The Order of Business is No. 1, Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2012 - Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business and to conclude no later than 1.30 p.m., if not previously concluded; No. 2, Equal Status (Amendment) Bill 2012 - all Stages, to be taken at 1.30 p.m. and to conclude no later than 3 p.m., with the contributions of group spokespersons on Second Stage not to exceed six minutes, those of all other Senators not to exceed three minutes, and the Minister to have five minutes to reply to the debate. Committee and Remaining Stages will be taken immediately thereafter; No. 3, motion regarding the earlier signature of the Equal Status (Amendment) Bill 2012, to be taken at the conclusion of No. 2, without debate; No. 4, the Social Welfare Bill 2012 - Committee Stage, to be taken at 3.30 p.m. and to conclude no later than 7 p.m., if not previously concluded; and No. 5, the Finance (Local Property Tax) Bill 2012 - Second Stage, to be taken on the conclusion of No. 4. The time allocated for this debate shall not exceed two hours, with the contribution of group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes, those of all other Senators not to exceed five minutes and the Minister to have five minutes to reply to the debate.
Order of Business
What is the position with regard to home helps whose hours were cut this year? Senator Gilroy is not here this morning, but I heard him mention this issue was resolved. It has not been resolved in my area and nobody there whose hours have been cut has had their hours reinstated. Will the Leader confirm the original 500,000 hours taken out by the Government and the proposed 450,000 hours have been reinstated?
Can we all inform our constituents across the country who have had their home help cut, on the basis of what Senator Gilroy said last week, that they will be getting their home care hours back? It would be important if we could clarify that before Christmas.
We are taking Committee Stage of the Social Welfare Bill today. As everyone will know, some extremely important amendments have been tabled that would protect the respite care grant. From everything the Minister said yesterday, I cannot be convinced in any way, shape or form, and I do not think anyone in this Chamber can be convinced, that to cut 20% off the respite carer's grant is fair or equitable. It is a mistake. This House has-----
That will be an appropriate matter for the debate.
It certainly will be appropriate, but it is appropriate now and I will explain why. We heard pronouncements from various individuals like Senator Whelan over the last couple of weeks, who was wringing his hands and crying on public radio about how terrible this was. If he was here this morning, which he is not, I would tell Senator Whelan, and Senator Heffernan, who is not here either-----
We do not mention people who are absent from the Chamber.
-----and Senator Landy, who is not here either-----
We could start making comments about Fianna Fáil Senators who are not here either.
I would tell them that, while they could come into the Chamber yesterday and apologise, apologies will not put bread on the table for anyone. Apologies are not going to reverse the respite care grant cut.
He is taking responsibility.
Has Senator O'Brien a question for the Leader?
He is taking responsibility and I admire that.
That is magnificent. Go buy him a coffee after the Order of Business.
Have you a question for the Leader?
Yes. I am asking the Leader whether he believes the Seanad has a role in reviewing legislation and in sending legislation or aspects of legislation that are wrong back to the Dáil. I would also ask other Senators who have proclaimed that they are for Seanad reform and Seanad retention, which I am-----
Hear, hear.
They want Seanad reform. The eyes of the general public are on this House at the moment.
That is not a reason to vote-----
If the Seanad is ever going to do a service for the Irish people, it is to say "Sorry, parts of this legislation are wrong". I can understand the difficulties with child benefit and I welcome the fact the Minister yesterday announced she would be bringing forward a report. However, I cannot, and I do not think any colleague here in his or her right mind and right conscience can support cuts in the respite care grant.
The Senator is over time.
I am appealing to all Members across the House, those of all parties and those of none, to particularly ensure today, on the respite care grant, that the amendments tabled are passed and that the Bill is sent back. I would say specifically to those who talk about Seanad reform and retention of the Seanad to stand up and actually show the worth of the Seanad, because I believe the Seanad has a worth.
We have three and a half hours on the Bill today and I hope that will be sufficient. If it is not, I hope it will be extended further. I thank the Leader for extending the time yesterday but, unfortunately, there were still a couple of speakers who did not get in. We have important amendments today. It is an opportunity for Senator Whelan and others to stand up to the mark and do what they said they would do, and support the people and send back this awful piece of legislation to the Dáil.
I ask for a ruling from the Chair. I thought there was a tradition or at least some sort of practice in this House of not naming Senators who were not present in the Chamber. Once we start doing that, we could do it on both sides.
You are correct. I pointed it out to the Senator.
Thank you. I again commend the Leader for extending time yesterday on the Second Stage debate on the Social Welfare Bill. I thought it was a really good, comprehensive debate. I want, in particular, to welcome the comments made by the Minister, Deputy Burton, in her response on Second Stage and I call on the Leader to follow up on the Minister's commitment to publish the report on child benefit of the Advisory Group on Tax and Social Welfare. Following from that, I ask the Leader for a debate on that report in the Seanad at the earliest opportunity. Indeed, the Minister yesterday said she looked forward to engaging with Senators on the various options for reform of child benefit that will be put forward in that report. There are hard choices to be made in terms of taxation, means testing and the preservation of a basic rate on the principle of universality. It would be worthwhile to have a debate on that in this House, which the Minister indicated she would welcome.
I would also like to welcome very much her agreement with the proposal from the Labour Party Senators, referring to something I had said last week but which was put forward by Senator Marie Moloney, that she would welcome an audit or survey of the provision of respite care places across the country. Many of us are aware that for many carers the issue is lack of availability of respite care places, and that an interdepartmental survey would be necessary in conjunction with the HSE, as well as the Department of Social Protection, to see where there are gaps in provision-----
There is a big gap of 20% in funding.
------and to see where there is a lack of availability of respite care places.
On another note, I welcome the Government decision yesterday on the introduction of legislation and regulations to implement the X case and to comply with the ruling of the European Court of Human Rights in the A, B and C case. Some 20 years after the X case, it is long overdue that we have Government action on this. It is very welcome that we have, finally, on foot of the expert group report, a commitment from the Government to legislate on this. I very much hope we will see legislation early in the new year.
Hear, hear.
I know we will have hearings before the Joint Committee on Health and Children, which is very welcome, but we need to move to keep pressure on within the Government to ensure the legislation is drafted and brought forward swiftly. The expert group report sets out a very clear blueprint for the content of such legislation. I very much welcome finally, after 20 years, a Government decision on this and a commitment to move forward without delay.
With regard to the legislation on abortion, I welcome it but I do not think it goes far enough. I do not think it appropriate that a woman who is carrying a foetus that has no brain and no capacity to live whatever should be forced to carry that to term. It should also be a procedure available to women who are the victims of rape or incest. I believe those two matters will come back to haunt us because I do not believe it actually faces the problem squarely.
I do not rejoice in abortion. Over many years, I have said that I reject the colonisation of language by people who have taken to themselves the term "pro-life". I am very glad to see this language system is being challenged and it should be more widely challenged.
I heard on the radio today that some members of the Labour Party were claiming this as a victory, which is regrettable.
They were.
Perhaps these reports were misplaced.
You were sending out press releases.
Not my press releases.
I know Senator Bacik would not for one-----
It was Deputy Ciara Conway.
Senator Norris, without interruption.
I feel this is inappropriate. Nobody rejoices at this sad situation but we must face the situation in human terms.
I find it appalling that once again in Pakistan three workers implementing a polio programme should be shot dead yesterday. It started a couple of days ago, with a brave young woman who was part of this programme being murdered by these savages. There is no other word for them, given they could do this to somebody who was actually preventing disease. I hope the ambassador will be made aware of the concerns of Irish people in this matter.
I have come to dislike the institution of banking, in particular the people who direct its operations. I believe we should protest at Bank of Ireland putting a 2% increase on credit cards-----
It is 4%.
Is it 4%? My God almighty.
It is disgraceful.
It is a 4% increase coming up to Christmas just to catch people and put them into the poverty trap. I have had an account in the Bank of Ireland for over 60 years, since I was eight years old. I believe I have never seen such disgraceful behaviour on the part of a bank, at a time when the ordinary people of Ireland have been forced to bail them out, that they should put their hands once more into the pockets of the impoverished. I would like to have my colleagues support me in demanding that the Bank of Ireland rescind this disgraceful move in the run-up to Christmas.
That is the very point I was going to raise. This 4% increase on the so-called clear credit card and 2% on the so-called classic card is a predatory strike. It is an ambush of the customer at this time. People are caught for cash when doing their Christmas shopping and, as they are using their cards, they will run up big bills. This is a crippling interest rate hike that is uncalled for, particularly at this time. I join with Senator Norris in strongly condemning the move. I understand we have to get the banks profitable again in the interests of the taxpayer.
This is not the right way to go about it and certainly not at this time. I abhor that move and join in the call for this House to send out a strong message today - I note Senator Darragh O'Brien is in agreement - to that bank in this regard.
I commend the six Taoiseach's nominees on their stand yesterday in relation to the Social Welfare Bill 2012. They acquitted themselves well with the people and are regarded as being-----
That matter is not appropriate to the Order of Business. Do you have a question for the Leader?
It is.
It is appropriate, a Chathaoirligh.
The Social Welfare Bill 2012 is on the Order of Business.
It is appropriate. The honourable Senators will make their decision in the best interests of the Irish people and in an independent manner will vote in a particular way. The public is delighted with their decision and with the independence of mind which they have shown since being elected to this Seanad. Well done.
All of them are honourable.
Those who promised that there would be no change in the respite care grant are not, in particular those who are members of the Labour Party.
Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?
Fine Gael is doing what it always does.
We are not discussing political parties this morning. Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?
Some Labour Party members did not acquit themselves well yesterday. That must be admitted.
Does Senator Leyden have a question for the Leader?
Will the Leader agree that prisoners of good standing who qualify for release during the Christmas period should be granted that release, as has always been the position of the Minister for Justice and Equality and the governors at this time of year? I hope that the Minister and governors will see fit to do so. I am not making the case on behalf of any particular prisoner. Christmas is a special time for every prisoner. However, there are some prisoners who will not qualify for release during that time because of the crimes they committed. However, where possible those who qualify should be released during the Christmas period so that they can attend particular events, including christenings and so on. I believe this would be well received by the public during this time of peace and Christmas joy.
There is a certain irony in the crocodile tears being shed by the other side of this House in relation to cuts to the respite care grant.
That is not true. Senator Hayden cannot speak for Members on this side of the House. How dare she.
Senator Hayden without interruption.
This House will debate the Finance (Local Property Tax) Bill 2012 this evening, which it is estimated will raise €200 million in six months and approximately €500 million in a full year. Almost every household in the country will contribute to this. The amount raised by this tax in one year will be less than that spent on carer's benefit. The entire property tax take in this country in one full year will be less than the €600 million spent on carers by this Government.
Exactly. Why then is the Government introducing such a half baked measure?
It is outrageous to suggest that this Government does not care about people who have care needs.
It does not care.
People throughout the country are talking about the Government.
More money is spent on carers than will be the entire tax take in one year from the property tax.
It will cost more to keep people in nursing homes.
Senator Hayden without interruption.
Shame on the Labour Party.
I have no doubt that the Opposition will cry crocodile tears about that too.
It is a wrong policy. The Government is going down the wrong road.
It is disgraceful. We are not crying crocodile tears.
Does Senator Hayden have a question for the Leader?
The Labour Party made commitments and broke them. It has broken every commitment to date. The Labour Party has no credibility as a party.
Excuse me.
The Labour Party has no credibility. Members of that party should be ashamed of themselves.
Senator Hayden without interruption.
It is worth bearing in mind that the respite care grant will, even after these cuts, be higher than it was in 2006.
Senators, please.
The previous Fianna Fáil-led Government had vast resources available to it during the Celtic tiger era, which it should have spent on carers and their needs rather than on the Galway tent.
James Connolly would turn in his grave.
Senator Hayden without interruption. Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?
I would like to bring to the Leader's attention that there has been significant growth in the number of homeless people on foot of the disastrous economic situation brought upon us by the previous Government. I congratulate the Government on having ring-fenced the money available, in particular in this budget, for homeless provision and on its adoption of a housing first approach which is focused on homeless prevention. I call on the Leader to invite the Minister of State with responsibility for housing to this House early in the new year to discuss the issue of homelessness and the measures the Government is taking, in particular around housing first, which are focused on prevention of homelessness.
Yesterday, I raised the issue of the future of the Church of Ireland College of Education and the concerns expressed to me at meetings which I attended in Armagh on Saturday about the symbolism of abolishing that college at a time when relations between the traditions in Ireland are somewhat fraught. The Leader said he would arrange to have the matter selected for discussion on the Adjournment. The matter was already taken on the Adjournment on 4 December. The Minister's response at that time was to make it clear to the authorities that he cannot support its remaining on the existing campus. I regret matters have escalated since that debate took place. I again request the Leader to invite the Minister for Education and Skills to come to this House for a full debate on the costs and benefits of the Church of Ireland College of Education.
And also Trinity College Dublin.
I join with Senators Norris and Coghlan in condemning the decision by the Bank of Ireland to increase interest rates on credit cards at this time of the year. It is most insensitive. As a lifelong customer of that bank, I am disgusted at this move. It is in sharp contrast to the announcement by the Minister, Deputy Bruton, of the introduction of a single portal by the end of 2013 for retail licences, as part of a plan to reduce the licensing burden by 33%, which is good news for small businesses.
Another issue of concern to me is that of undocumented migrants in Ireland. I welcome that this issue is being discussed today by the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality. There are approximately 30,000 undocumented migrants living in Ireland, including families and children. Despite that many of these people are working here and that their children are attending school here they are, like many of the undocumented Irish living in America, in limbo. The proposed earned regularisation scheme is to be welcomed. I ask the Leader to provide time in the new year for a debate on the undocumented living in Ireland and the earned regularisation scheme. This situation is unacceptable at this time, with many families separated from loved ones abroad, as is the case for Irish people living in the United States who cannot come home because of their undocumented status. I ask that the Leader schedule a debate on this issue in the new year.
Whatever about Senator Hayden's view of Opposition spokespersons crying crocodile tears, everybody in this House will be aware from their dealings with staff in constituency offices that the victims of these policies are crying real tears because of the impact they will have on them and their families. I am sure Senator Hayden like other Members also deals with such people. All of these issues will be further debated today on Committee Stage.
I rise primarily to welcome the Government's decision to legislate for the X case. I accept it will be a difficult issue for members of all parties and none. In my view we are 20 years too late in legislating on this issue. Previous Governments have failed the women of Ireland on this issue. In my view what is needed to deal comprehensively with this issue and to safeguard and protect medical professionals and women is a combination of primary legislation and robust regulations. For some people, policy on this issue will go too far while for others it will not go far enough. I hope that when we come to debate the legislation on this issue, which debate it is hoped will be robust, there will be some degree of balance to it. Yesterday's pronouncement from one Member of this House, which attempted to juxtapose the awful tragedy in the US with the issue of abortion and people's genuine and sincere concerns for women, was disgraceful.
Hear, hear.
It was a new low in the debate on abortion. If the Government brings forward legislation which is in line with the X case - I think it will do so - it will have the full support of the Sinn Féin Party. I look forward to voting with the Government and to making sure that I, as a legislator, do the right thing by the women of Ireland and medical professionals in this State.
I will not go into detail in respect of the comments of Senator Terry Leyden and others on how difficult yesterday was and how certain individuals should be praised for standing up for the people of Ireland. I must point out, however, that the reason we are in the position we occupy is the Senator and his colleagues opposite voted for Bertie Ahern as Taoiseach on three separate occasions. That is the end of the matter.
The reason is the Minister for Health overspent by €400 million.
What about the 3% increase in the universal social charge for those earning over €100,000? It is all about choices and the promises made before the general election.
Senator Jimmy Harte appeared on television with the Tánaiste, Deputy Eamon Gilmore, when those promises were being made. How can he stand up in this House and talk about our record?
The Senators opposite protest too much.
Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?
My advice to Senator Jimmy Harte is that he should return to Fine Gael.
Senator Harte to continue, without interruption. Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?
Yes, I have a few, if I am allowed to ask them in this season of goodwill. Thankfully, Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill is present and I can address directly his comments on stopping Irish overseas aid to Third World countries. In the week approaching Christmas it is very dangerous to be discussing putting a stop to aid to such countries as a result of the fact that we are borrowing the money involved. We are obliged to borrow that money and the reason we are giving some of it to the countries to which I refer is we are in a position to borrow it on the markets. I would not reduce our overseas aid by even 1 cent. The €100 we borrow from the European Central Bank or some other institution has a great deal more value in a village in Kenya in which there might be no infrastructure or water. I am sure Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill will reflect on what he said on this matter. The debate in this regard was begun by a certain celebrity solicitor in Dublin who stated, first, that he would not pay his property tax as a matter of principle and, second, that we should not be sending money to Third World countries when we were obliged to borrow it for ourselves. Everyone knows the identity of the solicitor to whom I refer. He bought an aeroplane for his girlfriend who subsequently dumped him. His priorities are so-----
That matter is not appropriate to the Order of Business. Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?
I do not know whether it was appropriate for the woman in question to dump him.
There was no petrol for the jet.
I request a debate on our contribution to Third World aid which should be maintained. We should be proud of our record in giving money to Third World countries.
My comments on foreign aid are well documented. Most of the €623 million that will be borrowed to provide such aid next year and for which taxpayers will be liable will be paid to the United Nations, the European Union, world banks and regional banks in Africa. Ireland is sending €43 million to a country which purchased fighter jets. An article appeared in yesterday's edition of The Guardian in which it was stated corruption had resulted in €5 billion in aid being withdrawn from an African country to which the Government proposes to give €30 million next year. Countries in Africa must be helped in order that they might help themselves. The aid we are providing is not being used appropriately in order to assist people to help themselves. Why not just keep the 25%, suspend it for three years and give funding to our NGOs and directly to civil society organisations in Africa? The sham taking place means our money is going to world banks. If people in the Labour Party and others want to support the continuation of the process in this regard whereby there is not total transparency and accountability in the money we send in aid, that is fine. However, we should reconsider the position.
The second issue I wish to raise relates to the National Asset Management Agency. When I raised this matter last week, I received a rap on the knuckles from the head of relationship management at NAMA. This took me by surprise because I was of the view that, as an elected Member of this House, I was entitled to ask questions about semi-State organisations, including NAMA, in circumstances where particular matters were brought to my attention. I wish to clarify the position on the point I raised last week in respect of two former HSBC officials working for NAMA. What I said was factually incorrect. However, I have discovered that the position is much worse than that.
Is the Senator seeking a debate on the issue?
One of the two individuals to whom I refer who were employed by HSBC and named in a damning report compiled by the US Senate is the special Government adviser to the Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael Noonan, in respect of NAMA, while the second is the chairman of AIB and has a close relationship with NAMA.
The Senator's time is exhausted.
NAMA must be fully investigated. I have received hundreds of e-mails from people throughout the country in the past two days on the secret society that is NAMA. Who in Fine Gael will agree with my assertion that NAMA is a secret society?
The Senator is over time. I call Senator Fidelma Healy Eames.
The Taoiseach said the same thing when he was in opposition. I call on the Leader to ask the Minister for Finance to come before the House to answer a number of outstanding questions on the secret society that is NAMA and the conflict of interests associated with those to whom I refer.
NAMA operates within the law.
Any Senator who defends NAMA must be asked why he or she is doing so and what links he or she has with that organisation.
I have no links with NAMA, if that is what the Senator is implying.
The Senator is obtaining inside information on it.
I am not. The Senator ought to put up or shut up.
I am concerned about the ramifications of yesterday's decision to legislate for the judgment in the X case on the grounds of suicide. This is a flawed and dangerous basis on which to legislate for mothers and children. We have learned a great deal in the past 20 years and there is broad agreement that abortion is not a treatment for mental health problems and that the correct action to take is to treat people for such problems. In framing the legislation we must ensure the most important matter to be considered is the intention in making the intervention. The guiding principle in such interventions must be life saving as opposed to life destroying or life taking in nature. Like many others, I wish to ensure we will not deliver a wording which will, in time, open the door to abortion on demand in this country. I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on this matter as early as possible in the new year. We should, perhaps, have a number of such debates in order that we might frame the most appropriate legislation to protect the lives of mothers and their children, where possible. I reiterate that the intention must be life saving rather than life taking in nature.
On the prospect of abortion being introduced in Ireland, the contributions of Members in the House have been relatively calm. People have expressed their views, based on their own conscience or values. This is important because this is not a matter to be decided by means of a shouting or heckling match. In the coming months there will be a great deal of reflection on the part of Deputies and Senators on yesterday's announcement. They will inform themselves and take soundings from their constituents and those they represent. I hope that when we return to dealing with this matter in the new year, we will do so in a calm manner. This is one of the biggest issues which this House and the Oireachtas in general will be obliged to confront since the foundation of the State. My position on the matter has been clear at all times. If the new legislation allows for the deliberate taking of the life of an innocent baby, it will be repugnant to everything I believe about human rights. It is important, therefore, to be honest and have integrity when discussing the lives and welfare of mothers. Both sides in the debate must adhere to the facts and express their views on how they believe we should move forward in this matter. This country has a proud history of protecting and sustaining human life at all stages and I hope we will not take the opportunity in the midst of panic or otherwise to change our record in this regard.
I was in my office looking at the monitor and watching Senator Darragh O'Brien's performance on home help hours. He is trying to raise doubt about the announcement made by the Minister for Health. He seems to be unconvinced the statement by the Minister for Health reflects the reality. I wish to clarify the position on the home help hours. On Thursday last during a meeting of the Committee on Health and Children, the Minister for Health, Deputy James Reilly announced that the home help hours and the home care packages will be restored with effect from 1 January 2013 to the levels they were at on 1 January 2012. If Members have any doubt, they can get a transcript of the proceedings from the committee. If the Cathaoirleach insists, I will ask the Leader if he can provide that information to the Senators who are still unconvinced about the home care packages and home help hours.
Táimid buailte le séasúr na Nollag. Is dóigh, an t-am seo an tseachtain seo chugainn, beidh cuid mhaith turcaí agus ham ite agus mar sin de, ach tá daoine áirithe amuigh ansin nach bhfuil ag súil chomh mór sin leis an Nollaig.
The Christmas season is upon us, but people are concerned that it will not be easy. It was heartening to be at a presentation by the Samaritans who outlined the amazing work they are doing. They launched their impact report for 2011-2012 outlining how they have handled 400,000 phone calls, 258,000 dialogue contacts and up to 57,000 listening hours. A startling fact is that one in six of the calls they have been receiving is due to calls from people who are worried about different situations because of recessionary issues. They have more than 1,400 volunteers working with them, of which more than 100 are in Galway and most branches would have over 100 volunteers who give 15 hours per month. It is very important that we should acknowledge that Christmas will not necessarily be a happy time for everybody but we commend the work of people like the Samaritans who provide help during the Christmas period for those who find this time difficult. Their telephone number is 1850609090. May I ask the Leader to arrange a debate in the new year on the supports available for people who are finding it difficult to cope in these times of economic austerity and whether they are adequate to deal with the numbers of people under pressure? The numbers using services such as that provided by the Samaritans are increasing all the time.
I am surprised by the comments that foreign aid is a sham. In fairness to the Government, there is a mechanism of checking and cross-checking all moneys allocated by the Department or the EU. Mistakes are made and sometimes things are not done in the way they are supposed to be done. As an MEP, I employed people in Brussels as research assistants, one of whom subsequently got a job supervising EU projects in Iraq and was responsible for cross-checking that the moneys for projects were properly spent. For a member to suggest there is no audit system and the funding given is going willy-nilly to governments to do what they like with it, is absolutely and totally outrageous and incorrect. It is wrong that a Member should come into the Chamber and give the impression to the general public that Departments are not ensuring that the moneys given are being used properly. Let me give an example. A family member works in Kenya in a school in which the pupil-teacher is 1:70 and the cost of a teacher is €1,200 per annum. I think that by providing €1,200 to a country in order to employ an extra teacher is a significant help. That is an example of the value we are getting for our money. Likewise, agencies such as Trócaire and Concern are using the aid effectively and constructively and are generating a return of ten times more than a government can deliver. This money is being used in a constructive manner. It is wrong to suggest that money is being used for the purchase of arms and ammunition and is being misused by the third country governments.
Good news often passes by without comment. I take this opportunity to congratulate the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Phil Hogan. In 20 months he has done more to protect groundwater in the country than any previous Minister. The announcement of a grant scheme to upgrade septic tanks is very welcome. I was here during the passage of the Water Services (Amendment) Bill and I saw Members on the Opposition benches objecting to the costs that would arise from enacting the Bill. Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill in particular was trying to create panic by his suggestions of what it would cost those in rural area to upgrade their septic tanks. Now Deputy Hogan has announced that people will be entitled to a grant of 75% of the cost of upgrading their septic tank and this proves he is trying to protect our groundwater. As I said, he has done more in the past 20 months than any other previous Minister.
Has the Senator a question?
I think Deputy Phil Hogan has done an exceptional job in regard to water service. May I ask the Leader to note the exceptional job that the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government has done in respect of the Water Services (Amendment) Act 2012? I think he should be congratulated.
So should the Opposition.
This morning Bank of Ireland announced it would raise the interest rate applying to its credit cards. We must remember that the rates applying to credit cards are above 10%. The lower rate is approximately 11% and the higher rate is 16% and both these rates are being raised by 3% to 4% each. At this time people will spend a bit more than usual as it is Christmas and will see the impact of this increase in their January credit card bill. We bailed out this bank, and in the context of the difficulties in the country, this is a horrid move by Bank of Ireland.
The rate of interest charged on amounts outstanding ranges from 11% upwards. In the context of the pressures to which Senator Ó Clochartaigh referred, it is too much for consumers to take this increase. It has been suggested that we have a debate on the psychological effects of debt and the support mechanisms that can be put in place for people struggling with debt as a result of the current difficulties.
Senator Darragh O'Brien raised the question of home help and I think Senator Kelly answered his specific questions. One will always have a doubting Thomas when good news is announced. Senator Kelly has outlined the situation on home helps, which the Minister of Health announced at the Joint Committee on Health and Children. Senator O'Brien raised a number of questions on the provisions of the Social Welfare Bill. I am not going to remind him that in the 2010 budget the then Fianna Fail-Green Party Government cut the carer's allowance by €16.50 per week, which is €850 a year.
For not reminding people, I congratulate him.
I am not going to remind Fianna Fáil that they cut the blind person's allowance by €16.50 per week and €850 a year-----
The old age pension.
The tax on children's shoes.
Nor will I remind its members that over two budgets there was a cut of €16.50 per week for widows as well, which cost €850 a year. I am not going to remind the Members opposite of that but they can certainly raise the other question in the more than ample time of three and a half hours allocated to Committee Stage.
Senator Bacik called for an audit of the provision of respite care. I think that should be done and I am sure the Minister will take those suggestions on board.
A number of Members, including Senator Bacik, raised questions on the Government decision on the expert group. The Government has decided to accept the expert group's suggestion that the European Court of Human Rights judgment in the A, B and C v. Ireland case be implemented by way of legislation with regulations with the parameters of Article 40.3.3° of the Constitution as interpreted by the Supreme Court in the X case. The Government is conscious of the complexity and sensitivity of this issue and for these reasons the process of drafting the heads of a Bill and draft regulations will not occur until after the Joint Committee on Health and Children has conducted its hearings on the subject in early January.
When the draft heads of the Bill have been prepared, a comprehensive debate will take place at the joint committee and with the public before the Bill and the accompanying regulations are finalised. The aim of the Government's action is to provide for clarity and legal certainty in the process of determining whether a termination of pregnancy is permissible in cases in which there is a real and substantial risk to the life, as opposed to the health, of a woman. That is the Government's position on the report of the expert group. I am sure we will have many more debates in the House on the matter before the legislation and the regulations are provided for. I assure those Members who have stated that this may lead to abortion on demand that that certainly will not be the case.
Senator David Norris raised the matter of the appalling murder of three people in Pakistan. It is certainly a matter that should be raised and I am sure our ambassador will raise it and bring it to the attention of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Senators David Norris, Paul Coghlan, Catherine Noone and others raised the matter of the credit card interest rate increases announced by Bank of Ireland. The increases in the interest rate will be crippling for members of the public, especially given that the bank was assisted by the State. It should reconsider its action and withdraw the increases. To increase an already inflated interest rate at this time in the run-up to Christmas is disgraceful.
Senator Terry Leyden raised the matter of prisoners being granted release during the Christmas period. I am sure the same arrangements for the release of prisoners during the Christmas period as applied in previous years will be in place this year.
Senator Aideen Hayden raised the matter of provision for homeless persons. A number of provisions for homeless persons were included in the budget. I will arrange for the Minister of State, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, to come to the House early in the new year to discuss the issues of homelessness and housing.
Senator Sean D. Barrett again raised the matter of the future of the Church of Ireland College of Education. I was not aware when he raised the matter yesterday that it had been raised on the Adjournment. I will take up these points with the Minister concerned and get back to the Senator on the matter.
Senator Michael Mullins outlined the position on undocumented immigrants. I understand the matter is being discussed today by the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality and Defence. There are many undocumented Irish people living in America and we can, therefore, understand and empathise with undocumented immigrants living here. It is an issue that will have to be tackled.
Senators Jimmy Harte, Brian Ó Domhnaill and Colm Burke raised the matter of foreign aid, an issue we discussed on the Order of Business yesterday. There is obviously a big difference of opinion between Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill and the vast majority of other Members of the House. I assured the House yesterday that I would invite the Minister of State, Deputy Joe Costello, to come to the House early in the new year to discuss foreign aid. The points made can be teased out then.
Senator Trevor Ó Clochtaraigh spoke about the wonderful work being done by volunteers in Samaritans. I am happy to acknowledge the work of Samaritans which does excellent work the length and breadth of the country.
Senator Pat O'Neill raised the issue of septic tanks and water services, which matters were raised on the Order of Business yesterday. I am sure everybody welcomes the grant aid announced by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Phil Hogan, in recent days.
Is the Order of Business agreed to?
On a point of order, I take issue with the comments made by Senator Colm Burke who made an accusation about words I had not used.
That is not a point of order. Is the Order of Business agreed to?
I request that the record of the House be corrected.
The record of the House will speak for itself.
An accusation was made.
What about the Senator's false allegations?
Order of Business agreed to.