The Order of Business is No. 1, address to the House by Mr. Jim Higgins, MEP, to be taken at the conclusion of the Order of Business, in accordance with the arrangements set out to the House in the motion passed on 15 May.
Order of Business
I regret, as my colleague, Senator Thomas Byrne, mentioned yesterday, the fact that we have a light work programme in the House this week.
Today we have the Order of Business followed by an address, albeit a very important one to which we are all looking forward, by Mr. Jim Higgins, MEP. As Senator David Norris rightly pointed out yesterday, the Order Paper was never so full of legislation as it currently is, both Private Members' Bills and Government legislation, yet we are presented with a superficial filling of the schedule of business for the week. Moreover, the Leader has, apparently, ignored our calls for a debate with the Minister for Health, Deputy James Reilly, on the report published this week which has caused great concern throughout the country. The newspaper headlines today refer to the issue I raised yesterday in the House, namely, that in the west there are the lowest response times in providing cardiac care. The new hospital groupings will do nothing to enhance the north-west region in the context of the provision of the much celebrated clinical programmes. That is borne out by the front page of The Irish Times which tells us that people in the north west are at a direct disadvantage when it comes to cardiac care and cancer services. This is merely the latest addition to the litany of broken pre-election promises with which people have become all too familiar under the Fine Gael-Labour Party Government.
In this context, I propose an amendment to the Order of Business to include a debate on the announcements made this week on health care provision. The Minister must come to the House to explain how centralising management and budgeting for the entire north west in Galway will in any way enhance services in that region. I note that my colleague, Senator Thomas Byrne, has tabled a motion for debate on the Adjournment today on the future provision of services at Our Lady's Hospital, Navan. The Senator undoubtedly recalls that before the general election, the Minister attended a rally of more than 10,000 people in the town and met GPs, consultants and stakeholders in the area to deliver a guarantee that the accident and emergency service would not be withdrawn. This week, however, we learned that the reorganisation of the delivery of hospital care would include ridding Navan of that service. In fairness to the Leader, his political lobbying is evidently of sufficient effect to ensure there was no downgrading of Waterford Regional Hospital. In the case of Navan, on the other hand, the sum of the electoral parts of the Fine Gael Party did not, apparently, match the Leader's potent input in influencing the report on hospital groupings.
What are the people of Navan, the north west and other areas in which services are effectively being downgraded to do? The centralisation of budgeting and management will do nothing other than exacerbate the already difficult situation at certain locations, including the accident and emergency service in Navan and cardiac and cancer services in the north west. In response to my questions in this regard at the briefing on Tuesday evening Professor Higgins could only observe that in the fullness of time the road between Galway and Sligo would be upgraded. Is that what we are reduced to? The brightest minds in the country are saying that for 20% of the population, comprising the largest geographical area among the proposed hospital groupings, there is no need to worry about cardiac response times as reported on the front page of The Irish Times today - response times which suggest it will be a case of moving closer to a centre or risking almost certain death in a cardiac emergency - because the road will be upgraded in the fullness of time. That is what the people of the north west are left with. Will the Leader arrange for the Minister to come to the House today to answer these points?
I welcome the useful debate we had last night on the Bill introduced by Senators Katherine Zappone and Feargal Quinn setting out proposals for Seanad reform. Their Bill and the legislation brought forward by Senator John Crown have passed Second Stage and been added to the Order Paper. It is a welcome development that these proposals will now inform the debate leading up to the referendum to be held later this year.
Will the Leader arrange a debate on the report published yesterday by the Garda Commissioner on the investigation into alleged irregularities in the cancellation of penalty points? This issue has been the subject of a great deal of debate in the other House and various media. It is very important and welcome that this investigation was undertaken. It is essential in terms of public confidence in the Garda that we have proper oversight and transparency procedures in respect of any such process of discretionary decision-making. The very serious allegations made are not borne out in the report, but it does raise several questions. I assume the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality will examine the report, but we should also have a debate on it in this House. In the light of the allegations, the process that gave rise to the report and the report itself, Transparency Ireland has called for a review of internal whistleblower procedures within the Garda. Certainly, the treatment of the whistleblowers and the extent of the allegations made by them are worthy of further consideration. In short, a number of serious issues remain to be debated arising from the report.
Tomorrow, 17 May, is International Day of Action Against Homophobia, IDAHO. I understand that in Britain various Government buildings will be flying the rainbow flag to mark the occasion. Here in Ireland Dublin City Council flies the flag during Pride Week, but we might consider ensuring in future years that as many State buildings as possible will do so on IDAHO Day.
I join Senator Ivana Bacik in welcoming the splendid debate held last night. It is a significant development that the two Bills are now on the Order Paper and can be fully debated in the House, with the co-operation of the Leader. It is regrettable, however, that this significant development did not make the news. All we had were a few rather pallid interviews and a discussion on "The Late Debate". There was no participation by any Senator in that discussion and the participants did not seem to know what they were talking about. One person from the other House stated the Bill was defective because it would require constitutional change. That is completely wrong. The Bill was deliberately framed - it has the fingerprints of Joe O'Toole all over it - such that its provisions would not require any constitutional change. As we all know, it was the legislation that followed the re-establishment of the Upper House in 1937 which weakened this forum and corrupted it politically at the behest of the political parties.
As a result of all this misinformation and the deviousness of the Government in this matter and in light of the excellent leading article in The Irish Times which I commend to colleagues, I am issuing a challenge to the Taoiseach. I will be happy, as father of the House, to debate the matter with him in any public forum of his choosing, whether it be the Mansion House, in Government Buildings, in the AV room or elsewhere, and in the full glare of the media. I will answer any question put to me and challenge him to prove his case to the people. As it stands, he is abusing his position as Taoiseach to launch one-sided campaigns full of misinformation. I challenge him to meet me in debate. Let us have it out and let the truth be told. I will be happy to expose what I consider to be his mendacious position.
The Irish Times today also carries an excellent letter from the Archbishop of Dublin, Dr. Diarmuid Martin, in which he raises a point that I have made repeatedly in this House on a particular difficulty in the proposed legislation on abortion. As a very pro-choice person, I find it obscene that a child who would be, to use that horrible word, "viable" outside the womb, could be safely delivered and easily live, could, under these provisions, possibly be deliberately killed. That is what is being suggested, because there is no time limit for terminations. The Archbishop is correct in this. This awful prospect is a consequence of the people who call themselves pro-life shoving an amendment that was disastrous, sectarian and wrong-headed into the Constitution. There must be clarification on this issue.
There was understandable anger on the part of a very conservative group when excrement was left outside the door of its office on Capel Street some time ago. Will those same people condemn the attacks on Deputy Regina Doherty who was extremely courageous when she spoke on television during the week about the threats she had received as a consequence of her intention to vote in favour of the Government legislation? She has been warned that her home will be burned down with her family in it, which is absolutely unconscionable. I want to hear some concern expressed for the Deputy by those people who have loudly condemned the actions of virulent pro-choice activists.
I am very disappointed at the lack of progress made in the establishment of the national children's hospital. I supported the holding of a proper inquiry on a point of principle and accepted the decision to locate the new facility at St. James's Hospital rather than the Mater Hospital. However, absolutely nothing has happened since.
Ms Norah Casey who was on the board said on Newstalk that there was no board and no design team and that there had bee no site clearance. The date has been put back again, this time until 2019. It was supposed to be done to celebrate 2016. This is a disaster. Perhaps the Mater hospital site, on which tens of millions of euro have been spent, should be considered again.
I agree with what has been said about IDAHO Day, which is very important. Tomorrow is also the anniversary of the arrest, detention and mistreatment of the leaders of the Baha'i movement in Iran. We should also remember that event.
I wish the continuing talks at the Labour Relations Commission well and hope there will be a successful outcome to the bus drivers' dispute. I also hope we will also a successful outcome to the Croke Park II negotiations.
A few weeks ago the Department of Health issued Healthy Ireland - A Framework for Improved Health and Wellbeing 2013-2025, a framework for action aimed at improving our health and well-being in the coming generation. It sets out a clear vision of a country where everyone can enjoy physical and mental health and well-being to his or her full potential. It is important for this House to discuss this comprehensive document which is a roadmap and a framework for the next decade. I ask the Leader to schedule such a debate.
I was tempted to raise this issue after attending an enjoyable function in the Mansion House last night. The Leas-Chathaoirleach was also present at the celebration. I refer to the launch of a passport and a series of stamps to mark O'Sullivan Beare's historic walk from the Beara Peninsula to County Leitrim in 1603. A greenway that straddles ten counties and four provinces has been developed along a route of more than 600 km following real collaboration between State agencies, farmers and many communities. It was a really special event. We want to promote this greenway and all other greenways that have real and tangible benefits for our communities. They offer recreational opportunities to young and old alike, connect people in communities, provide major tourist attractions, bring much-needed accommodation and food business into rural communities and promote healthy exercise and outdoor activity. I pay tribute to everybody involved in this fantastic project in all the communities along the route. I refer particularly to Mr. Jim O'Sullivan from the Beara Peninsula who has done tremendous work and those involved in many communities in my own county of Galway from the bridge at Portumna through Aughrim, Ahascragh and Ballinasloe and up to Glinsk. This is a real opportunity for us to do something positive. It is a really good news story which I am very pleased to raise this morning and ask for it to be promoted. It dovetails nicely with the Government framework launched recently.
I second the amendment to the Order of Business proposed by Senator Marc MacSharry. I ask the Leader of the House, Senator Maurice Cummins, whether the House is sitting next Tuesday, 21 May. If not, has it been moved aside to facilitate a joint committee meeting?
The House has been informed of the arrangements by the Leader. It has been agreed to by the Committee on Procedure and Privileges.
I do not think the Order of Business was-----
I have communicated with Senators on the matter.
I read the correspondence. It is outrageous that this House is not sitting on Tuesday to allow a joint committee to sit in the Chamber. It is the beginning of the end. It is an indication of the way this Chamber will be used in the future. I regret that people agreed to this decision in the first instance. This House should not be used for a joint committee meeting on a normal sitting day. It is okay on a Monday or a Friday.
It has been agreed to by the Committee on Procedure and Privileges.
As someone who has been in this and the other House for a long time - I have served in the Oireachtas for almost as long as Senator David Norris - it is absolutely outrageous that this House will not sit next Tuesday.
The Senator is right.
This House is still in order and has not yet been removed from the Constitution. That will not happen until the people make their decision. If they decide to abolish the Seanad, we will have to vacate this Chamber. I do not see why we are vacating it next Tuesday to accommodate any joint committee dealing with any issue. I register my protest in this regard and absolutely resent what is being done.
The Leader of the House proposed some time ago that the Order of Business in this House would be covered live on television. Has any progress been made in that regard? The coverage given to the Seanad on "Oireachtas Report" is excellent. A very balanced approach is taken to all Members. Each side of the House is given due recognition when there is a report on the Order of Business or other business. While I have not timed it, I would definitely say the Seanad is not given the same percentage of coverage given to the Dáil. Given that both Houses are equal in the Oireachtas at this point, they should receive the same amount of coverage. As "Oireachtas Report" is broadcast so late at night - it is usually broadcast between 11 p.m. and 12.30 a.m. - I suggest it be rebroadcast the following morning also. According to figures released some time ago, approximately 60,000 people watch "Oireachtas Report", quite a high number. The point is that the public would have a better opportunity to view it if it were broadcast the following day also.
I would like to respond to Senator David Norris's comments on the matter raised by Archbishop Diarmuid Martin. Many in the community at large are interested in hearing some answers. I have no doubt that the matter will be raised during the three days of hearings on the heads of the Bill. I do not think there should be any dismay over the archbishop's comments.
No. They were very good.
I sincerely believe they will be addressed. I have no personal worries that the matter will be one that cannot be addressed.
I refer to the positive economic forecast issued by the ESRI today. It is to be noted that the economy is forecast to grow by 1.8% this year and 2.7% next year. This far exceeds the gross expectations for our EU colleagues and is to be welcomed. It demonstrates that the economy is back on the road to recovery. I also note the comments by the ESRI that there is a significant and serious problem regarding lending to the SME sector. I ask the Leader if we could have the Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael Noonan, here for a debate on the matter. I appreciate that the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes, has come here on many occasions. In this instance, we need the Minister to come to discuss the inability of the country's banking sector to serve the needs of the people.
I have every sympathy for Senators on the other side of the House who have called for the Minister for Health to come here for a debate. However, I have no doubt that it would be technically impossible for him to come today. I concur that he should be invited at the earliest possible opportunity. When he is here, perhaps he might address an issue that has been raised by an eminent medical professor. I refer to the inappropriate billing of VHI and other insurers for patients on trolleys in the State hospital system. At a time when people who are in genuine distress are giving up their private health insurance, or are going without essentials in order to pay for such insurance, it is outrageous to think private insurers are being charged for what should be a State service. If the professor's suggestion is accurate, it amounts to nothing less than fraudulent practice on the part of the State.
Obviously, substantial attention has been paid to the issue of breast cancer genetics in recent days. I would like the Leader to bring to the attention of the Minister for Health the current circumstances that pertain with respect to genetic testing for patients in Ireland. Most breast cancers are not genetic. A small minority of breast cancer cases are caused by well recognised genes which can be diagnosed on the basis of a blood test. In a typical scenario, when a doctor takes a careful and detailed history from a patient with breast cancer, it will emerge that there is a substantial or suspicious history of breast or other cancers in the family which would indicate that the person in question might be an appropriate candidate for genetic testing. This has important health implications for the patient. Not only does she need treatment for the cancer she has, but she is also at substantial risk of developing new cancers which can be prevented by making appropriate, albeit difficult, decisions about preventive surgery.
As well as that, their close family, their sisters and daughters, have a 50% chance of inheriting the gene which causes breast cancer, if they have the gene. It is important to know this. It is not a tremendously common problem but it is an important one. If it is managed correctly, lives can be saved and the State can be spared costs.
Approximately one in 1,000 people carries the gene and approximately 5% of breast cancers are caused by these genes. The problem is as follows. There is a 12-month waiting list to get a genetic assessment and the only statutory unit in the country that is doing this for public patients is the one situated in Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin, run by an extremely gifted medical geneticist, Professor Andrew Green. Professor Green, with great vision, set up the service, not with health service money, but with money from research, and from that defaulted into running a clinical service which is, I would say, grotesquely underfunded.
I suspect there is "grotesque underfunding" fatigue when people hear me talk about the health service. Parenthetically, I do not believe it is in general underfunded as I believe it is mal-funded, but this is a case where it is clearly underfunded. However, lest I be seen as somebody else who is whinging and shroud-waving about a deficiency in a health service which is full of deficiencies, in a public service which is underfunded, in a country which is broke, I make the point that this decision is costing money. What happens to the patients while they are on the waiting lists for a year? They are getting multiple expensive MRI scans, gynaecology tests, specialist ultrasounds of their ovaries and extra evaluations, but, not only that, their extended family may also be getting these while they are waiting that one year for the blood test. I have no doubt about this. The blood test has come down substantially in cost and it is now several hundred euro rather than €1,000 to get one test done. Clearly, part of the bottleneck is that the staff in Crumlin do not have national specialist unit funding and this is being absorbed in the general costs of that hospital which, as we know, has had its allocation cut in recent years despite its national status in so many areas.
I can understand how we all have to grit our teeth when we see deficiencies in the health services, but it makes no sense to impose a deficiency which is costing us money. I would ask that this be brought to the Minister's attention. I understand the Taoiseach made reference to genetic testing in the Dáil yesterday. When the decisions are being made, I ask that it be taken into account that there are real cost savings to be made.
I am honoured to make this speech on the one-year anniversary of the death of a good friend and patient of mine, Geoff Prendergast, whose son, Joe Prendergast, at the age of ten and as part of his mourning process for losing his father so sadly, has just published several wonderful children's books. The proceeds from these will be used for cancer research through the CCRT. I would like the record to reflect this brave young boy, Joe Prendergast, and his Dad.
I wholeheartedly support Senator John Crown's call in regard to genetic testing and take note of his final statement that it is eventually a cost-saving exercise. It would be a false economy not to ensure this test is made available for people who need it. As Senator Crown said, the numbers are not huge.
I stand to raise the issue of the new advances in stem cell research, details of which were published yesterday. We have no legislation at all in Ireland on stem cell research. It has been said that when autopsies were first mooted, they were very controversial, and the fact science will overtake legislation again in this country is not a good thing. I ask for a debate on the whole issue of stem cell research. It is not, as one reads in some newspapers, human cloning, so-called reproductive cloning or anything that would turn people off it straight away. This stem cell research is a major scientific development designed to produce replacement tissue for transplant operations to ensure that dysfunctional or damaged organs can be repaired or replaced. It is a huge breakthrough which will help to alleviate many diseases, such as Alzheimer's, blindness, MS and a huge litany of other diseases.
I am not saying we should either adopt it or not, but that we should discuss it in this Chamber. Dr. Stephen Sullivan, chief scientific officer of the Irish Stem Cell Foundation, has said he does not even know which Department is dealing with it or could deal with it, and that it is going from Billy to Jack. Is it the Department of the Minister of State, Deputy Seán Sherlock, or the Department of Health which is responsible? Is it a science and technology or health issue? I want to see a debate on the elements of this issue and I ask that the correct Minister would take that debate. I would like to see legislation introduced in this area.
Tá mé ag iarraidh ceist an-phráinneach a ardú leis an Cheannaire ar maidin. I will call for an amendment to the Order of Business on a pertinent and immediate issue. I was contacted by concerned farming representatives yesterday. While we have had a debate on the fodder crisis, there is an immediate issue in that 3,000 bales of fodder are sitting in French ports that cannot be moved because of an impasse with the French authorities. There appears to be some kind of an industrial dispute going on and only 120 bales of the 3,000 are being released to be brought to Ireland. The farming community are very happy with the quality of the material that is coming through but something must be done immediately to try to get this issue resolved. Animals are dying on the land, which is not to be over-dramatic about it.
The farming representatives have asked us to call on the Leader to have the Minister come to the House immediately to raise this issue with him. They want him to use his position as the chair of the Council of Ministers to talk to his French counterparts to find out whether there is any way to have this impasse resolved in order to get this badly-needed fodder released immediately.
They are also asking when the Government will appoint a Minister of State. They feel the Minister is doing great work but he is no Superman, and he has to deal with the CAP negotiations, the CFP negotiations, burger-gate, the fodder crisis and so on. They feel a Minister of State should be appointed immediately to take some of the pressure off the Minister and that this Minister of State would possibly focus fully on the fodder crisis, which is ongoing.
This is an immediate issue that needs to be dealt with today or tomorrow. We need to bring it to the attention of the Minister as quickly as possible because, if this continues over the weekend, we are going to come back next week with a lot more cattle dead in the fields.
This week we had a report from the CSO which provided a lot of information. It showed that the unemployment rate is starting to fall, although gradually, and also that employment is gradually rising. It also showed that we have had population growth of 350,000. I want to commend the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Ruairí Quinn, on noting this early in his Ministry and for providing the necessary schools across the country to deal with the issue.
The report also notes that, since it started in July 2011, almost 15,500 people have participated in the JobBridge scheme and 61% of those have gained employment within five months of their internships. Some 81% of participants have expressed satisfaction with the scheme. It is worth noting that the private sector provided 11,000 positions for participants, with the public sector providing 3,500 and the voluntary sector 1,500. I ask the Leader to call on the Minister to encourage the public sector, which includes local authorities and the various semi-State bodies, to participate more in this scheme, increase their numbers and allow graduates the opportunity for work experience, given 61% of participants have gained employment within five months of completing the scheme. This is a good scheme. The Minister should require the public sector to engage more in it to ensure graduates can get the necessary experience to put on their CVs in order to get employment.
Senator Leyden has put down a good marker in regard to the use of this Chamber. It reminds me of a time I went into a county council meeting to discover the staff had taken over the council chamber for their own purposes, although they did not stay there for too long. The primary use of this Chamber is for the workings of the Seanad.
That is what it should be used for and I hope that will be noted and that what Senator Leyden said will be taken on board.
I also support Senator Leyden's comments. It is unacceptable that this Chamber, which is for the primary use of passing legislation and debate, should be handed over to a House committee, important as its work may be. There are other avenues that can be explored in this House and there is a question mark over the Committee on Procedure and Privileges because it seems this matter was discussed in lodge and a decision was taken without any reference to the remaining Members of this House. I am seriously concerned about the way the House is being downgraded. There is now a growing trend in the media to highlight legislation in the other House months after it has been passed and debated in this House. There have been two examples in the past few weeks, first, the Bill on the Irish citizens who fought for the Allied cause in the Second World War. Not only was this a Seanad Bill but it was extensively debated in this House on all sides. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence was present and made his comments but there was very little coverage of this in the media. When it went into the Dáil, the Minister recycled everything that he had said in this House and it received extraordinary coverage, in the print and electronic media. The second example occurred in the past few days and the Leader quite correctly corrected me yesterday although as soon as I sat down I realised that I had made a mistake about the debate on the report of the then Oireachtas Joint Committee on Communications, Natural Resources and Agriculture on offshore oil and gas. It had slipped my memory in the immediate reaction that the debate had taken place here. Once again, the media focused on the debate in the Dáil where the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources recycled everything that he had said in this House. There was an extensive debate on that report in this House a year ago and it was not covered. This is a matter of great concern.
I challenge the media to do its job more effectively, to do a little bit more research and to be more aware of what goes on in this House instead of making itself look stupid because that is what it is. To most Senators the media looks foolish when it starts recycling stories that appeared months ago or that started in this House. I wish the media would cop itself on and do its job a bit more efficiently. That is what it is supposed to do instead of picking up stupid old stories coming out of this House to denigrate it.
I join my colleague Senator Mullins this morning in congratulating the people who worked for the past ten years on, and yesterday launched, the Beara to Breffni walk. It is a great walk and takes approximately two weeks to complete at one go or one can do it in stages. It takes in ten or 11 counties, finishing in Leitrim and Cavan.
We have another project in north Leitrim which I have mentioned before, the Green Way, following the old railway track from Sligo to Enniskillen. Work has started on it and we can develop it. I see the future of this country in tourism, particularly encouraging people into the west.
Agriculture is also important for the country's future, which brings me to the fodder crisis which is still a serious problem. I received many calls last night and this morning because a lot of hay has been held up in France and we have difficulty bringing it across. I call for that to be speeded up. I compliment the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine on putting €2 million in place but there is a difficulty for trucks carrying it. They must have curtain sides but boat owners do not want hay debris in the boats. We have to sort out that problem.
I second the amendment to the Order of Business. I hope the Leader accepts the amendment. If he is not in a position to do so he might at least pass on Senator Ó Clochartaigh's concerns to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and maybe arrange a meeting between the Senator and the Minister if possible because this is an important issue.
I do not often support Senator Leyden's statements on the Order of Business but today he raised an important issue about the use of this House. I do not believe that this Chamber should be used by other committees of the Oireachtas when we are due to sit. It is fair enough for organisations to use the Chamber on Mondays and Fridays when we do not sit but to interfere with the workings of this House is unacceptable and disrespectful. It seems to be part of a growing trend over recent months of groups using this Chamber when we should be sitting. It is embarrassing. I ask the Leader to take on board the genuine concerns of those of us on this side of the House. Has there been any progress at the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, CPP, about inviting a trade union leader to address the House to mark the anniversary of the 1913 Lock-out? Has an invitation been issued? The last time I raised this I was told that it was discussed at the CPP. It is important to mark this centenary.
This morning, I was in Ballsbridge to give a radio interview. I found it remarkable that as I walked into town I was stopped by four groups of tourists looking for directions. This prompted me to wonder why we do not have more electronic signage. Real-time passenger information has recently become available at bus stops. The signs are produced by Data Display based in County Clare. I would like to see more electronic information signs in the capital city because we need to ensure that the tourist product we provide is of high quality and that people can locate it with ease. With the advent of satellite navigation communications and technology and so forth Dublin City Council and Tourism Ireland could make a far better effort on signage in Dublin city.
I also support Senator Ó Clochartaigh's sentiments on the fodder crisis. I received a distressing telephone call yesterday from a farmer in County Clare who is under enormous pressure as a result of the fodder crisis and it was suggested that there may be a role for the Army in assisting to transport the fodder. The situation in France is very serious and needs immediate resolution at the highest possible level. If the Taoiseach needs to telephone the French Prime Minister in order to resolve this problem, that call should be made.
I join those who have protested at the use of this House next Tuesday. We all understand that the hearings of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children are vitally important and we are very interested in them. It beggars belief that we could not find another venue, as the Dublin song says, “contagious” to the Dáil. There are plenty of other public spaces within a short walk of this building. It is part of the continual erosion and gradual denigration of the Seanad in preparation for a Government assault when the referendum is announced.
We had a very interesting debate here last evening. I congratulate Senators Zappone and Quinn and former Members such as Joe O'Toole who came up with a very reasoned Bill. As Senator Norris said, it is worth reading the leader article in today's Irish Times for a balanced view of that Bill. I had to pinch myself here yesterday to know whether I was in the real world when I listened to the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government respond to the Bill because he was commending it and its purpose and the views expressed in it. All the time he smiled like the Cheshire Cat and the hatchet was behind his back. The Government attitude recalls the story of a trainer with a bad horse, of which he wanted to get rid.
The trainer's vet said he could fix the horse's leg to which the trainer replied he could fix it if he liked but that he would shoot the horse afterwards anyway. There is a touch of that happening here.
I have drawn an analogy here on a few occasions between the way the Government is treating and downgrading the Seanad by inches with what happened when the old Irish House of Commons was abolished in 1800. The person who was given the dirty job of carrying out that work was an infamous man by the name of Lord Castlereagh. The Members may have heard the words of the poem: "I met Murder on the way - He had a mask like Castlereagh -" I am afraid we have "Lord Castlebar" this time. The Taoiseach, even though he does not have a murderous demeanour or anything like it, has gone far out on a limb and lost touch with the people on this issue. He is a man for whom I have great respect. He has shown great courage on a number of recent issues, but on this one he is totally wrong. If a referendum on this issue goes before the people, it will be vehemently fought, tooth and nail, and I predict it will be defeated.
I ask the seanachaí from Listowel to conclude.
Go raibh maith agat.
I cannot follow that. The concerns about the fodder crisis were well expressed and I share them. I am certain the Minister is working extremely hard to try to resolve them, albeit, as other Senators have pointed out, he is not Superman. It is probably best that he carries on trying to work out the dilemmas and that he continues to respond to the crisis. I am not sure that having him in here at this point in the middle of the crisis is the best place for him to be. However, I would like a reassurance that he will be in touch with his French counterpart today and, as others have said, if that requires the Taoiseach to ring the French Prime Minister, then so be it. We had a very good discussion on the fodder crisis with the Minister one afternoon last week. It is clear that in the week that has passed nothing has improved and, if anything, it has disimproved because of the weather. I am sure it is uppermost in his mind and he has made clear with the emergency crisis line that if farmers find themselves in a predicament, they should ring the crisis line, and I would urge that they do that.
I would like to note the efforts in regard to Bus Éireann that have been made in the past few days. I spoke to a number of the workers in Sligo on Monday and they are very concerned not only about themselves but about the future of the company. I noted this morning that progress has been made and agreement has been reached to put proposals to the workers. I hope that will result in a resolution and that the workers will continue, as they have done this week, to show they are willing to go back to work in the interests of customers, visitors, schoolchildren and so on. I note their continued co-operation.
I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on the stem cell breakthrough research. It is an extraordinary piece of research and it is a matter that could be debated in this House, even though I share Senator's Keane's confusion about which Minister might be the appropriate one, but it is certainly a matter on which we should take a lead.
I join Senators Mullins and Comiskey in congratulating everybody who was involved in the development of the Beara to Breifne tourism initiative. It is an important piece of work. It will afford people from the South from places like Beara, from which the Leas-Cathaoirleach comes, the opportunity to come to Breifne, the most beautiful part of the country covering counties Cavan, Leitrim and Donegal.
I ask the Leader if the President has yet signed the Education and Training Boards Bill which was passed by both Houses. Will he inquire from the Minister when he intends to sign the commencement order for that Bill?
In regard to the use of this Chamber by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children, I must disagree with some of my colleagues. I welcome the fact that the Chamber is being used. It was a decision taken by the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. It affords every Member of the Oireachtas who wishes to participate in the committee's meetings an opportunity to attend them. The facilities are here for them to do that. It is unfortunate that this will happen on a sitting day but, nevertheless, it is good that this Chamber is being used.
Like others, I believe that Archbishop Martin's letter this morning is an extremely important and constructive contribution to the debate. This is a man who is not given to making wild statements. He is someone who thinks and talks straight. It is unthinkable and unconscionable that an unborn baby that would be capable of life outside the womb could lose its constitutional right and be killed. That is an appalling prospect if it were true, and I sincerely hope it is not. That is a right that deserves to be defended and vindicated. We have had the heads of a Bill and hopefully when they are clothed, that danger will be totally removed. I am sure we will pursue the matter further.
That leads me on to Senator Leyden's grandstanding here this morning. Let us be honest and calm about this matter. As Senator O'Sullivan and other Members opposite have said, the hearings of that joint committee of both Houses are extremely important. Hopefully, they will bring about the tabling of amendments, to which the Minister said he is open, and refinements that we would all wish to see.
Why could it not take place on a non-sitting day?
I did not interrupt the Senator. It was discussed by the Senator's representatives, as well as by mine and other parties, at the Committee on Procedure and Privileges-----
On a point of order-----
-----and the decision was unanimous.
I have no objection to the Chamber being used but why is this happening on a sitting day? That is the key point.
In fairness, on this issue, everybody was written to over two weeks ago and there was only one phone call raising any objection.
I thank the Leas-Cathaoirleach for that. He has made the point that I wanted to make.
I am actually mesmerised by this to be honest; I want to be impartial on this matter that has been raised widely this morning.
It is a distraction.
Stay impartial if you can.
That is a cheap shot. The Senator may well wear that smile because it is-----
It was not a matter of objection but a matter of informing us. It was a matter of telling us, not asking us. There is a difference.
The Senator should communicate with his own Members and he will be all right. The Leas-Cathaoirleach has made the point and I will not labour it further.
I support the point made by Senator Crown regarding waiting lists and people not being able to access diagnostic procedures that are essential for them. This is leading to waste within the health services because other treatments are being offered which are unnecessary when what is required is that people would have such access in the first instance. In connection with that, I would also raise the failure to fill the vacancies in the podiatric section. Even Diabetes Ireland is highlighting the fact that many people with diabetes subsequently have to undergo amputations which would be unnecessary if the correct professional expertise was available to assist people with diabetes and type 2 diabetes in particular. That is all leading to waste in the public service because there are disability allowances and various other costs attaching as a consequence. Somebody needs to get a grip and run our public services in a much more efficient way than has happened heretofore.
I ask the Leader to consider arranging for a debate in this House across a number of Departments, particularly the Department of Health, where we could examine what was said pre-election, which was that the waste in the public service would be tackled. It amounts to probably anywhere between €4 billion and €5 billion which could be removed from the cost of the services purely by making people accountable, identifying the waste and ensuring that the services are run efficiently.
I agree with the point made by Senator Ó Clochartaigh. There are serious challenges within the agricultural industry, of which the fodder crisis is one and there are others. There is the challenge to the future of the industry in terms of the Common Agricultural Policy discussions and the Common Fisheries Policy. Leaving the vacancy in the Department unfilled means that the Minister has to grapple with all these challenges on his own, which is unconscionable. I can reliably inform the Senator that this position is being dangled as an inducement to quite a number of Members of the Lower House to get them to vote for the abortion Bill. I can also reliably inform him that as soon as that Bill is voted on that position will be filled.
That is an unusual carrot.
I wish to raise the matter of the designation of DEIS status for primary schools. Such schools were designated in the early part of the previous decade in the period 2003 to 2004 with implementation in 2005. The phrase, "That was then and this is now" is used with reference to other sectors. However, for many who are the new disadvantaged, the designation is wrong. There are far too many schools with DEIS status which no longer require it and far too many schools which require the designation very badly. I ask the Leader to arrange a debate with the Minister for Education and Skills. Hundreds of millions of euro are spent on DEIS schools every year. I ask that this money be spent on the schools most in need and that any alteration should be cost-neutral.
In my view, the Minister and his Department have been very lazy with regard to this matter. Public representatives from all parts of the country say they know of schools that no longer require DEIS status while others schools which are badly in need do not have DEIS designation. The people who pay the price are the children in those schools. I ask the Leader to arrange an immediate debate. This is a very important issue. We were told about 18 months ago that this designation would be given in September 2013. However, there is no light at the end of the tunnel. The matter is being handled in a very lazy way by the Department and the Minister and it must stop. Perhaps this request will prod the Department and the Minister into action.
The health committee will hold hearings in the Seanad Chamber on Friday from 9.30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and likewise on Monday and Tuesday next week. More than 36 medical professionals will give evidence. I know that Members may be inconvenienced because the Seanad is not sitting on Tuesday but it is important for continuity that the hearings are held on successive days. Last January, the health committee proved that the consultation process was extremely helpful in dealing with this issue. Likewise, the public hearings this Friday and on Monday and Tuesday next week, will also be helpful in teasing out the issues to ensure that the legislation will be constitutional and capable of implementation. This very important issue needs to be given the space and time which it is being allocated. The people who will appear before the committee over the three days of hearings are attending voluntarily. They do not have to attend but they want to make a contribution to this debate and to legislation in this area.
I refer to Senator Jim Walsh's point about appointments in the health service. I am extremely concerned about that issue. For example, 95% of all consultant posts advertised in the past six to eight months have not been filled. I can inform the House that they will not be filled. We need to examine how junior doctors and consultants are appointed. I have put this matter - which I have been raising for the past 18 months - on the agenda for the meeting of the health committee next Thursday. The problem is not going away. I am very concerned that more than 2,000 junior doctors are on six-month contracts while the HSE has made an agreement with a university in Pakistan to give two-year contracts to graduates from Pakistan universities. This does not make sense. It is time for a review by all the training bodies, the hospitals, the HSE and the Department of Health, of the long-term planning for the employment of medical expertise. I ask for a debate on this issue.
I wish to raise a point of order. To avoid any ambiguity about the comments made on this side of the House, we fully support the decision of our Chief Whip in supporting, by vote at the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, the holding of the hearings in this Chamber. Our only concern centred on the actual date being on a sitting day. We fully support the principle of holding the hearings and we fully support the Chief Whip in committee.
The Leader will clarify the matter.
The Leas-Chathaoirleach has clarified the position with regard to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. The decision was relayed to Members more than two weeks ago and there was one objection at that time. However, it seems that people thought they might make political capital here this morning. These things happen.
Senator MacSharry asked for a debate with the Minister for Health. I have sought a date for such a debate with the Minister but I have not received one as yet.
On a point of order, it is a bit misleading when two Bills are ordered to be taken-----
Please allow the Leader to respond.
-----on Tuesday.
We are behind schedule. I allowed everyone speak today. Senator Leyden is trying to -----
(Interruptions).
I ask the Leader to please continue.
Senator Bacik raised the matter of the report of allegations of improper cancellation of penalty points. These allegations have been investigated and they will be discussed at the justice committee. Senator Norris raised a number of matters. He challenged the Taoiseach to a debate. I do not know if the Taoiseach will accept the request.
I shall be writing to him.
That will be a matter for the Taoiseach to decide. Senator Paul Coghlan and others referred to the comments by the archbishop. I have stated on numerous occasions that this House will have ample time to discuss Archbishop Martin's statement and any other matter associated with that Bill. I have assured the House that we will have time for that debate. The health committee will be holding meetings for three days and nights this week and next week.
Senator Coghlan also noted the anniversary of the torture of the leaders of the Baha'i movement in Iran, a matter he has raised on a number of occasions. Senators Mullins, Comiskey and Wilson spoke about the Beara to Breffni walk and the recently published report on health and welfare and well-being. I will endeavour to have that report debated in the House soon.
Senator Leyden asked about "Oireachtas Report" which does not cover the Seanad sittings if the Dáil is not sitting. I refer to a letter in response from RTE dated July 2011, which I read to the House. I can read out the letter again. If the Senator had been listening to the reply from RTE in 2011, there would be no need to respond to it in 2013.
It was a very long time ago and things have changed. There is a new director general of RTE.
Senator Hayden asked for a debate with the Minister for Finance on the ESRI growth forecast.
As I mentioned last week, the Minister for Finance has indicated that he will come to the House in July to discuss a number items. I cannot get him to come here any sooner; that is when he says he is available.
The inappropriate billing of patients by the health service can be addressed with the Minister for Health. There is no one better qualified than Senator John Crown to speak about genetic testing for women with breast cancer and a Minister would be unwise not to consider the statement made by him. Senators Cáit Keane and Susan O'Keeffe called for a debate on stem cell research. I will try to find out which Minister deals with that issue and arrange a debate on it.
Senators Trevor Ó Clochartaigh, Michael Comiskey, Susan O'Keeffe and several others referred to the fodder crisis. I will bring the matters raised to the immediate attention of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Simon Coveney, who kindly came to the House last week to explain what was taking place in that regard. I am sure he will be well aware of the matters raised when I bring them to his attention and I am sure he is working hard on them.
A number of Senators asked when a Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine would be appointed. Seemingly, Senator Jim Walsh knows all about it, but it is a matter for the Taoiseach to decide and I have no say in the matter.
Senator Denis Landy referred to CSO figures and the positive signs emanating from them. I note also his comments that the Minister should encourage local authorities and other public bodies to participate in the JobBridge scheme which is of great benefit.
I agree fully with Senator Paschal Mooney on the media coverage given to Bills taken in this House. Last week there was massive coverage of a Bill dealt with in the other House which had been dealt with here several months ago and on which we had had an excellent debate. I certainly agree with what the Senator said in that regard.
The Leader might convey those remarks to the press.
Members of the press are in the House and can see what is going on, but whether they cover it is a matter for them. Unfortunately, we cannot make the press do so.
Senator David Cullinane referred to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. We will certainly take into consideration what Members have to say, but they were informed about the committee sittings. The other matter he raised was raised by Senator Ivana Bacik at the Committee on Procedure and Privileges and while a decision has not been made, the committee will be favourably disposed towards inviting somebody to come to the House to speak on the anniversary of the Lockout. A decision has not been made, so an invitation has not been sent.
Senator Martin Conway called for more electronic signage to assist tourists in the capital city, in particular. I will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Leo Varadkar.
Senator Ned O'Sullivan said the Taoiseach was out of touch with the people, but the future of the Seanad will be decided by the people in a referendum.
I look forward to the Leader's support in the campaign.
I will find out for Senator Diarmuid Wilson whether the President has signed the Education and Training Boards Bill.
Senator Jim Walsh referred to the level of waste in the public service. The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Brendan Howlin, is doing an excellent job in addressing that issue.
Senator Michael D'Arcy called for a review of DEIS status for schools. I will bring that matter to the attention of the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Ruairí Quinn, who will come to the House soon for a debate on a number of items.
Senator Colm Burke raised the issue of the filling of consultant vacancies and the problems in that regard. As he stated, the matter is being discussed by the Joint Committee on Health and Children, as is the position of junior doctors. I hope the committee will issue a report which we can debate in the House.
Senator Marc MacSharry has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, "That a debate on the hospital groupings proposal made in the recent report on the health service be taken today." Is the amendment being pressed?
It is.
Amendment put:
The Seanad divided: Tá, 12; Níl, 28.
Tá
- Cullinane, David.
- Daly, Mark.
- Leyden, Terry.
- MacSharry, Marc.
- Mooney, Paschal.
- Norris, David.
- Ó Clochartaigh, Trevor.
- Ó Murchú, Labhrás.
- O'Sullivan, Ned.
- Walsh, Jim.
- White, Mary M.
- Wilson, Diarmuid.
Níl
- Bacik, Ivana.
- Brennan, Terry.
- Burke, Colm.
- Clune, Deirdre.
- Coghlan, Eamonn.
- Coghlan, Paul.
- Comiskey, Michael.
- Conway, Martin.
- Crown, John.
- Cummins, Maurice.
- D'Arcy, Jim.
- D'Arcy, Michael.
- Gilroy, John.
- Harte, Jimmy.
- Hayden, Aideen.
- Henry, Imelda.
- Higgins, Lorraine.
- Keane, Cáit.
- Kelly, John.
- Landy, Denis.
- Moloney, Marie.
- Moran, Mary.
- Mullins, Michael.
- O'Keeffe, Susan.
- O'Neill, Pat.
- Sheahan, Tom.
- van Turnhout, Jillian.
- Whelan, John.
Tellers: Tá, Senators Ned O'Sullivan and Diarmuid Wilson; Níl, Senators Paul Coghlan and Aideen Hayden.
Amendment declared lost.
Deputy Ó Clochartaigh has also proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, "That a debate to be taken today on the impasse in French ports which is resulting in the non-release of 3,000 bales of fodder". Is the amendment being pressed?
I acknowledge the Leader's response and appreciate that he will raise the matter with the Minister as a matter of urgency, as has been noted by other Senators. I will take the Leader at his word and not press the amendment at this stage. This is not a political issue; it is very serious. I hope there is a response from the Minister in due course.
Order of Business agreed to.