The Order of Business is No. 1, motion re proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and the Council on the fight against fraud to the Union's financial interests by means of criminal law and on the Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation and Training (Europol), to be taken without debate at the conclusion of the Order of Business; No. 2, Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill 2013 - Second Stage (resumed), to be taken at the conclusion of No. 1 and adjourned not later than 3.45 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the contributions of all Senators not to exceed ten minutes and the Minister to be called on to reply not later than 3.35 p.m.; No. 3, Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Bill 2013 - Report and Final Stages, to be taken at 4 p.m. and conclude not later than 6 p.m.; No. 4, Prison Development (Confirmation of Resolutions) Bill 2013 - all Stages, to be taken at 6 p.m., with the contributions of group leaders on Second Stage not to exceed eight minutes and those of all other Senators not to exceed five minutes, and Committee and Remaining Stages to be taken immediately thereafter.
Order of Business
Will the Leader clarify the arrangements for No. 2? He states it is to be adjourned not later than 3.45 p.m., with the Minister to be called on at 3.35 p.m. Must the Minister be called on at 3.35 p.m.?
He is to reply not later than 3.35 p.m.
Is the debate then to conclude?
I am expecting the debate on Second Stage to conclude before the time.
Must the Minister be called on at 3.35 p.m.?
Can I leave out that reference? I do not want to guillotine the debate on the Bill in any way. The reason I am including a time for the Minister to reply is that the debate may conclude before that time. I will not conclude the debate until all Members have had their say on the Bill. I suggest the debate be adjourned at 3.45 p.m., if not previously concluded.
I thank the Leader for ensuring that everyone will have their say. We will not call a vote on the Order of Business today on the basis that many Members are waiting to speak and in order to deal with our business as quickly as possible.
I wish to raise a few issues. Certain publications this morning claim a HSE overrun of some €25 million and that the target for cuts will be the mental health services area and the money set aside for suicide prevention and so on. We produced a document entitled Actions Speak Louder Than Words, which was welcomed by all involved in suicide prevention and even by the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Kathleen Lynch. Sadly, very few recommendations in the document have been implemented thus far. Now a front-page report states that the funding in place for this year for the employment of community health officers and those involved in suicide prevention will only be made contingent on savings. The level of prioritisation being given to this area is not sufficient, frankly. Close to 600 people are under threat of dying in the year ahead as a direct result of suicide. It should not be the case that funding for suicide prevention is contingent on savings. If it were known that two planes were about to crash on a particular day at a particular time, we would do everything possible to prevent it from happening. Senators Gilroy and White and many others have made significant contributions to the debate on this subject. It must not be the first thing to be put on the block when there are overruns.
Yesterday, FLAC and others warned that the mortgage arrears crisis is worsening and very little is being done. The response of the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, which the Leader read to the House yesterday, is an abdication of responsibility by the Minister of the day. The people depend on their representatives and on the Government; they depend on the Houses of the Oireachtas to represent them. On the biggest financial crisis facing families throughout the country, to simply to say it is somebody else's problem - that it is for an independent body to deal with - is not good enough.
I will abide by the Cathaoirleach's instructions not to speak on the issue. However, if it is not possible before the end of this term, at the beginning of the next term the House should return early and invite all the senior news editors in the print and broadcast media to be our guests. I am sure Members would be happy to pay to invite them to have lunch here. I ask that they be invited to listen to a debate in order that they can hear Members make the case and inform them of what happens in this House. The House needs to be reformed; the current 60 Members and the many who have gone before us have proposed radical reform of the House. The news editors should be allowed to hear that for themselves.
I very much regret that the campaign on the abolition of the Seanad was launched yesterday by people who are not informed about the facts. Last week, perhaps as a dry run for yesterday's launch, the director of elections for the Government campaign for the abolition of the Seanad, Deputy Richard Bruton participated in a radio debate with me. I asked him whether he knew how many times his Government had amended legislation in the Seanad last year. The answer was silence. I said I would make it easier for him, and asked him how many times he, as Minister, had amended legislation in the Seanad last year. Again, there was silence. With the best of respect, I suggest that people engaged on whatever side of this campaign, when it gets under way, have the manners, decency and courtesy to inform themselves before pontificating about the way they would like to influence the people to vote.
Following on from Senator MacSharry's point, the Minister, Deputy Bruton, is the director of elections for Fine Gael in this campaign, not for the Government. That is an important point.
Fine Gael is the senior partner.
It is an important distinction.
He should inform the Labour Party.
It is collective responsibility. It is a coalition.
Senator Bacik to continue, without interruption.
As the Senator well knows, there is a very important difference, particularly in a referendum campaign, between those who are working on behalf of the Government as director of elections and those working on behalf of individual parties. The timing of the launch yesterday was most unfortunate, as it took place before the Bill had passed through the House. I am glad the Minister, Deputy Bruton, clarified the cost issue this morning on "Morning Ireland" by explaining that the direct cost of the Seanad was quite a good deal less than the €20 million figure that was being bandied about yesterday. That is a very welcome clarification. I hope we will see some more clarification on those issues.
The cost is €8 million gross.
I renew a call to the Leader for a debate in the autumn on the need to change our culture and procedures to ensure that our Parliament is more friendly towards diversity, particularly towards gender diversity. Many of us have worked very hard for many years to try to encourage more women to enter politics. I am very pleased there will be gender quotas in place for the next general election. However, the use of sexist language in this Chamber is not helpful or conducive to encouraging more women or more young people to get involved in politics. It is most unfortunate when we hear sexist language in this Chamber or there is sexist conduct in the other House. The behaviour and language used in the past few days has been unhelpful. I hope we will have a respectful debate on all legislation before the House-----
I was told there would not be a debate on this issue, but if the Senator wants a debate, I will take her on.
I am not making-----
I ruled on that matter yesterday.
I will certainly take on Senator Bacik about sexist language.
I have ruled today that I am not allowing a debate on the issue.
I deny that I ever used it.
The Senator gave his explanation to the House.
I was told there would not be a debate on this issue.
And there will not be.
In fairness, I have made a call for this debate in a general sense-----
The matter is closed. Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?
This happened the minute I left the room, but I came back in to hear the Senator's rubbish.
That is my question for the Leader. I have asked the Leader about this on other occasions and have placed on the agenda of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges a proposal that we look at the procedures of the House to ensure it is more gender-neutral and that we encourage more women to enter politics. The National Women's Council has done a great deal of work also on this matter and will be producing a report very shortly on how to generate and provide for a more women-friendly Parliament.
I call for a debate on the Magdalen institutions redress scheme in light of the very disturbing news today that the four religious orders involved in running Magdalen institutions apparently will not be contributing to the cost of the redress scheme set out by Judge John Quirke, which is estimated to cost in the region of €58 million. This is a most disappointing and regrettable stance being taken by the religious orders, who profited for many years from the unpaid labour - slave labour - of the many women and girls incarcerated in those institutions. We know the State was also complicit - there is no doubt - and it bears a heavy share of responsibility. However, the religious orders should be bearing some of the cost.
I will start where Senator Bacik finished with regard to the Magdalen laundries. We had a debate in the House earlier this year which was adjourned and not resumed. I ask for the resumption of that debate. I am incredulous that the four religious congregations have said they will not be contributing to any financial redress scheme. I do not accept that statement. We know that property belonging to just one of the orders was sold during the boom for €61.8 million. The Justice for Magdalenes group has estimated that the four orders received €266 million in property deals alone. The State fund will be a maximum of €58 million, but will range between €34 million and €58 million.
It is unacceptable for them to say they will not be contributing.
The reports that were published today on mental health expenditure were déjà vu. The Official Report of the House will show that we had the same debate this time last year. We read the same newspaper reports and we were reassured. In January 2013 the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, assured the Joint Committee on Health and Children not only that we would have €35 million for this year but that we would also take last year's €35 million, for a total of €70 million. However, it has now been reported that critical positions in mental health will not be filled. How many debates have we held in this House on suicide? I want clarity rather than reassurances. I want to hear that the posts are being filled and that we are providing the community services that are necessary.
There has been extensive debate on the cost of the Seanad. I ask the Government to prepare an implementation plan on Dáil reform which would set out details, costs and timelines of that necessary reform. It is not acceptable to conduct a debate with only one side of the figures. I want to see the details of Dáil reform.
I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on Northern Ireland, either among ourselves or with a Minister if one is available. I also ask him to consider inviting back the Orange Order, representatives of which addressed the House on 3 July 2012. Stormont is reconvening today to discuss that topic. Part of the problem with those who are now assaulting members of the PSNI and the police officers who have been drafted in from Britain is that they believe their community is under threat. When Mr. Nelson was in the House, he contrasted what happened to the minority population in County Antrim and the minority populations of counties Donegal, Cavan and Monaghan and asked which State was better at looking after its minorities. If people are so paranoid that they engage in such conduct, perhaps this House and this society can play a role. He referred to the nine Ulster counties in his speech, welcomed the invitation from the Leader as a formal recognition of the Orange Order's place in Irish society and stated that the order wants to contribute to the normalisation of relationships in these islands. He even quoted from the 1916 Proclamation on cherishing all the children of the nation equally. We need to reopen that dialogue. This House has a superb tradition in dealing with Northern Ireland and a new invitation to the Orange Order could only do good.
A comment was made in passing that the debate on the Seanad will be dirty. It has not been dirty thus far and I hope that remains the case. I hope it is informed and instructive. Deputy Regina Doherty did not know the Seanad existed in 2007. There are a lot of people like her. I hope there is a bicameral versus unicameral debate.
I ask about the SUSI grants. A significant number of students are in distress, having been informed at this late stage that their applications were denied or that their appeals were not submitted in time, even though they may have e-mail confirmation that they submitted on time. I acknowledge that the Minister for Education and Skills apologised for the SUSI system approximately two months ago. I ask him to investigate it further because it is still not working. Students cannot access the system or are being refused grants even though they have e-mail confirmations that their applications were received. A student from County Donegal who was interviewed on "Morning Ireland" today was originally refused and subsequently given a grant. RTE was told about this before the student found out. In theory the system should be working well because it reduced the former 55 authorities to one agency. Theory is good but actually working on the ground is a different matter. It does not seem to be working. I want the Minister to do more than apologise. He should get to the roots of the problems because this distress cannot continue. I know of one student who is at the end of her first year in college and cannot afford to continue on to second year. It cannot go on like this.
I support Senator Bacik in her call for gender diversity. The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government introduced a quota of 30% for women in politics. We cannot change a system from the outside; it must be changed from within. Until such time as we get more women into the system, it will not change. Women of Ireland have an opportunity to bring change from within.
I support Senator MacSharry in regard to mental health. I praise Carl O'Brien for the wonderful articles he wrote on this subject, which were published in The Irish Times yesterday and today. Apart from political action on mental health, it is also important that the media focus on these areas. I rarely rise to compliment a journalist but Mr. O'Brien's articles bring a positive focus on the area of mental health.
I ask the Leader to arrange a debate or for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to make a statement on the horsemeat scandal. I am concerned that a select committee of the UK House of Commons has targeted both the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland also presented evidence to that committee. The committee issued a report critical of the tardiness and lack of reaction on the part of our Department and recommended criminal sanctions, particularly against those in Ireland who flouted the law and gave our agri-food industry a bad name. I am sure the Minister will make a quick response to these criticisms, either in this House or elsewhere.
On a positive note, I laud the Minister for his continued efforts to respond to the disgraceful way in which the Faroe Islands and Iceland have monopolised the mackerel industry. He has acted through the EU, which now proposes to impose trade sanctions on the Faroe Islands and Iceland. The amount of mackerel they were catching totally overshadowed the entire quota for Europe. It is an appropriate move, although possibly it should have been done a year or two ago. I hope trade sanctions will be applied against these small nations which are doing terrible damage to our fish stocks.
I support Senator MacSharry in asking the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, to clarify news reports on the €35 million or €70 million in funding which the mental health services expected. For the sake of all those affected by mental health issues, I ask that the Minister of State reassure the public that the funding remains available and that the HSE is going to get its act together. This money has been committed and ring-fenced. I am sure Members will agree that clarity is needed. Last week we had the debacle of the drugs for cancer patients and the House had to extract an explanation from the Department of Health. There appears to be a trend of the HSE making announcements without consulting the Minister or staff at local level.
It has been claimed that each Senator gives rise to €40,000 in computer costs per annum. My computer cost €500. I do not know where the €40,000 figure came from but we need a reasonable and balanced debate rather than picking figures from the air to suit election campaigns.
I express concern at the Government's plans for developing casinos in this country. It is giving licences for 40 casinos. There is great hypocrisy in this. We are told that it would be a mistake to legalise drugs and that if it had the opportunity, it would not have legalised alcohol or tobacco, but here it legalises another highly addictive pursuit. This is so recognised that just as tobacco companies hypocritically set up organisations to combat smuggling and so on, the gambling industry now contributes to centres for addiction for the people that they victimise. We now have a situation where 40 casinos are going to be allowed into Ireland. We do not know where they will come from. It is quite likely that organised crime will be involved. It is a great comment on the Government that we have gone from a casino situation with the gambling banks to a situation where we are going to try to run the country on casinos. That is absolutely lamentable.
The Snowden affair has cast a light on data protection issues and we all need to be aware of them. We need to know what kind of information companies like Facebook, Twitter and Google are gathering, what are they doing with that information and how they are using it. The German Chancellor Angela Merkel suggested yesterday that as Facebook was headquartered here in Ireland, it is bound by Irish law and thus Germany's very strict data protection laws were mute. We hear reports of officials in Berlin and in other European cities saying that Ireland and the UK are perceived as the lowest common denominator in terms of privacy. Is this the case? I do not know. We certainly need to know what is going on and what level of information these companies are gathering and the information they are holding outside Europe. We need to have a debate on this in the Chamber and across the country. We need to know what is happening at European level as well. The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and the Data Protection Commissioner, Mr. Hawkes, certainly need to engage in this debate because information is being gathered on each one of us as we use these platforms. To whom is this information being released and for what purpose is it being used? The debate has not ignited, but the Snowden affair has cast a light on how vulnerable we are, and how private information can be used and can be traded.
Tomorrow, hundreds of former Waterford Crystal workers will protest outside the gates of this Parliament for their just entitlements, their pensions and the compensation they are rightly due because of the failure of the State to meet its obligations under the EU insolvency directive. It is again a case of workers having to take to the streets to get their just entitlements. They were here a few months ago, as the Leader is aware. I held an information briefing in the AV Room of the LH2000. The legal representatives, the union and the workers spelled out exactly what they were seeking, which was simply a meeting with one of the Ministers to discuss how the workers would be compensated. On behalf of the cross section of Oireachtas Members who attended that meeting, I was asked to write to the Minister for Finance and to the Minister for Social Protection. Both replied to say that they would not meet the workers. We then went back and asked their officials to meet with the trade union, and the officials have refused to meet them. It is simply not good enough that the State is again dragging its heels, hiding behind the courts and not compensating these workers. They deserve to be properly compensated. The State has been found, in the European Court of Justice, to have failed in its obligations to those workers for not properly transposing a European Union directive. Why are we again making it more difficult for those workers to get justice? Why are we constantly delaying the time when those workers get paid? The Leader will know that those workers deserve their pensions and compensation, and if they are to receive that compensation, it would be a significant boost for the local economy in Waterford city and for the south east. More important, it is about justice for those workers. I ask the Leader, and every Senator in the House, to use their influence to ensure that justice is done for the former Waterford Crystal workers.
I welcome yesterday's announcement by the Minister for Justice and Equality, in co-operation with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, of the resumption of recruitment of gardaí in Templemore, County Tipperary. This will be good for the force and the local economy in Tipperary. It also is a positive sign that life is returning to normal in this country. Every organisation needs new recruits to replace retiring staff and bring in fresh blood. Earlier this year, the Garda Commissioner stated that the force should not drop below 13,000, and I think this has been acknowledged by the actions yesterday of the two Ministers. Can the Leader inquire from the Minister for Justice and Equality when the training will start, how many recruits will be taken on board initially, and whether this will be ongoing training? In other words, will the training centre in Templemore remain open after the first batch of trainees come in?
I support Senator Cullinane's comments about the Waterford Crystal workers. Many of them are from my own town of Carrick-on-Suir. However, it is not true to say that both Ministers refused to meet them. They explained in correspondence that they were unable to meet them, in view of the fact that the matter was now going into the courts here in Ireland and could prejudice the outcome of that court case. That is the reason they did not meet the workers. I will be there tomorrow to support them in any way I can, and I know the Leader, who is from Waterford city, will also do the same.
I would also like to ask the Leader to ascertain the position on the Waterford Crystal workers. We met them in the AV Room a few weeks ago after their rights had been vindicated in Europe. It would be regrettable if they were returned to limbo after seven or eight years.
I commend Senator Barrett. He has set the right tone regarding the Orange Order. The Leader might consider convening a meeting of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges today to issue an immediate invitation to the Orange Order to come back to the Seanad. I believe they would accept that invitation at this time. We would be doing a lot of good in helping to calm what is happening in the North. Senator Barrett is 100% right that the orange traditions and the people who are committed to them feel threatened. During the peace process, I hosted a visit by the late David Ervine and more than 200 people turned up from different walks of life. It gave us an opportunity to understand the perspective of those who come from an Orange tradition. A few years ago I was asked to meet a delegation of people who represent the Orange traditions. I had a very fruitful four or five hours with them, and the message that Senator Barrett is putting forward is the same message that I heard on that occasion. They told me that they felt that their traditions were being diminished and diluted. This was not in a political sense. These were the traditions which they embrace and to which they are committed. If there is to be any real meaning in the Good Friday Agreement, it has to be one of inclusiveness. In the same way that the Seanad broke the mould by bringing the Orange Order down here, it would be wonderful to have dialogue right now. The Leader has been exceptionally good on this area. I do not think any Senator would object to coming back here in a week or two. It will not be any good in September or October. The Senator has put his finger on the urgency of the matter.
I agree with Senator Clune's comments on data protection and privacy, following the Snowden controversy and Angela Merkel's recent call for an agreement on EU data protection rules.
This comes at an interesting time. As it stands, Ireland and Britain are perceived as the EU's weak link when it comes to privacy. If a German Facebook user is to be guided by any law, it will be German law, which is something we should not welcome. The proposed EU regulation would eliminate such wriggle room on privacy issues; thus, the heated negotiations in Brussels can be understood. It presents a challenge but also opportunities. We would be well placed to become a hub for data protection and Internet security should we choose to embrace an enhanced EU data protection directive. I call on the Leader to arrange a debate with the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Pat Rabbitte, on the whole area of privacy and data protection.
If the Cathaoirleach will indulge me, I wish to raise an issue that I mentioned yesterday, although I was cut short because I was over time, apparently. It is to do with healthy eating. I commend Grainne in the Oireachtas Restaurant for her healthy eating initiative. She has gone to a lot of effort to introduce healthy foods and to encourage healthy eating in the Houses, and has displayed calorie counts and so on. It will probably continue in the Houses, which I would very much welcome.
While I was researching VAT, I noted the anomalies in regard to food. VAT on fruit juice, bottled water and toothpaste is 23%, while, bizarrely, VAT on cooking fat or oil, steak and kidney pies and potato waffles is 0%. It may seem like a minor issue to talk about food but it is highly important to the health of the nation, and the major obesity crisis we are facing represents a huge cost to the taxpayer. If we could make some money by taxing certain foods, even at the rate at which other foods are taxed, it could be very useful. I call for a debate on VAT rates.
Like other Senators, I express my deep disappointment at the decision by the religious orders not to pay their share to the compensation fund for their victims. It is really regrettable and one wonders if these people have learned anything, because it sends a very bad message. Is it that they do not have the funds, or are they are not prepared to cough up? Now that we are coming to the end of the abortion debate, I hope the Catholic hierarchy may be able to take its eye off sexual politics and ask these orders to make a contribution. I am sure it could be very persuasive in that regard.
I was not in the Chamber yesterday for the Order of Business but I was extremely shocked by the statement by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton, about the cost of the Seanad. The fact that there was a heated debate here has probably taken people's eye off the central issue, which is that a Government, before a Bill was properly promulgated in the Houses of the Oireachtas and seen by the President for his consideration, embarked on a campaign to run a referendum. Can one imagine the uproar there would have been if the Government had stated that once the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill 2013 had been passed by the Dáil it would be passed by the Seanad, would be approved by the President, would not be presented to the Council of State and would not go to the Supreme Court for review?
The Leader needs to respond.
In the interests of democracy - we have been joking about the burning of the Reichstag but we are coming close to that type of climate - it is essential that the Minister, Deputy Bruton, comes to the House, before we go any further in considering the Bill to abolish the Seanad, to explain the rationale behind his assumption that the Bill would be passed and the arrogance of that, which is an insult to Uachtarán na hÉireann and to the people, and to account for the fabrications and porkies he has been telling about the so-called savings which will accrue. The Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Paschal Donohoe, said it would be €50 million, but now the figure is €20 million. On the radio this morning, the Minister, Deputy Bruton, said it would be approximately €9 million. I maintain it will be nil because the Taoiseach wants to replace the Seanad with a Star Chamber, which we will find will cost €10 million. I will not propose an amendment to the Order of Business in order to facilitate debate, but it is essential that the Minister come to the House to explain himself.
I support comments made by Senators Marc MacSharry and Jillian van Turnhout and others on newspaper reports of a proposed reduction in the €35 million ring-fenced this year for mental health services. The same amount was ring-fenced last year but I understand why that money was not fully spent because it takes time to roll out and put in place the structures under which staff can be recruited. However, it is totally unacceptable this year. Will the Leader ask the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, to come to the House today or at least to issue a clarifying statement on this issue?
I have worked for the past 30 years in mental health services and it is with dispiriting regularity that the minute health budgets come under pressure, the first cutbacks are always targeted at mental health services. It is always said in the profession that we are the poor cousins of the health services. If this cut is true, it is a step too far and one that I will not support. The Minister of State, Deputy Lynch, should clarify it as a matter of urgency.
I wish to comment on a further newspaper report at the weekend on mental health services. Some nameless editor proposed that the terms of the Fair Deal nursing home scheme be extended to cover mental health and disability. This would be an enormously retrograde step because it is, in effect, saying that if one suffers from a mental illness, one is not on a par with someone who suffers from a physical illness. We have made great strides in reducing the stigma associated with mental illness, although, as I said yesterday, given the recent debate on the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill 2013, I suspect much of that progress is merely lip-service because some of the ancient and distressing attitudes towards mental illness were latent in many of the arguments made. Will the Leader ask the Minister of State, Deputy Lynch, make an urgent statement to clarify whether the €35 million ring-fenced for this year will be protected and whether it is proposed to extend the Fair Deal scheme to cover mental health and disability?
Ba mhaith liom tréaslú leis an Seanadóir Barrett agus an Seanadóir Ó Murchú i dtaca leis an méid atá ag tarlú sna Sé Chontae faoi láthair. Is ábhar mór díomá é dúinn go léir go bhfuil na heachtraí sin ag tarlú oíche i ndiaidh oíche. It is unfortunate, and Senators Sean Barrett and Labhrás Senator Ó Murchú summed it up very well. I was in Belfast last week on the Newtownards Road. I know the areas where the trouble is brewing quite well. We should play a role and I hope the Leader will reflect on the proposal by Senator Ó Murchú, which is a fair one. I would be very supportive of sitting an extra day to discuss the issue.
I refer to political opportunism and the announcement yesterday. Unfortunately, I was not here for the discussion on Seanad abolition during yesterday's Order of Business, but I commend the Leader on his contribution, which was well stated and reflected the mood of this Chamber. It is regrettable that misinformation is being fed to the media and the public in order to gain political advantage out of this Chamber's future. It is not our future, because we can come and go, but the Seanad will be no more. Senator Ned O'Sullivan articulated the situation very well in his statement that the cart was put before the horse in making an announcement. That is treating this House and the Office of the President with contempt, which is regrettable. It shows the manner in which the Taoiseach and the Cabinet want to force this issue through and use every means at their disposal to do so.
I appeal to Senators on the Government side, although I appreciate that it is not easy to vote against one's own Bill. Can we agree, however, to look at amending a section or lines in the legislation in order that it can be reverted back to the Dáil? We should not go with the consensus that the Taoiseach and the Government are seeking on this issue, rather we should reflect on the legislation. Report Stage is due to be taken in the next couple of days, but we should come together, work as a united group, leave politics to one side and come up with an amendment to refer the Bill back to the Dáil and delay the agenda which has been established by the Taoiseach.
The nice weather we have had in the past couple of weeks is welcome, but it brings with it problems. One significant problem which is annoying many is the increase in the volume of litter on beaches and in holiday resorts. What people, when they come to these resorts, enjoy their amenities and then dump their rubbish, fail to realise is that somebody must clean it up and that it costs money to do so. I, therefore, seek an increase in litter fines. The on-the-spot litter fine, at €150, needs to be doubled. If people are not prepared to do the decent thing and bring their rubbish with them, if they are caught, they should be fined. The amount of people fined for throwing their litter around the place is derisory and I would like to see an increase in that number. Ultimately, we need to see an educational programme being introduced in schools to make children aware that it is unacceptable to litter our beautiful country.
Unfortunately, the good weather has brought many tragedies to different communities throughout the country and many young people have drowned. On Sunday evening last there was a call that a young person had fallen into the sea from the east pier in my home town of Carlingford and within minutes the air and sea rescue service, ambulances, Civil Defence and the river rescue team had all congregated on the pier. Searching went on for hours until dark. Before leaving for Dublin the next morning, I was amazed that it appeared the search had been called off. I have been in communication since and learned that it had been called off, as, apparently, it had been a hoax call. At this time of year, when tragedies have happened in many communities, as I have said, it is a dastardly act and incomprehensible. It is my hope and wish that the perpetrators will be brought to justice as soon as possible.
As I stated yesterday, I support the call for the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton, to come to the House to explain his fictitious €20 million figure for the cost of the Seanad per annum. Another Minister has told us that there would be no reduction in costs, as the costs of the Seanad would be transferred to the new. There are two important men around the Cabinet table giving us different messages and I would like to have it confirmed what the true costs are? How many staff will lose their jobs and what is the net cost of the Seanad?
I call on the Leader to invite the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Ruairí Quinn, to the House to put one question to him, that is, are those in the education system within his remit adhering to the Haddington Road agreement? A parent who came to me last week has a son with Asperger's syndrome. Such pupils are prescribed a scribe at State examinations - the junior and leaving certificate examinations - but they do not have one for Christmas, Easter and summer examinations. While the man concerned and his wife are doing a great deal of work at home, they find that their son is regressing because, while he has the information in the head, he cannot transfer it to the biro. He has, however, done well. He did well in the junior certificate examinatin and is now going on to take the leaving certificate examination. He is doing very well in most subjects. There is only one subject in which he is somewhat weak. How can one explain that the State will only provide a scribe for somebody with Asperger's syndrome at State examinations level and nothing for other examinations? I asked the parent that question and he replied that the teachers were providing that service in good faith but that they had now withdrawn it. I want to put that question to the Minister. While we all understood the Haddington Road agreement was between both sides, are there conditions attached to it? I suggest any child with Asperger's syndrome should be provided with a scribe at any examination.
I welcome the commitments given yesterday in St. Angela's College by the Taoiseach on the future of the college. That is good news. It was a pity and I am sorry that I was not able to be there, but I was here on business. It is something for which others and I have been lobbying for more than 12 months to ensure the future of St. Angela's College will be guaranteed. It has been providing teacher training for many years and it is important that it be maintained. I encourage students who will be taking up third level education courses in September to ensure they apply to SUSI and the Department for their grants by the end of July in order that there will not be any delay and a repeat of the problems experienced last year. It is important that the Department process all applications in good time and get grants out to students on time.
Senator Marc MacSharry raised the question of HSE funding for mental health and suicide prevention services. My information is that the funding is ring-fenced. The Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, has said so previously in the House. I am sure she will confirm that is the position and that all posts that are to be filled will be filled this year, despite newspaper headlines to the contrary.
Regarding the debate on the abolition of the Seanad, a number of Members have raised the question of what was discussed on the Order of Business yesterday in relation to the comments of the Minister, Deputy Richard Bruton. Mr. Kieran Coughlan, Accounting Officer for the Oireachtas Commission, told the Committee of Public Accounts that the direct cost was €8.8 million. That should be acknowledged at this stage.
Gross.
Whatever the other extraneous charges are, one can make what one wants of the figures, but this is the figure the Accounting Officer for the Oireachtas Commission gave to the Committee of Public Accounts and any other argument is superfluous. The point has been made. The argument has been-----
-----won.
There should be no further debate on the costs.
The people should be told.
The Senator is interrupting again.
The Leader to continue, without interruption.
Every time I speak, Senator Mary White interrupts.
I like the Leader very much, actually. He knows that I admire-----
I thank the Senator very much and appreciate what she said.
Senators Ivana Bacik and Ned O'Sullivan and several others raised the same matter. I take Senator Ned O'Sullivan's point on the timing of the statement made. It was ill advised at a time before any legislation had been passed through this House. I have relayed these points and agree with Members who said the statement yesterday was ill advised and badly timed.
Senators Ivana Bacik and Jillian van Turnhout referred to the Magdalen institutions scheme, as did Senator Ned O'Sullivan. It was stated the religious order should make a contribution. It was pointed out by Senator Jillian van Turnhout that the debate on this item had been adjourned. I will try to have it resumed as soon as possible.
Senator Jillian van Turnhout and other Members made points on Dáil reform and the costs involved. I am sure the matter will arise in the debate on whether the Seanad should be retained.
Senators Sean D. Barrett, Brian Ó Domhnaill and Labhrás Ó Murchú called for a debate on Northern Ireland. I will try to arrange to have one, possibly before we finish for the summer.
With regard to the request to have representatives of the Orange Order before the House again, I am not so sure it would be a good idea at this point. As I said to the representatives who were present, the order should engage in meaningful discussions, now more than ever before, with communities and the Parades Commission. That would certainly assist in addressing the violence that has been escalating for a number of days in Northern Ireland and which we do not want to see again. The Orange Order has a very strong part to play in reconciliation. I encourage it to engage with communities and the Parades Commission in coming to agreement on current and future parades.
Senators Cáit Keane and Michael Comiskey referred to the higher education grants scheme. Certainly, problems arose with the scheme last year and this year. The Minister has acknowledged that there were problems. It is now time to sort them out because we cannot have a recurrence of what happened last year. I refer to the problems encountered by parents and students in respect of the scheme. We all acknowledge that teething problems occur when new schemes are put in place, but they should be sorted out at this stage. The officials should have learned from their mistakes and I hope that is the case.
Senator Denis O'Donovan referred to the horsemeat scandal, the House of Commons committee and its targeting of Ireland and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. This is a very serious matter. I am sure it will be addressed and that the allegations will be rebutted vehemently by the Minister, Deputy Simon Coveney. I am sure he will make a remark on the matter in due course.
I noted Senator Denis O'Donovan's comment on mackerel quotas and the abuse of fishing rights by the Faroe Islands and Iceland. The Minister, Deputy simon Coveney, supported the United Kingdom, France and Spain yesterday at a meeting of the Council of Ministers and pushed strongly to have trade restrictions imposed immediately by the European Commission against Iceland and the Faroe Islands as a result of the continuous, unacceptable and irresponsible fishing of mackerel. We all realise that the Minister has been calling for the implementation of trade measures for over 12 months. He actually mentioned this in the House when last speaking about fisheries. I hope the European Commission will agree to proceed to implement the measures and that there will be action rather than words at this stage. We have waited long enough for the Faroe Islands and Iceland to comply with regulations on overfishing. Since they have not complied, sanctions should be imposed on them.
Senators Jimmy Harte and John Gilroy referred to mental health issues. I have addressed this matter.
Senator Jimmy Harte implied that €40,000 per Senator per year was being spent on IT services. I do not know where this figure came from. If we are paying that much for IT services, we should find a different provider. IT services could be provided for a hell of a lot less than €40,000 per Member. There is a need for the Accounting Officer to consider this if it is the case.
Senator David Norris referred to casinos. I understand the legislation on casinos will be published soon. The legislation mentioned in the newspapers today is probably to regulate private card clubs around the country. These are really glorified casinos that have been operating outside the law for a number of years. I would welcome regulation of that sector. Another Bill will be required to deal with online gambling. I refer to the Betting (Amendment) Bill. We will have ample time to discuss these matters in the coming months.
Senators Deirdre Clune and Catherine Noone called for an informed debate on the content and use of information held by social media sites. Their point was very relevant and I will ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Pat Rabbitte, to update us on the matter. Perhaps we might also obtain a comment from the Data Protection Commissioner.
Senators David Cullinane, Denis Landy and Labhrás Ó Murchú mentioned the Waterford Crystal workers. As found by the European Court of Justice, the State failed the workers. There is no question about it; it has been proved. Like Senator David Cullinane, I made contact with the Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael Noonan, and the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Burton, on the matter. I understand from their responses that their advice is that the court proceedings must be allowed to take their course. There is no doubt that the workers have been waiting far too long to be compensated. They deserve to be and will be compensated. Senator David Cullinane is calling for justice to be done and I assure him that I will be pushing not only for justice to be seen to be done but also for it to be done. I fully support the efforts of the Waterford Crystal workers to have their rights vindicated in this regard.
Senator Denis Landy welcomed the recommencement of Garda recruitment, a point raised by Senator Diarmuid Wilson yesterday on the Order of Business.
Senator Catherine Noone referred to the healthy eating initiatives and the differences in VAT charges for various foodstuffs. We can raise this issue during the debate.
We have commented on the matter raised by Senator Ned O'Sullivan. I take his point on the timing of the statement made yesterday on the Seanad Bill.
Senator John Gilroy referred to mental health services. The House has decided that the next Seanad Public Consultation Committee meeting will deal with the issue of adult mental health.
That is another reason for us to discuss the matter in the House. I am sure the debate will be well informed by people involved in the mental health sector who have focused on the issue of adult mental health. We will have an opportunity to discuss the matter in the House.
I think I have answered Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill's query on Northern Ireland. We will debate Report Stage of the Bill on Seanad abolition tomorrow.
Senator Martin Conway raised the issue of litter on beaches. He is right. There is nothing as bad as seeing litter scattered all over a beach at the end of a day. I take the opportunity to compliment all of the local authority workers on the excellent job they do to clean up beaches on a daily basis. People must take responsibility and bring home their rubbish. Recently I heard it mentioned on a programme that Abbeyshrule, one of the cleanest villages in the country, had no litter bins because its inhabitants believed people should bring home their litter. As that initiative has proved successful in Abbeyshrule, it should succeed in every part of the country.
Senator Terry Brennan referred to hoax calls being made to emergency services in Carlingford. Again, this is disgraceful and it happens far too often in many parts of the country. Do hoax callers realise they could cost a person his or her life by calling emergency services away from them? I agree with the Senator that fines should be imposed. I hope the hoax callers will be brought to justice as they deserve to be.
Senator Tom Sheahan mentioned that children with Asperger's syndrome received assistance during State examinations but not for school examinations. He made a good point and it is worthy of discussion. We do talk about treating all the children of the nation equally. The Senator should consider tabling this matter for discussion on the Adjournment in order that he could receive a specific answer. I also noted the points he made about the Haddington Road agreement.
Senator Michael Comiskey welcomed the announced retention of a college in Sligo. He also urged people to apply early to SUSI for grants this year.