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Seanad Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 25 Jun 2014

Vol. 232 No. 8

Order of Business

The Order of Business is No. 1, Health Insurance (Reform) Bill 2014 - Second Stage, to be taken at 12.45 p.m. and to conclude no later than 2.45 p.m.; and No. 54, motion 10, Private Members' business, to be taken at 3.15 p.m. and to conclude at 5.15 p.m. Tributes to former Senator Sam McAughtry will be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business.

Second Stage of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2014 was scheduled for today but debate thereon in the Dáil did not conclude last night. As a result, we will be unable to take it until possibly next Tuesday.

I wish to raise an issue pertaining to our health services. At a time when Ministers, including the current leader of the Labour Party, are fighting over who will be Ireland's next European Commissioner because they probably do not want to stand in the next general election, our health service is in crisis. The head of the HSE has had an open and frank confrontation with the Secretary General in the Department of Health. This is also happening at a time when our health service is struggling to cope with demand and provide services to the people who require them.

I request the Leader to facilitate a debate today on the health services. If he is unwilling to do so, I will propose an amendment to the Order of Business that the Minister for Health should come here today to discuss the crisis in our health service. Morale has never been at a lower point, as any hospital staff member will confirm. Wards have been closed, rosters are not being filled and gaps in service provision remain. The Health Information and Quality Authority has written to a number of hospitals, including Tallaght hospital outlining that it had no senior doctor on duty in accident and emergency units when 24 patients remained on trolleys.

Last week my colleague, Deputy Kirk, raised the issue of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda where, in the first four months of the year 1,955 patients were obliged to remain on trolleys, an increase of about 40% on the same period in 2013. Waiting times for procedural operations in hospitals are extending every week. The HSE's answer is to recruit agency staff. Agency doctors in hospitals cost around €1,000 per day. The appropriate answer would be to recruit the staff required. Most of the senior consultants who have spoken out in recent weeks have agreed that there remains a national medical manpower crisis. The Minister for Health is not willing to provide the manpower in order that the people who require medical assistance would receive it. It is a crisis; we are at breaking point. This week we learnt that the HSE or Department of Health is running at an overspend of approximately €500 million.

We have all heard that a Government reshuffle is approaching. While it may not come soon enough for some Ministers, the reality remains that the Minister who heads up the Department of Health is administering a crisis he cannot handle at the moment. The people cannot take any more. Staff working within the HSE and our hospitals cannot take any more because they are under-resourced and understaffed. It is high time that we had a proper debate in this House exclusively on the service provision in our hospitals. I hope the Leader will accede to the request.

I ask the Senator to clarify the amendment.

I hope the Leader will agree, given the crisis that is emerging. In the event that he will not-----

The Senator needs to move an amendment.

I will be moving an amendment that the Minister for Health should come to the House today.

I welcome Fr. Peter McVerry's statement this morning that he supports rent regulation as an important step in preventing homelessness. As many Senators know, I have long advocated that we need robust rent control, particularly given the current circumstances, and greater measures to protect tenants and security of tenure. I am aware that the Minister of State, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, is reviewing the issue at the moment. Perhaps the Leader would invite her to the House to debate the issue.

I also welcome the news I received earlier today that the new tenancy protection service, which was launched in Dublin and is an initiative between the four local authorities in Dublin, the Department of Social Protection and the national charity, Threshold, has been contacted by more than 500 families who are at risk of homelessness and are being helped. Many commentators have suggested recently that there is no solution to the current homelessness crisis. Some of those statements are politically motivated. As somebody who has worked in this field for many years, I can honestly say that the situation was worse in the 1980s when few or no homeless services were available and those that were available were really not up to scratch. Therefore, we have been making progress.

While nobody is suggesting that the problem can be easily solved, tackling housing supply is an obvious answer. Keeping people, particularly families with children, in their homes is a very important step and a very good start. I welcome the success of the tenancy protection service to date.

I wish to mention some more good news. There has been an increase in housing building starts, which have risen by 132% in the past year. Unfortunately, some of the good news is tempered by analysis that many of these housing starts are being incentivised by certain developers wanting to get building projects before new more robust building standards come in. Any of us who are aware of the dreadful problems caused in places such as Priory Hall and the difficulties with pyrite could never stand over any laxity when it comes to building standards. I want us to have a building industry of which we can be proud, where the price of houses reflects the professional skills of people who have designed and produced them and do not, as they did during the Celtic tiger, simply reflect the cost of the land and the exorbitant profits made by developers in those years.

In that context I ask for a debate on the broader construction sector. In particular I would like to dust off the Kenny report published in the 1970s, which was an excellent study into how we prevent a property bubble based on the price of land.

My attention was drawn to the fact that rates on sporting clubs do not take into account that a very large amount of sporting clubs' space is not used as it has been rated. One particular club contacted me. Its bar only opens for two days or two and a half days at the most, but the club's rates are based on the total premises, including changing rooms and other facilities. We should have a system whereby we can treat the club's facilities that are of benefit to the community as a whole differently than if it was all one bar. The fact a club has a bar is useful, but it is only used for part of the week. We should discuss that at some point.

The Consumers' Association of Ireland has drawn attention to a report this week - out today, I think - that indicates that a very large number of companies, including energy companies, broadband and mobile phone companies, offer great deals only to new customers. I have been in business for a long time and have always believed that to survive one must look after customers to get them to come back again and again. I cannot get over the fact that so many companies are now moving to offer deals that only apply for the first six or three months.

I have told the story in the past of my wife telling me that there was somebody with an English accent on the phone at home looking to speak to me. When I took the call it turned to be out someone from The Economist magazine. She told me that my subscription was running out and asked if I would like to renew it. I said yes, I would be very happy to renew it, I enjoy The Economist, and I saw there was a 35% reduction. She told me that that was only for new customers and did not apply to existing customers. Therefore, I do not get The Economist anymore. My wife now gets The Economist, which solved that problem easily enough. I mention it because companies offering special deals only to new customers rather than to long-term customers are making an error. I do not believe it should be legislated for. I believe we should embarrass them by pointing it out. On that basis we will be able to win the case on the part of the long-term customers rather than the one-timers.

I return to an issue I raised previously in the House, which is the matter of cyberbullying.

The Internet advisory group has reported to the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and made 30 recommendations which were discussed at Cabinet yesterday and which are to be implemented in the coming months. This is a welcome step. The criminalisation of cyberbullying sends a clear message to the State and society and ensures they understand how damaging it can be to the individual and, in particular, to young people. I am pleased the report recommends that Internet safety should be taught in primary and secondary schools and parents should receive training on awareness around cyberbullying issues. I note also that the report recommends that social, personal and health education in primary and secondary schools be updated to promote a positive, safer and more effective use of technology by children. Recently, I organised a meeting with the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Ruairí Quinn, for a Galway company which was carrying out a pilot for a secondary school in Galway city. He was extremely encouraging and supportive of that subject. Given that the matter has been discussed at Cabinet, it would be opportune to invite the Minister, Deputy Ruairí Quinn, to the House to hear what he envisages in this area. Perhaps the Leader would arrange such a debate.

I second the amendment to the Order of Business, proposed by Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill. As Senator Hildegarde Naughton has done, I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Ruairí Quinn, to give the House an update on the success or otherwise of the amalgamation of the former vocational education committees into education and training boards. It is important he would give us a report in this regard. I am aware there have been difficulties in some of the education and training boards, particularly in the five that do not have training centres located within their jurisdiction. There is a difficulty in respect of the allocation of the necessary funding for staff to provide such training and some other minor difficulties. It is important the Minister comes in to give us an update on the success or otherwise of the amalgamation.

Last Sunday most hurling supporters in the country watched one of the greatest games since Tipperary beat Kilkenny in 2010. We were all looking forward to the replay next Saturday. However, according to a media report this morning, it appears that our national sports organisation and the national broadcaster have bungled it, as one body will not facilitate the other in terms of the timing of the game. The Irish hurling supporter will either have to be one of the crowd in Tullamore or will not see the match. While Tullamore has a fine stadium, I understand it has a capacity for less than 20,000. I ask the Leader if some intervention can be made on this issue. Several hurleys were broken at that match last Sunday. Hurleys are becoming a more expensive item. Ash dieback appeared in Ireland in October 2012, and to date, so far as I can see from parliamentary questions, we have had 96 cases. The price of hurleys is increasing. Some 80% of ash is imported from the Continent. I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, to come to the House to give us an update on the issue. The last parliamentary question on the issue was answered in November 2013. I understand, anecdotally, there have been a number of problems since. Those who are interested in our national game want to know if hurleys will be available for the All-Ireland hurling final in Croke Park in September.

I commend the pre-budget submission launched by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul yesterday, planning for the right kind of recovery. In recent years, we in Sinn Féin have sought, through this House, proper debates on pre-budget submissions and alternative budgets from a range of organisations which, in fairness, take the trouble to make submissions to Government, and also political parties in opposition which publish their alternative budgets and pre-budget submissions. We have the option of the public consultation committee of this House which can invite people. It is one of those functions that should be used. A lengthy debate on the role of the Seanad took place in the context of the Seanad abolition referendum. Allowing organisations which publish their budgets to come to the Oireachtas for a debate with Deputies and Senators on their proposals would be a useful exercise for all involved.

The pre-budget submission from the Society of St. Vincent de Paul argues for a fairer approach to how the Government balances its books. There is no contention from anybody that we do not address the deficit. The contention is where the axe has fallen in terms of cuts and that fair or progressive taxation elements have not been introduced by this or the previous Government. Low and middle income families and those on welfare have been hit the hardest. All the evidence points in that direction. Rather than dismiss alternative budgets or policies as fairytale economics, as the Government parties seem to do, it would be preferable to have a proper debate not only on the alternative budgets of the Opposition but also on those of organisations that are helping people who live in poverty and who are working on the front line in order that we would listen to what they have to say. I ask the Leader to ensure we have a series of alternative budget debates facilitated by a number of Ministers, the most notable being those for the Department of Social Protection and the Department of Finance.

I welcome the announcement yesterday of the seizure at Drogheda Port of 32 million cigarettes and 4,500 kg of water pipe tobacco representing a retail value of approximately €14 million. We can imagine the loss to Revenue if those got into the market. It is the largest seizure of cigarettes in Europe this year. I hope there will be more such seizures. The illicit trade in smuggling on both sides of the Border, particularly in that area, is huge. Recently, I met two Northern retailers who are in the supermarket and fuel business. I was horrified to learn that close to the Border, and perhaps south of it, these large unmarked tankers are clearly visible. While we accept there is active co-operation and close harmony in working together between forces on both sides, we need more active working together and co-operation between the police, Customs and Excise and Revenue. If this is happening, and people are talking about it openly, I cannot understand the reason we have not had more seizures similar to what happened at Drogheda Port. On the fuel side, apparently, those who are engaged in this activity are very active. I am looking at Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill from a Border county and I think he is nodding in agreement. I raise the matter because it is extremely serious and the loss of revenue is huge. I hope more will happen in this regard.

I second the amendment proposed by Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill. I seek to draw the attention of the House to a document circulated by Seamus Dooley, general secretary of the National Union of Journalists, seeking urgent support for its campaign against the imprisonment of al-Jazeera journalists by an Egyptian court. Al-Jazeera journalists Peter Greste and Mohamed Fahmy have been sentenced to seven years in jail while Baher Mohamed was sentenced to an additional three years for possession of ammunition. Other al-Jazeera journalists have been sentenced to ten years in absentia. All of these journalists are what they say they are, that is, journalists. They are not terrorists or criminals but are journalists who have been jailed for doing their jobs. This is a violation of the right to freedom of expression which must be condemned by the international community.

The NUJ, in bringing this matter to the attention of both Houses, hopes that it will be raised in the Parliament and asks that the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade condemn the abuse of human rights in Egypt and work with the governments of EU member states to oppose the criminalisation of journalists. I would ask the Leader to convey what I would believe to be the sentiments of the entirety of this House in regard to these unjust imprisonments and to also convey the urgency of making a public statement in this regard by the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, that he communicate directly with the ambassador of Egypt on the matter and that these matters, which seem to be politically motivated and inspired rather than in any sense of seeking justice, should be overturned, that the Egyptian Government should intervene and that President Sisi should also intervene to ensure that these journalists are allowed to be released, go about their work and return to their families.

Sporting enthusiasts and most Members will be aware that the Irish Open Golf Championship took place last weekend over the Fota Island course in County Cork. I compliment Fota, its members and officials for the magnificent manner in which the course was presented, and commended by players, visiting journalists and worldwide commentators. The event reached almost all corners of the world through satellite media. The presentation of Ireland, as portrayed by Fota, will be of enormous benefit to the tourism sector in its efforts to attract visitors, not only to golf but to enjoy many of the first-class facilities we offer for the wide range of sports for the sports enthusiasts, for relaxation in first-class hotels and bed and breakfasts, or for touring around for literary or historical reasons. Mikko Ilonen's victory this year will be lauded in the Finnish newspapers with the second placed Mr. Mollinari being front-page news in Italy. So it has been year after year, country after country, all bringing favourable admiration to Ireland.

I would mention the praise the victor had for the west and for the scenery at one of his first wins in international competition in 1999, in the west at Rosses Point. It goes to show the importance of further international events and what they can do to promote tourism, not alone in Dublin but throughout the country, realising that next year's open will take place in Royal County Down.

I commend Fota, Bord Fáilte and Fáilte Ireland for the part they played. It was a magnificent international and we in Ireland should be proud of it. I spoke to an American family who intend coming to Ireland later this year because of what they saw on television at the weekend.

No. 22 on the Order Paper, a Bill in the name of Senators Barrett, Heffernan and myself, deals with the appointment of the Irish nominee to the European Commission. I appreciate, with the way we do political business here, it is difficult for individual Senators to have a Bill debated, but I would ask the Leader to at least consider the possibility of debating No. 22. Should that not be possible, it would be appropriate that we would proceed by way of statements on the question of the Irish nomination to the European Commission. It is a matter which is currently being debated in the media and we have to appreciate the seriousness of the process underway.

Whoever is appointed by the Government must play a significant role in the further development of European politics and also play a role on behalf of this country, and we must consider the suitability of those being proposed for the job. It is not absolutely necessary that the appointee or nominee be a member of Cabinet or, indeed, be a Member of the Oireachtas. That may be the way business was done traditionally but I would ask all of my colleagues here to reflect on what was said, for instance, when former Minister, Mr. Charlie McCreevy, was nominated and when Mr. Richard Burke was nominated in the 1980s by then Taoiseach, the late Mr. Charlie Haughey. It was seen as a nomination to solve a political problem. Our appointment to the European Commission must not be about solving a political problem or getting somebody off the pitch on the basis that he or she is a vote loser at home or might not win his or her Dáil seat in the next election. We must appoint somebody who is suitable for the job, who fulfils the criteria and who has knowledge and experience of European and domestic politics. We should have a broad trawl of suitable candidates.

If we cannot debate No. 22, I would ask the Leader that we would have statements on the process and perhaps invite the Taoiseach to inform us of his thinking of what kind of candidate is suitable, not only to represent Ireland in Europe but to play a strong, dominant role in the further enhancement of the European Union.

I support the call by Senator Mooney that we would put our weight behind the campaign against the imprisonment of the al-Jazeera journalists in Egypt. These are truly journalists, not involved in any way in illegal activities. They bring news to the world. This issue will be raised with the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade at the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade today, but we, as Members of Seanad Éireann, should keep the pressure on the Egyptian authorities to release those journalists as a matter of urgency.

In April of this year, a significant report was launched. The report of the Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas was commissioned jointly by the Ministers for the Environment, Community and Local Government and Agriculture, Food and the Marine - Deputies Hogan and Coveney respectively - and the commission was chaired by Mr. Pat Spillane. That report set out the commission's vision statement to make rural Ireland, "a dynamic, adaptable and outward looking multi-sectoral economy supporting vibrant, resilient and diverse communities experiencing a high quality of life with an energised relationship between rural and urban Ireland which will contribute to its sustainability for the benefit of society as a whole". The report contains 34 significant recommendations. It would be appropriate that Seanad Éireann discuss it with a view to seeing how we can move matters forward and, hopefully, bring many of those significant recommendations to fruition. As we all will be aware, rural Ireland is going through a particularly difficult time, with small businesses struggling, and particularly retail in small towns and villages under real pressure. We, as Members of this House, should avail of any opportunity to promote rural Ireland and help it become re-energised. A discussion of this report in the next session would be a first step.

In the committee rooms yesterday, unusually, representatives from the alcohol sector attended a meeting of Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Also, the alcohol consumption in Ireland document was published yesterday. I do not know whether any of the Members were in the AV room last week where Alcohol Ireland make a good presentation. It is timely that we would ask the Minister for Health to come in and have an in-depth debate on alcohol, its effects on our culture and on suicide rates, and the cost to health and the economy, with an absolute focus on our young people and on sport and sponsorship. It is an elephant, not in the room but in the country. It is something that we must address for the long term.

I support my colleague, Senator Bradford, on the appointment of a European Commissioner. One of the elements of politics and government in this country that have scandalised people is how often decisions about personnel seem to be taken not on the basis of what is in the public interest or who is the best person for the job but according to which narrow political interest has to be placated. I refer to the recent resignation of the Minister for Justice and Equality. While some of his political proposals were socially toxic, not least the troubling children and family relationship legislation, he was unjustly treated in light of his work rate and ability. It was a matter of protecting the Taoiseach and kowtowing to public perception rather than serving the common good. If we want to improve the reputation of politics in this country we must start by appointing people to positions for which they are fit, appointing them on merit and to removing them for demonstrable malfeasance or incompetence.

A previous speaker requested that the Minister for Education and Skills be invited to the House. I do not know who will be Minister in a couple of months' time but irrespective whether it is the current Minister, Deputy Quinn, or somebody else I would like to discuss the issue of civic, social and political education, CSPE. The Association of CSPE Teachers has expressed concern about the prospect of CSPE being removed as a compulsory State examinable subject in the new junior cycle curriculum. I recognise that the curriculum is crowded but the association rightly pointed out that Irish students rank highly in a comparative survey of civic knowledge among 14 year olds in 38 countries. Is there a danger that our ranking will be affected if we change the status of CSPE? When we consider people's disenchantment with politics and the lack of interest among younger voters in particular, it is important that we do all we can to promote active citizenship and participation in our political system. The removal of the compulsory status for CSPE is cause for grave concern. We want a population who are well educated politically and who understand how our institutions work and their role in ensuring their functioning. I would like to hear from the Minister regarding whether that change is on the cards and if the decision can be reconsidered because it is a dangerous prospect.

I wish to raise the proposal on introducing a sugar tax in the next budget. A survey by the Irish Heart Foundation found that more than half of the public are in favour of a tax of 20% on sugary drinks. It is time for us to seriously consider such a measure and I hope the Minister for Finance will investigate the matter. It has been claimed that such a tax would only affect more vulnerable people but if we could incentivise the consumption of fruit and vegetables or reduce the taxes levied on them, we could offset any difficulties that may arise. The next generation is facing an obesity epidemic and a sugar tax would be a simple way of discouraging people from buying drinks with a high sugar content. Some 80% of those surveyed believed sugary drinks are adding to the obesity problem.

Senator Ó Domhnaill raised the issue of the health service. We will try to arrange for the Minister for Health to come to the House for a comprehensive debate on the health service but I doubt we will get him at such short notice. The matters raised by the Senator were also raised yesterday on the Order of Business, when it was noted that up to 20% of advertised consultant posts have not been filled. This is a cause for concern and it will have to be addressed. The Senator suggested that the health service is under resourced and over staffed but in the same breath he contradicted his claims by referring to an overspend of €500 million. He cannot have his bread buttered on both sides.

Senator Hayden spoke about rent regulations as a way of preventing homelessness. Fr. McVerry commented favourably on that subject recently. The Senator noted the success of the tenancy protection service in helping people to stay in their homes. I commend the service on its efforts. The Senator also noted the significant increase in building starts but called for the construction of quality homes and the avoidance of a rush on planning applications in advance of the introduction of proper building regulations.

Senator Quinn spoke about rates for sporting clubs. That is a matter for local authorities but the valuation process will also have to be considered. We continue to await the valuation Bill. I understand it is almost ready but it will be September before it is before us. We can consider the issue of rates in the context of the valuation process and the Bill. In regard to companies offering special deals for new customers, we saw how the Senator overcame that issue. It is something that should be considered by others but I note the points he made.

Senator Naughton spoke about cyber bullying and safer use of technology. This issue is of paramount importance. The Minister for Education and Skills discussed the issue with us previously but it is something we should review on a regular basis and I will ask the Minister to come back to the House. Senator Wilson asked for a debate with the Minister on the amalgamation of VECs and a progress report on the education and training boards. I will ask the Minister to agree to a discussion on these matters.

Senator Landy spoke about television coverage of GAA games, including in particular next week's game. There is some confusion as to whether the game can be broadcast. I note his point on ash dieback disease. We had a comprehensive debate on ash dieback some time ago. I am sure that counties Tipperary and Kilkenny will be able to produce sufficient hurleys for Croke Park in September if they manage to get that far. Senator Cullinane referred to the pre-budget submission by St. Vincent de Paul. The Minister for Finance has assured us that he will examine every submission he receives but we will try to arrange a pre-budget debate in September, although we will not have much time in September and October for such a debate.

Senator Paul Coghlan referred to the seizure of illegal tobacco products and called for closer co-operation between the police, the customs service and Revenue and greater vigilance of fuel laundering. This is a matter that Ministers and their counterparts in Northern Ireland and the UK have been working on for quite some time, and they are now making significant progress on it.

Senators Mooney and Mullins referred to the imprisonment of al-Jazeera journalists, a matter which was raised by a number of Senators on yesterday's Order of Business. Senator Brennan commended Fota Island on the Irish golf open and spoke about the importance of such events for tourism. Senators Bradford and Mullen referred to No. 22, on Ireland's appointment of a European Commissioner. This is a Government decision and I do not doubt that the interests of the country will be the paramount consideration when the Commissioner is appointed.

Senator Mullen raised the possible removal of CSPE as an examination subject. I believe this is a very important subject which should be studied and retained as an examination subject. I will invite the Minister for Education and Skills to attend the House to discuss that matter.

Senator Mullins called for a debate on the report by the Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas, CEDRA. I have requested a Minister to attend the House to debate the recommendations in that report.

Senator Mary Ann O'Brien referred to alcohol consumption and alcohol abuse, which was also addressed by a number of Senators on the Order of Business yesterday. I have invited the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Alex White, to come here to discuss that. However, I have not yet received confirmation of a date for a debate on measures to combat alcohol abuse.

Senator Noone asked that a sugar tax be considered in the next budget. I am sure that is one of many items the Minister for Finance will be considering in the context of October's budget.

Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill has moved an amendment to the Order of Business, "That a debate with the Minister for Health on the crisis in the health service arising from the gaps in service provision be taken today." Is the amendment being pressed?

Amendment put:
The Seanad divided: Tá, 8; Níl, 25.

  • Heffernan, James.
  • Mooney, Paschal.
  • Mullen, Rónán.
  • Ó Clochartaigh, Trevor.
  • Ó Domhnaill, Brian.
  • Quinn, Feargal.
  • Walsh, Jim.
  • Wilson, Diarmuid.

Níl

  • Bacik, Ivana.
  • Bradford, Paul.
  • Brennan, Terry.
  • Burke, Colm.
  • Coghlan, Eamonn.
  • Coghlan, Paul.
  • Comiskey, Michael.
  • Conway, Martin.
  • Cummins, Maurice.
  • Gilroy, John.
  • Hayden, Aideen.
  • Henry, Imelda.
  • Higgins, Lorraine.
  • Keane, Cáit.
  • Kelly, John.
  • Landy, Denis.
  • Moloney, Marie.
  • Moran, Mary.
  • Mullins, Michael.
  • Naughton, Hildegarde.
  • Noone, Catherine.
  • O'Brien, Mary Ann.
  • O'Neill, Pat.
  • van Turnhout, Jillian.
  • Zappone, Katherine.
Tellers: Tá, Senators Paschal Mooney and Diarmuid Wilson; Níl, Senators Paul Coghlan and Aideen Hayden.
Amendment declared lost.
Question, "That the Order of Business be agreed to", put and declared carried.
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