The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on economic growth and job creation, to be taken at 5 p.m. and conclude not later than 6.30 p.m., with the contributions of group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes and those of all other Senators not to exceed five minutes and the Minister to be called on to reply to the debate not later than 6.20 p.m. There will be tributes to the late former Senator Martin J. O'Toole, to be heard at the conclusion of the Order of Business.
Order of Business
We are all concerned about the ongoing conflict and human rights abuses in Ukraine. The European Union has a less than laudable record when it comes to dealing with conflict on and near its borders. We hope democracy and diplomacy will prevail on this occasion.
I welcome the debate today on job creation, but I would like it to be linked with the issue of emigration. We know that of the 89,000 people who emigrated last year, many were in employment. Some of them left jobs for which they were over-qualified or their qualifications were not suitable. These people have gone to other countries to use their education. When we hear about the creation of 61,000 jobs per year, we should bear in mind that these jobs are being created because people are emigrating. When the Government refers to the target of full employment by 2020, is it taking into account the more than 300,000 people who have emigrated in the past five years?
As a member of the first party to propose the appointment of a Minister for the Irish overseas and the Diaspora, I commend the Taoiseach for sending Ministers around the world for St. Patrick's Day.
One will not hear the Fianna Fáil Party complain about the practice, although the media appear to take great enjoyment in pointing out that Ministers are heading all over the world for St. Patrick's Day. As I have stated previously, any country would be proud and privileged that its leaders have an opportunity to meet other Heads of State and Government and make a case for job creation, immigration rights and visa access. With this in mind, I ask the Leader to ensure the Taoiseach raises the issues of the undocumented and immigration reform in the United States while on Capitol Hill. Last year, when his speech was released to the Irish media it referred to the need to address immigration reform. However, the transcripts of his meeting showed that the issue was not raised.
I propose an amendment to the Order of Business in respect of Nos. 7 and 8. One quarter of the 28,000 ministerial orders issued since the foundation of the State were signed in the past ten years. Ministers have too much power. No. 7 on the social welfare dietary supplement and No. 8 on the pension of the Director of Public Prosecutions were not debated in the House. As with many other regulations, these measures are being implemented by means of ministerial order, thus bypassing the Seanad, the Dáil and committee. Too much power is concentrated in the hands of the few. We cannot claim to be a functioning democracy in that regard.
Will the Senator clarify the amendment?
The amendment proposes that Nos. 7 and 8 be taken after the Order of Business.
They are two separate amendments and the Senator may only propose one amendment.
I propose that No. 7 be taken after the Order of Business. One of my colleagues will propose the second amendment. This issue is linked with the human tissue Bill, which I raised previously with the Leader. The Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Alex White, gave a commitment that the Bill would come before the House before the end of 2013. It does not feature on the Order Paper and it is unlikely the legislation will be passed this year. I ask the Leader to comment.
As the Seanad commences its working week, the unfolding crisis in Ukraine may not seem to be the most pressing issue facing Irish people. It is, however, one of the most serious threats to peace in Europe and one of the gravest crises facing Ireland and the European Union since we joined the European Economic Community in the early 1970s. I commend the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Eamon Gilmore, and his EU counterparts on their early intervention in the crisis and strong words of condemnation. I hope the crisis will not require anything other than condemnation as Europe could be quickly sucked into a most murderous affair. There is no question that Crimea has been annexed by Russia, which has launched a de facto invasion of a sovereign country. While Ukraine may appear remote, the country is on our doorstep. Two years ago, thousands of Irish soccer fans attended soccer matches in Poland and Ukraine. We cannot take this development lightly or turn a blind eye to it. The last time such an event occurred in Europe, it had serious consequences. We cannot allow the matter to escalate further. I ask the Leader to invite the Tánaiste before the House to set out what programme of action and which sanctions the European Union has in mind to send a message to President Vladimir Putin that what has occurred in Ukraine is an affront to democracy and freedom and not acceptable under any circumstances. President Putin may regard the notice of the Irish Seanad in much the same way as the Tsar treated the attention of the Skibbereen Eagle all those years ago. I doubt he is quaking in his boots.
Ireland's proud role in peacekeeping under the banner of the United Nations stretches from engagements in Congo, Lebanon and Cyprus to the current deployment on the Golan Heights in Syria.
Ireland has a role to play and has a credible voice in the context of peacekeeping and intervention. It is vital that no mother's son, regardless of whether he is wearing a Russian or a Ukrainian uniform, be lost in the despicable series of events playing out on our TV screens. What is happening is far too dangerous and we cannot take it lightly. We cannot engage in cherry-picking in respect of the aspects of democracy which appeal to us. I earnestly appeal to the Leader to invite the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to come before the House to set out his Department's stall and indicate the role he intends to play. The Tánaiste is due to meet the Russian ambassador this evening - he could also brief us on this matter if he comes before the House - in order to reprimand him and outline, in no uncertain terms, our opposition to the events unfolding in Ukraine.
I echo the sentiments expressed by Senator John Whelan in respect of the actions of and negotiations entered into by the Government, the European Union and the United States with regard to the terrible events that are happening in Russia and Ukraine.
I take the opportunity to wish the couple of women who are present, and also the men, happy International Women's Week. Senators may have thought it was just a single day but this year an entire week is being devoted to celebrating women's significant achievements and highlighting all that remains to be done to ensure the full participation in and equality for women in the context of the workings of the State. We need at least a week to mark these achievements and to begin to fill some of the holes on the road ahead. As a former chief executive of the National Women's Council of Ireland, NWCI, I wish to ask if the Leader will make time available for a debate with the Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, on the report on six ways to make the Oireachtas more women-friendly, which is currently being launched by the council. I understand many of our female colleagues are currently attending that launch. One of the suggested six ways to make the Oireachtas more women-friendly is the establishment of a 40% gender quota for Cabinet appointments. That is one of the best ideas I have heard in a long time and it would lead to more women being seated at that big table. Another one of the suggested ways relates to maternity leave for politicians. What a radical idea. The report recounts how, when she returned from maternity leave, Deputy McDonald was informed by one of her colleagues that politicians do not take maternity leave. Another suggestion - perhaps an even more radical one - is that there should be paternity leave for politicians. Will the Leader make time available for a debate on this matter?
I have two further questions for the Leader in view of the week that is in it. We are still living in a State in which at least one maternity service in a regional hospital has been deemed to be neither safe for women nor sustainable. We have all been obliged to listen to stories being recounted about a broken system - which the Minister for Health, Deputy James Reilly, insists will be fixed - amid the context of the inestimable grief of the parents whose babies died. There has been a debate about whether a reduction or consolidation of resources had anything to do which causing this crisis. Will the Leader ask the Minister if he is going to take action in respect of the lack of midwives at Portlaoise hospital? There is a need to appoint more staff to the maternity unit at the hospital in order that there will be a ratio of one midwife to 29.5 births, as recommended by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation. If that ratio is to be met, then an additional 33 midwives will have to be employed at Portlaoise. In such circumstances, how can the HSE inform women who are due to give birth that they are safe?
I have one final question, and I thank the Cathaoirleach for his indulgence. In recent weeks the Government has noted its achievement of an increase of 61,000 in the overall number of jobs. That is an achievement and I offer my congratulations. When one drills down into that headline figure, however, one discovers that the level of employment among women under the age of 35 is down by a staggering 17,100 since last year. Something is radically wrong here. In that context, will the Leader ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation to outline the specific programmes he is developing in order to facilitate the creation of jobs for younger women?
I share the concerns expressed by colleagues with regard to the highly volatile and dangerous situation in Ukraine. There seems to be no leadership at all there. Situations of division are extremely dangerous. We should remember the position which obtained prior to the First World War and the fact that people walked right into that conflict. Lord Grey was in tears on the evening before war was eventually declared. One shot started the First World War and in current circumstances a single shot could have a very dangerous impact, particularly if it hit the wrong person. What Hitler did in respect of the Sudetenland prior to the Second World War also comes to mind. Although President Putin is a stinker, I would not equate him with Hitler. I am merely seeking to outline some of the historical precedents. The Russians have involved agents provocateurs in order to create problems, which is exactly what happened in the Sudetenland prior to start of the Second World War.
International treaties involving various member states of the European Union and the Russian Federation have been clearly broken. There is a very dangerous background. One must also see it from the other side. Imagine if one was Russian. Crimea is part of Russia culturally, historically and linguistically. They have one of the biggest Russian naval bases there. Of course, they feel threatened. It does not matter that President Putin did nothing but lie at his press conference. He should get the Ceaucescu award for international political liar of the year. We in Europe are dependent on gas from Russia. It is a highly dangerous situation and it would be right to discuss it.
Will the Leader draw the attention of the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht of a disastrous and craven decision by Dublin City Council? I know that body is separate from us, but this involves a question of national heritage. I can see from this building the roofs of Fitzwilliam Street. The ESB disgraced itself 20 or 30 years ago by destroying the single longest Georgian streetscape in the entire world. It put a heap of utterly modernist brutalist rubbish in place of it. The council's plan means it is supposed to restore it to the 18th century facade. That is what should happen. If The Night Watch by Rembrandt was savaged by some lunatic, they would not hire Pablo Picasso or Matisse to finish it off, they would get a good restorationist. That is what should happen here. Dublin City Council should be utterly ashamed.
One other matter of shame occurs. I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Pat Rabbitte, to come to the House to explain to us why he told us in black and white terms that there was no question of over-the-counter sales by Tesco. Tesco is now selling petrol. I do not know if it is selling coffins but it is selling everything it can get its hands on. It is starting banking. This here is a photograph of over-the-counter transactions in the form of post-and-pay customer services.
The Senator knows he should not display photographs in the Chamber.
I agree with the Cathaoirleach. To be fair-handed, as he always is, Ministers should not tell porkies in the House either.
I refer to the incident in Athlone last summer when a criminal with 100 previous convictions was let out of Garda custody on the day he committed a dastardly and heinous crime. To rape two innocent young girls aged six and nine years is the shame of the century.
The courts have dealt with that issue.
They have not dealt with it. He should have gone to prison for life, for two lives.
We cannot discuss judgments handed down by the courts.
Life is life. We need an urgent debate with the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Alan Shatter, on the issues of criminality, repetitive crime and release on bail. This man should never be let out. I wish to conclude with an instance of which I am aware from when I was a teenager. A young man from my home area, whom I will not name, does not have a friend alive today. He was 26 or 27 and not fully compos mentis when he murdered a young gypsy girl and got life in prison. He died in prison after 40 years.
I cannot allow this on the Order of Business. We cannot discuss an individual case.
I hope this man will do the same thing and is taken out of prison in a box.
I second the amendment to the Order of Business that No. 7 be taken before No. 1. I support colleagues calling for a debate on what is happening in Crimea, in particular, and Ukraine generally.
The press conference given by Mr. Putin today was bizarre. He denied that the troops in Crimea are Russian. He suggested they might have bought their uniforms. There is a serious background to this issue. It is not all one-sided. Baroness Ashton has spoken on behalf of the European Union. I do not think the European uKnion is speaking with one voice on this issue. The question of trade is involved. I believe the European Union acted provocatively by trying to negotiate an important deal with Ukraine without being conscious of the fact that Ukraine is supplied with gas and oil by Russia. The EU authorities did not seem to be conscious of the offence they were causing to Russia. The President of Ukraine was forced to resign or withdraw and he has since left the country. It was noted that when Baroness Ashton greeted the release of the former president, in a sense she endorsed her as a future candidate. Her record in government is not particularly good. I think the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade should reiterate our position to Baroness Ashton, who represents the European Union, not herself. She should be very cautious before she embraces any candidate for the future presidency of Ukraine. Other candidates are emerging. It is in this context that I believe the European Union is acting provocatively. It is also worth mentioning that NATO is seeking for Ukraine to join NATO. We should all be aware of what is happening. I remind the House that Russia, which is a member of the Council of Europe, invaded part of Georgia and has held onto it without any repercussions. It is unlikely that it will hold onto Crimea.
Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?
I suggest the Leader should ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to brief the Seanad in this regard. We all have an interest in the matter. I would like the Tánaiste to brief us on the up-to-date position on the situation in Ukraine. It is very tense and serious and could have far-reaching consequences.
As we mark the third anniversary of the election of the Government, I want to welcome the efforts it has made to reduce unemployment. The employment position has improved over the past 18 months. Unemployment figures have decreased. Given that the previous Administration, by contrast, oversaw 250,000 job losses, it is clear that this Government is doing a good job. Some 5,000 jobs are being created each month. The retail sector has expressed optimism for the year ahead. The Government has provided €1 billion for a new training and upskilling scheme, Pathways to Work. For the first time, there is a further education and training strategy for the long-term unemployed. The JobBridge scheme has created opportunities for many people to go through education. Approximately 62% of those who have participated in the scheme have got full-time jobs. Some 1,280 people have got jobs arising from their participation in the JobsPlus scheme.
I wish to bring one or two areas in which we could do some more work to the attention of the Leader. I would like the Leader to ask the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Joan Burton, to come to the House for a debate on these areas. The Gateway project is designed to take 3,000 people off the live register by providing opportunities through local authorities. This initiative has union approval. It seems like a very good opportunity for the long-term unemployed. To date, just 60 people have been taken off the live register and placed on this scheme. Just three local authorities have participated in it. Such a dismal return for this scheme needs to be examined and investigated. There are great opportunities in the hotel and catering industry as well. The head of the Irish Hotels Federation said today that 3,000 jobs are available in this country's hotel industry. It is about time to knock heads together to see what training these people need, to provide that training and to ensure we can put a further 3,000 people back to work in this country's economy. I ask the Leader to invite the Minister to come to the House for a debate on this matter as soon as possible.
I express concern about the reports that the Government might be persuaded to take over Ulster Bank in this country.
As per the current edition of The Economist , Ulster Bank is owned by the Royal Bank of Scotland which lost $13.7 billion in 2013 and paid out £576 million to its executives. We already have five zombie banks in public ownership - Anglo Irish Bank, the EBS, AIB, Irish Nationwide Building Society and Irish Life and Permanent - and acquiring another would be an extremely ill-advised investment.
I express my concern about the article by Cliff Taylor in The Sunday Business Post last Sunday that AIB, which is about 98% owned by the taxpayer, paid over €100 million in consultancy fees to PwC who were the auditors to Bank of Ireland which also needed to be rescued in 2008. We need to have a thorough reform of financial services in Ireland, not just of the institutions I have mentioned but pension funds are in trouble, insurance companies require levies and even credit unions are in trouble. A major obstacle to the future development of the country is our failure to reform financial services.
I commend the Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael Noonan, on the great progress he has made since taking office three years ago on 9 March 2011. This progress has been hard won by the Irish people and has put the State in a position to broaden our economic recovery. Debt sustainability has been vital to the restoration of the economy and will be important for future sustainable growth. The public finances are finally under control with out deficit below 5% of GDP. The current cost of borrowing at just over 3% allows the State to spend less on servicing the national debt which, in turn, gives the Minister and the Government more flexibility to reduce taxes or increase spending on public services. I remind Senator Mark Daly - as Senator Denis Landy did - that when his party was last in government, over 250,000 jobs were lost in the final three years of that term. Ireland now outstrips all other EU nations with regard to job creation. Last week's figures show that a net total of 61,000 new jobs were created in 2013-----
The Senator is not taking into account those who have emigrated.
Does Senator Paul Coghlan have a question for the Leader?
I have.
The debate will be held this evening.
Senator Paul Coghlan to continue, without interruption.
The Ministers, Deputy Richard Bruton and Joan Burton, must be commended for such progress. The Government has a clear plan for rebuilding the country and there are positive signs that this is working.
The Senator should not be using a script now.
(Interruptions).
Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?
Yes. Job creation is a core part of this plan and I welcome the significant improvements in this regard.
Is that a question?
No. The question is that the Senator should have been calmer and what he is proposing today is ridiculous, given the record of the facts.
It is clear that the Government press office has been very busy giving prepared statements to Senators from both the Labour Party and Fine Gael about how wonderful everything is.
We do not get prepared statements.
(Interruptions).
The Politburo has its say now.
It might be interesting if they came in to list the long list of failures for which the Government has been responsible and the unfairness of many of the policies which have been imposed on many people. This fact is reflected in the opinion polls. The people will see through the Government spin when we come to the local and European elections.
I wish to raise the issue of Eirgrid's plans to build the North-South interconnector and also the GridLink project for the south east and the west. A Red C opinion poll published at the weekend shows that a majority of citizens are against the overhead power lines and are in favour of undergrounding. The Government has set up a commission which is not really truly independent. EirGrid will carry out the analysis on whether it is possible to put the cables underground and the commission will consider the analysis provided by EirGrid, when we all know that EirGrid is prejudiced in its view, and is against the undergrounding of cables-----
Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?
A majority of citizens are against overhead power lines.
Record numbers have lobbied EirGrid and made submissions through the public consultation process. In this light, it is obvious that there is no public support. Despite the commission being put in place, however, EirGrid is still pressing ahead with its plans. This is not good enough. The Government should do the right thing and ask EirGrid to cease its planning application, to ensure an independent process and listen to the concerns of those who are opposed to EirGrid's plans.
At a time when we are discussing the loss of the Ukrainian people's sovereignty, it is ironic not to recognise the fact that this Government, through the Tánaiste and the Taoiseach, have regained the sovereignty of this country. We have exited a bailout programme and are creating jobs at a rate of 1,000 per week. It is ironic that Sinn Féin is discussing opinion polls when the only opinion poll about which most unemployed people care is whether they have a job or are in receipt of social welfare. I agree with my colleague, Senator John Whelan, that we should have a debate on Ukraine. It is one of the most serious issues facing the European Union. We have not faced anything like it since the break-up of the former Yugoslavia. It merits a debate. One of the saddest points was Sarah Palin being hailed as some kind of oracle on foreign policy because, some time ago from her home in Alaska, she predicted an invasion of Ukraine in the same way that the Russians invaded Georgia. This House needs to hold a more serious debate on the matter.
Will the Leader arrange for a debate on the National Women's Council of Ireland's report, "A Parliament of all Talents: Building a Women-Friendly Oireachtas", which is being launched as we speak? The report contains many elements that need to be debated. There has been a great deal of progress on legislating to encourage political parties, which are the main gatekeepers of the Oireachtas, to choose women candidates. However, more needs to be done. We in this Chamber need to examine the way we do business. Through the Leader, we need to feed up the line that we do not want to have little to do for a couple of weeks, only to be snowed under with legislation at the end of the year. Sitting until midnight or 1 a.m. is ridiculous. I hate to say it, but we all have homes to go to. There should be more reality when it comes to doing business.
On a point of information, many Members have asked about Ukraine. The Tánaiste will attend the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade this afternoon. Senators can come along.
It is for the Leader to respond. The Senator should resume his seat.
Members would be welcome to join us.
I propose an amendment to the Order of Business that No. 8 be taken immediately before No. 1.
The Crimean situation clearly shows that the Cold War is alive and kicking. It is worrying and depressing that, so many years after the Cuban crisis, something similar seems to be happening now. To a certain extent, the Crimea is Russia's Cuba. It has always regarded the Crimea as being under its sphere of influence. I support Senator Terry Leyden's call for Europe to speak with a strong and united voice on this issue, as it must be handled very carefully.
On a lighter note, next week is the annual racing festival at Cheltenham. It is difficult to believe it has been already a year since last year's festival, which was in the middle of the Meath by-election, if I remember correctly.
Does the Senator have any good tip?
I wish all the Irish people attending Cheltenham an enjoyable and safe visit. I also hope our trainers, jockeys and owners have a successful Cheltenham. There has been controversy of late regarding allegations of wrong-doing in stables. That will be all unravelled in due course, but Mr. Willie Mullins issued a worrying statement yesterday. As we all know, he is one of the leading national hunt trainers on these islands, if not the best. He stated that he was concerned about the possible nobbling of his horses in the run up to Cheltenham. He mentioned that it was a serious concern for other leading trainers also. There are suspicions that gentlemen or ladies are prowling around and interfering with horses to try to make money out of poor performances.
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Simon Coveney, should interest himself in this matter and look into it, and he should also send inspectors to check that everything is in order in stables. He should ensure, perhaps in conjunction perhaps with the Minister for Defence or the Minister for Justice and Equality, there is vigilance in respect of our leading racing stables in the lead-up not only to Cheltenham but to all other major festivals where there are nefarious people trying to make an easy shilling.
I, too, join in expressing concern about the situation in Ukraine. It highlights the level of progress that has been made in Europe during the past 50 years when we consider that in the first 50 years of the previous century, 67 million people died in two world wars, the vast majority in Europe. One can travel from the Dingle Peninsula all the way to the Russian border without encountering any conflict and find that 500 million people are living in peace. We can criticise Europe but that shows the level of progress that has been made in a very short period. In regard to the situation in Ukraine, Europe needs to plays a very important part in ensuring there will not be increased hostilities resulting in people being killed. I visited Georgia as part of an election observation mission in 2010 and I was struck by the fact that this country, which was at one stage part of the Russian Empire, is now totally isolated because it does not have access to the European market on one side or to the Russian market on the other side. It shows how a country, even if is very large and has huge potential, can become isolated if it does not have access to markets. Likewise, we may see something similar happen in Ukraine. Therefore, it is important that Europe influences what occurs here and ensures it is the road of peace rather than road of war.
I wish to raise another issue regarding the use of State assets. We have a huge problem in that many State assets are under-utilised and I raised this matter recently at a meeting. In 2003 when I was Lord Mayor of Cork I was told that by Christmas 2003 there would be major plans for 17 acres of land belonging to Iarnród Éireann but now ten years on we are only seeing those come to light.
Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?
My question for the Leader is to ask for a debate on the use of State assets. I raise this matter because in the past eight years only €8.3 million has been raised from the sale of lands held by the psychiatric services. A good deal of land owned by the HSE and by other State organisations is not being properly used. It is important we have a debate on the proper utilisation of these assets now that progress is being made in the economy. It is timely to have such a debate.
Many speakers have spoken about the situation in Ukraine. As others have said, we are at a very delicate moment. We are hanging on to peace by our fingertips right now. It is a moment when Ireland really needs to punch above its weight because the difference between war and peace is about real diplomacy and real leadership. The Tánaiste is meeting the Russian ambassador today but we need to work together with Europe to ensure we save this country from war. It is absolutely on tenterhooks. I know quite a few really good Ukrainian people living in Ireland. I have seen how hard they have worked to set up lives here. This decision now lies largely in the hands of a few men. When we think that this is international women's week, it is a moment when we need to go for this and save it.
As people leave the Visitors Gallery, I would like to welcome the visitors from Austria. A total of 70 students from Austria are visiting our Parliament today.
I wish to raise briefly another matter. Next Tuesday 27,000 teachers will strike about the reforms to the junior certificate, particularly about the marking system because the Minister is going to return this to the hands of the teachers.
Many teachers feel, as I do, that standards could be reduced if we do not have more objectivity and that the State role in marking should not be completely eradicated. Will the Leader arrange an urgent debate on education standards and junior certificate reform, if possible, next Tuesday? If he could fit that in, it would be very helpful.
Like Senator Denis Landy, I compliment the Government on the job creation efforts that have been put in place in recent years. I hope the trend of more than 5,000 jobs per month being created continues. I agree with the Senator that there are more than 3,000 jobs available in the catering sector and that employers are having great difficulty filling these positions.
I was listening to a vox pop earlier. There is definitely a myth that if a person gives up social welfare, he stands to lose too much. Under the JobsPlus initiative put in place recently by the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Joan Burton, an employer can claim half the social welfare payment if a person takes up work and that will enhance the wages the employer can pay to the employees. I heard another myth from someone else to the effect that if a person takes up a full-time job he will lose his medical card, but that is not true. A person will retain the medical card for four years. There is another myth to the effect that if I take up work I will lose rent allowance. Again, if a person opts to go on the rental assistance scheme he will not lose the rent allowance. There is another myth to the effect that if I take a job on the minimum wage then I stand to lose too much. The minimum wage is still greater than social welfare and if a person has children he can get a massive top-up through the family income supplement. The fifth myth I heard was to the effect that if a person gives up social welfare and takes up a job, it will be 12 weeks before he will be able to get his social welfare back again, but that is not true. It can be done in a matter of three days. I welcome what Senator Denis Landy has suggested. We should bring the Minister for Social Protection to the House and discuss this issue. Perhaps we should consider the possibility of issuing a simple little booklet to people on long-term social welfare explaining all these things to them in order that their ill-founded fears can be addressed. That might be a way forward.
In the past I have often criticised the length of time it takes to get things done in the State system. Some months ago a young person died from a peanut allergy. The person went into a chemist shop but was unable to get an anaphylactic pen. One simple solution would be to ensure every restaurant in the country has at least one of these pens. Pens cost very little and they last for at least a full year. It could be done with a simple tranche of legislation, if we even need legislation, stipulating that among the conditions for every restaurant is that they should have one of these pens available. The same pen will act as a solution to any allergy as far as I know although I am not an expert on it. It appears to be a simple solution and I do not know why someone has not grabbed hold of it and decided to do it right away to save lives.
Some months ago the death took place of a person from carbon monoxide poisoning. One comparatively simple solution - it would not be immediate but it could be a simple solution - could involve a regulation that every new home should have a carbon monoxide alarm fitted. That would not need new legislation. It would simply need a change in the building by-laws. These steps could be taken and they would save lives. Certain things could happen more quickly than what is happening. I call on the Leader to draw the attention of the Ministers responsible for these two areas to these proposals and to ask if we can move on them right away and see what can be done. If it needs legislation then let us introduce legislation, but in the meantime let us see if we can save lives by a simple act.
I join colleagues in asking the Leader to organise a discussion with the Tánaiste next week on the crisis in Ukraine. I compliment the Tánaiste and other EU Foreign Ministers on their quick actions in organising meetings to discuss the ongoing situation. This crisis will demand real skill and diplomacy to bring about a resolution. One thing we all wish to see is democracy preserved. We support democracy in Ukraine. I am pleased the Tánaiste will come before the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade this afternoon to update the committee on developments in recent days.
It is welcome that the European Commission's innovation scorecard shows that Ireland has continued to improve its innovation performance, and has gone from tenth to ninth place among the 28 member states. Ireland is now at 110% of the EU average. Ireland is the overall leader in the economic effects of innovation, which captures the economic success of innovation in employment in knowledge intensive activities. It is also welcome that in the same report, Ireland's HR performance is third best in the European Union, after Finland and Sweden, which augurs well for the successful manner in which Irish businesses are being run and are positioning themselves to benefit from the improving economic situation in Ireland and across Europe.
I second Senator Ned O'Sullivan's amendment. Senator Paul Coghlan's celebratory tone must be an overhang from the Ard-Fheis at the weekend, when he could not contain himself for the debate this evening, to which we all look forward.
Senator Mark Daly left the goal open.
I must say the Senator read it well and delivered it well, whoever gave it to him.
I thank the Senator. I might make quite the actor from the Sligo school-----
In spite of the celebratory tones in the House about the Government's performance, outside the House farmers were protesting at the price of beef and other issues. This is a very worrying aspect, because the Government consistently stands by as the multiples dictate, in the interests of their own bottom line, the return of the people who reap the bounty of the land in all our interests. There have been changes to specification, with factory enforced movement criteria, where people selling cattle at the moment are being docked €150 per animal purely on the basis of the number of movements the animal has had from farm to farm. It seems that even attendance at a show counts as a movement. That is a very worrying trend because it is capitalising on the farmers who are trying very hard to make a living, particularly the farmers in the north west, where 40% of the weanling population of the country is produced. The Minister must address this because there are farm families in that part of the country earning well below the minimum wage. They are well below the celebratory tones we have heard from the Government about the relative success of some of their policies in recent times. The reality on the ground is that these people are living hand to mouth and we stand idly by and do nothing about it.
On a related issue, there is anecdotal evidence to suggest Irish Water will insist that all farmers have meters that are not compatible with those the agency wishes to use, and will be expected to pay for these themselves, at a cost of up to €250 per water meter. That is simply unacceptable.
Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?
Yes and I will pose it much quicker than many people who spoke before me.
The Chair has been very generous to the Senator.
I ask the Leader to ask the Minister to come to the House for a debate on small holdings and fair prices for their products in the context of the viability and continuity of that part of the country, and to ensure Irish Water does not stamp all over them on costs purely to support an overpayment and bonus system.
The Senator is way over time.
Senator Marc MacSharry starts his contribution by saying it is a rumour and then builds his entire case based on that rumour. I suggest we wait for the facts to emerge before we start with the histrionics, but that is not the point I wish to make today.
The Cork Film Centre is a voluntary arts group based in Cork, providing support, training and equipment for a vibrant arts community in the city and county, especially among many community groups.
Some of the groups deal with youth groups and areas of underprivilege. The Arts Council announced yesterday that it intends cutting funding to the organisation by 50%, which requires the Cork Film Centre to let go its more experienced staff. Without them, the centre will be unable to operate. Next year, the Arts Council proposes to reduce funding to zero, which makes it untenable. I ask the Leader for a debate on arts policy and cuts in particular. We should invite the Minister to the Chamber. Some cuts are necessary, unpalatable as they are, but others are counter-productive. This is a case of the latter and I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht to the Chamber to discuss arts policy and cuts.
I ask the Leaders to draw the attention of the Minister to the state of our obstetric services and the staffing levels in them and possibly to arrange a debate. The tragic loss of the parents in Portlaoise deserves our sympathy. As a parent, I cannot feel how awful it must be to lose a child and particularly to lose a child in the circumstances outlined.
I am very troubled by one of the central messages from the report of the Department of Health, namely, that there was no linkage between this tragic occurrence and a deficiency in staffing levels. Between 2000 and 2009, the population of the catchment area of Portlaoise hospital increased by 37%, mainly due to the development of satellite towns and quasi-suburban communities with a disproportionate number of young couples starting off in life. The number of births increased from 1,000 to 2,000. While the number of births nationally increased by 17%, the number in Portlaoise increased by 50%. The increase in the number of consultant obstetricians, which stood at a ludicrously low three, was zero. There were three at the beginning and three at the end of that period. The logic of the Department of Health is as follows. If there was no linkage between decreased staffing levels and these adverse outcomes, will the Department of Health and the Minister clarify whether the unit was overstaffed in 2000? I think that is an absurd contention.
I do not accept it is appropriate for trainee doctors to provide medical care in a country with the highest number of medical schools per head of population in the western world. What can we say about the numbers in Portlaoise? None of the doctors occupying trainee positions such as registrars in the hospital was part of the recognised national specialist registrar training schemes. During this time, there was a dramatic increase in the number of people hired as agency employees, as nurses and junior doctors and at other grades. One can say it shows the investment made in the service but I suggest it shows the opposite.
Is the Senator looking for a debate on the issue?
How can communications problems be labelled as a major issue, as it is in the report, without acknowledging that a rapidly rotating cohort of agency temporary staff fosters the very same problems of communications?
Is the Senator looking for a debate on the issue?
I am looking for a debate. One and a half years after the tragic events in Galway, the tragedy that lady and her family went through and after our handwringing and agonising last year about the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill, has one extra penny been invested in obstetric services and maternity services? The answer is no.
I want to harp on about a subject. I welcome the great news from the National University of Ireland, Galway, which has decided to reward students who excel in sport with the opportunity to gain an additional 40 CAO points in the leaving certificate results towards entrance to university. Some students may be unable to play ball, jump higher or run faster and may not be happy with this move. I suggest taking it one step further.
I suggest those who participate in physical education in school should have an opportunity to be rewarded by achieving points, similar to those awarded for subjects such as English, mathematics, art and music. Why do I make an argument for rewarding those who participate in physical education? Yesterday the World Health Organization once again raised the epidemic of obesity facing Europe. The WHO raises the issue of the high levels of fats, salt and sugar in our diet and the low levels of exercise. Some 30% of 11 year old children are now deemed to be overweight. It also suggests thalf the population over 18 years will be obese by 2020. Today University College Cork came out with the results of the Cork children's lifestyle study which confirms what we already know at local level. It reinforces what has been stated through the national report, Growing Up in Ireland, which was undertaken for the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. I ask the Cathaoirleach to bear with me. If it ain't broke, don't try to fix it. We need to fix it. Some €15 billion is being spent in the health service on sick people. I know the Minister for Health is trying to cut costs as well as introducing universal health insurance. I suggest that physical education, although a core subject in schools, is not taken seriously enough. Some 52% of the teaching time is devoted to three subjects, English, Irish and mathematics
Does the Senator wish to table a motion on physical education?
Some 48% of the time on the school timetable is devoted to eight subjects. We need to invest in physical education and physical literacy by empowering teachers, parents and children and incentivising them. I call on the Leader to have a serious debate on physical literacy and physical education in Ireland.
I join my colleagues who have expressed concern about the situation in Ukraine. I think the situation is worthy of a strong response from the European Union, the United Nations and all international agencies. When Senator David Norris and I, among others, were elected to the Seanad for the first time in 1987, Ukraine was a province of the USSR, locked behind the Iron Curtain which divided the continent of Europe. A short few years later, the Berlin Wall fell and there was a changed political and economic situation in Europe. We all felt there was no going back to the bad old days of Soviet style pressure and bullying. Tragically, what we are seeing in Crimea and the threat to Ukraine must indicate that some leopards do not change their spots. The United Nations, the European Union and every member state must be very strong in its response to what Russia is attempting to do. Tragically, we can now state with certainty that the lack of action by the United Nations and, in particular, President Obama in respect of Syria has caused Mr. Putin to believe he can do what he wishes and there will be no significant or strong response. President Obama and others must stand up to the bullying threat from Russia and stand by the people of Ukraine. I look forward to listening to the response from the Tánaiste. Europe must stand strong and united on this issue or else the consequences could be quite terrible not just for Crimea and Ukraine but for the broader continent of Europe.
I welcome the launch today of the Oireachtas cross-party group on the misuse of alcohol. Today, Mr. Alastair Campbell and a few medical practitioners, who addressed the all-party Oireachtas group, gave us details of the crisis caused by the misuse of alcohol. I am on record as having spoken about it on numerous occasions. I think the problems caused by it are well known. The measures in the alcohol strategy, including minimum pricing, restriction of advertising and change of certain measures on packaging need to be implemented. Will the Leader say when it is proposed that the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Alex White, will come to the House to discuss this matter? I have requested on a number of occasions to have this issue debated.
We have discussed it on a previous occasion but we need to discuss it again especially in the context of alcohol sponsorship for sports and other events.
I was pleased to hear the good news this morning that Ireland has been awarded the accolade of the destination that offers the most potential for Chinese travellers at a ceremony in Shanghai today. Over 3 million people were surveyed and Ireland had to compete with destinations such as South Africa, Dubai, Turkey, Sweden, Kenya and Queensland. Ireland was the overall winner in the survey, which is great news. The result is due to the work done by Tourism Ireland which has committed to increasing the amount of Chinese tourists from 17,000 up to 50,000 every year for the next five years.
I wish to mention a related issue which was also raised by Senator Denis Landy. The Irish Hotels Federation has indicated that there are approximately 3,000 vacancies in the hotel and catering trade. We must be ready for tourists on one level but the statistic begs the question alluded to by the Senator. Why do these jobs exist in a country with high unemployment? The matter also raises all sorts of questions in the social welfare area. Therefore, I support the Senator's request to invite the Minister for Social Protection to attend here to discuss the matter.
I agree with Senator Paul Bradford that we must condemn any expansionist aims by Russia in Ukraine but it was not Russia that destabilised the country. I have spoken to people in the Euromaidan who told me that they have lost faith in Ukrainian politics, both the government and the opposition. We need to support the reasonable efforts of the European Union and all those who seek new free and fair elections in the Ukraine and we must impose economic sanctions on those who do not co-operate in that regard. I do not want us to return to war in Europe and, therefore, I do not encourage President Obama to enter the region with American armed forces, for example. I ask everyone to listen to the voice of reason. I have spoken to Ukranian parliamentarians who do not speak to each other and told them that in Ireland we know only too well what happens when politics breaks down. The Ukranians need to get together now to sort out the problem themselves.
I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for Education and Skills to attend the House. I have already requested such a meeting to discuss the new junior cycle reform plan. It puts children at the heart of the education system and makes them the main agents in their education with its emphasis on literacy, numeracy and science. I agree with Senator Eamonn Coghlan that physical education leads to good mental health which is most important.
The Minister reduced that budget.
Senator Jim D'Arcy is over time.
I wish to mention external monitoring and have spoken to the Minister about the matter. There needs to be an element of external monitoring of the new junior certificate for the medium term. If the problem was resolved we would have the support of teachers.
Senator Mark Daly proposed an amendment to the Order of Business which I do not propose to accept. There was another amendment to the Order of Business regarding No. 8 which I do not propose to accept either.
Senator Mark Daly made a point which I could not understand. He said 61,000 jobs had been created because 80,000 people had emigrated. I do not know how these facts are related. The fact is 61,000 extra jobs were created in the economy which had nothing whatsoever to do with people emigrating. I cannot marry his details or facts on the matter.
I will send the information to the Leader. It is from the ESRI.
The Leader to continue, without interruption, please.
With regard to the undocumented Irish, the Taoiseach will again raise the matter with as many politicians as he possibly can on Capitol Hill when he visits to mark St. Patrick's Day.
I am certainly not privy to private conversations between the Taoiseach and President Obama, but I am sure he will raise the matter again.
Like many others, Senator John Whelan mentioned the situation in Ukraine. We have all been deeply disturbed by developments in Crimea in recent days and urgently need to chart a way out of the crisis. As the Tánaiste said, Russia's actions are in clear violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and independence and threaten to create dangerous new divisions in Europe. If the Russian authorities do not de-escalate the crisis, the European Union will take consequential action, including the suspension of talks on visa system liberalisation and a new economic agreement, both of which are priorities for the Russian Government. I join the Tánaiste in commending the measured response demonstrated so far by Ukraine. It was agreed at yesterday's emergency Foreign Affairs Council meeting that the European Union would move swiftly to freeze the assets of those responsible for human rights violations in Ukraine, as agreed at the Council's meeting on 20 February. The Foreign Affairs Council also agreed that the European Union would lend its full support to an international assistance package to address the urgent needs of Ukraine, based on a clear commitment to reforms. We are certainly confronted with an extremely dangerous situation and need to send a firm message to the authorities in Moscow that their behaviour is totally unacceptable, while urging the authorities in Kiev to maintain restraint in the face of this provocation. There must be immediate talks before the crisis deepens further. The United Nations, the OSCE and the Council of Europe should all engage without delay. The concerns of the authorities in Moscow about the position of the Russian-speaking population in Crimea can be peacefully addressed through various channels, including the OSCE. The House urges Russia to use the multilateral mechanisms available to find a peaceful solution. We must remain firm in our commitment to Ukraine's unity, independence and territorial integrity. The European Council is to meet again on Thursday to address the issue. I will invite the Tánaiste to attend the House to address the matter and update us on it. I understand he is doing so at the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade today, but I will ask him to update the House also.
Senator Katherine Zappone referred to the celebration of International Women's Week. Like Senators Aideen Hayden and Fidelma Healy Eames, she called for the report of the National Women's Council to be debated with the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch. I will ask the Minister of State to attend the House for such a debate.
Senators Katherine Zappone and John Crown referred to the situation at Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise. The 11 recommendations made in the report on the hospital have all been accepted by the Government and will be implemented. The IMO's concerns were raised in 2006 and 2008. A team from the Coombe Women's Hospital is taking over the maternity unit in Portlaoise. The Government has acted swiftly in this regard and also ordered an audit of all staffing levels, including midwifery, at the hospital.
This has been welcomed by all of the families involved. This can be seen as a robust and decisive response by the Government to this very serious matter.
Senator Katherine Zappone also raised the question of jobs for women. She has raised it on the right day in the right week because we have practically devoted this week to the issue of job creation. We will have statements today on economic growth and job creation with the Minister for Finance, while tomorrow we will have a debate on apprenticeships with the Minister of State, Deputy Ciarán Cannon, as well as a debate on An Action Plan for Jobs with the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton. This is an opportunity for Members who have concerns and questions about the jobs action plan to attend and make their points to the relevant Ministers and Minister of State.
Senator Zappone also raised the question of jobs for women. She raised it on the right day in the right week because we have practically devoted this week to jobs. We have statements on economic growth and jobs by the Minister for Finance today, we have a whole debate tomorrow in regard to apprenticeships with the Minister of State, Deputy Cannon, and we also have a debate on the Action Plan for Jobs with the Minister, Deputy Bruton. This is the time for people who have concerns and questions in regard to the jobs action plan to those sessions and to make their points with the Ministers involved.
I note the comments of Senator David Norris about Fitzwilliam Street and the ESB building. Of course, that is a matter for Dublin City Council to address. I honestly do not believe under any circumstance that the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Pat Rabbitte, told porkies in the House about An Post.
From where did the photograph come?
If the Senator looks at what the Minister said, he might agree with me.
Senator Terry Brennan called for a debate on sentencing. I have asked the Minister for Justice and Equality on a number of occasions to come to the House to address that matter and I am sure he will do so soon.
Senator Denis Landy spoke about the increase in employment and the reduction in unemployment from 16% to 12%. Again, I am sure the Senator will make the points he raised about the catering industry to the Minister, Deputy Richard Bruton, and the Minister of State, Deputy Ciarán Cannon, tomorrow.
Senator Sean D. Barrett raised the possibility that the Government could be taking over Ulster Bank. To the best of my knowledge, it is trying to free itself from bank ownership at this stage. I would not, therefore, believe anything the Senator reads in the newspapers in that regard.
Senator Paul Coghlan referred to the great strides made by the Minister for Finance in guiding the economy and freeing us from the bailout programme. That point was also made by Senator Aideen Hayden.
Senator David Cullinane referred to the EirGrid proposals and gave his opinion that the commission set up to examine them was not independent. That is the Senator's opinion and I will not comment further on it.
Senator Aideen Hayden spoke about getting back our economic sovereignty. On the business of the House, I made the points she has made today.
Senator Ned O'Sullivan referred to the situation in Ukraine. He also referred to Cheltenham, in particular the doping of horses and the point made by the trainer Willie Mullins. I understand the Turf Club has made a strong statement that there are very stringent regulations in place on the doping of horses. I believe, however, that the trainer was highlighting the fact that there were people who were out to destroy the industry and that there was a need for vigilance, as there always has been, in the case of horses, especially fancied ones. I hope the Senator will back a few good winners at Cheltenham.
Senator Colm Burke raised the issue of the sale of State assets and their utilisation. He can make that point to the Minister for Finance when he comes to the House.
Senators Fidelma Healy Eames and Jim D'Arcy called for a further debate on junior certificate programme reform. We had a debate on that very issue in the autumn in which, to the best of my knowledge, Senator Fidelma Healy Eames did not take part. We will try to get the Minister for Education and Skills to come and address the issue again.
Senator John Kelly referred to job creation in the catering sector and outlined the many myths about the loss of benefits. I agree with him that there is a need to inform people of their rights in this regard.
Senator Feargal Quinn referred to the need for restaurants to be prepared in case customers with peanut allergies suffered a reaction. He also raised the issue of carbon monoxide poisoning. I will bring both matters to the attention of the relevant Ministers.
Senator Michael Mullins outlined welcome improvements in Ireland's performance in the areas of innovation and human resources.
Senator Marc MacSharry referred to the plight of farm families and beef prices. The farming sector is in good hands thanks to the efforts of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Simon Coveney, who made a robust defence of his policies on farming only a couple of weeks ago. On Senator Marc MacSharry's comments on water charges for farm families, I do not deal in speculation. Clearly, Senators on the other side of the House must grasp at straws from time to time.
Senator John Gilroy referred to the Cork Film Centre and arts policy. The Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Jimmy Deenihan, was before the House to discuss a different issue last week, but we will invite him to come again to discuss arts policy. The specific issue related to the Cork Film Centre should be addressed through an Adjournment matter.
I addressed the points raised by Senator John Crown.
Senator Eamonn Coghlan referred to the decision made by the National University of Ireland, Galway, to award extra points to students involved in high performance sport. He also noted the problem of obesity and the need for lifestyle changes and more physical education in schools. We all agree with the sentiments expressed by him.
Senator Catherine Noone referred to the cross-party group dealing with the issue of the misuse of alcohol and the need to implement the recommendations included in the alcohol strategy. I have invited the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Alex White, to come to the House to discuss the issue. At this stage it is only a matter of scheduling a time and I will do so when the Minister of State finds a gap in his diary. I also note the point made by the Senator about the tourism figures, in particular the welcome increase in the number of Chinese visitors.
Senator Mark Daly has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, "That No. 7 be taken before No. 1." Is the amendment being pressed?
Yes.
Amendment put:
The Seanad divided: Tá, 14; Níl, 22.
Tá
- Barrett, Sean D.
- Byrne, Thomas.
- Crown, John.
- Daly, Mark.
- Leyden, Terry.
- MacSharry, Marc.
- Norris, David.
- Ó Clochartaigh, Trevor.
- Ó Murchú, Labhrás.
- O'Donovan, Denis.
- O'Sullivan, Ned.
- Quinn, Feargal.
- Reilly, Kathryn.
- Wilson, Diarmuid.
Níl
- Bacik, Ivana.
- Brennan, Terry.
- Burke, Colm.
- Clune, Deirdre.
- Coghlan, Eamonn.
- Coghlan, Paul.
- Comiskey, Michael.
- Cummins, Maurice.
- D'Arcy, Jim.
- D'Arcy, Michael.
- Gilroy, John.
- Hayden, Aideen.
- Higgins, Lorraine.
- Keane, Cáit.
- Kelly, John.
- Landy, Denis.
- Moloney, Marie.
- Moran, Mary.
- Mullins, Michael.
- Noone, Catherine.
- O'Neill, Pat.
- Whelan, John.
Tellers: Tá, Senators Ned O'Sullivan and Diarmuid Wilson; Níl, Senators Paul Coghlan and Aideen Hayden.
Amendment declared lost.
Senator Ned O'Sullivan has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, "That No. 8 be taken immediately before No. 1." Is the amendment being pressed?
Question, "That No. 8 be taken immediately before No. 1," put and declared lost.
Order of Business agreed to.