Seanad debates

Monday, 15 July 2024

12:00 pm

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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I was nearly going to announce Commencement Matters but that is for a different day. I call the Leader to announce the Order of Business.

Photo of Lisa ChambersLisa Chambers (Fianna Fail)
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The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding the arrangements for the sitting of the House on 16 and 17 July 2024, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business, without debate; No. 2, motion regarding the arrangements for the Report Stage of the Planning and Development Bill 2023, to be taken on the conclusion of No. 1, without debate; and No. 3, Planning and Development Bill 2023 - Committee Stage, to be taken at 1.15 p.m. and to adjourn at 9.30 p.m., if not previously concluded, and the sitting shall be suspended from 6 p.m. to 6.45 p.m.

Photo of Fiona O'LoughlinFiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail)
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I support the Order of Business as outlined. It was good news to hear over the weekend that the HSE recruitment freeze was ending today. This is very important, not only for the people who need the services of the HSE but also for HSE staff. There will be an opportunity to recruit new staff and regularise 2,000 existing positions. It is also important to note the expansion of the flu vaccination programme for those aged over 60 years and those aged between two and 17 years.

While we will be busy this week, as this the last time we will have the Order of Business before the recess, it is important that we take time to thank everybody for their support during this term.I thank Mr. Martin Groves and his team in the Seanad Office and all those in catering and the Bills Office, etc., who make Leinster House run as efficiently as it does. I also extend my best wishes for the recess to the large Opposition here - Senator Gavan - to those who are not here, and, of course, to the Cathaoirleach.

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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The cavalry is coming.

Photo of Fiona O'LoughlinFiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail)
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I thought he was afraid I leaving him out. It is important because it is our last week to mention the ongoing serious situation in Gaza. Despite the ceasefire proposals on the table and ongoing negotiations, we saw an expansion of the Israeli military operation in Gaza which resulted in the deaths of dozens and the destruction of healthcare, education and humanitarian facilities. We have to do everything we can to urge Israel and Hamas to implement immediately the three-phase ceasefire proposal endorsed by the UN Security Council.

Last week, I raised in the House and at the Oireachtas transport committee the situation the NTA has led us into, with the possibility of the fairer fares proposal not being implemented in September for those I represent in County Kildare and in the other counties impacted, Meath, Wicklow and Louth. I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Lawless, for having an urgent meeting on Friday with three representatives of the Newbridge commuters group. We had a good meeting led by Jennifer Caffrey. I am satisfied that the Minister of State is making this a priority. He has already started a round of meetings. He will meet the NTA this week. He is looking at all possible potential proposals to ensure this happens for commuters in September.

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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I welcome to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery Sinéad McCann, who is in our committee secretariat and her guests. They are welcome. I thank them for being here and I thank Sinéad for all her work. I hope she gets a good break. I call Senator McGahon.

Photo of John McGahonJohn McGahon (Fine Gael)
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I ask for a debate about Irish Water and our water infrastructure when we come back to this House in September. I ask because of an issue I raised previously in this House over the past two years, which is now quite serious in my home town of Dundalk, a town of 42,000 people, where the water has been absolutely rotten on many occasions. It is brown throughout the day for a huge number of people across the biggest town in this country. Over the past two weeks, I have collected evidence. I have more than 180 examples of homes affected. This creates a range of issues, affecting people trying to bathe young babies and elderly people who cannot use the drinking water and are spending money on bottled water. The excuses from Irish Water simply have not been up to the standard I would expect from such a body. This has happened every summer for the past three years. This summer in particular it is exceptionally difficult. There never seems to be a proper solution in place from Irish Water. We should have a debate about general water infrastructure in September because it is not on that a town of such a size - 42,000 people - has dealt with this issue every summer for the past three years. I know it is the same in other towns and villages. We have to come up with a solution because people continuously having to buy bottled water is not it. I would appreciate if we could have that debate at some stage in September when we come back.

Photo of Victor BoyhanVictor Boyhan (Independent)
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I raise yet again rural housing guidelines. I have said it time and time again. I printed off all of the times I spoke in this Seanad in relation to rural housing. For five years, we have been told they are in the making and they will be published in five, six or seven weeks' time. Nothing has happened. It is continuously raised with me.I spent the last few weeks touring around the country and meeting practitioners of planning, including local government planners and our city and county councillors. I was in three different counties last week and all the people I met asked me what was going on in relation to the rural housing guidelines. They asked me why it was the case that their sons and daughters and constituents could not get planning permission to build a home on their lands. These are people who are involved in farming, quarrying, forestry, etc. They have demonstrated an economic need in respect of these rural constituencies. I raised this matter in this House with the Leader in the run-up to the European elections. We seem to be being continuously told that these guidelines are coming.

Today, we are looking at this legislation and I will be raising this matter during the next two or three days again. I ask all Senators, from all parties and none, to put the pressure on to get an exact commitment concerning what is happening with rural housing. It is not a question of whether it will or will not happen. We are constantly being told and politicians are constantly telling their constituents and local representatives that this is happening. Why is it not happening? After all these years, why can we not get a commitment in this regard? Is the Minister committed to rolling out reasonable rural housing guidelines to enable people all over this country to live and to work and to be supportive of their extended family and of their principal farmland economic activities?

This is an important matter. For some reason, though, there seems to be a clog in the system. It has been suggested to me that we should be careful what we wish for. It may be because there are differences and some parts of the Government do not want this to happen, but this is not enough of a reason to do nothing about it. I am getting a strong and clear message from our city and, more importantly, our county councillors, who are asking what is happening in the principal Houses, the Oireachtas, where the legislation should happen. I ask that when we come back we have a debate on this matter. In the meantime, I ask the Cathaoirleach and everybody else with contacts in the Government, and clearly there are these contacts, if we can progress the delivery of rural housing guidelines that will allow people to live on the land they were born to or inherited and have a right to be on.

Photo of Alice-Mary HigginsAlice-Mary Higgins (Independent)
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I rise today to object to the Order of Business and to signal my opposition to the proposal in the motion providing for a guillotining of the Planning and Development Bill 2023. The Civil Engagement Group will also be proposing an amendment to this motion to remove the guillotine and, instead, provide that the Bill be adjourned on Wednesday.

It is important to say that when we look at the schedule, we can see that it is an extraordinary, not family-friendly and intensive one. For example, we have a 12-hour sitting scheduled for tomorrow. We must also remember that this is a rushed schedule on a Bill that is not emergency legislation and will have to be continued in the autumn anyway. As a legislator, I am uncomfortable with how I am being asked to perform my role in a way that is rushed and truncated. This is legislation that had three months of debate in the other House and will have three days of consideration on Committee Stage in this House.

Equally, many of the significant issues concerning this Bill will not get aired in the time available. Several weeks ago, all the Opposition leaders and Whips wrote to the Leader to ask that this legislation would be adjourned rather than guillotined but the Government has not listened. It is also worth remembering the significant issues with this Bill in terms of Ireland's compliance with its international law obligations under the Aarhus Convention. These are not mere technical issues. These are issues in a context where we have been told by the Aarhus committee, which is charged with this responsibility, that the Bill is not compliant. We are being asked to pass legislation that is not compliant on Committee Stage with the idea being it might be fixed on Report Stage.

Again, this is a Government that put forward proposals that it believed fixed this legislation in the past but which did not fix it. This is why I am suggesting that the Government could stand to benefit from having a proper Committee Stage debate where the issues in this regard can be identified. Issues like those flagged and ignored in the Dáil could be flagged and remedied on Committee Stage and this could allow for the outcome of the process to be proper and appropriate legislation. This legislation is going to be one of the pillars of democracy in this State in respect of determining planning decisions and how they will be made in future.

As I said, we will be objecting to the Order of Business. We are proposing an amendment to the proposed Order of Business. We are also objecting to the provision in the motion for a guillotining of the Bill and we are proposing an amendment to the motion to remove this provision.

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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Go raibh maith agat.

Photo of Alice-Mary HigginsAlice-Mary Higgins (Independent)
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In my remaining time, I wish to say that I will be haunted this summer by the children who are being starved, denied water and under bombardment in Gaza.These are all conscious choices. It is unacceptable that, during the same summer, Ireland and Europe will continue a business as usual approach to Israel with the flow of dual-use materials - materials that can be used for military purposes - and investment and trade with illegal settlements on illegally occupied land while aggressive and violent further expansion of those settlements continues.

Photo of Paul GavanPaul Gavan (Sinn Fein)
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Well said.

Photo of Alice-Mary HigginsAlice-Mary Higgins (Independent)
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When we say we should do everything we can, let us be clear that, going into the summer, Ireland is not doing everything we can. We cannot object to human rights abuses and call for a ceasefire and then take absolutely no action, continue with business as usual and make the unacceptable choice of allowing the flow of technologies used to kill, target and destroy lives. I urge the Government to start inspections this summer and block and suspend any licences for the export of dual-use goods. These actions need to be taken. We cannot wait until September.

Photo of Paul GavanPaul Gavan (Sinn Fein)
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I second the amendment proposed by Senator Higgins.

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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She has not proposed any so far. It will be after the Order of Business.

Photo of Paul GavanPaul Gavan (Sinn Fein)
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I apologise, that is my fault.

This is our last Order of Business. I wish everyone well for the summer and thank the Cathaoirleach, Martin, Bridget, all the staff and everyone who helps us to do our work on a daily basis. They provide an incredible service and on behalf of Sinn Féin, I am very grateful for that.

I will raise a few issues. First, I compliment Senator Higgins and am delighted to hear Senator O'Loughlin raise what is happening in Gaza and not for the first time. Every day, it gets worse. The slaughter, the genocide that is happening, is entirely unacceptable. I do not mean to bring rancour to the conversation, but this Government can and must do more. We must pass the occupied territories Bill and stop Shannon Airport being used in support of the genocide. I cited this last week to the Leader, Senator Kyne. There are 11 direct flights to Israel and 85 flights to the Middle East by the US military and we know they are supplying the weapons of death and destruction that are causing the genocide to happen on a daily basis. We can and must do more. It is not acceptable to ignore what is happening, especially through our civilian airport in Shannon.

The second issue I raise relates to the National Advocacy Service. Men and women are on strike. They were outside this building twice last week. They provide an essential service to some of the most vulnerable people in the State, representing them in the Workplace Relations Commission, in courts and in meetings with public services. They are on strike because the Government has refused to implement the Labour Court recommendation to give them a modicum of decency in their pay and conditions of business. That is entirely unacceptable. It is the fault of the Government that these people are on strike every day. For every day they are on strike, the 1,500 people who depend on their services each year are not able to access those services.

We are heading off on holiday this week, leaving this strike ongoing and these people incredibly vulnerable. The amount of money it would take to fix this dispute is minimal. There is no excuse for this, apart from an ideological objection by the Department of Social Protection. That needs to be overcome quickly. We should not have a situation where staff in our citizens advice centres will be on pickets throughout the summer. That is what will happen unless there is a Government intervention. That intervention needs to come today. I hold the Minister for Social Protection responsible. There seems to be some ideological blockage. She needs to get over herself, get this sorted out and implement the Labour Court recommendation. The message the Government is sending to employers is that it is okay to ignore the Labour Court. How can that possibly be acceptable?

Photo of Timmy DooleyTimmy Dooley (Fianna Fail)
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I am conscious that this is the last Order of Business of this session. However, we are also heading into the budgetary cycle and it is vital that in September we have a debate on the requirements of the budget.

I raise the money that will be made available for the recruitment and appointment of gardaí. We have become desensitised to what are often considered minor breaches of the peace in certain areas. For example, Ennis is one of the finest county towns in the country.Last week, in one particular estate, a woman who lives alone had her car destroyed by two thugs with hatchets late at night. They broke all the windows and damaged all the panels on the car. This is a pattern of intimidation that does not even get reported in the media anymore because it is below the surface. That woman, however, is out of her home and will never be able to live there again. She is 60 years of age and has worked all her life. She has worked hard and raised her family but, at this stage, finds herself with no possibility of returning to her home. That says to me that as a society we have become somewhat desensitised to this kind of intimidation and activity.

Of course, drug dealing and the masterminds of that particular practice are at the core of all this. It feeds into a difficulty in the recruitment and retention of gardaí. I looked at the statistics. County Clare lost almost 7% of its Garda numbers between 2019 and now. On the face of it, that might not seem like a big number. Gardaí are working very hard to try to address these issues but there are bigger fish to fry and they have to concentrate on that. They are now spread more thinly because of the reconfiguration of services between counties Clare and Tipperary. Garda management and gardaí on the ground are working night and day, might and main, to address these issues but we need numbers. We also need to recognise the profession of garda. We need to pay gardaí adequately, provide the necessary funding to recruit more and put in place the kind of regime that targets these masterminds of the drug trade who are in every village and town. There are a couple of kingpins and, if anything is said, they will intimidate and it goes below the radar. We have to call a halt to that.

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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I agree with Senator Dooley on the issue he raised. I fully support him on it.

I join with the expressions of sympathy regarding our former colleague, John O'Mahony, who died last week. I express my sympathies to his wife, Gerardine, and their family. I am sure we will have an opportunity to express those sympathies at a later date.

I will raise the issue of artificial intelligence and new technologies. We should have a rolling debate in the House regarding how this will affect our country, including the displacement of jobs by more efficient technologies. These technologies will affect transport, energy and enterprise. We need to be geared up in respect of those efficiencies. We will have a more efficient battery, for instance. There will be more efficiency in many areas. New technology will bring about all of those efficiencies, which will affect employment and unemployment. It is an area we need to be up to speed on. I ask for a rolling debate in the House when we come back, with the various Ministers responsible for the different Departments coming to the House to tell us where the Government is at, and where the various Departments are, regarding making waves for the introduction of artificial intelligence in technologies for transport, energy, enterprise and so forth in the country.

I welcome our new colleague, Senator Bradley, to the House. While this term will not be too long, I wish her a long career in politics and the Oireachtas.

Photo of Frances BlackFrances Black (Independent)
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I normally try to keep my final intervention before the recess quite light but I cannot do that today, unfortunately. I have to raise an issue that fills me with despair about the state we are in at this time. Another arson attack has been committed, this time in Coolock. This racism represents an existential threat to our democracy and public safety. It is very worrying. If asylum seekers are not treated with the dignity and respect they deserve as human beings, it will be corrosive to the democratic fabric of our society. If human rights are not upheld for everyone, we are less safe. We have to look at how racism has poisoned political discourse in countries such as the US and the UK.Part of any humane asylum system is finding accommodation for people as they wait for their claims to be processed. We are failing miserably on that despite a High Court order demonstrating that making single men who are seeking asylum, including children, homeless as a matter of course is illegal. The Government is persisting in this heartless policy. These homeless asylum seekers have nowhere else to go, yet their belongings are routinely confiscated and destroyed by the Garda. The legal basis for this is unclear. These homeless asylum seekers are now being harassed and assaulted by racists, who are tormenting them and broadcasting it on social media. It is absolutely obscene. We have a duty of care and a duty to protect the men from violence. I just do not know why we are refusing to do this. It cannot continue. If we are a truly modern liberal democracy, we cannot tolerate human rights abuses like this.

I support my colleague Senator Higgins's stance on Gaza. The Government absolutely needs to take more action on this. We need to pass the occupied territories Bill. My colleague also spoke about the arms embargo.

I support the points made by my colleague Senator Gavan on the national advocacy services.

Photo of Aidan DavittAidan Davitt (Fianna Fail)
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I also welcome our newest Seandadóir, Nikki Bradley, to the House and congratulate her on her appointment. We wish her well. This is a very collegial House and we all work in harmony together, so I am sure she will fit in and get the run of it quite quickly.

Today, I would like to raise the issue of the moratorium on data centres. This is a very Irish solution to an Irish problem. We have been so proud of, and our economy has excelled owing to, our IT and pharmaceutical sectors. The whole world looks to us because of all the large companies that have European bases here, from Meta and Intel to Apple. I am referring to all the big connections we have. We cannot refer to these and then say we just do not want to store the data because we cannot produce enough power. There is merit to this sentiment but we have to fix the problem. We have to think of better ways. I read an article last week on how data centre power can be generated. This comes back to our planning Bill. There is a hell of a lot in that Bill on offshore energy and other means of generation that we have to proceed with. It is quite apt that the Bill is being discussed today. I am speaking on the back of this. Could the Leader liaise with our Cathaoirleach on this matter? It is an ideal time for us to have a debate on data centres. Since there is to be a moratorium on data centres until at least 2028, I would appreciate it if we could have a debate in the House on them.

Photo of Aisling DolanAisling Dolan (Fine Gael)
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It was a fantastic weekend. Gaillimh abú. It was a thrilling performance and a fantastic win for Galway. It was a little more difficult on the Donegal side of things, but I know Donegal will be back again. The players gave everything and we really cannot wait for the all-Ireland final.

There is huge demand for the regional bus network. I call for a review of Bus Éireann's No. 20 Expressway service that ran from Galway to Dublin. It was removed a couple of years ago. However, there is a great need for everyone in society, but particularly older people and students, to have a way to get to hospital and college. Commuters need it to get to work. Aircoach removed its commuter service. I have spoken here many times about the need for additional transport services for people to get to their appointments in hospital, to college or to work. We need a service on the old Dublin–Galway road to connect our towns. There is a huge demand. I ask that we have the Minister for Transport here to speak about this. Commercial providers are pulling out of the route. It is important that we have the service connecting our towns. It will connect every town between Dublin and Galway. I see myself the huge demand for a service for Athlone, which does not have a service from the bus station in Athlone to the hospital in Ballinasloe.Finally, I welcomeour new Fine Gael Senator, Nikki Bradley, an advocate for people of all abilities, representative of rural areas and a proud Donegal woman whom I know well. Along with the leader, who is from Mayo, we are increasing our representation of the west and north west today. I hope the Cathaoirleach will help us to work over the summer months to address accessibility issues in this House that I have raised previously. I have raised the issue of a ramp and the fact that there is a lift in the House that is currently not working. I brought members of an accessibility group in Roscommon, along with representatives of Roscommon LEADER Partnership, to Leinster House recently and they were challenged because services were not available that they could use. Simple things like installing ramps and fixing the lift can be done over the summer months.

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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I welcome the guests of our colleague and friend, Senator Alice-Mary Higgins, Ms Katie Patterson, Mr. Scott Murphy and Ms Bridget Murphy who hail from San Francisco. Céad míle fáilte. I hope you have a very pleasant and enjoyable visit and you enjoy today's proceedings in Leinster House.

Photo of Mary FitzpatrickMary Fitzpatrick (Fianna Fail)
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I welcome our guests from San Francisco. I also welcome our new colleague, Senator Bradley, a champion of people of all abilities. I look forward to working with her.

I call for a debate with the Minister for Justice on crime and antisocial behaviour in Dublin. Last week, I and some Fianna Fáil colleagues from Dublin released the results of a public sentiment survey which we undertook, to which there were more than 1,500 respondents. The findings of the survey confirmed what each of us had been hearing anecdotally in our clinics and communities from constituents, neighbours and friends. Over 70% of those who responded had witnessed antisocial behaviour, including drug dealing and drug use in public. Over 65% said they had witnessed such antisocial behaviour in the city centre, while 90% felt that this antisocial behaviour and crime in Dublin had significantly worsened in the last ten years. Almost 80% do not know their community garda, which is a sad indictment of the state of policing in Dublin. We made a number of suggestions, many of which were endorsed by respondents. Approximately 90% of people supported our call for a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week criminal District Court.

In Dublin Central we have the most amazing public amenities, including the Royal Canal, Mountjoy Square park, the Blessington Street Basin and Parnell Park. These are iconic, amazing public spaces but they are being dominated by antisocial behaviour and crime. It is utterly unacceptable. We need a debate with the Minister for Justice to address this issue for the capital.

Photo of Joe O'ReillyJoe O'Reilly (Fine Gael)
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I welcome our new colleague, Senator Nikki Bradley, to the House, which I did not have the opportunity to do previously. I know she will add a new and important perspective to our debates. It is wonderful to have her here. She is a neighbour of mine in Ulster, from the neighbouring county. I have huge affinities from childhood with Donegal and I look forward to working with her.

I support the remarks of Senator Gavan in relation to the Cathaoirleach, Mr. Martin Groves, Ms Bridget Doody and all of the staff, including all of our ushers. I wish them all a good summer and thank them for the good work that is done here. Things do not just happen by accident. There is a lot of background activity and I thank them all for that.

The good budgetary situation we are now in and the fact that a special Cabinet subcommittee on disability has been set up provide us with a unique opportunity to combine financial input with whatever background administrative changes are necessary through the office of the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, who is very engaged with these issues.This should be the budget, the year and the Government to bring an end to the waiting lists for assessments for myriad conditions, including autism, dyspraxia and dyslexia. A whole lot of assessments are required for young children to bring an end to the waiting lists for child and adolescent mental health services, CAMHS. The opportunity is there because of our budgetary position and the will to do it should be there. I am proposing that when we return from the recess, there should be a set of debates before the budget or as the budget takes place, but ideally before it, on the issue of waiting lists. In a country with the wealth we have, those waiting lists are a scandal that needs to end. We have the opportunity to do that now and right-thinking people want it done. It behoves us to go about doing so. I ask the Leader to get the Seanad to be a leader in this area.

Photo of Eugene MurphyEugene Murphy (Fianna Fail)
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Like Senator Dolan, I express my congratulations to Gaillimh on its great win, and to Armagh. It will be a sensational all-Ireland football final. Of course, the hurling final will be played between the Cathaoirleach's county and County Clare. The combinations are a bit different this year, which will make for two good all-Ireland finals.

I will briefly return to the issue of crime in rural areas. I will speak about an issue I have been reluctant to talk about. Over recent months, I have come under enormous pressure on the issue of antisocial behaviour in Ballinasloe. Galway County Council works hard to allocate housing to people but when it allocates the housing, the people who are going to be the tenants will not take it up because of antisocial behaviour in the area. People do not want their children to grow up in those surroundings. It is appalling. I investigated myself and the antisocial behaviour is out of control. I do not like saying that. Community policing needs to be looked at. I spoke last week about the Minister coming into the House in September. We need that to happen.

As Oireachtas Members, we all have a responsibility. I am not having a go at the Minister, as I said last week. This is not me having a go at the Minister. As Oireachtas people, we have a responsibility and a duty to speak out on these issues. In parts of Ballinasloe, Galway County Council has allocated housing to people but those people have told me they cannot move into those areas. There are serious issues with alcohol and drug abuse and people are telling me that they cannot be expected to bring up their children in those types of surroundings. As I said, I investigated myself and it is happening. We must speak out on these issues. It is appalling that houses in some of our towns are being left closed up because of antisocial behaviour. We must tackle the issue. In September, we should seek a meeting with the Minister in the Chamber to discuss those issues.

Photo of Martin ConwayMartin Conway (Fine Gael)
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I share in the thanks that have been extended to the Cathaoirleach, the Leas-Chathaoirleach, Mr. Martin Groves, Clerk of the Seanad, Ms Bridget Doody, the deputy clerk, and the entire parliamentary community for the work they do on our behalf. As others have said, it is a mammoth task and is getting more difficult and challenging all the time. We appreciate that and hope people get a break over the summer.

When we come back in September, the likelihood is that it will be for a short period. I would like a specific debate on the role of carers. A lot of background work is taking place within the Government to adopt a new approach to the carers and the work they do. I look forward to that because we have an opportunity now, as the budget cycle begins, to do something significant to support the thousands of carers who are caring for the elderly, people with disabilities, people with special needs and children. A scheduled debate would be useful.

Mr. Bernard Gloster confirmed on the radio yesterday that the report of Mr. Justice Frank Clarke into the tragic death of Ms Aoife Johnston is with him. I believe it will include recommendations to improve things. I also understand from statements that were made last April and May that the terms of reference that are going to be given to HIQA to carry out its short and sharp review of emergency facilities in the mid-west were contingent on this report.We are coming to the end of this Oireachtas cycle. This HIQA report was promised last May. I want a timeline for when we are going to have this report. Following on from that, we need a debate on that report. Over the summer period the Leader could perhaps engage with the Minister for Health, Deputy Donnelly, to clarify the timeline so that we can have that debate and hopefully improve emergency services in the Midwest.

Photo of Tim LombardTim Lombard (Fine Gael)
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I will start by thanking the Chair and the Leader of the House for their support over the last term. I thank the staff of the Seanad for their ability to work with this House in such a wonderful way.

This afternoon, we heard significant debate on whether or not we should have the Minister for Justice, Deputy McEntee, brought before the House to discuss issues of law and order and the justice system itself. A debate of that nature might be appropriate if we take into consideration where we are in making sure that certain parts of the State when it comes to the Judiciary, get through the Houses of the Oireachtas. I speak of the Special Criminal Court which is a really important tool. It has been passed in both the Houses of the Oireachtas and passed in this House at the end of June. It is a significant tool that needs to be supported.

As we are all here to support An Garda Síochána and the Minister, it was unfortunate that certain elements of the Oireachtas voted against that. It should be acknowledged that elements of Independent Ireland and People Before Profit voted against that issue. We need to have political debate on whether you are for or against this Special Criminal Court or totally opposed to it. I was shocked to think that two parties decided to vote against such important legislation. A debate with the Minister in this House is important. We need to flesh out the views of Michael Collins's part in Independent Ireland on the issues of why he has a problem with the Special Criminal Court. The court has done so much to ensure that we have a safe society.

We need to take into consideration why it was set up in the first place. It was to prevent the State from falling into rack and ruin regarding issues related to Northern Ireland, gangland murders and everything else, yet they still vote against this proposal. A debate in this House about those issues is important because we need to flush out the people who are speaking from both sides of their mouth when it comes to law and order. You are either in favour of it or you are not. You are either supporting the Garda Síochána and judges or you are not. It is quite obvious that Independent Ireland and Michael Collins is not supporting them.

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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I welcome Mr. Jim Harvey, one of our chief ushers here in Leinster House who has been a great friend to all of us in the House and his guests. His guests should make sure Jim pays for lunch because he has loads of money. He has his confirmation money I am told. Jim is very welcome and I thank him for all his courtesy to us in the Oireachtas. Anois, glaoim ar Threoraí an tSeanaid chun freagra a thabhairt ar an Ord Gnó.

Photo of Lisa ChambersLisa Chambers (Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Chair and all the members that contributed today. I welcome Jim and his guests to the Chamber also. I want to take the opportunity to welcome our new Seanadóir, Nikki Bradley, to the Chamber and as a Member of Seanad Éireann. I wish her the very best for her term.

Many members rose this morning at the outset to thank all of the staff of the Houses of the Oireachtas, be it Mr. Martin Groves and the team, an Cathaoirleach, the Bills office, the catering staff and everyone who makes this place tick. It is the last opportunity on the Order of Business to extend our thanks and our gratitude to all of those people who work alongside the Members to facilitate us in doing our job and ensuring the democratic process takes place. I thank them sincerely and we look forward to having a break and coming back in the next term as well.

Senator Fiona O'Loughlin spoke about the lifting of the recruitment ban within the HSE. This is very positive news. It spells the next chapter for our health service and additional funding has been approved for the HSE as well. We hope to see increased recruitment into all areas of our health service that is much needed. The Senator also raised the issue of the NTA and the fairer fares issue that is now not taking place in September. This refers to reduction of fares into parts of Newbridge and Kildare county. This is really unfortunate. It is something the Senator has raised on numerous occasions. If we want to get people out of their cars and onto public transport, we have to make it affordable, accessible and reliable. I hope to see that matter resolved to the satisfaction of commuters.

The Senator also raised the important issue of Gaza, as did Senator Black and Senator Alice Mary Higgins.We need to keep the issue on the agenda at every opportunity. Our hearts are broken while watching what is happening on a daily basis in Gaza, particularly what is happening to children in terms of the slaughter, murder and forced famine in that area. It is shocking to see what is happening. We are all deeply frustrated that diplomacy in politics has not yet worked to resolve the matter and to bring about a ceasefire. We will look for a debate in the new term on the issue to keep the matter high on the agenda and hope that we see some sort of resolution over the coming weeks for those families, those children and those living, although they are not really living but barely surviving, in Gaza.

Senator McGahon has asked for a debate on Uisce Éireann, which we will look for in the new term. Senator Victor Boyhan has raised concerns around rural housing guidelines that have yet to be published. The Minister is committed to publishing those guidelines. I would rather time be taken so that when they are published they are right and they actually work for rural communities but I take on board the Senator's comments. They are something that is sought, particularly by local authority members across the country.

Senator Higgins has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business. I am not prepared to accept the amendment but I take on board the Senator's position on same. The Senator has raised issues regarding parts of the Planning and Development Bill but we will get an opportunity to debate those in the course of Committee Stage of the Bill. I am conscious that the Bill is large. We are told it is about ten times the size of a regular Bill but that is why we are dedicating more than 20 hours of debate on Committee Stage to this Bill this week. I feel we are giving ample opportunity for debate and I have no doubt but that the Senator will be on her feet quite a bit over the next few days, which is very important. While I understand the Bill is huge and there is a lot to be discussed, I believe giving more than 20 hours to Committee Stage is adequate. We will, of course, have an opportunity for Report and Final Stages when we return in September.

Senator Gavan has raised the issue of the National Advocacy Service, as well the ongoing conflict in Gaza. I take on board the points the Senator has raised and I know it is not his first time raising the National Advocacy Service. It provides a hugely important service, particularly to vulnerable people who are in need of their advice and their support. I hope to see a resolution and I know the Minister is keen to get the matter resolved. We hope to see that brought to a conclusion over the next few weeks but I acknowledge it is a hugely important service right across the country for those involved.

Senator Dooley has asked for a debate around the budget in the new term, particularly regarding money being allocated for the recruitment of additional gardaí. The Senator has raised issues in relation to anti-social behaviour and crime. He spoke about a particular situation in Ennis, which as described by the Senator is deplorable in respect of that woman whose car was damaged by two thugs. I take on board the Senator's comments on the plight and scourge of drug dealing across the country and how that is feeding into criminality. The Senator raised an interesting point that some of these issues are not even being reported any more because they have become so commonplace. It is something we really have to work on.

Senator Paddy Burke agreed with the remarks of Senator Dooley. He also extended his sympathies on the passing of our late colleague, former Senator John O'Mahony. The Senator has also asked for a debate on artificial intelligence and new technologies and the impact it will have on jobs and wider society. He also extended a welcome to new Senator Nikki Bradley.

Senator Black put the arson attack in Coolock on the floor of the House. I read about that myself this morning. The scenes are shocking and it is absolutely despicable that anybody would set alight private property because they have an issue with migrant facility or facility to house refugees. That cannot be allowed to become the norm in this country. There have been far too many of those situations. It is criminal behaviour and I have no doubt but that the Garda will do everything it can to bring to justice those that were responsible for that arson attack. Anybody hanging around the area, and there are reports of certain individuals hanging around who just happened to be there and who are very vocal on social media, needs to be dealt with as well. We have to put a stop to this type of criminality because people do not feel safe in their communities now with this stuff going on. I thank the Senator for raising that really important issue.

Senator Davitt has raised concerns around a moratorium on data centres. My understanding is that there is no explicit moratorium on data centres and that is the position of EirGrid. However, there are certain requirements that must be met to get planning permission for a data centre, such as back-up generation and one must be close to a source of renewable energy, which might be challenging for some. We have to manage the issue properly. There is a report due out shortly on the matter. We need data centres to support the digital life we now live and that is across all services.We are all on our phones, living online and doing everything online, so we need data centres. We are home to some of the biggest tech companies in the world, which have their European headquarters here. There is a demand for these services. They consume a lot of energy and that is part of the balance that needs to be struck in terms of our climate targets, keeping emissions down and focusing on renewable energy. We can look for a debate in the new term on the issue, as it will unfold in the weeks ahead.

Senator Dolan congratulated Galway on the fantastic win yesterday. I extend my congratulations to the team and management and wish Galway and Armagh well in the final. It was a fantastic game yesterday and Galway did very well. I take on board Senator Dolan's comments on the regional bus network and the demand and need for it. There is a lot of debate about public transport and it tends to focus more on the cities. We have a lot of work to do, particularly in rural areas. For many people there is simply no alternative to the car and that is it. The bus service is patchy at best in many areas. We have made a lot of progress but it is still not convenient for people to use the bus service to get to work, college or appointments. For this reason, for the most part, they will always opt for the car. A focus on rural transport is as important as a focus on transport in our cities. Both have to go hand in hand. We will request a debate with the Minister on this in the new term.

Senator Fitzpatrick requested a debate with the Minister for Justice on crime and antisocial behaviour. She outlined to the House details of the public sentiment survey she and other colleagues in Fianna Fáil conducted in the Dublin area. I understand there was a significant response to it and more than 60% of respondents witnessed antisocial behaviour on public transport. This is an alarming figure by anyone's measurement I would think. There is job of work to be done to tackle it. There is a view that the city centre is not as safe as it should be for tourists or people living in the city.

Senator O'Reilly welcomed Senator Bradley and thanked all of the staff for their work. He made the point that the good budgetary situation we find ourselves in and the special Cabinet subcommittee on disability provide an opportunity for us to tackle waiting lists. There is certainly money there to deal with the issue but getting staff seems to be a massive challenge. I have become aware of cases recently in my area. Respite is a big challenge and giving parents or carers a break is a big issue that is not getting the support that it needs. We need to get staff into the service. Many parents and carers need some time to themselves and time off during the day, be it a few hours, an overnight or a weekend. It is a very important service for us to deal with, as are the waiting lists for the assessment of need. We have done a good bit of work but there is a long way to go.

Senator Murphy also asked for a debate on crime and antisocial behaviour. The case he outlined is not isolated, whereby people do not want to take up the offer of a house because of the situation in an estate. It is also happening in other areas. It poses several problems, with regard to crime and antisocial behaviour in an area and with the situation whereby there is a vacant house nobody wants to go into when we have a massive challenge with housing and waiting lists in some areas. It needs to be dealt with. It is a matter for gardaí locally. I am sure they are doing their best with resources and support to deal with it. The problem cannot be allowed to persist. If a house is available, it should be filled without delay.

Senator Conway raised the issue of carers with regard to the budget. He also said the report with regard to Aoife Johnston should bring about some much needed improvement in services. Again, we extend our condolences to Ms Johnston's family.

Senator Lombard supported the call for a debate on law and order with the Minister for Justice. He raised particular issues with regard to the Special Criminal Court and asked for a full debate on it. We will look for that debate in the new term.

Amendment put:

The Seanad divided: Tá, 25; Níl, 8.



Tellers: Tá, Senators Robbie Gallagher and Joe O'Reilly; Níl, Senators Alice-Mary Higgins and Frances Black.

Amendment declared carried.