Donnell's left.
Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
Senator Norris, without interruption.
David Norris (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
Senator Norris without interruption? How very kind-----
Marie Louise O'Donnell (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
At the same time-----
Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
Please, Senator Norris-----
Marie Louise O'Donnell (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
I would just like to know how much more funding they actually need. Could we have an in-depth analysis of that and could we have proper means testing? How come a report like this did not touch on it and how did we only come up with three solutions, two of which were already there?
Some 90 young doctors have just qualified from NUIG and they are all going to Australia. The taxpayer has spent €17,000 per year for medicine, regardless of what they paid in secondary and primary education. I am not against that, but these young doctors are going to go to Australia, where they will do half the work for twice the pay. There is something radically wrong when that is happening and at the same time we are bringing in all sorts of people who were educated outside Ireland.
How come we have no in-depth analysis so that if one does not have the money, one gets the education free and if one can pay, one pays? What is wrong with us that we cannot do an in-depth analysis of third level education on those grounds?
Maire Devine (Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
I want to raise concerns similar to Senator Daly's regarding the as yet unpublished report by the trauma steering group and the suggestion that up to nine emergency departments may close their doors to patients, including in Cavan, Naas, Wexford, Portiuncula and Cork. Recent reports have highlighted the future of emergency medicine, with recommendations that increased centralisation of specialist emergency departments in larger hospitals does not work. The potential closure of nine emergency departments around the country is extremely worrying for service users.
When will this report from the trauma steering group be presented to the Minister and can the Leader request that the Minister update the Members on any restructuring that is proposed or coming down the tracks? It is not just the advertising for consultants; it is also nurses and ancillary staff. There is already an atmosphere of uncertainty and this will only add more fuel to the chaos that exists in our emergency departments countrywide. Both Houses need to be briefed so that constructive debate ensue.
Lynn Ruane (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
I also call for a debate on the Cassells report. Although only three options are laid out, we need to have a discussion. The future of education is one of the most significant things we will discuss over the next few years. We need to talk about investing in our future, our young people and in lifelong learning. The narrative yesterday was heavily based on talk of income-contingent loans. I was saddened by that because when one looks at the figures attached to free education and loans, there is only a 0.2% difference in GDP over the course of around 15 years to fund either one, so both come with a huge cost, yet people seem to be fearful of the idea of free education.
On free education, people were saying yesterday on different media outlets that it has failed, as there was no influx of people from minority or working class backgrounds entering education just because free fees existed. However, it was not the idea of free fees that failed, but us who failed to address the years of oppression and inequality that existed in those minority groups and that acted as a barrier to them even realising that free fees existed or that college existed for them.
I fully back the idea of free education. I know what it has given me. If it had been necessary for me to take out an income-contingent loan or if I had to pay for my education, I would not be in the position I am in. Education is much more than filling a skills gap or creating new technologies. It is about opportunity, choice, freedom, and our future. Being in education, as a result of free education, my children will now go on to education. That changes the trend for the generations that come behind us.
Leading up to the general election, every party in this House, bar Fine Gael, spoke about their stance on fees.Every party committed to not supporting an increase in fees. I would like to remind those who supported that policy that if we were ever to advocate for the third option, it would involve fees at a later date - there is no point trying to call it anything else. It is really important for us to have this debate before the summer recess.
College courses will resume in September and October. It is a shame that the report does not address their financial situation. As somebody who has sat on the finance board of Trinity College for the past year, I know the majority of colleges are working under a deficit, bar UCD which has generated significant income from postgraduate courses. Perhaps it is time for the university sector not to be afraid to acknowledge the deficits that exist. They have not done so to date because their rankings are falling and they do not want to put off international students. They are afraid to say how bad things are in the sector. I ask the Leader to consider having a debate on the matter before the summer recess.
Ivana Bacik (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
I also call on the Leader to facilitate a debate with the Minister for Education and Skills in the House on the Cassells report. Like other speakers, I believe it is a very urgent and important issue, and one which we should debate in the House, in particular because six Senators represent university constituencies.
Unlike Senator O'Donnell, I think the report was helpful. It was not very surprising, in that Peter Cassells had more or less indicated what would be in it. The Royal Irish Academy did a good deal of work on the report. Senator Ruane and I spoke at a seminar in Trinity College some months ago which examined the different models under consideration. Like Senator Ruane, who has put the case for the State funded system very eloquently, and which the Cassells report puts forward as option one, I would also endorse that option. It is the way we should proceed and is the norm across other EU countries. It clearly provides for education as a right rather than a privilege. In the same way as Donogh O'Malley provided for free secondary education in this country, which was a revolutionary move at the time, we should move back to that system and reject the proposal for a deferred payment loan system as proposed in the other options.
In response to Senator O'Donnell's point on the funding needs of universities, it is very clear if one looks at the evidence gathered by a range of different bodies, including the European University Association, that between 2008 and 2013, inclusive, Ireland had an 18% increase in student numbers but a 29% decrease in public funding. Student numbers increased at a very significant rate, yet funding has fallen which of course has had an effect in terms of declines in international rankings and student-to-staff ratios. In 2016, they were 21:1, compared to the OECD average of 14:1.
We need to be very clear about the needs of third level, in particular when we consider demographic change. The Cassells report states that €1 billion is needed over the next 15 years by way of investment in third level to accommodate a growing population. We need to be clear about the urgency of introducing a new system for funding universities. We also need to be very clear about the disadvantages of a deferred payment loan scheme. The Cassells report puts the evidence fairly.
I welcome that we will have a debate on Friday on the motion to establish a citizens' assembly. The first issue for debate by the assembly will be the eighth amendment. I am concerned to note that no timeframe has been set out for that particular aspect of the work of the assembly. The Leader and I were heavily involved in the Constitutional Convention, a model from which the citizens' assembly clearly borrows. In that model, there was a clear timeframe - I understand it was four months - for the first issues under consideration. It is unfortunate that the motion before us does not set a timeframe within the overall timeframe of one year for the work of the assembly. There is no tight timeframe for a decision or recommendation to be made on this very important issue. I know we will have more time to debate the matter on Friday, but I wanted to put that matter on the record now.
Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
I support the calls for a full debate on the Cassells report on education. It is important that the House debates the future of education and how we wish to provide for graduates, apprentices and others that will be needed in the workforce in the coming years.
The Construction Contracts Act 2013, which was enacted by the previous Government, will apply to certain construction contracts for subcontractors after 25 July this year. It is important to note that the Act originated in the Seanad and acknowledge the Trojan work of former Senator Fergal Quinn and the former Minister of State, Senator Gerald Nash, on this issue.The legislation will provide new payment protections for subcontractors who might be vulnerable, regulate payments from main contractors to subcontractors and provide a payment dispute resolution system, with a code of practice for an adjudication panel.
It is in this and the wider context that I ask the Leader to provide a debate on the future of the construction sector in this country. As we all know, it has suffered huge reputational damage. There was a serious loss of confidence in construction. If we are to meet the pressing needs in housing, foreign direct investment and economic growth we have to have a vision and strategy on how we propose to provide for a sustainable construction sector. I have said here before and I will continue to repeat that we need the skilled craftsmen, tradespeople, apprentices and graduates to meet the growth demands currently in our economy. We can make all the calls and table all the motions we like in this or the other House, but if we do not act quickly, have a strategy to deal with it, talk it through, debate it and make the resources available to deal with the issues and barriers that exist, we will not meet that demand. That is fairly obvious for everyone to see. Will the Leader provide for a debate on the future of the construction sector and acknowledge the work of former Senator Feargal Quinn and of the former Minister, now our colleague, Senator Ged Nash, on this important issue?
Keith Swanick (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
I share my colleagues' concerns regarding the leaked recommendations from the trauma steering group, published in The Sunday Business Post. As of three hours ago, 419 people were waiting on trolleys in emergency departments in this country, and this is the middle of the summer. The hit list of emergency services covers all parts of the country. As we know, overcrowding in accident and emergency departments is a problem. All the data suggest that it leads to increased mortality among patients who attend them.
We used to bemoan the fact that some counties did not have an accident and emergency department. If some of these cuts come into practice, we might have whole regions without one. While I understand why we need to centralise services, and I welcome the BreastCheck and the prostate referral system, we cannot over-pressurise accident and emergency departments that are already overcrowded. That would be my concern. Also, these types of leaked recommendations are not helpful to staff working in the hospitals and GPs who would refer frequently to their local services. For example, Cavan trauma cases could be transferred to Beaumont Hospital or Connolly Memorial Hospital. Both these hospitals have major capacity issues. Kilkenny, Mullingar and Wexford trauma cases could transfer to the Mater or St. Vincent's. All these hospitals are bursting at the seams. This is coupled with an ambulance service that is under-resourced. We have an ageing fleet. Often the roads from the accident or the emergency to the trauma centre have poor infrastructure. I ask the Minister to come in to discuss some of these issues.
Colm Burke (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
There should be clarification from the Minister on this at a very early date. Contrary to what has been said, as I understand it there is not a proposal before the Minister yet and he has not received the report. Therefore, until such time as he gets it, I do not think he can give us the answers we are looking for, but I believe that at the earliest possible date the Minister should provide clarification on this matter.
We have a lot of criticism of the health service. Some of it is justified, but we also need to understand the volume of people going through the system. I have repeated this figure previously. There are 63,000 people a week going through outpatient departments between all our hospitals. Another 23,000 a week go through our accident and emergency departments. An impression is being given that nothing at all is being done. In addition, life expectancy in this country has increased by more than two years in the past ten years.There have been improvements in the health service. For example, there has been a huge increase in the number of day-case procedures being carried. There have been many good developments. However, on this particular issue, the Minister needs to clarify the position at the earliest possible date because people are unduly concerned. A proposal was put forward to the effect that the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, RCSI, would consider this matter. The relevant report has obviously been leaked and it is now time to clarify matters. I ask the Leader to request that the Minister for Health come before us at the earliest possible opportunity in order that he might provide that clarification. Obviously, the Minister must get the report first. The sooner he does so, the sooner we can obtain clarification.
Gerard Craughwell (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
I support my colleagues in respect of the Cassells report. In seeking a debate, however, we must take a much broader approach. Senator Coffey referred to the need to examine the position with regard to apprenticeships. Until we have the two options of a vocational stream and an academic stream within the education system and until there is parity of esteem between both, we will not have a proper third-level education system. Unless we restore to secondary schools the guidance councillors who were removed, we will continue to experience the considerable attrition rates at third level, particularly in first year. If we are to have a debate, we should begin by looking at education, particularly higher education, in the round rather than at the Cassells report per se. We also must look at the staffing of higher education because there are still staff who are on zero-hour contracts. Some academic lecturers are on contracts whereby they are paid between €10,000 and €15,000 per annum. If we are to have a debate on this matter, what needs to happen is that we set aside the Cassells report and consider instead what is wrong with the higher education system. Higher education is in a state of crisis. All we are hearing about are the grand flowery things, we are not being told what is happening on the ground. As already stated, higher education is in a state of crisis. Before we start discussing how to fund it, let us start talking about what it should be delivering. As Senator Coffey said, we will pay a significant price in the coming years for failing to develop an apprenticeship scheme that provides for the needs of the economy. It is my belief that too many people who would have made great carpenters or plumbers are graduating with arts degrees.
Maria Byrne (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
I wish Limerick and all the other counties that are going forward for the European City of Culture well. The judging team is in Ireland at present. It is visiting Limerick, where there has been a huge display of community spirit. The whole of O'Connell Street is closed off and everything from pastries to fish and chips is available to eat. Schools are also involved. There has been a great community effort and a major clean-up. I also wish the other counties, the sister cities and Galway the best of luck. However, given where I come from, I will obviously be supporting Limerick on Friday. Certainly, it is positive that the European Commission has sent a representative as well. I merely want to highlight the community spirit that has been created. When the judges arrived last night, there was a gathering of people of different religious beliefs across all the different communities and all the bells in the various churches rang out. There is an on-street party taking place today. I wish those involved the very best of luck.
Rose Conway Walsh (Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
I, too, have concerns regarding the report relating to the fact that trauma units may be closed. However, this is not a new phenomenon. While I take on board the concerns of certain colleagues to my left in respect of the number of sick and elderly patients on trolleys, it would serve us well to remember that in January 2010, under the stewardship of then Minister, Ms Mary Harney, there were over 500 patients languishing on trolleys. This just goes to show that the path was wrong then, that it is still wrong and that we need to change our ways.
I wish to refer to what has happened in the North. I take a somewhat personal view on this matter, particularly in view of the fact that we spoke a great deal about incitement to hatred a couple of weeks ago.We have seen towering bonfires, the burning of the Tricolour and images of politicians, and displays of sectarianism and ethnic hatred. This cannot go unnoted. We must ask: where will it stop? It is incitement to hatred. I call on the Taoiseach, the leaders of the political parties and the new British Prime Minister to examine what is happening. What example does the burning of the flag of the Republic of Ireland and the incitement to hatred give to young people in the North?
In the wake of the High Court case taken by the County Tipperary farmer, I request that the Leader ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to come before the House to tell us what action he will take to put right the injustice that has been done to many farmers across the State. It is very clear that the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has flouted its rules and procedures and this has not been confined to County Tipperary. It is very clear also that any farmer who has had an inspection without the signing of a control report must now have his or her money, interest, and costs reimbursed immediately. Furthermore, it is imperative that their entitlements be reinstated so as not to affect payments in the future. The Agriculture Appeals Office also has questions to answer. Instead of being an independent appeals office, it is endeavouring to justify the actions of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. It is very clear that the constitutional rights of farmers right across the State were breached and it is unacceptable the Department has not yet commented on this development. We need the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Michael Creed, to show leadership. It is appalling that farm families have had to go before the courts to establish their rights.
Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
Let me advise Senators that group leaders get three minutes and subsequent speakers get two minutes. By going over time, Members are depriving others of the opportunity to contribute. At least six or seven Members will not be able to contribute today.
Frank Feighan (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
I read with interest last week the proposals of the steering group on trauma care to scale back some of the accident and emergency departments. I very much welcome a debate on all aspects of this in the Chamber. I would prefer to bring all the stakeholders as well as politicians around. I saw five years ago the heat generated by such a proposal in Roscommon. Nobody wanted to listen to expert opinions or even the consultants. It got to such a stage that nobody wanted to listen. We need a very careful and rational debate. Before we run for the barricades, we need to look at Roscommon. I am not saying that what is happening around the country is right, but we do need to look at what has happened in Roscommon. The hospital is much safer and busier. Dozens of lives have been saved. Now, five years later, I can see that had the situation been different we could have worked together. I welcome the debate. It is absolutely right to raise this today. I hope the report will be published soon.
Senator Conway-Walsh is absolutely right. I was horrified to see images of what was happening in the North last night, with not only the Irish Tricolour but election posters of members of Sinn Féin and Independents burning on the bonfires. It would be wrong if this were to go unnoticed in this House. Some of those involved are community groups that get funding from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and others. This is incitement to hatred. We need to bring the relevant Minister to the House, as I really think it should be raised. If it happened in any other country, any other part of the United Kingdom, or elsewhere in Ireland, we would all be up in arms. I am not afraid to raise these very important issues. I agree absolutely with Senator Conway-Walsh.
Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
I want to discuss the proposal to move the Members of the Seanad to the National Museum. I have been contacted by people who work in the museum, who raised the lack of communication about the future plans for this Chamber. They are aggrieved that requests for finance in previous years in order to upgrade the facilities in the National Museum were put to one side. They believe the cultural heritage and the arts communities have been affected disproportionately by the downturn in the economy and the decisions made by various Governments. Now they are aggrieved that investment in the museum is being made to benefit the Houses of the Oireachtas and not the museum itself.There is a great deal of misinformation in regard to whether this House will decamp to the National Museum for one year, two years or three years and in regard to what curtailment will inevitably come into effect in terms of the exhibitions and outreach programmes that can be held by the museum. If this House is to move, as clearly it is proposed to do, the communication lines in that regard need to be better. Perhaps the Leader will ask the Minister with responsibility for this area, Deputy Humphreys, to come to the House for a debate on this issue, which I am sure is one of interest to most Senators. We do not want to be encroaching on another part of the wider campus, not uninvited and not unwelcome, without ensuring that the transition is as smooth as possible and does not overly inhibit the facilities already in place. There is a wider discussion to be had about the stature of the arts, culture and heritage in this State. This would be an opportune time for the Leader to invite the Minister to the Seanad for a debate on the future plans for sittings of this House.
Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
I understand that the report of the steering group on hospital trauma facilities has not yet been published. I also understand that the Minister has yet to read and respond to it. However, I join with colleagues in asking the Leader to provide for an early debate on the report with the Minister. I make no apologies for being parochial and saying that I would be concerned if there were to be any diminution of services at Cavan General Hospital. I am concerned that it is on the list and that there might be any reduction in services available to the people who use them, which is ultimately the issue. I appeal to the Leader to provide for that debate as a matter of urgency.
Last week, I raised with the Leader the issue of how we could make greater use of home help hours and home care packages and, specifically, the carer's allowance to help reduce hospital waiting lists and delays, but when replying to me he was interrupted by a point of order. I would be interested in hearing a response from the Leader on that issue today and also, if possible, a commitment to a debate on the issue. As I said last week, I know the Leader, due to his chairmanship of the previous Joint Committee on Health and Children, has an acute awareness of what I am talking about. I am convinced that there is more that could be done through the use of the home help scheme, home care packages and the carer's allowance to reduce hospital waiting lists.
I make no apologies for defending the excellent services of Cavan General Hospital and seek an assurance that any threat in that regard will be discussed in our national parliament prior to being actualised.
Gerry Horkan (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
I second Senator Mark Daly's amendment to the Order of Business, and I would like to move a further amendment, namely, that No. 18 be taken before No. 1. No. 18 is the National Anthem (Protection of Copyright and Related Rights) (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2016, which I understand was discussed previously by a former Seanad but was not passed at that time. I hope my amendment will be formally seconded and that the Leader will be agreeable to the change in the Order of Business.
James Reilly (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
It appears to me that the calls for the Minister of Health to come to the Seanad are premature, because the Minister has not yet received the report of the trauma steering group. The report has been selectively leaked, possibly to cause the greatest amount of disturbance and unrest. Let us wait until it has been published and we have all had time to read and understand it, so that we can have an informed debate on it. There is nothing simple about the health service, as people know. There is a relationship between every part of it. It is not possible to sort out the problems of accident and emergency departments without sorting out the issues of delayed discharges in hospitals and greater access to community facilities, not only to rehabilitation services and nursing homes but also, as pointed out by Senator O'Reilly, to home help, home care, community teams and intravenous nursing teams, to allow people have their treatment at home.That also includes early intervention and prevention. I do not intend making a Second Stage speech but politicians have been far too quick to look to the nice, shiny new hospital wing and MRI scanner rather than focusing on serious community-based public health initiatives that save many lives, prevent much illness, as well as providing for early intervention and chronic illness care, as we do with diabetes and can do in many other areas. We also need to look at the whole way doctors, nurses and other health professionals work. Currently, we have consultants doing work that GPs could do, GPs doing work that nurses could do, and nurses doing work that nurse assistants could do. There is a significant role for physiotherapists and many other allied health care professionals to play. We must work towards a situation where we treat the patient at the lowest level of complexity which is safe, timely, efficient and as near to home as possible.
I decry the behaviour of those burning our flag and, particularly, posters of elected representatives and those who seek candidature. It is very wrong. We should not focus on the negative, however. We should commend those involved in the peace process in the North and be grateful that the PSNI had so few incidents of a serious nature to deal with last night.
Fintan Warfield (Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
I propose an amendment to the Order of Business, that No. 16, Electoral (Amendment) (Voting at 16) Bill 2016, kindly sponsored by Senators Pádraig Mac Lochlainn and Lynn Ruane, be taken prior to No. 1.
As the youngest Oireachtas Member, I welcome the publication of the Cassells report on third level funding. I began my third level education in 2009 and, since that time, higher education institutes have faced cuts of up to €500 million. The funding of third level education is now at crisis point. All the options laid out in the Cassells report yesterday identified the immediate need for an injection of funding.
Sinn Féin is committed to ensuring third level education is accessible, irrespective of class, ability to pay, disability, age or family circumstance. The introduction of a student loan will not address the immediate shortfall of funding as outlined by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, as it would take several years to implement. Added to that, Ireland has the third highest rate of personal and household debt in the European Union with a credit union survey stating that 59% of parents have debt in excess of €5,000, as a result of private borrowing to support the costs of third level education. Student loans do not increase access to education and many students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds will not pursue third level education as a result. Publicly funded education is the only fair and equitable model proposed in this report. Sinn Féin requests the Minister for Education and Skills to outline to the House the reaction of his Department and his response to this report.
Neale Richmond (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
I join the three other Senators in condemning the burning of the flag of the Republic, election posters and a whole host of offensive material as part of the 11th night bonfires. I equally commend, however, the majority of people from both communities who allowed parades to pass off peacefully today. I particularly commend the people of Rossnowlagh, County Donegal, who hosted their annual parade on Saturday, welcoming Orange lodges from across the Republic and further afield to their quiet seaside town.
Despite being the grandson of an Orangeman, I very much consider myself to be a republican and patriotic Irishman. I am still very proud of my personal background and the insight it has given me into the wider traditions on our island, even when my jack-the-lad Tricolour shorts mysteriously vanished one morning before a visit to relations in Ballynahinch, County Down. I would love to see an Ireland of the future united peacefully in terms of commerce, sport, social inclusivity and mutual tolerance. However, I fear prioritising political unity, as has been suggested, without first focusing on reconciliation could be disastrous, alienating a population on this island, North and South, that I for one share a deep sense of common identity and history with. Put simply, I believe a united Ireland is currently not feasible while the economic and social costs are head-spinning.
We do, however, need to start urgently discussing the future of North-South relations. Accordingly, will the Leader schedule a serious debate in the House on the post-Brexit future of North-South relations, involving the relevant Ministers from the Government, as well as inviting Northern political, business, church and community leaders from across the political divide?Ultimately, far more unites us than divides us. We can hold these discussions in an open and sensitive manner without a rigid, preordained political goal. Let us at least start these discussions and necessary bilateral engagements that will be so important as we chart our shared future in a post-Brexit world.
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
Like previous speakers, I welcome the publication of the Cassells report and the recommendations for addressing the funding crisis in the higher education system. This report makes it clear that there is a funding crisis across our third level education system and that more funds need to be invested in this sector to accommodate the young population. There has been a decrease in Exchequer support for third level funding since 2010 and capital investment has also slowed significantly. In addition, spending on research and development has fallen from €938 million in 2008 to €743 million in 2014. Going forward, the option proposed in the Cassells report urgently needs to be addressed by the Oireachtas committee on education and skills.
An important aspect of the whole issue of assessing third level education is people's ability to pay the fees associated with attending college. In order to address one part of the problem, we must look at the grant system. For example, the grant system is based on a PAYE worker's P60, which is based on his or her full gross pay. Also taken into account is the student's P60 and his or her gross income, which more often than not brings him or her over the limit and means that he or she does not receive the grant. It is a massive issue in third level education that there is a two-tier system and that many students are now not qualifying for the grant. I believe this needs to be addressed in order that every student who wants to attend third level college is given the opportunity to do so. In Carlow we are lucky to have two excellent third level institutions, one of which is on course to obtain university status. We need to ensure that these colleges receive the proper funding and that young people who want to attend third level education are not left behind. It is critical that every student who needs to attend college be given that opportunity.
I second the amendment to the Order of Business about the introduction of the National Anthem (Protection of Copyright and Related Rights) (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2016.
Tim Lombard (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
I wish to raise the statement made yesterday by Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII, about Cork County Council regarding the projects in Cork that it has put on the long finger. I believe we need to discuss this with the Minister in charge at the moment. Political pressure needs to be applied to ensure that the budgets for projects in Cork can continue. These are major projects, including the Dunkettle roundabout works, the N28 works and the Macroom bypass, which relate to huge economic drivers for Cork. They will be put back now by at least two years. We need to have the Minister in the Chamber to find out exactly what is going to happen with these projects and, in view of the summer economic statement, what he proposes to do with these budgets.
The infrastructural deficiency in Cork, as the Cathaoirleach and the Leader of the House know, needs to be examined. We are the second city and we are the largest county. These infrastructural deficiencies need to be addressed if Cork is to develop. Such a delay will have a major impact. I have been contacted by many councillors in County Hall, with whom the Cathaoirleach would be associated, who are deeply concerned. I hope we can have a decent debate on this with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Shane Ross, in order that we can have the access for Cork that is badly required.
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
The issue I wish to raise is the Coroners (Amendment) Bill 2016. I hope it can be moved forward and discussed before item No. 2 today. Deputies can see it on the Order Paper as item No. 17.
I also wish to raise the issue of increasing motor insurance costs. Last night there was a public meeting in Donegal with a very large attendance from across the county of young, elderly and middle-aged people raising the issue and telling their stories. I ask the Leader to bring the Minister for Finance before the House to outline the work of the interdepartmental task force with responsibility for addressing this issue and for making sure the insurance companies are held to account for fleecing so many of our citizens across the State.
Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
On a procedural matter, Senator Mac Lochlainn said No. 17 should be moved before No. 2. I think he should have referred to No. 1.
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
That is fine, yes. I thank the Cathaoirleach.
Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
I just wanted to clarify that.
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
I also want to second Senator Warfield's amendment.
Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
Okay, we will accept that Senator.
Michelle Mulherin (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
I am seeking a debate on food waste in light of the astounding scale of the problem, not just in our own country but worldwide. It is contributing to social and environmental problems both here and internationally. We talk about world hunger and we examine food poverty, yet it is generally accepted that there is sufficient food in the world to feed the global population. Ireland has a growing population and is in a position to expand its food industry, including in the context of exports. We also import - under Harvest 2020 and Foodwise 2025 - many foods that cannot be grown here.
Notwithstanding the fact that enough food to feed the world's population is being grown, it is ironic that 1.3 billion people are going hungry. At the same time, we are wasting 1.3 billion tonnes of food annually. This is happening because of waste throughout the food supply chain. When farmers grow produce on industrial farms, the food is dumped if it is not aesthetically pleasing, even though it might contain all the nutrients and flavour we require. That is just one aspect of it. Right down through the food supply chain it is calculated that approximately 35% of perishables are wasted. In Ireland, 1 million tonnes of food are wasted every year between commercial and domestic consumers. Some 300,000 tonnes of this waste comes from households, although 60% of it is avoidable. We must consider what is happening in this regard. It is a crying shame that our systems are set up in this manner. The situation is unsustainable. In addition to world hunger and our food poverty, we must also examine the relevant environmental issues. These include the cost of food production, transportation and disposal. This issue is at the heart of many problems we are trying to deal with. A debate on food waste would be worthwhile and would give us cause to reflect on our lifestyles.
Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
I call Senator Norris. I did not want to leave him until last, so I am using my discretion to let him in.
David Norris (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
The Cathaoirleach is very kind and I do appreciate that.
I have to laugh at Sinn Féin. Last week they were agonising about pensions from Great Britain, while this week they are talking about sectarianism. From a fairly blatantly sectarian organisation, that is quite rich.
David Norris (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
There is a problem regarding the supervision of bonfires. I do not give a damn about people's election literature being burned. Most of it is rubbish in any event. However, the bonfires were not supervised properly and a row of terraced houses on fire was set on fire as a result. I think that is much more serious.
I support the calls for a debate on the Cassells report. Universities in Ireland are consistently dropping down the rankings. I think Trinity is still in the top 100 in Europe but there is a huge deficit there. I am surprised and delighted to learn that UCD is still in credit, which is astonishing. I think that medical training is a really good investment, despite the fact that 17 doctors left for Australia. I do not know what one can do about that. One cannot very well imprison them here. I remember when an entire class of nurses left Galway. It is shocking that this happens but I do not know what one can do about it. It is time, however, that we had a really good debate about it. I thank the Cathaoirleach for his indulgence.
Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
I wish to raise two quick points. I join other Members in expressing concern about the leaked report that appeared in The Sunday Business Postconcerning the potential closure of a number of emergency units throughout the country. One of them is in my own constituency in County Cavan. Unfortunately, in Monaghan we have had experience of such reports and, ultimately, the end game is that the service is closed. I would warn all Senators and people in those locations to be on their guard when reports such as this come to the fore. I understand that the former Minister for Health, Deputy Varadkar, commissioned the report.It is strange that, although the report has not yet been received by people who requested it, we can read all about it in The Sunday Business Post. This is not a criticism of the opposite side of the House. It is just an observation.
I wish to raise the issue of lone parents and the decision by the previous Government to impose cuts that affected that section of our community. The changes had a serious impact on the quality of life of lone parents and their families. At the time the cuts were made last year, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul warned that it would be a serious issue for lone parents and that it would act as a deterrent to lone parents looking for employment, education or training. Unfortunately, this has proved to be the case. The latest figures show that 59% of one-parent households experience deprivation and 22% are in consistent poverty. Our one-parent households deserve better, so I ask that the Minister come to the House to address us on this issue.
Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
I second the amendment from Senator Mac Lochlainn. Could the Leader arrange a debate on the US military's use of Shannon Airport? The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade was here last week and I asked him a question about this issue. I raised specific items relating to mid-air refuelling of planes and multiple take-offs and landings in June, which happened to coincide with a NATO exercise, and, frankly, the Minister did not answer the question. Perhaps we should just get used to Ministers coming to the House and not answering questions, but I do not think it is good enough. In light of the Chilcot report in particular, we need this debate on the US military's use of Shannon Airport and to hear from all sides in the debate. We know that the Iraq war was illegal. We know that it was criminal and that half a million people died in it and, unfortunately, we know that Fianna Fáil sanctioned the use of Shannon Airport by the US military. We know that the Labour Party had an excellent policy on challenging that but, regrettably, it dropped it as soon as it entered Government. We need to hear from all sides. In fairness, I know that there was a tradition in the past, represented by people such as Niall Andrews and Dan Breen, who stood up for military neutrality. We need to hear from all sides of the House on this issue. It is a disgrace. As someone who lives in the area, I am deeply ashamed to see the US military dominating our civilian airport in Shannon, and it is time for it to stop. I ask for a debate at the earliest convenience.
Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
I thank the 26 Senators who contributed to the Order of Business. In respect of the amendment to the Order of Business tabled by Senator Daly, I have no problem bringing the Minister for Health to the House, but we are setting a very dangerous precedent if we bring the Minister to the House on foot of a newspaper report and an unfinished and unpublished report that the Minister did not commission. Let us be clear that there are no plans to close any emergency departments. That is the first item to be put to bed. Second, it is not about the emergency departments, as the Senator argued this afternoon. It ill behoves any of us to play politics with emergency departments and people's lives. The Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland, at its annual general meeting, commissioned a piece of work about trauma care, trauma centres and how we can get the best outcomes for people with traumatic head injuries. It is about developing a national trauma policy, ensuring that the core of this policy is the patient, and examining how trauma centres can best deal with people who sustain traumatic injuries. Everyone agrees that there is a need to have a national trauma system. I am very happy to have that debate when the report is published. Rather than divide the House, I will give a commitment that we will have that report when it is finished, but as of now there is no report. The Minister did not commission the report and the report has not been presented to him, so he cannot come to the House to give an update on a report that he has not seen and that has not been finished. Let us make it quite clear. It is about ensuring that there is co-ordination between the HSE, the Department of Health and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. I served as Chairman of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children for five years and I also served on the HSE southern regional health forum.If one takes Cork, for example, nobody can persuade me of the need, as reported in The Sunday Business Postat the weekend, to close the emergency department at Mercy University Hospital in the city. It makes no sense. Rather than divide the House, I will give a commitment to hold the debate when the Minister receives the report because at present there is no report to debate. I ask Senator Mark Daly not to divide the House but to allow time for the Minister to receive the report. I give a commitment to have the debate when the Minister receives it.
I am happy to accept the amendment proposed by Senator Mark Daly in respect of No. 18, but we will not have the debate today. I am happy to accept the proposals put forward by Senators Mac Lochlainn and Warfield but, like Senator Mark Daly's proposal, we will not have the debate today. They can be moved; I am happy to accede to them and to co-operation in that regard.
I thank all Senators for their comments on the Cassells report. We are all - or should be - committed to seeing more people attend third-level education. That should be our purpose. I thank Peter Cassells for the work he has done on the publication of the report and in terms of the consultation. As a growing economy, Ireland needs third-level education. We also need to marry what Senators Coffey and Craughwell spoke about in terms of apprentices and how we can make our third-level education fit all people and sectors of society. I spent ten years of my education career involved in adult and continuing education. Its importance is critical; it is the lifeblood of society. The three options put forward in the Cassells report make for interesting reading. We all agree the funding model and investment in third level education needs to be addressed. The Minister, in response to the report, spoke about a ten-year consensus. We need to see that as part of the movement in terms of third level education; there should be at least a ten-year consensus.
The Minister has referred the Bill to the education committee of the Houses of the Oireachtas but I hope, like all Senators, that the Upper House can play a role in the formulation of third-level higher education policy. I give a commitment to have a debate on this matter in the autumn prior to the education committee starting its work. We need to address participation and the attrition rates of people who opt for the wrong course and leave early. We need to address why that happens. In terms of the funding mechanism, how can we fund a sustainable third-level model of education and ensure there is access from all parts of society? As somebody who did not get a grant when attending college, I was lucky I was able to go. I very much treasure and cherish the memories I have of the time I spent in third-level education. I am very conscious there are others who could not go to third level. Equally, there is an issue of participation. I heard Dr. Walsh, the former president of UL, on the radio yesterday speaking about the rates of participation in New Zealand and Australia, which have different models. It is important that we have a debate on this matter. It is about better life opportunities and ensuring we have a skilled workforce, whether that is through the postgraduate studies or via the apprenticeships to which the Deputies referred. There are deficits in our apprenticeship system. I concur with Senators Coffey and Craughwell on that.
The Cathaoirleach and I are from a university city, Cork, where research and innovation plays a pivotal role in third-level education, both in CIT and UCC, as it does across the country in other third-level institutions. None of the options is easy regarding third level but let us have mature debate to establish consensus on how to develop a ten-year strategy.
The other emerging theme in the Order of Business, which was raised by Senators Conway-Walsh, Feighan, Reilly and Richmond, is the activities yesterday and today of burning the Tricolour and political posters. All of us want to see tolerant and respectful celebration of different traditions in the north of our island. None of us wants to go back to the old days. We remember what happened in the past. It is important that calm and peaceful celebration of traditions takes place. I join with other Senators in condemning any form of sectarianism or lack of tolerance. It is imperative that together we build bridges to an Ireland where we can all be equal and where the north and south of our island can coexist on an economic and cultural basis, where we can build on the Good Friday Agreement and work together. It is important, in a post-Brexit era, to have that debate and it is intended to do so in the autumn. On the issues raised outside the emerging themes, Senator Bacik raised the issue of the citizens' assembly. I agree with the Senator that the model of the Constitutional Convention is one we should try to mirror. On occasion, the timelines were not achieved in terms of the replies but the Minister is conscious of the need to make sure this assembly is successful, and I am sure, when replying to the debate, that he will give that commitment and an outline of what he has in mind.
Senator Coffey highlighted the work done on the Construction Contracts Act, and I pay tribute to Senator Nash and former Senator Feargal Quinn in that regard. Senator Nash, as Minister of State, played a key role in developing that strategy and it is important that we all work to protect those subcontractors who are at the mercy of outside forces. They were the big losers when the recession hit. I would be willing to pursue that with the Senator.
Senator Swanick referred to patients on trolleys. We have seen a reduction in the number of people on trolleys. Senator Colm Burke gave the figures for the number of people attending outpatient and emergency departments, and it was interesting to note the number of days lost in terms of the people who failed to turn up for appointments at outpatient departments, which has a cost-----
Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
-----in terms of the health budget and also the work consultants, doctors and nurses do in the health system.
I join Senator Maria Byrne in wishing Limerick well on going forward for the European City of Culture. I hope it will be successful. I will not get into the debate on the counties it is competing with but I welcome those here today.
Senator Conway-Walsh raised the issue of the ruling on the single farm payment. I will see if the Minister can come to the House to discuss that. The judge has given a ruling on it and it is one we should take note of because it has a profound impact on the agricultural community.
Senator Feighan has always beaten a drum for Roscommon hospital, and I congratulate the work he has done on that.
On the issue raised by Senator Ó Ríordáin, thankfully, the remit of the Leader of the Seanad does not extend to where we go as a Chamber. That is a matter for others. The Senator raised the issue of the arts and culture in particular, and I am willing to have the Minister come to the House to discuss the policy on arts and culture.
Last week, Senator Joe O'Reilly raised the issue of home helps and home care packages. As a consequence of the Senator and other Senators raising this important issue, the Minster for Social Protection will be in the House this evening to discuss it. Last week, Senator Kelleher and Senator O'Reilly spoke about the importance of home care packages and the work being done by home helps, family carers and carers in general. That is a debate we can have as part of the debate with the Minster present.
I am willing to accept Senator Warfield's amendment and the proposal from Senator Mac Lochlainn. I have dealt with the issue of the Cassells report.
To be parochial for a moment, Senator Lombard raised the important issue of infrastructure projects for Cork. It is important that Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII, and the Minister, Deputy Ross, would address the issues because the projects Senator Lombard referred to are pivotal infrastructure projects which are about developing the region economically in terms of the N28, the Macroom bypass and the Dunkettle roundabout. If those projects were to be delayed or not gone ahead with, it would have a profound negative impact on the economic life of Cork, not to mention other areas.
Senator Mac Lochlainn raised the issue of motor insurance, which was addressed recently in the House. The Minister for Finance has set up a working group on the issue and he has committed to come to the House to discuss it. I hope we can have that debate.
Senator Norris referred to both the supervision of bonfires and the Cassells report. In terms of the Cassells report, it is important this House would play a role prior to the Committee on Education and Skills beginning its work on the report.
Senator Gallagher raised the important issue of lone parents. This will be part of the debate today when the Senator will have an opportunity to participate but if we cannot get to it then, I am sure the Minister will return to the House to debate it. As it will probably be the Minister's last time in the House before the summer recess and the legislation coming to the House, I felt it was important to have statements on social protection in order that Members can have an input into that debate.Senator Gavan raised the issue of Shannon and our policy with regard to our airports and military use. I would be happy to ask the Minister, Deputy Flanagan, to come to the House to speak on that matter.
I ask that Senator Daly withdraw the amendment regarding the report on trauma facilities. The Minister has not seen the report. I spoke to him this morning about it and I would be very happy to have a discussion on it when it can be put before the House. Rather than divide the House on a newspaper report containing hearsay, which would set a bad precedent, I give a commitment to having a debate when we come back after the report has been published.
Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
We can suspend the House so the Leader can get clarification on when the Minister could come before the House.
Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
I spoke to the Minister prior to coming to the House. He has not seen the report, as it has not been finished. The Minister does not have the report. The Senator is basing his comments on a leaked report, which gives a sensational perspective.
David Norris (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
It could not be clearer.
Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
When the report is published, I commit to asking the Minister to come to the House to discuss the report's contents.
Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
Senator Daly has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That a debate with the Minister for Health on the report of the steering group regarding the closure of nine accident and emergency departments be taken today." It is a matter for Senator Daly. Is the amendment being pressed?
Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
The steering group was set up by the former Minister, Deputy Varadkar-----
Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
We cannot have a debate.
Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
We are not having the debate. We have had no clarification. The recess is approaching so when will the Minister have the report? If we suspend the House for ten minutes, we could get clarification on whether he will be in before the summer. The problem is that there are accident and emergency departments crying out for staff and there is no chance-----
Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
We cannot have the debate now.
Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
May I assist Senator Daly?
Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
The Senators should resume their seats. The position is clear. Senator Daly will either push it to a vote or he will not.
Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
Will the Leader come to the House tomorrow morning with clarification on when the Minister expects the House to have the report?
Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
In order to help Senator Daly, I should say that I spoke to the Minister this morning about this issue.
Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
The Minister has not yet received the report. The group has not yet reported and the Minister for Health has not seen any output from the group. The group's recommendations are not expected until later this year. I can provide clarification on that tomorrow.
Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
That is all right. We will withdraw the amendment.
Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
Senator Gerry Horkan has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 18 be taken before No. 1." The Leader has indicated that he is prepared to accept that amendment. Is that agreed? Agreed. Senator Fintan Warfield has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 16 be taken before No. 1." The Leader has indicated he is prepared to accept that amendment. Is that agreed? Agreed. Senator Pádraig Mac Lochlainn has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 17 be taken before No. 1." The Leader has indicated he is prepared to accept that amendment. Is that agreed? Agreed.