The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding the arrangements for the address of Professor Christopher Pissarides to Seanad Éireann on 8 November, to be taken without debate; No. 20, motion No. 10 regarding the decision of the Court of Cassation in Bahrain on 1 October 2012 to uphold the prison sentences on a number of Bahraini medics, to be taken without debate; and No. 2, statements on the European Presidency, January-June 2013, and the European Council meeting, October 2012, to be taken at the conclusion of No. 20 and conclude not later than 1.05 p.m., with the contributions of group spokespersons not to exceed six minutes and those of all other Senators not to exceed three minutes and the Minister to be called on to reply to the debate not later than 12.55 p.m.
Order of Business
I welcome No. 20, motion No. 10 on Bahrain, which is signed by all the group leaders. I ask that we keep a very serious watching brief on this situation. I am in regular contact with the Bahrain Rehabilitation and Anti-violence Organization, BRAVO, which is a group of Irish and Bahraini medics in Ireland. We should keep a very close eye on the situation there.
The ESB announced that its profits for the first six months of this year have jumped by 165% to €230 million. This is the same company that last month announced an increase in the price of electricity of nearly 6% and an increase of over 8% in the price of gas. A total of 315,000 of its customers had to enter into special payment arrangements because they cannot meet their electricity bills. This figure of 315,000 people in 2011 is up from 160,000 account holders in 2010.
We do not know the figure for this year to date. When the Electric Ireland spokeswoman was asked about this, she said the price increase will not be reviewed. I do not find that one bit acceptable. Regular customers are falling behind in their payments and are being hit with price increases. What is the view of the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural resources, Deputy Rabbitte? Has he spoken to Electric Ireland about this matter?
Based on projections, Electric Ireland will have a profit this year of over €500 million, yet it is imposing price increase upon price increase on hard-pressed customers, many of whom are struggling to pay their mortgages and other bills. There have been no pay cuts in Electric Ireland and there has been no pension levy imposed. The conditions in the company are exactly as they were prior to the recession, if not better, and pay increases have been made. How in God's name can we have allowed the company to increase prices - three times in the past six months – and to have a half-year profit of €230 million when 315,000 people cannot pay their electricity bills? What is the view of the Minister on this? Has he been in touch with the energy regulator and Electric Ireland, or will he just remain silent? I have no doubt this issue concerns everybody in this House. How can we allow a company such as this to make a profit of €500 million at the end of the year while still increasing its prices?
There has been no clarification whatsoever on the home help cuts. I raised this yesterday and last week. There have been cuts of 950,000 hours this year to date. An additional 450,000 hours are to be cut between now and Christmas, representing a figure in the order of €8 million. I am glad to hear that Senator Bacik, in her capacity as Deputy Leader, said yesterday that the Labour Party group has made representations to the Minister for Health. However, will the Minister for Health reverse the cut? To facilitate his answering that question, I am proposing an amendment to the Order of Business stipulating that he come to this House, for just 30 minutes, to state specifically whether the most recent cut of 450,000 hours represents Government policy and whether it will stand between now and Christmas. I want clarification on whether the Government will reverse the recent home help cuts on which the Minister signed off.
I share the Senator's concerns about Electric Ireland. I hope the Minister can come to the House.
We heard a report on RTE stating the mobility allowance scheme has been withdrawn in respect of many people in serious medical circumstances. Ms Emily O'Reilly has said the Department of Health is acting illegally regarding the scheme. I do not want to blame the previous Government although this arose on its watch; I will give it a pass today in that regard. It is totally unacceptable that the physically disabled are denied access to the scheme, not because they are ineligible but because the Department of Health has said the money is not available. Legally, the Department is obliged to pay. The Minister should explain the position to the House. I do not know how many people are affected but they are the most vulnerable. One person who was refused was 81 and subsequently died. Nobody should have to experience refusal. The scheme offers €280 per month for people who cannot walk or who are otherwise immobile. It is unacceptable for the HSE to say it cannot afford to pay. This is not an excuse when it is legally obliged to pay. If the excuse were upheld, it would set a precedent regarding many other equally worthy schemes. I ask the Minister to explain his position in the House and to reverse the decision immediately.
We had a very good debate last night on Alzheimer's disease. Members from all groups engaged with those who had watched the debate from the Visitors Gallery. Alzheimer's disease and dementia will be talked about more frequently because the average age of the population is increasing. Statistics show that the incidence of dementia doubles every ten years. It is coming down the tracks very quickly.
Malin Head and Valentia Coast Guard stations were debated with the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport yesterday. This matter needs to be addressed very quickly. I said at the meeting that there is too much fog around the whole issue and nobody seems to be clear on it. I wish the Minister made a decision and maintained the status quo so the people of Malin Head and Valentia can have some clarity. I expect the Minister to make that decision soon.
Public officials are being abused at meetings, which is not acceptable. I have seen this occur at various meetings. I would not like to be a public official attending committee meetings at present because there seems to be a carefree attitude in the sense that they are being hammered and subjected to grandstanding. I do not refer to anybody in particular. I hope a very good case can be made for Malin Head. A Northern Ireland delegation made the case, which is very important.
There should be a debate on promissory notes before March. It should be held immediately in order that the House can discuss our circumstances in this regard. In March, we will need to have a plan in place. There are many potential contributors in this House, including Senator Barrett, who has a grasp of the matter that others do not have. A debate on promissory notes would be very useful for us and the wider public.
Last week, I believed with justification that I had good news on planning permission in respect of Narrow Water bridge. I have better news this week because significant EU INTERREG funding, amounting to €18 million, has been announced, despite the economic circumstances that obtain. The project will result in tourism benefits and jobs. While the jobs will be temporary and last for the duration of construction, amounting to approximately 20 months, the tourism potential for the Cooley and Newry-Mourne peninsulas will be significant. Despite what I hear occasionally in this House, this is the scenic tourism capital of the country. Narrow Water bridge will be the first iconic international bridge to be built between the North and South. It will symbolise the much improved relationship between the North and the South. The project will commence in approximately nine or ten months and construction will take 20 months to complete. I look forward to the bridge's opening in mid-2015. This development represents great news for the entire country, particularly the north east, and for relationships between the North and the South.
This morning on "Morning Ireland", there was a rather strange discussion in which it transpired that several thousand of those who have paid the household charge are receiving demands to pay it. No records seem to be kept as to who has paid. This is a serious point because tax policy should differentiate between the compliant and non-compliant. We are all here because of the compliant people, and we need to find out how the mistakes were made.
I agree with Senator Harte on the promissory notes and Senator O'Brien on Electric Ireland.
There is a problem with the ESB because its chief executive, with the permission of the regulator of the sector, earns between three and four times as much as the Taoiseach. That is wrong. It is also worrying that the same regulator who allowed a seemingly slack regulation of electricity is about to be appointed the water regulator. I hope that the head of the water industry does not earn four times as much as the Taoiseach. The performance of some of the regulators must be questioned. Are they captured by the industries that they are supposed to regulate in the public interest?
I agree with Senator Harte's comments on the report of the Ombudsman, Ms Emily O'Reilly, into what is nothing short of an appalling treatment of older people in our society. I support his call for a debate with the relevant Minister on this matter.
Senators Harte and Brennan ensure that there is unceasing support for County Donegal in the House. Therefore, I must on occasion be moved to stand and extol the virtues of Dún Laoghaire because if I do not I shall fail my local area completely.
I wish to mention the rental sector. One in five people, or 20%, live in the private rented sector. We have 7% of the population living in social housing which is the lowest proportion in the history of the State. It represents a complete and total sea change in housing. Some months ago the Residential Tenancies (Amendment)(No. 2) Bill was published. I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on the private rental sector as it would inform forthcoming legislation on housing.
Yesterday I attended the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform and it was brought to my attention that NAMA has 10,000 rented properties. That means that one in 25 rented properties are controlled by NAMA which makes it the largest landlord after Dublin City Council. The appalling behaviour of some receivers towards tenants has been brought to my attention because they take the rent but do not carry out maintenance. They refuse to take responsibility when essential features break down such as heating and water supply which has led to great difficulties. The Seanad could have a useful debate on the security of tenure for tenants and the future of the sector and I ask the Leader to consider arranging it.
Yesterday, I tabled an Adjournment motion on the need for an enhanced GPS system for fishing vessels and fishermen. I was pleased with the response given by the Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. He stated that the Minister is looking at introducing legislation that would make it mandatory for all fishing vessels to have the new enhanced GPS systems and for all fishermen to carry personal locator beacons. Such measures would lead to a significant improvement in safety. We are all aware of the high profile tragedies that took place off the southern coast and elsewhere in recent years. Boats sank and fishermen were lost but it took a long time to recover their bodies. The new system, if implemented, will ensure that the rescue services can quickly locate people when their boat gets into trouble and even if they are in the water. In tragic circumstances, such as when a fisherman drowns, it takes a long time for his or her body to sink. It sinks for a while, resurfaces and then sinks slowly and it can take three or four days for it to go below the level where GPS systems work. Obviously personal locator beacons would make it easier for rescue services to locate a body.
I call for a wider debate on marine safety. The Minister is preparing legislation on the subject. Anything that improves safety for fishing vessels, commercial fishing vessels and fishermen would help to prevent tragedies at sea. A debate here would give us an opportunity to have our say in advance of legislation being prepared by the Minister. I ask the Leader to arrange a debate. I know that he is aware of the tragedies that have taken place off the coast of Waterford.
And Wexford.
We are all conscious of the need to improve safety.
I have sympathy for Senator Darragh O'Brien's comments on electricity prices. We need an urgent debate on the broader cost of living. The current economic equation in which we dwell - there is a general public acceptance - means that people have less money in their pockets and, therefore, less disposable income at the end of the week or month. We all wish that was not the case.
The other side of the economic equation is that it should not be impossible for a broad range of services, including electricity, gas and all utility companies, to deliberately force costs down. We have often discussed costs in terms of health insurance. The response to every increase in charges for hospital and GP care and the provision of healthcare was to simply accede to requests by the insurance companies to increase their prices. We urgently need to address the cost of living. As wages have taken a huge hit and the taxpayer must carry a huge burden, it is unacceptable that companies that provide the necessary utilities of life maintain and increase their profits.
This morning I read the words of welcome for the fact that house prices may be increasing. It worries me that we want to welcome and cheerlead an increase in house prices. The future of Irish families has been mortgaged and their current situation almost wrecked because we viewed house prices as a nirvana. With the current level of house prices we should aspire to have finance made available in order that people and families can buy houses. We need to be careful not to view an increase in house prices as a panacea and believe that the future is rosy again.
I support what Senator Hayden has said. Thousands of people depend on the rental market and it is a fair and reasonable way of life in most European countries. I ask the Leader to arrange a serious debate on housing and its future, including the purchase and rental of houses. We may not be able to have such a debate before the budget but we do need it in the medium term. I am concerned that an increase in house prices could be viewed as a return of economic sanity and progress. House prices led to economic insanity and I would not want us to go there again.
I second the amendment to the Order of Business proposed by the Leader of the Opposition, Senator Darragh O'Brien. I commend Senator Terry Brennan for the great tidings and news of great joy about his area.
At least it was a little bit of good news for the area.
I also wish to announce good news. Last Monday, at the Roscommon civic offices, the council voted 21 votes to 5 in favour of building much needed offices in Roscommon town. It will generate employment and provide facilities.
Next week all parties will have the opportunity to canvass for the children's rights referendum and to draw the attention of the public to the need for it to be accepted on 10 November. It is important for us to ensure that there is a large turnout. The referendum will give a clear mandate and will indicate to the public the importance of children's rights. We cannot take it for granted that people will vote in favour of it.
The campaign commenced when Bertie Ahern appointed Mary O'Rourke as Minister for Education and Science in 2007, an all-party report was produced in 2010 and the then Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Barry Andrews, prepared wording that was agreed by the last Government. A similar wording has been produced by the Government as overseen by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald.
This is a non-political issue. It is in the interests of the children of this country and in everyone's best interests that we would actively canvass, campaign and ensure people are brought to the polling station, if necessary, although it is not as necessary to do that as it was in the past.
I commend the Government for having the referendum on a Saturday and a later start time, thereby cutting down the costs. It will be a precedent for all future elections. Saturday is a day when people are available to go to the polls and this referendum will be a good test of that.
Fianna Fáil launched its campaign on Tuesday morning. We are 100% behind this campaign because it is not only in the interests of children now but of future generations of children.
I support the call by my colleague, Senator Harte, for a full and robust debate on the promissory notes with the Minister for Finance in attendance in the House. It is a matter of pressing public policy which has the potential to lay the largest single liability on the Exchequer next year. Some €3.1 billion is due for payment on 31 March plus the restructured €3.1 billion from last year. We could well do with a debate on it. We could pay the promissory notes, seek to reschedule the payment structure or not pay the promissory notes. It is important that the House has an opportunity to tease out the possibilities and the implications of each of these scenarios. I call on the Leader to invite the Minister for Finance to the House. It is important that should be done soon before the budget because the strategy being pursued has severe budgetary implications. Perhaps the Leader could organise that debate.
I also support a call by Senator Cullinane for the Minister to examine the possibility of the use of GPS technology by our offshore fishing fleet.
Some Members might find it hard to hear the Senator as a foreign station is-----
Members are talking and interrupting me. That is shocking.
Unfortunately, it is a common occurrence on the Order of Business and it is unfair to those who are making their contributions.
The foreign station is from Roscommon.
It is a reflection of the Leas-Chathaoirleach's decency and generous nature to allow such a conversation to take place.
I support that call by Senator Cullinane. If GPS technology is available and is not prohibitively expensive, it is an eminently sensible idea and one that should be examined.
I strongly endorse the sentiments expressed by Senator Leyden in calling for all-party support and activity this weekend and in the coming weeks to ensure the passage of the children's referendum. We are all obliged to ensure that we enshrine in our Constitution the protection and safety of our children. Some 1,500 children are confirmed every year as having been abused and in need of protection. We want to ensure the awful mistakes of the past are never repeated. The fact that the referendum is being held on a Saturday, as Senator Leyden said, presents an opportunity for everybody to come out and show their support. The fact that all parties are supporting it may lead to some complacency among the electorate and possibly the media is not giving the referendum the coverage it would get if groupings were opposing it. For that reason, we, as public representatives, all need to use some shoe leather in the next few weeks to ensure that we get the message across and encourage young people and students, who are away from home and may be coming home for the weekend, to cast their votes. The fact that the hours of voting have been reduced somewhat should not in any way deter from people's opportunity to cast their votes. It is not a working day for many people and hopefully the turnout will be high.
I support Senator Harte's call for a discussion on the Ombudsman's report on the mobility allowance scheme. This scheme is means tested and the allowance is only given to people who are really in need of it, those who are vulnerable and need the transport. Whatever we have to do to ensure this scheme is extended to people over the age of 66 must be done. We have to examine where savings can be made elsewhere in the HSE budget. Those concerned are the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in our community. It reflects very poorly on the State that we have an upper age limit of 66 which is now illegal under the Equal Status Act and we must rectify that in the interest of the people concerned, but also to restore the good name of the nation.
I endorse everything Senators Leyden and Mullins said about the forthcoming children's rights referendum. We will have public meetings in Cavan and Monaghan next Tuesday and Wednesday and we are out canvassing people as well to try to get this referendum passed with as large a majority as possible.
Like Senator Barrett, I was amazed to hear this morning that tens of thousands of people who have paid the household charge have received warning letters demanding €127 from them, which includes penalties and interest. The chief executive of the Local Government Management Agency urged people who had received such letters to contact the agency immediately. He went on to say that if householders do not notify the agency, they will receive a second letter and technically could face a penalty. In the name of God, what is going on? I do not blame the Minister. He has charged this agency with the responsibility of collecting this money. Tens of thousands of people who have already paid the charge are receiving these letters and if they do not telephone or e-mail the agency, they will get another one. What will that cost the Exchequer? I call on the Leader to have that matter investigated and inform the House of the position when it returns the week after next.
I join Senator Harte and other speakers in calling on the Minister for Finance to come to the House to discuss the promissory note well in advance of next March. That is a very serious matter and, as Senator Gilroy outlined, it involves the payment of billions of euro by taxpayers.
I have welcomed, in common with others, the tremendous project that will be the Narrow Water bridge at Cooley and it was great to hear my esteemed friend and colleague, Senator Brennan, extol the glory of the Cooley Peninsula and that general area. He was so enthusiastic about it he obviously regards it, probably properly so, as the Killarney of the north east.
He got in the mention of it.
When it comes to iconic projects, one must think of the beautiful restoration-----
The Senator is advertising again.
The Leas-Chathaoirleach is familiar with it. He is a frequent visitor who is always welcome. What is happening at Killarney House is unbelievable and I invite all the Members to see it for themselves. It is truly an iconic tourism project. We have this beautiful house both in the town and in Killarney National Park, the home of the former Earls of Kenmare, the Brown family, and John McShane, the man who did so much for horse racing in this country with that great trainer and Coolmore previously. A commemoration of both those families will be held there, which is something about which all Members will be enthusiastic when it comes to pass. I compliment the Minister, Deputy Deenihan, again on all he has done and for leading that project.
I note the sad passing of Billy Vincent who spent the first 15 years of his life in Muckross House, that other great house in Killarney. He has been a wonderful benefactor not just to Killarney, but to this country over the years. Senator Barrett is aware of that.
I agree with my colleagues in regard to the holding of the children's rights referendum on 10 November. I share their view that it is wonderful that polling day is on a Saturday. I believe all elections should be held at weekends. I hope we will get a good poll but I have yet to meet someone who is arguing against it. The danger in that is apathy and we would have a low poll. It behoves us all, therefore, to do our bit next weekend and in the remaining few weeks.
This morning, I read with a sense of disbelief and outrage that the ESB is pressing ahead with price rises of 6% although it has made profits of €213 million in the first six months of this year. While it is good news that it is making a profit, it is not good news that the board is pressing ahead with the price hike. This affects every household in the country. Some people's bills are as much as €200 per month and people are broke. The term, "semi-State", must mean something and this type of price hike has an incredible impact on the cost of living. The presence of the Minister in this House is required to have a full debate on this issue, as soon as he can manage it, because the term, "semi-State", must mean something. This increase indicates clearly there is insufficient competition because if it was sufficient, prices would be keener and more reasonable for householders. The term, "semi-State", means we have a stake in this commercial company and I believe we should use it. Consequently, I ask the Leader to schedule a debate at the earliest possible opportunity because the cost of living is out of control when one sees such bills coming to family homes every month.
The point raised by the previous speaker was also raised by the Leader of the Opposition and I will deal with it now. I refer to the question of the ESB and the substantial profits that have been made in the first half of this year. As Members are aware, the pricing of electricity is a matter for the Commission on Energy Regulation, but I am sure it should be taking cognisance of the large profits that are being made as a result of its decisions in granting such price increases. Moreover, I hope the Minister, Deputy Pat Rabbitte, will take the opportunity to speak to the regulator on this matter. It is dreadful when people are falling behind with their ESB bills and so on and it is immoral to see such profits in this semi-State body. Moreover, as Senator Barrett pointed out, the salary of the chief executive officer of this body is three or four times greater than that of the Taoiseach. In addition, many of the staff in that body have not been affected in any way by the cuts experienced recently by other members of the public service. It certainly is an important matter which I will bring to the attention of the Minister who I am sure is dealing with it. The Commission on Energy Regulation certainly must take cognisance of such substantial profits made by the ESB.
The Leader of the Opposition also raised the question of home helps and I will try to get answers to his questions. I do not propose to accept his amendment to the Order of Business on that matter.
Senator Harte raised a number of issues on the Order of Business, mainly regarding the Ombudsman's report. This matter was raised by Senators Hayden and Mullins in respect of the question of mobility allowance. I believe the Ombudsman's findings should be upheld and, whatever happens, the Government will be obliged to find means to act on the aforementioned findings and to restore these mobility allowances to people who are aged over 65. It has been proved that it is illegal not to give such allowances to those who are aged over 65 and the Government will be obliged to act on that matter.
Senator Harte also raised the issue of yesterday's debate on Alzheimer's disease. I compliment the Labour Party group on bringing this matter to the attention of the House because the debate was very informative.
On the question regarding Malin Head and Valentia Coast Guard stations, I understand the decision will be made soon. Were the Senator to table an Adjournment motion on the matter, he might be able to get the updated position in this regard.
The question of the promissory notes was raised by Senators Harte and Gilroy, among others. The Minister and his officials are in constant negotiations on this matter and I am sure the Minister will be willing to come to the House and update Members as soon as more progress is made on it.
Senator Brennan referred to Narrow Water bridge, a matter which is close to his heart. He has done tremendous work on this issue over many years in highlighting the need for this bridge, and the securing of European Union funding for it is to be welcomed. The Senator highlighted the benefits for tourism in the area, as well as building closer relationships between both communities. That is what this is all about and it certainly will be very beneficial to the tourism industry on the Cooley Peninsula and the other side of the bridge.
I mentioned Senator Barrett's observation in respect of the chief executive officer of the ESB. The Senator also referred to the household charge. The errors being made in this regard are simply not acceptable. Letters that are being sent by local authorities are based on information from the Property Registration Authority and, in some cases, the information contained within its databases might not have been updated. While that may deal with the specific point, having letters sent to people who have paid simply should not happen and there must be answers in this regard. Obviously people should and I am sure will immediately notify the authorities if they have paid, but it should not come to that.
Senator Hayden called for a debate on the private rented sector and a debate on housing, for which Senator Bradford also called. While the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, has come into the House previously, I am sure she would be quite willing to return to have an overall debate on the housing sector and the private rented sector. I will try to arrange such a debate in early course.
Senator Cullinane raised the subject of his Adjournment matter yesterday. I am glad the Minister responded as he did, because there is an obvious need for enhanced GPS systems on all fishing vessels. There have been accidents in recent years in which many lives have been lost. I agree with the Senator on the question of personal locator beacons on fishermen in that legislation should be introduced whereby fishermen should be obliged to wear them. I hope such legislation will be introduced soon because there is a need to improve safety regulations in the fishing or any other sector. I compliment the Senator on raising the matter.
Senator Bradford mentioned a debate on housing, to which I have referred, as well as keeping down the cost for all utility companies. He also mentioned the question of house price levels and the euphoria in some sectors as a result of an increase in house prices. I note the Senator's comments in that regard.
Senators Leyden, Mullins, Wilson and Paul Coghlan raised the issue of the children's rights referendum and pointed to the importance of people voting in the referendum. It is incumbent on all Members to ensure people are well informed on the issue and that they get out as many people as possible to vote in the referendum. That it is being held on a Saturday is being welcomed by the majority of the population and there should be no excuses for anyone not to vote on a Saturday.
Senator Gilroy raised the issues of the promissory notes and the fishing fleet, both of which I have dealt with.
Senator Paul Coghlan again extolled the virtues of Killarney, the Minister from County Kerry and anything pertaining to that county.
Senator Darragh O'Brien has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, "That a 30 minute debate be held today with the Minister for Health to clarify whether the Government intends to reverse the reduction of 450,000 hours in the home help service." Is the amendment being pressed?
Yes.
Order of Business agreed to.
Tá
- Cullinane, David.
- Daly, Mark.
- Leyden, Terry.
- Mooney, Paschal.
- Mullen, Rónán.
- Ó Murchú, Labhrás.
- O'Brien, Darragh.
- O'Sullivan, Ned.
- Quinn, Feargal.
- Wilson, Diarmuid.
Níl
- Bacik, Ivana.
- Barrett, Sean D.
- Bradford, Paul.
- Brennan, Terry.
- Burke, Colm.
- Coghlan, Eamonn.
- Coghlan, Paul.
- Comiskey, Michael.
- Crown, John.
- Cummins, Maurice.
- Gilroy, John.
- Harte, Jimmy.
- Hayden, Aideen.
- Healy Eames, Fidelma.
- Heffernan, James.
- Henry, Imelda.
- Kelly, John.
- Landy, Denis.
- Mac Conghail, Fiach.
- Moloney, Marie.
- Moran, Mary.
- Mulcahy, Tony.
- Mullins, Michael.
- Noone, Catherine.
- O'Neill, Pat.
- Sheahan, Tom.
- Whelan, John.
- Zappone, Katherine.