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

I call the House to order. Before I call on the Acting Leader, Senator Noone, to outline the Order of Business, I want to apologise to Senators Ó Clochartaigh and Colm Burke. Due to votes in the other House the Minister, who had been scheduled to reply to their Commencement matters, had to leave. The matter was outside of my control and I shall facilitate them another time.

Senator Noone, ar aghaidh leat.

Catherine Noone (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Order of Business is No. 1 as stated on the Order Paper; and No. 2, Companies (Amendment) Bill 2017, Second Stage to be taken at 4.45 p.m. with time allocated to group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes and all other Senators not to exceed five minutes.

Catherine Ardagh (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I would like to again raise the issue of housing, in particular the Government's failure to meet social housing needs across the country. New statistics are alarming because they show that only one new modular home has been built in this city. As much as €40 million has been spent on hotels and 300 houses had been promised up until 1 July yet, as we know, only one has been built. The target in the housing action plan is that 1,000 new homes will be constructed in 2017. The original target was 5,000 but it will not be achieved. We know from statistics that up to 10,000 new homes are required each year to meet the demand for housing. That is absolutely appalling. The Minister must come to this House to urgently address this matter. We need a proper social housing building programme like we had in the 1950s. The Minister must accept this and forget about public private partnerships. The Government must start to build houses for people.

The second matter that I would like to raise is a good news story. I congratulate the community in Ballyfermot that organised a Passion festival over the weekend that was comprised of workshops, plays and equestrian exhibitions.I congratulate them on their community spirit. The manner in which they organised the festival should be a model for other communities across the country.

I remind the House that today is the 50th anniversary of the free travel pass, introduced by a Fianna Fáil Government. This policy is one of the great success stories of our State and a welcome return to those who have contributed to our country. I hope that the Government will continue and, perhaps, extend the free travel pass scheme throughout the country such that the Bus Éireann dispute will be resolved.

Rose Conway Walsh (Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I commend the Irish Postmasters Union on its protest this morning outside the Taoiseach's offices. I know they did not do that lightly but out of desperation in terms of what is happening to rural post offices. I call on the Government to immediately implement the recommendations of the Kerr report. It is vital that our post offices remain open. They are a vibrant and essential part of our communities. We must stand with the Irish Postmasters Union to ensure that further post offices are not closed and that some of those already closed are re-opened.

I would also like to indicate my opposition and that of Sinn Féin to the reports in today's newspapers that home care for the elderly is to be means tested. I have a clear message for this or any Government that tries to do that - it is not going to happen. Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have persecuted the elderly and most vulnerable in our communities in terms of health care and home care. I have said often enough that in my own county Fianna Fáil cut 32,000 hours in one year alone. This was followed by a cut of thousands more hours by Fine Gael, which continues to have a devastating effect on the elderly and other services such as acute hospital services, which are already over-stretched. Sinn Féin has long campaigned for home care to be on a statutory footing. I welcome the review by the Health Research Board but it must never be used as an excuse to means test the home help service. I suggest that instead of paying civil servants to forensically examine the bank and credit union accounts of elderly citizens so as to extrapolate every last cent from them, the Government should spend that money on upholding the right to health care, including the right to home help, of all of our citizens.

Frances Black (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Today, I wish to highlight an issue around direct provision. Our treatment of the thousands of people in direct provision throughout this country is nothing short of a scandal. A country coming to terms with the awful abuse inflicted on people in the mother and baby homes, the Magdalen laundries and other State and religious institutions is now sowing the seeds for future shame. The treatment of people fleeing some of the worst abuses around the world is shameful. The fact that adults and children have to live on €19.10 and €9.60 per week, respectively, means they are treated as second class citizens and not given the respect they deserve. Direct provision is operated as a profit-making enterprise by private companies and individuals. Barlow Properties Limited in Cork has received €40 million from the State for running five direct provision centres. East Coast Catering has received €90 million since 2000. Bridgestock, based in Roscommon, has received at least €68 million for its role in running direct provision centres. Is this the best use of our resources? People in direct provision do not have cooking facilities, which leads to children not learning how to cook as they have never seen their parents do so. In Northern Ireland, asylum seekers have cooking facilities. Asylum seekers are not permitted to work and they are not entitled to social welfare benefits. They are also excluded from social housing and free third level education. Former Supreme Court Judge Catherine McGuinness has predicted that a future Government will end up publicly apologising for damage done by the direct provision system.

The Health Service Executive has documented the negative health effects on asylum seekers of not being able to work.It reported this lack of entitlement to work when this restriction extends over a long period may further compound mental health issues, with boredom, depression, a sense of isolation and loss of self-esteem commonly reported symptoms. A shocking statistic is that depression and mental health problems in the direct provision system are up to five times higher than in the wider community. A study carried out by the Royal College of Surgeons found the length of the asylum process was associated with an increase in psychiatric disorders. The State has an obligation to treat people in direct provision with dignity and respect. This can only be achieved when there is an admission by the Government that the conditions in the centres are below standard and the facilities are improved. Children who live in direct provision must be allowed to continue their education by receiving free third level education. I ask the Acting Leader when does the Government intend to address the issue of direct provision, which was initially intended as a stopgap measure before people's asylum application cases were heard.

Ivana Bacik (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I join others in expressing hope we will see resolution of the Bus Éireann strike in the talks at the Labour Court, which are due to take place this afternoon. We all regret the fact that talks broke down late last night at the Workplace Relations Commission.

I ask the Leader for support in drafting an all-party motion condemning the appalling chemical weapons attack on civilians in Syria last week, in the town of Khan Sheikhun, leaving dreadful carnage in its week, with the 89 people we saw dead, hundreds more injured and the terrible pictures we saw of suffering children and other civilians in the wake of those attacks. It is clear that, as one diplomat put it, Russia was either complicit or incompetent and certainly involved in the strike. I see the G7 leaders have not, in fact, reached an agreement on sanctions for Russia this afternoon and divisions are emerging as to the best way forward in terms of resolving the dreadful war in Syria. Certainly what last week has shown us is there can be no place for President Assad in the future of Syria, and he has reached yet another milestone in his dreadful treatment of his own people. I ask the Acting Leader that we might come together, as we did previously at the time of the bombing of Aleppo, to draft a motion condemning Syria and its Russian allies for the chemical weapons attack, calling for accountability for the perpetrators and calling for united international action against the Syrian regime of Assad.

I also ask the Acting Leader for debate on policing and express regret and concern the Tánaiste did not attend the AGSI conference. At a time of crisis in policing, it would have been appropriate for her, or at least a Minister of State in her place, to have attended the conference. It is the norm for the Minister with responsibility for justice to attend. There has been a good deal of adverse commentary from among the middle management ranks of the Garda as a result of this.

Tomorrow at 11 a.m. on Kildare Street outside Leinster House we will have an Oireachtas all-party cyclists' group convening for a photo opportunity. All Members and colleagues are welcome to come along and bring their bicycles. Members of the Dublin Cycling Campaign will be present, with extra bicycles for people who cannot bring their own. It is important to have an all-party cyclists' group. We had one in previous sessions of the Seanad and Dáil. The event tomorrow is to highlight the importance of promoting cycling and road safety, particularly given the high number of cyclists recently killed on our roads. In particular, we will seek support for the Bill proposed in the Dáil by Deputy Ciaran Cannon and the Minister of State, Deputy Regina Doherty, on the Road Traffic (Minimum Passing Distance of Cyclists) Bill and look for an increase in budget resources for cycling infrastructure. I ask anyone who is interested in joining us to come along just for ten minutes at the front of Leinster House at 11 a.m.

Maura Hopkins (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I raise concerns regarding stroke services. This morning, the Irish Heart Foundation launched its stroke manifesto. I, the Irish Heart Foundation, the many people throughout the country who have had strokes and their families have a number of very serious concerns. While we know there have been improvements, particularly in terms of acute care, there are serious challenges with regard to access to specialist and timely rehabilitation.We know that stroke is the biggest cause of adult physical disability in this country. We know that access to specialist and timely rehabilitation can improve patient outcomes. We also know that there are significant challenges in community settings with regard to long-term support and long-term rehabilitation for people who are living in the community. We also need to ensure that we avoid the prospect of people going to long-term care when they could be cared for at home with proper supports.

I also raise concerns over the prevention end. GPs should routinely carry out A-fib and blood pressure screening, which must be part of the new GP contract. We need to recognise the urgency with which changes need to be made with regard to stroke services. The Irish Heart Foundation is not asking for more resources. It is asking for a restructuring of services putting more money into rehabilitation and community services so that we are not spending increased unnecessary amounts of money on long-term care.

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

The Acting Leader may have noted a statement by business leaders in the North this morning calling on the parties to work together to restore devolved government. They stated that stable government was needed to guarantee peace, to attract investment, to deliver job creation and to advance social progress. I support that statement and their call on the political parties in the North to get together and work together to get devolved government back on track.

The alternative, as every Member here will know, is shocking. It will be the return of direct British rule into this country, something that I and most people here would see as a retrograde step. There are always differences in politics, but the differences dividing the two main parties fade into insignificance when one thinks of the reality of the reintroduction of British rule into this country. I call on the main parties there to do what politicians are meant to do and work out a deal. It is not easy to work out a deal especially when they do not have the support-----

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

Like on water.

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

Without interruption, I hope, a Chathaoirligh.

The last time I spoke on the North here, I was chastised by Sinn Féin Members as if I had no right to speak on the North. I am very proud of the record of my people and my background in getting the British out of our part of the country.

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

They left the Six Counties behind them.

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

They will be back.

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

I will not stand silent here when other people are in a position to keep British direct rule out of the North. I call on them to work for that.

Rose Conway Walsh (Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

And the Irish and British Governments.

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

It is not easy. It was not easy for Fianna Fáil to go into a confidence and supply agreement with Fine Gael. It was not easy for Fine Gael to accept it and to have to trim its sails, but that is the reality of politics. It is time to grow up. We cannot be calling on the British Prime Minister, the American President and everybody else around the world to jump to attention. It must be done for ourselves. I emphasise that expression.

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

Ní bheidh mé ar fáil tarraingt isteach sa díospóireacht sin ag an bpointe sin mar tá rud éigin eile le rá agam. We were to debate an issue on the Commencement. I appreciate there was a difficulty with that and I accept the Cathaoirleach's apology and that the situation was unavoidable. I met some of the workers, known as the sleepover workers, who work for agencies that get section 39 funding from the HSE in organisations such as Galway Simon, COPE, etc. Up to 2014 these workers were subject to a Labour Court ruling that acknowledged that the time they spent on those sleepovers in the work environment are to be acknowledged as working time, that they should be paid at the minimum wage and that was to be implemented across the sector.I understand the HSE pays its staff who do similar work but that the agencies did not because they did not have the funding through the HSE. There has been a subsequent increase to the minimum wage. At the time and to the present day, those workers still only get €4.50 an hour for their night shifts. Some of those shifts can be up to 17 hours long. It is totally and utterly unacceptable. I understand that in the organisations in Galway alone there may be over 120 or 130 people affected. These people, as they said to me yesterday, are the real front-line workers in this scenario. They are working with people who have severe addiction, alcohol and mental health issues. They are keeping them off the streets. They are keeping them alive in many cases. They have been very patient. They are not the type of people who want to go out on strike because they know if they do lives will be put in jeopardy. They have been balloted by their union, IMPACT, for industrial action and I support that call. The issue we need to raise with the Minister is whether the Government accepts the Labour Court recommendation? Will it direct the HSE to make the moneys available to these agencies so they can support these workers?

In light of us not being able to have the debate today, will the Acting Leader contact the relevant Minister of State's office? I understand she is amendable. She was here earlier and had a written statement prepared which she might make available to us so we can try to move the issue on.

Maria Byrne (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I welcome that an additional 47,000 school children will benefit from school meals and school breakfasts. They will join the other 200,000. It is a joint initiative between the Department of Education and Skills and the Department of Social Protection. It is very positive. They have written to a number of schools that are not considered DEIS schools. I encourage all schools that have received the letter to take up this offer. It has been proven in the past that having a good healthy breakfast helps performance in school. I compliment both Departments. It is a very positive initiative. I encourage all schools that have received a letter to take up the offer.

Lynn Ruane (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I join with Senator Ardagh in congratulating the Ballyfermot community where I attended the re-enactment of the passion of the Christ over the past two days. It was a live play for two days. I commend the parish in Ballyfermot which participated and allowed the use of the church for what might have been seen as a very modern day telling of the story of Christ. Jesus was played by a woman. There was a live eviction. It was very topical. It says a lot about the church in Ballyfermot that it played a part, got involved and attended the event for the two days even though it was a redoing of the passion of the Christ.

I mark this week by acknowledging something that could tie in with moving the Civil Law (Missing Persons) Bill 2016 along a bit. My friend William Maughan and his girlfriend were murdered this week two years ago. It was a double murder. His girlfriend Anna was pregnant at the time. It was a huge tragedy for the community of Tallaght and for the Traveller community, which William was from. William was murdered. The bodies have not been found. He was murdered because he refused to do certain things for a criminal gang. It would be ideal for us to call on the Tánaiste to come in to discuss criminality and the routes out of criminality for people who want to change the course of their lives. There are people who, in trying to do so, are losing their lives. We should look at how we can create some sort of support for people who are looking to move out of criminality. I send condolences to the Maughan family and hope some progress is being made in recovering the bodies of William and Anna.

Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I welcome the decision by the Government this morning on the relocation of families affected by serious flooding. I commend the Minister of State, Deputy Seán Canney, on a voluntary scheme of relocation. There are situations in certain parts of Ireland, particularly down in the callows in south Roscommon and along the River Shannon, where flooding will just not be solved. It is a voluntary scheme which has about €2 million this year. Every case should be taken on its merits. Lough Funshinagh is rising all the time now compared to some years ago.

Nothing is really new about these policies.In 1978, I was a Deputy and we relocated families in the Clonown area of south Roscommon. There was not much of a fanfare about it. We did it through the Fianna Fáil Party and realistically so. Nothing is particularly new about this. I do not mind the Government parties copying a good policy that was in place a long time ago; that is welcome. I have come across cases where there is continuous flooding and the only solution is to move to higher ground. It is a tragedy to see families displaced by flooding. It was a terrible year but I am delighted to welcome the scheme. There was also a similar scheme in south Roscommon in the 1950s. The River Shannon has been a great asset but it has also been a great problem for the people of the Clonown area, in particular. I wish the scheme well and I hope people will be assisted to relocate on a voluntary basis.

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

Why has No. 1, statements on the migrant integration strategy, been dropped?

Catherine Noone (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Minister has been bereaved.

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

I would like to send my sympathy to the Minister.

Catherine Noone (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I will address that question.

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

That explains it completely.

Catherine Noone (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The debate has been rescheduled but I will address that when I reply.

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

I tabled legislation twice in this regard and it is listed on the Order Paper for Christmas weekend this year.

However, I would like to raise a question about the Luas. Anybody walking through the city of Dublin can see the extraordinary disruption and mayhem that is being caused. As many others and I predicted over the past 20 years, the construction of an on-street tram network has created catastrophic conflict with the other traffic coming into the city. That is the reason for pushing it into side streets and pedestrianising College Green. It is an absolute mess and it will be infested with electronic lines to run the trams and so on. They have a completely half-assed approach to the whole thing and I use that phrase deliberately because I was down Marlborough Street a week or so ago where there were decent men working. I said, "I see you are doing half of one side of the pavement. When are you doing the other half?" They replied they were not. Half a footpath on one side of a street where Luas tracks are being laid is being repaired and nothing is being done on the other side. Parnell Street is an absolute disaster. One is taking one's life in one's hands if one walks down Parnell Street given how uneven and broken is the pavement. They are doing half the pavement on only one side as well. This is appalling in the centre of a capital city.

We should try to have a proper, joined-up approach. Vienna was at the stage we are at now in respect of developing a light tram system in the centre of the city. In 1974, they conducted a review and on expert advice, they pulled it. The city has many trams but they all run on the outskirts of the city. The central core of the city is reserved for underground rail. The city architect of Vienna said exactly what I said about the electrical lines for the trams creating a visual obstruction. He said that this is a beautiful city and tourists have not come here to see a spaghetti of electric lights. I hope we can have a debate on transport in Dublin, particularly an underground option. We need to think again. We have the tram, which we cannot unravel now, but we should have an underground system. Dublin is the only capital city in the EU that does not have one.

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

Perhaps the Senator's train has left the station.

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

I do not think so but, as the Cathaoirleach will be aware, where there is one train, there will be another at 4.15 p.m.

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

It is important to respond to the criticism of the home care package in the context of the discussion document. The Minister has examined the provision of home care in four different countries.The document is opening up the debate on home care. I am a little disappointed that it is being criticised when it is barely off the printer. The issue is one for public debate and I look forward to hearing concrete proposals from Sinn Féin, particularly on how it would fund home care. We are facing major demographic changes as people live longer, with the number of people aged over 65 set to increase from 600,000 to more than 1 million. We must plan for this scenario and the Minister of State with responsibility for older people is setting out a clear plan for how we will move forward in this matter.

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

Sinn Féin's proposals or lack thereof is not a matter for the Order of Business. However, the Senator may raise the issue by asking a question.

Maire Devine (Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Cathaoirleach is absolutely right.

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

Sinn Féin is very good at supporting water wasters. I am concerned it will propose wasting more money. Are Sinn Féin Senators embarrassed by confirmation that the party supports water wasters, as it has done for the past 12 months? It charges people in Northern Ireland for water but seems to have a problem doing so down here.

Rose Conway Walsh (Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Is the Senator suggesting the elderly and most vulnerable are wasters?

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

I did not say that.

Rose Conway Walsh (Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I think he did by virtue of the language he used.

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

I set out a concrete plan and Sinn Féin did not have one constructive word to say about it.

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

I gently admonished Senator Burke and he took advantage of my indulgence.

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

I spoke previously about the difficulties asylum seekers have faced since the commencement of the International Protection Act 2015. People requesting asylum must first outline their case in a lengthy document of some 60 pages, which they are required to return not later than 20 working days from the receipt of the international protection questionnaire, or IPO 2 form, and covering letter from the authorities. This 20-day deadline continues to be an insufficient period to answer fully all questions on the IPO 2 application form and avail of subsidised legal advice or associated language translation assistance.

As matters stand, many asylum seekers do not know how or where to get legal advice and such counsel is essential when completing such a significant document. The international protection office stated it will be flexible regarding this deadline, which it describes as administrative, and I have no doubt it means to be flexible. While this clarification is welcome, it is a temporary and informal approach which does not go far enough to allay anxiety among refugees fleeing persecution or those who face a real risk of suffering serious harm in other countries.

For this reason, I call on the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to consider extending the deadline to at least 25 working days to help all applicants. I urge the Minister to do this now to avoid further confusion and distress and ensure there are no unnecessary delays in processing applications in the new system. Anecdotally, I am hearing that legal services are under severe pressure, which is causing a major backlog. I heard, for example, that no applicants were interviewed in the international protection office last week because of this backlog. The State runs a risk of a court challenge being made to the current time limit for the return of the form because it is proving to be unworkable based on the anecdotal reports I am hearing about the backlog in the system and the difficulties asylum seekers and applicants face.

I ask the Minister not only to consider extending the deadline but also to review the length of the IPO 2 application form to assess whether it can be streamlined and made shorter. Delays in determining asylum cases mean individuals will spend more time in direct provision centres instead of being swiftly integrated into society as welcome migrants. Perhaps we can return to this issue during the rescheduled debate.

I note with concern allegations that appeared in a Sunday newspaper at the weekend claiming that residents at a direct provision centre in Mosney were paying higher than average prices for basic food items at an on-site store. I do not know if the claims are true but they are very serious and should be investigated by the Department.

Tim Lombard (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I have raised previously the absence of guidelines on solar farms.The epidemic of planning permission grants for solar farms over the past 12 months to keep Ireland lighting 24/7 needs to be dealt with legislatively and guidelines need to be put in place. Today in Kinsale, County Cork, planning permission was granted for another solar farm by An Bord Pleanála against its own inspector’s report. Proper legislation needs to be put in place. When the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Denis Naughten, addresses the issue of renewable energy feed-in tariffs in the next few months, he will have to look at the number of solar farms because we have a major glut of them. An Bord Pleanála’s decision today proved we have a glut with the inspector doing one thing and the board doing another. This is an important issue and we need to legislate for guidelines in this area sooner rather than later.

Maire Devine (Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

It is apt timing that this representative of "wasters.com" throughout this country will raise the issue of Ireland’s water and the water commission which continues to sit in session today to discuss its report on the future of our water. Over the past few years, hundreds of thousands of people have marched through our capital, as well as various cities, towns and villages, demanding domestic water charges be abolished, never to return, including charges for group schemes, the metering programme to be scrapped as soon as possible, and the assurance we need for our children’s children's inheritance, namely, a referendum to guarantee public ownership of our water.

The adage "a week is a long time in politics" is also apt. A few short days ago, the majority of the 20-member water committee, including the flip-flop Fianna Fáil Party, which was the bright original spark for the water charges, indicated contentment with the draft report. Lo and behold, however, just yesterday supposed fresh legal advice from the same senior counsel - I do not know how that happened - allowed a U-turn. The U-turn will put the emphasis on its own interpretation of the European Union's Water Framework Directive.

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

The meeting is still in progress and it is unwise to anticipate its outcomes.

Maire Devine (Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am talking on the back of the protest at the weekend and that Fianna Fáil is not quite ready to pull the Government down. Accordingly, it is acquiescing to the demands of Fine Gael and the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, Deputy Coveney, to save face.

The important point from the wonderful protest and demonstration on Saturday is that the wasters in this country will not give up and allow the sneaky back door privatisation agenda. No matter how far it is pushed forward, it will not be a viable option. The law has been used to override the democratic opinion of the nation, of the hundreds of thousands who have protested and voted-in a majority of Deputies in the last election who were for the abolition of charges, with Fianna Fáil coming in at the last minute for the suspension of water charges.

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

The Senator is well over the time limit.

Maire Devine (Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Senator Colm Burke referred to water charges in the North. He sounds like a disgruntled and ignorant broken record. It is about time he educated himself. We will do a statement on that matter if he needs it.

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

I remind Senators, whether it is on Sinn Féin, Fianna Fáil or Government policy, on the Order of Business, they should raise an issue and ask a question of the Leader. It is not a contest between the various parties on various policies. It is unwise to go down that road as it only leads to tit-for-tat. I am getting a bit fed up of it up here, day in and day out. Many Members are to blame on both sides.

Gerry Horkan (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I will certainly try not to continue in the vein the Cathaoirleach is complaining about. Senator Ardagh raised the issue of the 50th anniversary of the free travel scheme. It was a provision from Charles J. Haughey's first budget when he was Minister for Finance and it has been a fantastic success over the years. I do not believe any Government will try to remove it.Many people cannot really benefit from the free travel pass because Bus Éireann buses are in the 19th day of not serving residents. It creates huge problems for people who use the bus services, including students trying to get to school and to work. I am not talking about school buses but about people trying to get to college. Equally, there are problems for older people who may not be in a position to drive any more or do not have a car. It also causes problems for our tourism industry.

We should remind the Minister that, as well as having responsibility for transport, he also has responsibility for tourism. He is responsible, as the 100% shareholder on our behalf in Bus Éireann, for having an involvement in this. It is not good enough that the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport is going around saying it is nothing to do with him. Bus Éireann was probably the jewel in the crown of CIE for many years. It was the company which required the least subsidy. It is losing €9 million a year at the moment. It losing €500,000 a day during this strike. We have already managed to have Bus Éireann lose more money in the last 19 days than it lost in the entire last year, based on the figures available, which puts the company in very serious financial difficulty. I call on the Minister to come to the House and explain to us exactly why he will not get involved. I never mentioned a chequebook, and I do not think many people mentioned chequebooks, but he is required to get involved. The fact that it does not affect his own constituency is not a reason that the Minister should not get involved with Bus Éireann.

When the National Transport Authority was set up, it gave private licences to private operators who operated directly. That took many customers away from Expressway because, understandably, if one wants to go from Galway to Dublin, one would prefer to go direct rather than to go through ten or 11 towns, or 18 or 19 towns - whatever the number - along the way. If Expressway is now operating what is effectively a public service obligation, PSO, service, because it has lost all its main revenue from the customers who are now gone, it is important that we get the Minister in here to explain and express our own issues.

My second, smaller point is that I will be supporting Senator Ivana Bacik. The all-party cycling group is a great idea. I cycle in here as regularly and often as I can, and home as well. It is subject to weather conditions and other things, but it is a great way to get around. I think Bus Éireann-----

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

I must remind the Senator that he must be on his bike timewise, now.

Gerry Horkan (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I must be on my bike. I am rarely too late. I thank the Cathaoirleach and will leave it at that.

Frank Feighan (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I ask some Members to look at last weekend's Sunday Business Postin which Mr. Eamon Delaney from the Hibernia Forum wrote a very interesting article about Ireland and the Commonwealth. It reinforces my views that there is no better time than now to rejoin or else be an associate member of the Commonwealth of Nations. He went on to say that Éamon de Valera and Kevin O'Higgins were active members of the Commonwealth. In 1949, a Fine Gael Government, trying to outdo Fianna Fáil, effectively helped reinforce partition of Ireland with a rash act. We accidentally left the Commonwealth and did not really engage any more. Mr. Delaney more or less said that, with Brexit looming, we are dependent on the UK for trade and commerce and he feels that associate status and working together would make Ireland very influential. He went on to say, and I have heard these feelings expressed, that the USA is looking to come on board as either an associate or member of the Commonwealth of Nations. He feels that there is no better time to increase those political and economic links with the UK.

He also stated that we need to radically and nimbly stay close to the UK post-Brexit. He also feels that we need to open that debate now. I feel that there is no better time to open that debate on the history of Ireland and the Commonwealth of Nations and I call on the Leader to ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and others to come to the House to discuss it. Perhaps we could set aside time to debate the history of Ireland and the Commonwealth of Nations, and what the best way would be to reinforce our associations, including trade, sporting and cultural links.

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

I had the pleasure of visiting Kinsale two weeks ago, where I was a guest at the presentation of awards at Kinsale Community School, which is probably one of the most finely-run schools in the country. It strikes me that as we approach Easter and the education conference week, this House should acknowledge the tremendous contribution made by education to the economy, the work of teachers throughout this country-----

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

Hear, hear.

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

-----and the effort and the time they put in, far outside the classroom, for things like extra-curricular activities.We should acknowledge that. We should also acknowledge the fact that, despite the difficulties in dual union second level schools, they have continued to deliver the curriculum at the highest possible level throughout the school year. I ask that we have a debate in the House solely on the future of further education. What is the plan? We are still slightly adrift, despite the establishment of SOLAS for many years. I would like the Minister to come to the House to debate the subject.

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I, too, have concerns about the report that the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Helen McEntee, is to publish a report from the health review board on the care of elderly persons living at home. People are growing older and there are stress and worry for families who do not know how much care will cost them. There are families who are losing their homes because they are paying so much for care. We need to address that issue. The other concern is that this is to be the first statutory scheme of home care to be introduced in Ireland. There are 5,200 elderly persons on waiting lists for either the home care package, home help or another support. That is unacceptable. The Minister of State must come to the House to address these issues which are of concern. They are being raised with us in our clinics by families for whom they are a worry. Elderly people can no longer afford to pay such an amount and it will be a large sum. While the report has not yet being brought before the House, the main thing is for the Minister of State to ensure people will be able to afford to pay for care. There is no point in putting stress on families and the elderly.

Ray Butler (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I congratulate the Irish ladies' soccer team on their great win last night. They did well in standing up for themselves and deserved the win.

I refer to the strike at Shelbourne Park greyhound stadium and the closure of Harold's Cross greyhound stadium. I welcome those who are present from the Greyhound Owners and Breeders Federation. I have been involved with greyhounds all my life and have bred, trained and raced them. What happened at Harold's Cross was heavy-handed. There was no judgment on the loans which were being serviced. In 2016, €15.5 million was provided for the greyhound industry and the figure this year will be €16.7 million for the greyhound and horse racing industries. There is a betting levy of 1% which was introduced a couple of years ago and raised an extra €1 million. This year it could bring in €2 million to €3 million because online betting is going through the roof owing to the use of mobile phones and other technology. Can we not tell the banks that we can do a deal? We can take the money and repay the loan. It is a legacy issue and I am not here to blame anyone for it. However, staff at Shelbourne Park greyhound stadium have been out of pocket for the past ten weeks, as are farmers, trainers and others who have expenses to meet, including bookmakers who rely for their living on racing at Shelbourne Park and Harold's Cross. Everybody is pointing the finger. The Irish Greyhound Board states it cannot do anything, as does the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. However, the race tracks at Harold's Cross and Shelbourne Park are closed. It is a disgrace. I appeal for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to come to the House and someone to take responsibility for this issue. Somebody must do so. It is not good enough to blame somebody else. Let us do what needs to be done. It is sad to see that there will be no Easter cup and that there is a possibility this year that there could be no Irish greyhound derby. Is that not sad? Let somebody take responsibility for this issue and let us have something done.

Catherine Noone (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To correct what I said, I had intended to say No. 2 was the Companies (Amendment) Bill 2017.

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

The Senator has reinforced it by way of clarification.

Catherine Noone (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I will respond to all of the Senators who raised matters on the Order of Business.Senator Ardagh raised the issue of rapid housing and I take her comments on board. Significant pressure has been put on local authorities to respond positively, including a quicker procurement competition. The timeframe, apart from the Poppintree project, is for tenants to be housed as soon as possible and local authorities are being put under a lot of pressure to get people into houses by 2017. I am certainly willing to ask the Minister to come to the House to discuss the matter. I also note the Senator's comments, and those of Senator Ruane, about the festival in Ballyfermot, which sounds like a very positive event. Along with Senator Horkan, she also mentioned the 50th anniversary of the free travel pass, which no one would dispute has been a very positive thing for the country.

Senator Conway-Walsh raised the issue of the Irish Postmasters Union strike. The Government remains committed to a viable post office network. There has been considerable change in postal services, nationally and internationally, but the commitment is still there. I am willing to ask the Minister to come to the House for a general discussion on the matter, perhaps after Easter. Along with other Senators, the Senator also raised the issue of the elderly home care package. I heard the Minister on the radio this morning. This is a discussion document and nothing has been decided. There is to be a public consultation but there has been an acknowledgement that the existing system is in need of some repair. There is no doubt that the Minister is open on this and the Senators who raised the issue are entitled to make positive suggestions on the document. We need to have patience and not to assume the worst. The Minister has acknowledged that there are problems with the existing system and we should remain open-minded and positive about what can be achieved in this area.

Senator Black asked about direct provision, which is very serious, especially in the case of children. The Minister of State has been bereaved and we apologise for the fact that the schedule needed to be amended. Following the Senator's and Senator Mullen's comments, a debate would be very useful and it would afford them the opportunity to raise the issues they raised passionately today.

Senator Bacik raised the Bus Éireann dispute. I was very disappointed that the series of WRC discussions ended without agreement. Today is day 19 of the all-out strike but it has been referred to the Labour Court and both sides will engage with the court as it seeks to resolve the outstanding issues. We all hope to see a fair and acceptable deal emerge so that the disruption to people's travel arrangements, about which Senator Horkan spoke, can end as soon as possible.

Senator Bacik also raised the horrific events in Idlib in Syria, which are completely unacceptable. We all condemn the attack unreservedly, which underlines the need for full accountability for war crimes in Syria. I would agree to the joint motion the Senator suggested in this regard. She also spoke about the Garda conference. My understanding is that the Minister's diary would not allow it and the Minister of State was unavailable, having been bereaved. I will, however, pass on her comments. As for the cyclists group, I urge Members to support her in her efforts, which have been ongoing for a number of years.

Senator Hopkins asked about stroke services, which is a very serious issue for many families throughout the country. There have been improvements in acute care. The Senator raised the problems there have been with rehabilitation and I will ask the Minister to come to the House to discuss the issue. Senator O'Sullivan raised a very important issue regarding Northern Ireland and urged support for Northern Ireland politicians to come together and make an agreement that is palatable to all sides.Nobody wants Northern Ireland to be ruled from Westminster again. That would be a very retrograde step, and I would certainly support the Senator in her comments.

I agree to provide the written statement from the Minister. She had it in her hand here earlier but because of a vote in the Dáil was unable to deliver it. I will ensure it is e-mailed to Senator Ó Clochartaigh. The issues that he raised are very significant. There are people working in very difficult areas for those who need support. The Minister is agreeable and I will make sure that happens.

Senator Maria Byrne raised the positive development of 47,000 school meals being provided in a collaboration between the Department of Education and Skills and the Department of Social Protection. We all should hope for a good uptake on this. It is very positive and it is also an opportunity to ensure positive nutrition and to provide children who may not otherwise have received a very nourishing breakfast with food. We often hear that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I would be concerned that this a good quality meal, and we will see that as the scheme is rolled out.

I have mentioned already the festival in Ballyfermot. Senator Ruane also raised the issue of two individuals in her constituency who were murdered, which is a tragedy. I pass on my condolences to the families. A debate in this House on criminality and the routes out of it in the near future, perhaps after Easter, is a very constructive suggestion.

Senator Leyden, in an unusual move, is positive about the new scheme introduced by Minister of State, Deputy Seán Canney, concerning the relocation of families affected by flooding and moving them to higher ground. I acknowledge his positive comments.

Senator Norris raised the issue of the debate which had to be adjourned, which I have explained. He also raised the issue of the Luas. I share his frustrations in many ways, but we must be patient in the name of progress. Construction started in June 2013 and it is scheduled to be operational by the end of 2017. An additional ten million passengers will use this new network. Anyone who uses the existing network finds it a very beneficial mode of transport. The cost of the project is €368 million and it is one of the largest capital investment projects undertaken by the Government. There will be 13 new stops, with eight in the core city area, and it will connect the two existing lines, which is positive. I share the Senator's frustration on the way that it has disrupted the centre of the city. He also asked for a wider debate on transport, which I agree would be a useful one.

Senator Colm Burke referred to the issue of home care packages and I have already spoken about that issue. Senator Mullen raised the asylum seeker issue and the International Protection Act 2015. It is a reasonable suggestion that the time be extended from 20 to 25 days but I do not know what the reaction of the Minister might be to that. I am certainly willing to pass on the Senator's comments. I have mentioned already that a debate on asylum seekers and direct provision by way of update, if nothing else, as to how Minister of State, Deputy Stanton, is progressing with his work in this area would be useful. I know he feels very passionately about the area of direct provision, in particular.

Senator Lombard raised the issue of solar farms, which I must confess I do not know much about. It would be good to hear from the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine on that, and if legislation is required, we should certainly bring it into being.

Senator Devine raised the issue of Irish Water and without getting into the politics of it I will say that the committee is still in session. It is hearing legal evidence, based on the wish of the Senator's party, among others, to hear that legal evidence in the committee. It was happening until quite recently and has now been adjourned to 5.30 p.m., to the best of my knowledge. It is very evident that no party in the Houses of the Oireachtas wishes for Irish Water to be privatised, so it is a non-issue. The committee is still ongoing and we will all hope for a positive outcome from that. Perhaps some people will not because they have made such a platform of Irish Water that they will miss it when it is resolved.Some people will not because some have made such a platform of Irish Water that they will miss it when the issue is resolved.

I have addressed the issue raised by Senator Horkan, the 50th anniversary of free travel and Bus Éireann strikes, satisfactorily I hope. Senator Feighan raised an issue which he has raised several times in the House about the Commonwealth. Certainly with Brexit looming we do have to come up with ideas and perhaps open the debate on our history. I would be willing to ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to come to the House. Perhaps this issue could be discussed in the context of an overall debate on innovative ways to deal with Brexit although we have assigned one day a week to Brexit. Maybe that could be brought up at the Seanad Special Committee on the Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union.

Senator Craughwell brought up the issue of the Kinsale community school which he visited recently and wanted to acknowledge education practitioners throughout the country. We all acknowledge the essential work they do on a daily basis. A debate on further education would be useful. SOLAS exists but an update from the Minister for Education and Skills on it after Easter would be good.

Senator Murnane O'Connor raised the issue of home care packages and the discussion document which has been published today by the Minister. It is a discussion document and we have the right, as does the public, to contribute to that. I think we would all agree with Senator Butler that the Irish ladies soccer team deserves congratulations on its win last night. Although they have been negative for the past few weeks the publicity for the issue has been positive. I think many more people attended the match and the timing of the match was good because children were off school and were able to attend. I also note the Senator's comments on Harold's Cross and Shelbourne Park. The situation is a mess and I will certainly attend the briefing to hear from representatives of the greyhound industry. If there is anything that can be done by the Government I am sure it will be done but my understanding is that there were serious debts involved and the Harold's Cross situation was restructured in order to satisfy those. Obviously it is a very important industry in Ireland, along with horse racing. We all have a great affection for greyhound racing and if there is anything the Minister can do I am sure he will do it.