Seanad Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 18 Jun 2014

Vol. 232 No. 5

Order of Business

Senator Maurice Cummins

Our schedule has been curtailed due to a number of factors. The Committee Stage of the Companies Bill finished last evening. We had allocated three hours today for that Bill. The Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, which was due in the House this evening, did not finish in the Dáil last evening.

The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on the 750th anniversary of the first Irish Parliament, to be taken at 11.45 a.m. and to conclude no later than 1.30 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 no later than 1.25 p.m.; and No. 2, Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Bill 2014 - Second Stage, to be taken at 2 p.m., with the contributions of group spokespersons not to exceed ten minutes and those of all other Senators not to exceed six minutes.

Senator Marc MacSharry

Can I propose that No. 14, which seeks leave to introduce the Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Fund Bill 2014, be taken before No. 1? We all welcome the U-turn that the Government has made in terms of the discretion on medical cards. The Minister referred to unintended consequences. Having listened to one lady on the radio today, I find that expression disturbing. Were they the unintended consequences of all the councillors in Fine Gael and Labour who lost their seats? Was it the unintended consequence of the suffering that people have endured in the past 12 months? God knows, if any Minister had listened to anybody on any side of this House in the past 18 months, it would have been crystal clear on a daily basis. Senator Kelly from Roscommon, along with other colleagues on all sides of the House, gave daily examples of the individual cases of unintended consequences throughout the country and the suffering that was endured.

One of my colleagues will propose an amendment to the Order of Business later that we might have the Minister in the House today. Given that we have so much time to spare because the Dáil is not doing its business as efficiently as us, perhaps we could have a debate and get to the bottom of the situation. By the Government's own figures, 30,000 people have lost discretionary medical cards in the past 18 months. On the one hand, we have the Taioseach saying that 13,000 medical cards will be refunded or returned, while, on the other, the Minister, Deputy Reilly, has said that 15,300 people will have their cards returned. What is happening to the other 15,000 people? What is happening to the 7,000 people in their 70s and 80s who, having had the life scared out of them by a letter saying that they would have to be reviewed and asking them to send in information, did not bother because of their fear of the process and of not being able to go through it because of their ailments, because of their fear or because of their senior years? What about those 7,000 people? What happens if a child or elderly person is struck down with a serious illness? We now know by the Leader's own admission that the expert group will not report for almost a year on who is going to be eligible for discretionary cards based on illness. What happens to the person who is struck down by MS, lung cancer or motor neurone disease tomorrow, or by the countless other illnesses that people have? It will be of little consolation to the people who have lost their seats, with the governing parties having been rightly savaged in the election for this blunder, but do the people not deserve to be told what is going on? Who is getting what back? Are we to give the cards back and say: "By the way, here's your card back now, but you see that money, which can be anything up to €1,200 per month according to the Carers Association, that some of you had to dish out over the last three years? Tough on that. We are not paying you that back, but, because we got savaged in the election, here is the card back now." We want a full breakdown of what is happening to all 30,000 people. We want a full breakdown of what is happening to the sick child or sick elderly person of tomorrow. We also want to know precisely what is going to happen to those people who have been fleeced in the interest of a Government which was not listening to its own backbenchers never mind the Opposition.

Senator Ivana Bacik

I welcome the Government's decision yesterday on discretionary medical cards. I know that quite a number of colleagues referred to it yesterday on the Order of Business and I meant to do so myself. It will offer great reassurance to many. The Minister for Health, the Taioseach and the HSE officials who have spoken in the media have done their best to clarify the circumstances of the decision and its consequences.

I also welcome the arrangements made by the Ministers, Deputy Ruairí Quinn and Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, for the international language students who have been left in a difficult position following the closure of five private language schools. They will now be offered discounted places at existing language schools. That will offer great reassurance to them and it is important that that decision has been made. Perhaps not enough credit has been given to the Ministers for that.

I also welcome the news last night that the Department of Social Protection had published the redrafted scheme of the Gender Recognition Bill, which would provide for the first time a mechanism for transgender persons to register a change of identity. The Bill has been a long time in preparation following the legal action taken against the State by Lydia Foy, whom I commend for her long campaign to secure this legislation. I welcome the new scheme that has been published, in particular that it has taken account of the recommendation of the Joint Committee on Education and Social Protection that it should be possible to register a change of gender at 16 rather than 18. That was the unanimous recommendation of the committee. There are outstanding issues to be dealt with, but I welcome the redrafted scheme.

The Department of Social Protection recently released records from the General Register Office to enable us all to see the full details of the deaths registered at Tuam in the mother and baby homes. It is a poignant and tragic fact that 79% of the babies whose deaths were registered died at under one year of age. I know that Senator Power has a matter on the Adjournment concerning tracing, but this case raises the question of the right to information about one's origin and a right to know one's identity. We have made a recommendation in the justice committee that such a provision be included in the Child and Family Relationships Bill. I know that we will be pressing on that further.

Senator Sean D. Barrett

I welcome the inaugural flight yesterday to Ireland from St John's, Newfoundland. It is a new service that has been 90% booked for the season, with 16,000 people booking seats on the very first day that bookings opened. It reunites Waterford and its cultural heritage with Newfoundland. They have common music and the same kind of accents and so on. It brings people from Canada to Ireland without going by way of Heathrow. We should look at the possibility of opening up more direct routes, because going by way of Heathrow would mean four or five hours spent hanging around. The travel time between Newfoundland and Ireland was almost halved yesterday by not having to go via Heathrow.

I hope that the statements made by certain Ministers about the banking inquiry, talking about coups, stunts and strokes and so on, will be filed on the website Daft.ie. The idea that Senator Norris, Senator Cummins and Senator O'Donovan got together in some kind of conspiracy is absurd. This time tomorrow we will have our first meeting. We need to examine what bank boards were doing; what their auditors were doing; what the senior officials were doing; what the Central Bank which was supposed to be regulating the sector was doing; how much the EU intervened; whether there were design faults in the euro currency from the day we joined; why we did not look at the small print while Gordon Brown and his opposite numbers in Sweden and Denmark did; measures to prevent a recurrence; the cost; and why Canada, under its finance Minister, Jim Flaherty and Mark Carney as Governor of the Bank of Canada, managed to avoid both the banking crisis and a public finance crisis.

I thank the House for its unanimous endorsement of me as a member of the committee and we will take suggestions. After the ridiculous start, I am sure it will do valuable work for the country. I need assurance that we have made sufficient institutional changes to ensure such a crisis will not happen again. We need far stricter regulation of the financial sector and under the Chairman, Deputy Ciarán Lynch, I am sure we will proceed in that direction. We will try not to let the House down.

Senator Terry Brennan

Yesterday the Leader, Senator Maurice Cummins, said he would occasionally like to hear some good news in the House. I have some good news for it.

Senator Paul Coghlan

It is very welcome.

Senator Terry Brennan

This morning PayPal and the Taoiseach announced the creation of another 400 jobs which will be based at the Ebay European operations centre in Dundalk and are in addition to the 1,000 PayPal posts announced almost two years ago.

Senator Martin Conway

Well done, Senator.

Senator Terry Brennan

It will bring the combined PayPal and Ebay employee numbers in Dundalk to 18,050 by 2018. The investment is supported by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation through IDA Ireland. PayPal is a world leader in online and mobile payments, making it easier, more secure and more intuitive for people to pay whenever and wherever they want. Its centres in Dublin and Dundalk manage 60 million active accounts in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The 400 jobs announced this morning will be filled by 2018, bringing PayPal's total Irish workforce to 2,900. The Government was delighted to support the creation of these new jobs in Dundalk which will provide new opportunities for people across the north east. The announcement further enhances Ireland's reputation as a prime location for global businesses and is a tribute to our talented and flexible workforce.

An Cathaoirleach

Is the Senator requesting a debate on it?

Senator Terry Brennan

It is good news and the Cathaoirleach should give me another minute. Mr. Barry O'Leary, CEO of IDA Ireland, who is about to retire said, "PayPal’s growth in Dublin and Dundalk is one of the largest projects the IDA has ever been involved in bringing to Ireland."

An Cathaoirleach

The Senator is way over time.

Senator Terry Brennan

We can have a debate to see if we can get 300 or 400 jobs in the Leader's home city of Waterford.

An Cathaoirleach

I call Senator Diarmuid Wilson.

Senator Terry Brennan

It is nice to bring good news.

Senator Diarmuid Wilson

I join Senator Terry Brennan in welcoming the additional 400 jobs PayPal will provide in Dundalk. I pay tribute, yet again, to the European vice president of PayPal, a native of County Laois, Ms Louise Phelan, who has been instrumental in enlarging the workforce in the company. As Senator Paul Coghlan has pointed out, her brother was a former colleague of ours, the late Senator Kieran Phelan. Ms Phelan is going from strength to strength in providing employment in the country. The additional 400 jobs in Dundalk will prove very beneficial to whole north east of the country, including counties Cavan, Monaghan, Louth, Meath and further afield. I very much welcome the news to which Senator Terry Brennan alluded.

I propose an amendment to the Order of Business that the Minister for Health, Deputy James Reilly, come to the House to clarify what he means by reversing the decision on discretionary medical cards. As Senator Marc MacSharry outlined this morning, 30,000 people have lost the so-called discretionary medical cards. The Minister said 15,300 would be restored, while in the Dáil the Taoiseach said 13,500 would be restored. Whoever is correct, more than 15,000 people will not have their discretionary medical cards restored. It is important that the Minister come to the House this afternoon to outline what he means by the reversal of the decision to take discretionary medical cards from the most vulnerable in society. As I said a number of weeks ago, it is time for backbenchers - in particular Fine Gael backbenchers since Labour Party backbenchers are obviously being ignored by their party - both Deputies and Senators, to stand up and outline what is happening on the ground. It did not happen when we were in government. We were not listened to and look what happened in the general election that followed. Backbenchers should stand up for the people they are here to represent and not let the Government get away with what it is doing.

Senator Aideen Hayden

I welcome the visit over these two days of the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Eamon Gilmore, to Washington. He is focusing particularly on the plight of the undocumented Irish in the United States. He will meet Republican and Democrat politicians in the hope of making progress on the immigration reform Bill. We are all aware of the approximately 50,000 undocumented Irish in the United States, which is a source of great distress for a large number of Irish families on both sides of the water. While Skype is wonderful, it is no consolation to somebody who cannot pick up his or her grandchild. It is a very important issue and I am delighted that the Tánaiste is making it a priority.

I highlight the worrying deterioration of the situation in Iraq, particularly a YouTube video showing the assassination of a Shia prisoner in front of a large crowd of Isis militants which included children as young as eight years of age holding guns and watching the execution. It is a tragedy of the highest order to have children involved in such a conflict. Can we have a debate with the Tánaiste on his return from Washington to discuss the undocumented Irish and general foreign affairs issues, including the situation in Iraq and other places around the world that are causing great concern?

Senator Kathryn Reilly

In recent weeks there has been much talk about the national finances and potential tax cuts in the upcoming budget. This morning the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Brendan Howlin, and the Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael Noonan, said the accounts looked positive so far. The IMF post-bailout review is to be released at 4 p.m. Will the Leader facilitate a debate on the issue of tax? Ever year coming up to the budget we ask for a broad discussion on it. Yesterday the Minister, Deputy Brendan Howlin, said there would be some leeway for tax cuts. In May, before the local and European elections, the Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael Noonan, said he intended to widen tax bands to increase the level at which people began to pay at the higher rate of tax. Yesterday the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council warned that there was no leeway for budget cuts. The draft report from the European Commission on its first post-bailout review indicated that statements by the Ministers were creating expectations that would be difficult to manage. Given these comments, it is important that we have a broad discussion on where we are going. Although the national accounts will not be examined properly until the end of the summer and the Minister, Deputy Michael Noonan, would be restrained in what he could tell us and would give no fixed view, it would be worth having a discussion on taxes. It would be good for Senators to have an overview when formulating their budget submissions, especially when the two Ministers are giving opinions that there is leeway, which are in conflict with what the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council has stated. If we had some idea on whether there was flexibility, it would help us in the budgetary process. As has been said many times before, the Seanad can play a very productive role in having an input into the budgetary process prior to October.

Senator Martin Conway

I commend Senator Terry Brennan and all those involved in securing another 400 jobs for Dundalk. If every Senator could make such an announcement every day, the country would be in a better place.

Much has been said in recent weeks in this House and beyond about the banking inquiry. I wish Senators Marc MacSharry and Sean D. Barrett the best of luck in what will be an extremely important inquiry, not only for the future of the country but also to ensure history is written correctly.

Senator Sean D. Barrett

I thank the Senator.

Senator Martin Conway

We should all endorse the two Senators and our other two colleagues, Senators Susan O'Keeffe and Michael D'Arcy, for their commitment to and agreeing to take part in the banking inquiry. It is clear that some people wish they had never been appointed to the banking inquiry committee and have jumped off. I see this as a reneging of responsibilities. I wish the four representatives from this House well in their deliberations.

I thank the Government for recognising the mistake made in respect of discretionary medical cards. It is one thing to realise a mistake was made but an entirely different matter to turn around and rectify and apologise for it. If ever there was a clear demonstration of understanding the electorate after an election, it is reflected in that decision. I regret, however, that it took an election to create this new reality. Everyone makes mistakes, including governments. I would not want to be ruled by a Government that did not make a mistake, but the key challenge is to learn from them. I hope we will move on to a fresh and more positive environment because the people want positivity from their politicians, not the negative drivel they are getting day in, day out.

Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú

I second the amendment proposed by Senator Marc MacSharry. I understand it relates to the suicide prevention and mental health Bill.

Later we will have statements on the 750th anniversary of the first Irish Parliament when I understand the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Jimmy Deenihan, will be in the House. In many ways, he Minister epitomises what is good about a parliamentary democracy through the consultative processes he has put in place. I ask the Leader to invite him back to discuss the programme marking the centenary of the 1916 Rising. There is an opportunity to make suggestions and proposals or enhance some of the proposals already being made. Recently I attended a function at which a pipe band played and on the drum were the words, "The Thomas Ceannt Pipe Band". Each time I hear that pipe band play people ask who was Thomas Ceannt. He was executed in 1916 and buried in Cork gaol. On at least half a dozen occasions in the past ten or 15 years I have asked that serious consideration be given to transferring his mortal remains to a much more fitting setting. I was involved previously with the project on the forgotten ten volunteers, including Kevin Barry, in Mountjoy Prison. On that occasion it was agreed that their remains be transferred to a more fitting location. One of my great memories was the manner in which the cortège carrying the remains of the volunteers was received by the general public. There was absolutely nothing that could upset or worry anyone. Some discussions have taken place with the Ceannt family who, I understand, are prepared to facilitate this process. During the period mentioned all of the Ceannt family played a very significant role. Would it not be an ideal opportunity marking the centenary of the 1916 Rising to take the final steps and do what is right in this context? I raise the issue today, but we need a broader discussion of the programme on which the Minister is working. I would appreciate it if the Leader endeavoured in the very near future to bring the Minister back for a debate to give us all an opportunity to contribute to the evolution of that programme.

Senator Denis Landy

Last December during the debate on the Animal Health and Welfare Bill I referred to the serious allegations made against the greyhound industry and Bord na gCon. At the time I was informed by the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Tom Hayes, that he had commissioned a report from Indecon on the alleged doping of greyhounds and the waste of money at various tracks around the country. The report was intended to cover issues such as policy governance, the regulatory framework and financial controls. As some 30 issues had been raised by the Irish greyhound breeders organisation with the Minister, I requested that they be included in the issues to be covered by the report. Six months on Indecon has not published its report, even though the Minister indicated in the Lower House that the report would be available at the beginning of June. In correspondence I have received in recent days it has been indicated that it will not be available until the end of June, but that the Department will need a few extra weeks to examine it. Effectively, therefore, it will not be made available until after the summer recess. Thousands rely on the greyhound industry for their livelihoods. In my county the largest tourism attraction during the year is the Irish coursing festival which takes place in February and is worth approximately €5 million to the local economy. All of this will be jeopardised and damaged by the fact that question marks lie over greyhound racing on the track and coursing owing to allegations of doping, malpractice and other practices. It is not acceptable that a report which a company was commissioned in January to produce - it indicated to the Minister that it would be available within eight weeks - is not available 25 weeks later. I ask the Leader to request the Minister to come to the House to update us on the matter and to ask Indecon to deliver the report it promised to deliver three months ago.

Senator James Heffernan

I concur with Senator Denis Landy and call for the immediate publication of the report on the greyhound industry.

I differ slightly with Senator Martin Conway on the banking inquiry. I wish Senator Marc MacSharry and Senator Sean D. Barrett, a man of the highest integrity, the best of luck. Following the shenanigans in the Chamber last week, it is time for Senator Michael D'Arcy to go to Mount Leinster-----

An Cathaoirleach

We are not revisiting that debate.

Senator James Heffernan

-----and for Senator Susan O'Keeffe to take a boat trip on Lough Gill and consider the opposition to the inquiry.

An Cathaoirleach

The House has made a decision on that matter.

Senator James Heffernan

There was blatant disregard for democracy in this Chamber last week.

I draw to the attention of the House an issue that has annoyed me every week since I became a Member. I have two bills from Government Publications last week, each for €8.89, giving a total of €17.78. Let us make it €20 and multiply it by 60. It amounts to €1,200 per day to have Bills printed and provided for us in our pigeon holes.

Add the 166 Deputies and the figure is €3,320 per day for this stuff to be printed for us when we can pick it up from the General Office or the table just outside the Chamber if we want to.

Senator Mary M. White

There are jobs in that printing company.

An Cathaoirleach

Has Senator Heffernan a question for the Leader?

Senator James Heffernan

It costs the bones of €500,000 to do this. We were all issued iPads at a cost to the Exchequer. It is time to get with the programme. We do not need all of these papers. The information is outside or in the General Office if we need it. Let us stop wasting money and spend it where it is needed.

Senator Michael Mullins

Like Senator Hayden, I welcome the Tánaiste's meeting with American politicians in the US today. I hope it will help the undocumented Irish. This is a long-running saga, with many people living in the US unable to return to Ireland for important family events. It is time the issue were resolved and I wish the Tánaiste well. I also support the call for a debate with the Tánaiste on the various human rights issues throughout the world that are causing many people great distress.

A significant conference, entitled Our Ocean Wealth, is taking place in Dublin Castle today. When the Government entered into office, it took the issue of the wealth beneath our ocean seriously. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Coveney, has been driving a programme to harness our ocean wealth and produce an integrated marine plan. It is important that the House debate the progress on the plan, and I ask the Leader to schedule such a debate in early course.

Senator Mary M. White

It is my pleasure to congratulate the Leader and Senator Cullinane on their efforts to ensure the sustainability of the Bausch & Lomb plant in Waterford. Yesterday, more than 800 employees voted for the conditions proposed by Valeant, the parent company. These include pay cuts and approximately 200 redundancies. It is also my pleasure to compliment the members of the Technical Engineering and Electrical Union, TEEU, employed by Bausch & Lomb. Mr. Paddy Kavanagh, its regional secretary, stated: "The cuts to pay and conditions arising from these proposals are particularly harsh and will impact greatly on the workers affected." This is a great tribute to all involved in maintaining the company. Members of the Seanad do not realise the considerable pressure being applied in the US by two New York Senators with a view to moving Bausch & Lomb from Ireland to Rochester. At the same time, Valeant is moving its manufacturing and research and development work from Rochester to New Jersey. There is a cycle, and the situation is not as clear as people might believe. A major effort has been made to hold onto a company, which is nearly more important than announcements of new jobs.

I draw the House's attention to the 2013 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor report for Ireland, which was launched yesterday. It is published annually. I seek a discussion on this document soon. People forget that most new jobs are created by start-ups, when businesses are at their point of greatest innovation and creativity.

I also wish to debate the issue of the 11.8% of people who remain unemployed. The percentage sounds small, but the situation is fundamental to each human's life, heart and soul. Yesterday afternoon, I had to go on a mercy mission to a young person who, when he reached the age of 18, was let go. We must discuss this issue again, as the minimum wage comes into play when someone turns 18 years of age. Many unfair practices are being used beneath the radar. For those who are not highly educated or well placed in society, there is a great deal of cruelty.

Senator John Kelly

I welcome the Government's move to address the discretionary medical card issue. As Senator MacSharry rightly pointed out, I have spent two years highlighting the matter in the House with various Ministers, but to no avail. All I ever received in response was the claim that we did not have the money. In itself, this was an acknowledgement that the Government was aware of what was happening. I have been fighting for individual cases with the Primary Care Reimbursement Service, PCRS, for two years. It has been my greatest struggle since entering the House. Despite being a community welfare officer who dealt with medical cards for 28 years, I have dealt with more contentious cases since becoming a Senator three years ago.

The announcement was confusing. We do not know who will have their medical cards returned, whether the financial assessment will be removed or whether people will only be assessed on their medical needs. We need clarity. My mother left hospital last Friday and her consultant changed her medication. She is 86 years of age. She went to the chemist to get her new medication last Friday, only to be told her medical card had been removed. There had been no correspondence from the PCRS, be it a review form or a notification of any description. Perhaps not today, but the Minister should attend the House as soon as possible for a debate to provide clarity on what will be happening.

Senator Feargal Quinn

The House has heard me speak on the length of time it takes to get something done by the Government. Four years and one month ago, the Construction Contracts Bill was introduced in the Seanad. It became law last year but has not been implemented yet. I mention this because I received a letter from Australia from someone who was wondering what was keeping it. The person takes an interest in such matters. Yesterday, I read an article that claimed the Government did not have a date for the Act's implementation. We must be able to do something differently. The Bill was passed by both Houses, but nothing has happened for the past year. Actually, I am sure that something has happened, but the former Minister of State, Brian Hayes, MEP, was handling it. I wonder whether his departure has delayed it. I am unsure of the reason, but people everywhere are asking about it. The Act is worthy legislation.

Senator Jim Walsh

Hear, hear.

Senator Feargal Quinn

People have been crying out for it for three years and I received nothing but praise for introducing it, but in recent weeks I have been asked about what has happened to it. People are suffering and going out of business because the Act has not been implemented.

I read an interesting article during the week by a former adviser to Mr. Tony Blair. He believed that the National Health Service, NHS, should copy Britain's supermarkets. He made the interesting point that supermarkets have superstores, in the same way as there are a small number of large hospitals, but that the supermarkets also have many small shops around the country. He believes the NHS should operate in a similar way. By 2024, 50% of the NHS will be run on this basis, not by central government. We have something to learn from this idea and should move on it immediately.

Senator John Whelan

I am looking forward to the imminent Cabinet reshuffle, which cannot come soon enough. I hope it is robust and radical and that the Taoiseach takes the opportunity to appoint Ministers and Ministers of State who will listen to the public and their representatives.

An Cathaoirleach

The Seanad has no role in the Cabinet reshuffle.

Senator Mary M. White

Of course it does.

Senator John Whelan

It is a reasonable point.

Senator Mary M. White

Members of the Seanad can be appointed to the Cabinet.

An Cathaoirleach

Senator Whelan without interruption.

Senator John Whelan

I thank the Cathaoirleach.

Senator Mary M. White

Senators Kelly and Landy are available.

An Cathaoirleach

This House has no role in regard to that appointment. Please allow Senator Whelan to continue without interruption.

Senator John Whelan

The Taoiseach said this week that he would like to think that we would learn from the situation in Rossport. I would also like to think that we would learn from it. However, there is no evidence in the planning process that we are. Only this week, An Bord Pleanála overturned the decision of Offaly County Council and Laois County Council to grant planning permission for gigantic and monstrous industrial wind farms in Rhode, County Offaly and Cullenagh Mountain in Ballyroan, County Laois. What is the point in a planning process when the decision of the inspector of An Bord Pleanála recommending refusal of permission can be overturned by the board of An Bord Pleanála? The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government promised that new planning regulations and binding statutory guidelines for the development of wind farms would be introduced. A year on, we are still waiting for them.

Last week, Senator Barrett exposed a further fraud that is being perpetrated on the Irish taxpayer and people in terms of the energy regulator moving to increase the subsidy to wind farm developers by 50%. This is not cheap or free energy; it is the most expensive energy. It provides no economic or environmental dividend.

An Cathaoirleach

Is the Senator seeking a debate on the issue?

Senator John Whelan

Yes. I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to the House to explain the reason planning permission for wind farms the length and breadth of the country is being granted at a time when there is a vacuum in terms of planning regulation and guidelines in this regard.

An Cathaoirleach

The Senator is way over time.

Senator John Whelan

I believe the delay in introducing the guidelines is a tactic to ensure that the planning permissions have been approved before they come into force. It is a scandal and must be stopped.

Senator Ned O'Sullivan

I second the amendment proposed by Senator Wilson. I support Senator Brennan in welcoming the proposed new jobs for the Dundalk area and compliment all those involved in securing them. Coming from the opposite end of the country, my initial reaction is that of the dog in the manger in that for many years now the only announcements in regard to jobs in my area have been job losses.

Senator Fidelma Healy Eames

The Senator should raise the matter with the Minister, Deputy Deenihan.

(Interruptions).

An Cathaoirleach

Senator O'Sullivan without interruption please.

Senator Ned O'Sullivan

There is a need to address the clear imbalance in terms of industrial development and investment between the Pale and the west of Ireland. It was Benjamin Disraeli who in the 19th century famously described England as being made up of two nations. There are two nations in Ireland in terms of rural Ireland getting an unfair crack of the whip.

Senator Mary M. White

Hear, hear.

Senator Ned O'Sullivan

Following the recent local elections there are now approximately 1,000 new men and women working away in their new councils on matters relevant to the council, committee work, representation on education boards, regional forums and so on. They will also have to take on additional work because there are no longer any town councils and the regions are larger and will be far more difficult and costly for them to service. It is surprising, therefore, that on the day the results were announced the Minister, Deputy Hogan, announced swinging cuts in subsistence and travel expenses for county councillors. In my view, that was the most unseemly and untimely act of all time. There is no such thing any more as a part-time councillor. Most people, including the Cathaoirleach, who came up through that system, know well that a councillor's job is a full-time job that deserves full pay and pension, contributory or otherwise.

I ask the Leader to invite the Minister, Deputy Hogan, to the House to outline the duties of these new councillors and their entitlements. I look forward to putting in place a proper regime of rewards and payments for them.

Senator Colm Burke

I concur with Senator Ó Murchú on the need to have the remains of Thomas Ceannt moved to a more fitting location. It is a matter that should be attended to within a short timeframe.

On the cost of professional indemnity insurance for medical practitioners, the announcement in the past few days that in some cases the cost of this insurance has increased by 60% underlines the call I made previously on the need for a restructuring of how we deal with medical negligence in this country. The system in relation to personal injuries resulting from industrial accidents has been changed. The system for dealing with car accidents was also changed more than ten years ago. At that time, it was suggested that the manner in which claims of medical negligence are handled should also be changed. However, no change has occurred. It is time we had a debate on this issue.

The reason for the dramatic increase in this insurance, in particular as it applies to people in private practise in private hospitals, is not so much that the level of compensation paid out has increased and, in some cases, by more than 40%, but because of the increase in the number of claims. It is time we had a debate on the direction in which we are going long term in relation to this issue. If this cost continues to rise, many of the people now providing service in a private capacity will leave this country. This is something we cannot afford to happen. Enough of our medical people have already left the country. Let us ensure this issue does not go unchecked. We need to have a debate in this House on how the manner in which we manage medical negligence claims can be changed.

Senator Jim Walsh

I ask the Leader to arrange for the Taoiseach to come to the House to explain why the Government specifically provided in the legislation establishing the banking inquiry that access to Cabinet minutes and supporting documents that gave rise to decisions being taken would not be available to the banking inquiry. It seems incongruous that any inquiry could get to the heart of fundamental decisions made without having access to the documents that may have underpinned those decisions. The Taoiseach should be asked to come to this House to explain how and why this happened.

Given the manner in which the banking inquiry has been established, it is perceived as a political charade. I believe it will be devoid of credibility, which is unfortunate. I suggest that even at this late stage an independent judicial inquiry be established. That is the only process that would have the power to access all of the documentation necessary and have the powers of compellability and so on that will be essential in getting to the heart of what gave rise to the banking collapse and economic crisis in this country. I believe we should have that debate.

I would like to ask each of the group leaders to take up an issue raised yesterday by one of my colleagues, namely, the case of Meriam Ibrahim, the south Sudanese woman who has been incarcerated now for a number of months and gave birth to her baby in prison. She has not, as suggested by some people, been released. While it has been suggested on numerous occasions that she is to be released this has not happened. In fact, she has been sentenced to 100 lashes and execution. We are told that her execution will take place when her child is two years old. This woman has been incarcerated because she is a Christian. As a Christian country, we should have empathy with her. This is a huge human rights issue. I ask that the group leaders come together to draft a cross-party motion calling for her release as early as possible, which motion could be put before the House and would, I am sure, be supported by all who believe in human rights.

Senator Fidelma Healy Eames

I support Senator Walsh's call for the drafting of a motion calling for the release of Meriam Ibrahim.

This is an appalling abuse of a woman. She is pregnant and about to have a baby, yet she is in this absolute state and sentenced to death just because she wishes to remain with her religious faith. The very least we can do is stand together in solidarity and support people's religious views, whatever they are.

My reason for rising is to say that on 26 June, a week from tomorrow, 9,000 people in one-parent families, comprised largely of women, will more than likely be incentivised to give up their work due to a measure brought forward by the Minister for Social Protection in budget 2012, which I voted for. They will experience a cut of €30, or 16%, in their one-parent family allowance, which is massive. The Senators and I voted for the cut because we were promised it would not come into play until a Scandinavian-style child care model was put in place. However, the new model has not been introduced. I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on the issue. The Minister is doing her best to become the next leader of the Labour Party and I wish her well. I say to my colleagues, and the Minister, that we must work to ensure this cut does not happen. We must ensure that the 9,000 people in one-parent families, who statistics show are at a high risk of poverty, will not be disadvantaged in this way. The cut should at least be put on hold - it would be better still if it were reversed - until a child care model is put in place to enable these women to stay at work. The cut runs counter to stated Government policy and is appalling.

Senator Mary M. White

Hear, hear.

An Cathaoirleach

The Senator is way over time. I call Senator Crown.

Senator Fidelma Healy Eames

Please let us stand together and insist that these one-parent families are not further disadvantaged by the measure on 26 June.

Senator Mary M. White

There is a boys' club in here.

Senator John Crown

Nigella Lawson, a person who is greatly admired by many Members of these Houses, Kate Moss, the Gallagher brothers, Noel and Liam, and Russell Brand all have something in common. They have all been prevented or impeded from entering the United States because they have either had a prior record or made a public admission of using rather illegal drugs. The American attitude to such behaviour is sometimes seen as quite draconian. If reciprocity was in place it would mean that none of the last three Presidents of the United States would have been allowed to enter the United Kingdom, because they have all, to a greater or lesser extent, or with greater or lesser degrees of frankness, admitted having interactions with illicit drugs, albeit, in the case of President Clinton, without inhaling.

Senator Marc MacSharry

They are not here to defend themselves.

Senator John Crown

Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan, our newly elected MEP, is a man who has done a remarkably good job for his constituency and a person for whom I have a lot of admiration, even if I do not always agree with him.

An Cathaoirleach

Has the Senator a question for the Leader?

Senator John Crown

Yes, I do, but I need a little bit of patience in order to get to it.

An Cathaoirleach

A number of Senators have indicated a wish to contribute.

Senator John Crown

If an Irish person decided tomorrow to openly admit that he or she had sold death-causing addictive drugs in the United States, he or she would be in real trouble when trying to get into the US. I strongly suspect that the FBI would launch subpoenas in American law and have them extradited. Yesterday, it came out in the papers that Thomas Donohue, the head of the United States Chamber of Commerce, based in Washington, had been in contact with the Taoiseach, probably on more than one occasion, in an attempt to influence the Cabinet's decision on the Minister of Health's plain packaging tobacco Bill. It now also transpires that five other business interests represented by Mr. Donohue have contacted the Irish Government. I ask the Leader to find out from the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether such contact contravenes the UN framework convention on tobacco control. The framework legally sets out very specific guidelines for the tobacco industry, or those representing the tobacco industry, on how they can interact with governments. I ask the Leader to think of an appropriate response from this House but I do not know whether we can do it as a cross-party motion or whatever. I want him to send a letter to Mr. Donohue telling him in the strongest possible terms that he has no business encouraging the sale of cancer-causing chemicals for profit to children in our country, and if he continues to do so he will have to answer to us.

Senator Mary Ann O'Brien

I shall not shout like the Senator. I wish to follow up on the views expressed by Senators Kelly and MacSharry regarding the welcome return of discretionary medical cards. The Jack and Jill families feel greatly relieved by their return. There is no point backdating and asking whether people have kept their receipts because those options will not happen.

Like Senator MacSharry, I wonder what will happen to the sick children of tomorrow. What will happen if a baby in need of palliative care is born next week? Parents who are suffering anguish and grief will have to go down the same excruciating route of paperwork in order to get a medical card for their baby.

This morning I spoke to the head liaison nurse in the Jack and Jill Foundation. She wondered about the expert panel of consultants who will work for a year on the conditions and illnesses that will be discussed and put in a report in order to help us form the legislation next year for the new medical card system. There is no nurse on the panel - not one nurse. For example, there are 300 Jack and Jill babies who have 110 different life-threatening illness. Along with the consultants, we should have real people on the expert panel.

The return of the discretionary medical card is welcome but it will cost €13 million of new money which must be got elsewhere. We know that we do not have new money. Therefore, it interested me this morning to see that the Royal College of Nursing congress, being held in Liverpool today, has recommended that free GP visits be stopped in England. Also, the National Health Service, operated across the water, will have a deficit of £30 billion - a black hole - by the end of the decade. What are we doing giving everyone under six years of age free GP care before we have ourselves sorted? Let us assume it costs £10 to visit a GP in England. To echo what has been said by Senators Kelly and MacSharry, I ask the Leader to keep medical cards on the agenda and for the Minister to come in here for a debate on the matter.

Senator Denis O'Donovan

I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on the beef industry in this Chamber as soon as is practicable. I asked for the debate some months ago and, in fairness, he facilitated my request. It is not normal during benign weather for farmers to travel all the way to Dublin to protest about the price offered for their beef. Prices in the beef industry are an ongoing and serious problem. I ask the Minister concerned to make progress in breaking up the cosy cartel of beef processors that operate in this country and the UK, who deny its existence. However, there are strong facts that prove that it does exist. Farmers are faced with all sorts of regulations. For example, once a calf is born it must be registered so that the animal can be traced all the way from birth through to the butcher and all the way to the plate. Yet farmers have been offered an appallingly low price for their beef. If one goes into a butcher's shop and orders a side of beef, a loin or whatever, the price paid by the consumer does not reflect the input made by farmers, the producer of the product. I will not go so far as to repeat what was said by the president of the IFA, Mr. Eddie Downey, last night when farmers held a protest on Kildare Street. He said that the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine was asleep at the wheel. Certainly, if he is not asleep at the wheel then he has taken a doze on this issue. When we had a strong debate here about four months ago he assured me and the House that he was doing everything possible to ensure that progress would be made on the crisis facing beef farmers.

An Cathaoirleach

Is the Senator looking for a debate on the matter?

Senator Denis O'Donovan

I seek a debate on the matter.

If this debate does not take place within the next two weeks, I will demand that the Minister come to the House and call votes every day.

Senator Mary M. White

He is thinking about being the next Taoiseach.

Senator Denis O'Donovan

It is not fair that in this fine weather farmers must leave their farms to come to Dublin to protest. There is something radically wrong.

Senator Rónán Mullen

I support Senator Denis O'Donovan's comments. Most people greatly value the work of the farming community and the quality of its output. It is scandalous that farmers might be victimised by concerted activity among processors. It is an issue we must examine. It has been emerging for some time and there is no sense that the bull is being grabbed by the horns, if Members will pardon the expression, on the matter.

I thank Senators Fidelma Healy Eames and Jim Walsh for referring again to the case of Dr. Meriam Yahia Ibrahim which I mentioned yesterday. It is an appropriate subject for an all-party motion and I propose to draft and circulate one. I would be grateful for the support of the House for it. It is also appropriate that the Government give an account of its stewardship in this very disturbing case. For the information of colleagues, a 27 year old woman, a doctor, has been sentenced to 100 lashes and eventually to hang for apostasy. She has supposedly changed her faith from the Muslim faith to the Christian faith. In fact, she was brought up in her mother's faith as an Orthodox Christian, her father reportedly having been absent during her childhood. She married a Christian man from South Sudan, which is a crime in Sudan's version of Islamic law. It is for this crime that Dr. Ibrahim has been sentenced to death. It is a perverted understanding-----

An Cathaoirleach

The Senator is supporting the proposed all-party motion.

Senator Rónán Mullen

I am doing two things. I am giving notice that I will table an all-party motion, but I am also asking the Leader to contact the Government on the matter. This is a life and death case-----

An Cathaoirleach

I know that.

Senator Rónán Mullen

We were rightly concerned about the fate of Irish citizens caught up in the turmoil in Egypt last year. I refer to Ibrahim Halawa. It is also important that the Government seek the support of the Islamic community in Ireland in order that a clear message is conveyed from Ireland-----

An Cathaoirleach

The Senator is way over time.

Senator Rónán Mullen

-----that this is not our understanding of human dignity and human rights, whether we are Christians, Muslims or people of no faith or other faiths.

Senator Thomas Byrne

What madness drove the Seanad leadership to have statements today on the 750th anniversary of the so-called first Irish parliament? A parliament probably met in Castledermot, County Kildare, 750 years ago today, but we have no idea whether it was the first.

An Cathaoirleach

The Senator can make these points during the debate.

Senator Thomas Byrne

Whether it was a parliament, it bears no relationship to the Parliament or people of Ireland and it had no relationship to the people of Ireland at the time. It was the start of the subjugation of the country.

An Cathaoirleach

Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?

Senator Thomas Byrne

A housing Bill has been taken off the agenda, even though there is a massive housing crisis.

An Cathaoirleach

That Bill is before the Dáil.

Senator Thomas Byrne

The Valuation Bill which aims to reduce commercial rates for businesses has been off the agenda for the last year. What is happening about the serious issues and problems the country is facing? As the Parliament, we are abandoning them today to have a history lesson. It is disgraceful, outrageous and a dereliction of duty.

Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill

I agree with other Senators who raised the beef issue. It is a major crisis and the Minister should be invited to come to the House to discuss it. The factories are behaving as a monopoly and the Minister has secured no new markets for live exports. He is failing in his duties as was highlighted by the demonstration on the streets of Dublin yesterday. We should have a debate on the issue in early course.

The other issue I wish to raise is the availability of broadband. It is a major issue. The European Commission states 97% of households and businesses have coverage, but what about the other 3%? The Government is doing nothing for these areas. Dial-up broadband is available in rural areas, but one cannot run a business with such a service. It is disgraceful and shameful that the Government, under the watch of the Minister, Deputy Pat Rabbitte, allowed the €13.5 million available from the European Commission for providing broadband for the 3% in rural areas exclusively such as those in my county not to be drawn down. I raised this matter on the Order of Business previously and the Minister was due to come to the House to explain his shortcomings. Three months later that has not happened. He must come to the House to explain why he is not rolling out broadband to rural dwellers across the country, given that every report from the European Commission shows that Ireland is the worst in the European Union in terms of the disparity in the availability of broadband between urban and rural areas. There is a divide and the issue is not being tackled.

Senator Jim D'Arcy

Like my colleague, Senator Terry Brennan, I welcome the 400 jobs being created by PayPal in Dundalk. Amid all the doom and gloom we are creating 1,000 jobs a week, as I pointed out last week. The 400 jobs are for English-speaking workers because PayPal has broken into the American market. Many locals will be employed, which will be good for County Louth and the north east of the country.

Senator Maurice Cummins

Senator Marc MacSharry has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, that No. 14 be taken before No. 1, to allow him to introduce the Bill. I have no problem in accepting the amendment.

Yesterday many Members of the House welcomed the announcement of the review and restoration of medical cards. Regardless of whether it is a U-turn, discretionary medical cards will be restored. This will be particularly welcomed by the families who lost their medical cards. The Government approved the method by which discretionary medical cards could be returned to persons with serious medical conditions who had lost them after completing an eligibility review. The decision covers the period from 1 July 2011 to 31 May 2014. The Cabinet has agreed a method that paves the way for the return of medical cards by the Health Service Executive which does not involve changing the law. Accordingly, the decision to return such medical cards can be implemented within a matter of weeks through actions taken by the HSE. In recent weeks the Government decided to formulate a new policy whereby eligibility for health services could take account of medical conditions, in addition to the existing basis of financial means.

The expert committee has been formed. I accept Senator Darragh O'Brien's point that there is not a nurse in sight in the expert review and it is something I will bring to the attention of the Minister. As to who will get their medical card back, the HSE will restore them to people who held a medical card or a GP visit card issued on a discretionary basis to a person with a serious medical condition and who lost it having completed an eligibility review between 1 July 2011 and 31 May 2014. A person must have held a medical or a GP visit card, issued on a discretionary basis, during that period and had it withdrawn on foot of a completed eligibility review. He or she must have completed the review process during that period, that is, provided the information and documentation required to assess his or her eligibility, and must have a serious medical condition which required that their case be referred to a medical officer as part of the review process. It is anticipated that in excess of 15,000 medical cards will be restored to persons with serious medical conditions as part of the process. I hope this will be of assistance to Members. That said, I will ask the Minister to come to the House to outline the position. However, I have shared the explanation I have been given with the House.

Senator Ivana Bacik spoke about the efforts to assist students after the collapse of several private English language schools. They are to be welcomed. I also welcome her comments on the child and family relationship Bill which will be brought before the House in due course.

Senator Sean D. Barrett welcomed the provision of direct flights between Dublin and St. John's, Newfoundland and the excellent response of the public. There has been a 90% seat occupancy rate in the first couple of months which will be of tremendous benefit to tourism. As the Senator pointed out, there are strong links between my area of Waterford and the south east and St. John's. I have not visited Newfoundland, but I understand a person will have inflicted on him or her accents like my own on every street.

Senators Terry Brennan and Jim D'Arcy welcomed the wonderful announcement by PayPal of 400 extra jobs in Dundalk.

Senator Paul Coghlan

As did Senator Diarmuid Wilson.

Senator Maurice Cummins

Senator Diarmuid Wilson also welcomed them and stated, in response to Senator Ned O'Sullivan, that they would be for people well outside the Pale, including from County Cavan. The jobs will bring the workforce to 2,900 by 2018, a tremendous vote of confidence in the country and its young people. We are creating 1,000 jobs a week, but we need to continue at that rate and these jobs will certainly assist us in doing so.

Senator Diarmuid Wilson also commented on the chief executive officer of PayPal, Ms Louise Phelan, whose brother was a former Member of the House. Her efforts in driving the success of the company are to be acknowledged.

Senator Aideen Hayden raised the issue of immigration reform in the United States and mentioned the efforts by the Tánaiste, who is in Washington to raise this and other issues. The Senator also called for a debate on the situation in Iraq in early course.

Senator Kathryn Reilly referred to budgetary decisions, which will certainly be based on the figures for revenue, taxes and economic growth. It is far too early to predict what will prevail in October, but I will ask the Minister for Finance to come to the House after the recess for a pre-budget debate.

Senator Martin Conway wished members of the banking inquiry committee well in their deliberations and praised the Government's decision on discretionary medical cards.

Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú spoke about the commemoration of the 1916 Rising. The Minister, Deputy Jimmy Deenihan, will be in the House shortly and if the Senator raises the issue, it will assist me in getting him to come to the House for such a debate. I note his point and that of Senator Colm Burke on moving the remains of Thomas Ceannt, in which I am sure the Minister will be very interested and to which I am sure he will respond.

Senator Denis Landy spoke about the greyhound industry and the obvious delay in producing the Indecon report. The practices referred to by the Senator are reprehensible and do nothing for the image of the industry. I will inquire of the Minister when the report will be published with a view to having it circulated as soon as possible.

Senator James Heffernan called for greater cost-cutting measures in the public service so far as the printing of Bills is concerned.

Senator Rónán Mullen spoke about the undocumented Irish. He also spoke about the Our Ocean Wealth conference and called for a debate on the integrated marine plan.

Senator Mary White spoke about the position at Bausch & Lomb. All that Senator David Cullinane the other Oireachtas Members, including me, did was to support the unions and the workers in their efforts. I praise them for their very responsible attitude in this very difficult dispute. Their decision involved major sacrifices for themselves and their families. I also compliment the unions and all those involved on the retention of so many jobs in Waterford that are very badly needed. I urge the company to immediately put measures in place to provide for the promised capital investment which would ensure a brighter economic future for the workers.

I note Senator John Kelly's points on medical cards, an issue he has raised on a number of occasions and on which I have responded.

Senator Feargal Quinn asked when we would implement the Construction Contracts Bill. I will inquire and revert to him.

Senator John Whelan referred to the Taoiseach's decision on a Cabinet reshuffle. That is entirely a matter for the Taoiseach and I am sure he will make the decision at the appropriate time. Regarding the granting of planning permission for wind farms before guidelines are introduced, I will invite the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to come to the House to discuss the matter.

Senator Ned O'Sullivan spoke about swinging cuts to councillors' expenses. There was a cut to their representation allowance. Many people do not know that the allowance of approximately €16,000 is taxed. Councillors also pay PRSI on it, even though they are not entitled to a pension. The public is not aware of some of these points and, as we all know, many councillors do tremendous work in their communities. They have suffered many cuts since the election.

Senator Colm Burke spoke about restructuring the way we deal with medical negligence cases and called for a debate and action on the matter. I will bring it to the attention of the Minister for Health.

Senator Jim Walsh referred to the case of Meriam Ibrahim, an issue which was also raised by Senators Fidelma Healy Eames and Rónán Mullen yesterday. We welcome the efforts of Senator Rónán Mullen in drafting an all-party motion which we will certainly consider. On the actions of the Government to date, I suggested yesterday that the Senator raise the matter on the Adjournment.

Senator Fidelma Healy Eames spoke about social welfare matters. I understand a social welfare (miscellaneous provisions) Bill will be brought before the House in the coming weeks and it will provide an ideal opportunity for the Senator to raise the matters to which she referred.

I wondered where Senator John Crown was leading us to. We debated the plain packaging of tobacco Bill in the House. As we learned, there was very strong lobbying by the US Chamber of Commerce and the Senator asked for an appropriate response. The most appropriate response is for both Houses to pass the Bill at the earliest possible opportunity.

Senator Darragh O'Brien spoke about the expert panel on medical cards and stated nurses were not involved in it.

Senators Denis O'Donovan and Brian Ó Domhnaill called for a debate on the beef industry and action in dealing with the alleged cartel of beef processors in controlling prices. I will certainly invite the Minister, Deputy Simon Coveney, to the House to discuss the issue. I am under orders from Senator Denis O'Donovan to have a debate on the fishing industry also. We will have the Minister in the House. He has been very responsive to requests for debates in the House; it is a matter of finding out when he can come and the subject on which we will have a debate.

If Senator Thomas Byrne had been here earlier for the Order of Business, he would have known that the debate on the housing Bill was not guillotined in Dáil Éireann. That is the reason it is not before us today.

(Interruptions).

Senator Maurice Cummins

Senator Jim D'Arcy also welcomed the announcement of the additional jobs in PayPal.

I do not propose to accept the amendments proposed to the Order of Business.

Senator John Crown

Will the Leader take a question?

Senator Maurice Cummins

I have responded to matters raised on the Order of Business.

An Cathaoirleach

The Leader has responded. It is too late for questions.

Senator John Crown

I asked a specific question.

An Cathaoirleach

The Senator has already spoken on the Order of Business.

Senator John Crown

Is that a "No"?

An Cathaoirleach

Yes, it is.

I welcome the members of the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society from Belfast who are in the Visitors Gallery.

Senator Marc MacSharry has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 14 be taken before No. 1." The Leader has indicated that he will accept the amendment. Is the amendment agreed to? Agreed.

Senator Diarmuid Wilson has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That a debate be held today with the Minister for Health on the details of his decision to reverse the withdrawal of discretionary medical cards." Is the amendment being pressed?

Senator Diarmuid Wilson

It is.

Amendment put.

The Seanad divided by electronic means.

Senator Diarmuid Wilson

Under Standing Order 62(3)(b) I request that the division be taken again other than by electronic means.

Amendment put:

The Seanad divided: Tá, 24; Níl, 25.

Tá

• Barrett, Sean D.
• Bradford, Paul.
• Byrne, Thomas.
• Crown, John.
• Daly, Mark.
• Healy Eames, Fidelma.
• Heffernan, James.
• Leyden, Terry.
• MacSharry, Marc.
• Mooney, Paschal.
• Mullen, Rónán.
• O'Donovan, Denis.
• O'Sullivan, Ned.
• Ó Clochartaigh, Trevor.
• Ó Domhnaill, Brian.
• Ó Murchú, Labhrás.
• Power, Averil.
• Quinn, Feargal.
• Reilly, Kathryn.
• van Turnhout, Jillian.
• Walsh, Jim.
• White, Mary M.
• Wilson, Diarmuid.
• Zappone, Katherine.

Níl

• Bacik, Ivana.
• Brennan, Terry.
• Burke, Colm.
• Burke, Paddy.
• Coghlan, Eamonn.
• Coghlan, Paul.
• Comiskey, Michael.
• Conway, Martin.
• Cummins, Maurice.
• D'Arcy, Jim.
• D'Arcy, Michael.
• Gilroy, John.
• Hayden, Aideen.
• Henry, Imelda.
• Higgins, Lorraine.
• Keane, Cáit.
• Kelly, John.
• Landy, Denis.
• Moloney, Marie.
• Mullins, Michael.
• Naughton, Hildegarde.
• O'Keeffe, Susan.
• O'Neill, Pat.
• Sheahan, Tom.
• Whelan, John.

Tellers: Tá, Senators Ned O'Sullivan and Diarmuid Wilson; Níl, Senators Paul Coghlan and Aideen Hayden.

Amendment declared lost.

An Cathaoirleach

The result was Tá, 24; Níl, 24. As there was an equality of votes, pursuant to Article 15.11.2° of the Constitution, I exercised my casting vote against the question.

Question put: "That the Order of Business, as amended, be agreed to."

The Seanad divided: Tá, 26; Níl, 22.

Tá

• Bacik, Ivana.
• Brennan, Terry.
• Burke, Colm.
• Coghlan, Eamonn.
• Coghlan, Paul.
• Comiskey, Michael.
• Conway, Martin.
• Cummins, Maurice.
• D'Arcy, Jim.
• D'Arcy, Michael.
• Gilroy, John.
• Hayden, Aideen.
• Henry, Imelda.
• Higgins, Lorraine.
• Keane, Cáit.
• Kelly, John.
• Landy, Denis.
• Moloney, Marie.
• Mullins, Michael.
• Naughton, Hildegarde.
• O'Keeffe, Susan.
• O'Neill, Pat.
• Sheahan, Tom.
• van Turnhout, Jillian.
• Whelan, John.
• Zappone, Katherine.

Níl

• Barrett, Sean D.
• Bradford, Paul.
• Byrne, Thomas.
• Crown, John.
• Daly, Mark.
• Healy Eames, Fidelma.
• Heffernan, James.
• Leyden, Terry.
• MacSharry, Marc.
• Mooney, Paschal.
• Mullen, Rónán.
• O'Donovan, Denis.
• O'Sullivan, Ned.
• Ó Clochartaigh, Trevor.
• Ó Domhnaill, Brian.
• Ó Murchú, Labhrás.
• Power, Averil.
• Quinn, Feargal.
• Reilly, Kathryn.
• Walsh, Jim.
• White, Mary M.
• Wilson, Diarmuid.

Tellers: Tá, Senators Paul Coghlan and Aideen Hayden; Níl, Senators Ned O'Sullivan and Diarmuid Wilson.

Question declared carried.