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Seanad Éireann debate -
Thursday, 18 Dec 2014

Vol. 236 No. 10

Order of Business

The Order of Business is No. a1, Water Services Bill 2014 - Second Stage, to be taken at noon, with the contributions of group spokespersons not to exceed ten minutes and those of all other Senators not to exceed six minutes, the debate to be adjourned at 2 p.m. and resumed at 3.45 p.m.; No. b1, Appropriation Bill 2014 (Certified Money Bill) - All Stages, to be taken, subject to passage of the Bill by the Dáil this morning, at 2 p.m. and conclude not later than 3 p.m., with the contributions of group spokespersons on Second Stage not to exceed six minutes and those of all other Senators not to exceed five minutes, the Minister to be given five minutes to reply and Committee and Remaining Stages to be taken immediately thereafter; and No.1, Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2014 - Committee Stage (resumed) and Remaining Stages, to be taken at 3 p.m. and conclude not later than 3.45 p.m., if not previously concluded. A motion for earlier signature of the Appropriation Bill 2014 will be taken without debate at the conclusion of No. b1

Seanad Éireann is at the centre of political attention today and will be thus tomorrow and possibly on Monday because of the decisions that we, as Members of the second House of the Oireachtas, must make. It is not surprising that the Taoiseach was so anxious to get rid of this House. He tried his utmost to destroy this House and if he had succeeded, the Water Services Bill would have been passed last night to provide for the imposition of water charges. This is the straw that is breaking the camel's back for the people of Ireland. We are the last bastion of democracy in this country now. That is why every Member of this House who will be in attendance for the duration of the debate bears an enormous responsibility. I have never received more representations on any other issue since becoming a Member of the Houses of the Oireachtas than I have received about the Irish Water issue. The Water Services Bill has been passed by the Dáil under the guillotine, which should not have been the case. There should have been a full, open and democratic debate on the legislation. I appeal to every Member of this House to listen to his or her conscience and vote against the Bill, vote down the Government, reject its proposals and let the will of the people speak. I hope the Leader will confirm that tomorrow's schedule will include an Order of Business. If not, my party will oppose the Order of Business today.

I welcome the decision by President Barack Obama to normalise relations with Cuba through an exchange of ambassadors. This is the most significant shift in US policy towards Cuba for over 54 years. The US President and the Cuban President, Raúl Castro - with the backing of his brother, Fidel Castro - have both addressed their respective nations on this issue and I welcome this step. That said, the full normalisation of relations will depend on the approval of both the US Congress and Senate, which will not be forthcoming at this point in time, given that the Republicans are in the majority in both Houses. There is very significant opposition to this move in Miami and other parts of the United States. There has been an improvement in Cuban-US relations with the release of an American citizen who was in prison in Cuba and of several Cubans who were in prison in Miami.

US international relations have been damaged by the embargo on Cuba which has been in place for the last 54 years. The difficulties the embargo caused for the Cuban medical system have been evident throughout that period. US citizens, from the "land of the free" and "home of the brave", could not leave the US and travel 90 miles to Cuba. This country should be very proud of the fact that we have exchanged ambassadors with Cuba throughout the period of the US embargo. I met the Cuban ambassador in Dublin recently and am delighted that our good relations with that country still stand. We should now be ready, willing and able to increase our contacts with Cuba. I would suggest that Aer Lingus, which operates from the United States, should be planning ahead in the context of US tourists being able to visit Cuba. Yesterday was a very significant day and I welcome the announcement made by the US and Cuban Presidents. I might add that Fianna Fáil has been outstanding in this regard, having allowed Aeroflot flights to fly from Shannon Airport to Cuba, despite the policy of the United States.

I am very concerned that the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre is at risk of losing its Leeson Street headquarters, where it has been based for the past 28 years. The building is being sold by a NAMA debtor. The Rape Crisis Centre has managed to raise €1 million from donations to buy the building but there is still a shortfall of €800,000. The centre is very much dependent on its State grant but that grant does not cover the cost of renting accommodation. As every woman will know, the Rape Crisis Centre is a front-line organisation that protects women at the most vulnerable time of their lives after they have been subjected to rape or attempted rape. It would be an incredible shame if NAMA was permitted to sell the centre's headquarters out from under it. We are all aware that NAMA has made enormous progress in selling assets. That said, its mandate also requires that NAMA delivers a social dividend to the people of Ireland which I believe it is not doing. I ask the Leader to raise the matter of the Rape Crisis Centre and its headquarters with the Minister concerned. It would be an incredible shame if, after 28 years of excellent service, the Rape Crisis Centre would lose its essential Leeson Street premises.

I also wish to raise the issue of a pregnant woman who has suffered a serious head trauma and is on life support in Beaumont Hospital, as reported in several newspapers today. This tragic case, of which the Minister for Health and senior HSE officials are aware, underlines the flaws in the current legislation governing pregnancy. I welcome the comments by the Minister yesterday to the effect that the current legislation does not protect the long-term health of women and does not cover situations of fatal foetal abnormality. The Labour Party's position is that the legislation should be amended accordingly. I am aware there is no appetite at the moment in Government to deal with another referendum on the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution, but this issue must be kept to the forefront of our minds. We need to have a debate in this House, on the anniversary of the enactment of the legislation, to determine the extent to which the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act is protecting the health of women and performing its long-term role.

I am gravely concerned about an issue relating to Dún Laoghaire Harbour, which depends to a great extent on the business of the Stena Line ferry company. That business is worth approximately €7 million per annum to the town. There is a common perception that Dún Laoghaire is a well-off area and that the loss of such business would not have any impact. However, Dún Laoghaire has suffered dreadfully in recent years, particularly since the economic downturn. It is effectively a region of Dublin and it is unfortunate that Dún Laoghaire is losing out to Dublin Port. There is an issue here in terms of the interests of the regional areas of Dublin and its centre.

I ask that we take account of the balance of rights in this situation. I would appreciate it if the Leader raised the issue with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport.

I agree with Senator Terry Leyden that the eyes of the people are on this House today. I congratulate the Leader on ensuring we will have a full debate on the Water Services Bill and that it will not be foreshortened by the use of the guillotine. This is a worthy recognition of the important role the Seanad can play and I hope the debate will be as useful as might be expected.

Senator Terry Leyden also referred to Cuba. There are changes taking place in the world and some of the most significant of these are probably happening in Russia. The huge drop in the value of the rouble in recent weeks has been quite dramatic. I recall that approximately two months ago I highlighted the fact that the price of Brent oil had been reduced and I criticised the fact that evidence of this was not apparent in petrol stations. However, the reduction is now being passed on to motorists and at the petrol station closest to my home, the price stands at €1.35 per litre. While this is a dramatic reduction, I am not sure it reflects the overall drop in the price of Brent oil. If we want to maintain our competitiveness, we must ensure that energy costs continue to be reduced.

Senator Aideen Hayden referred to Dún Laoghaire Harbour. It was only a year ago that plans were announced for the development of a new terminal to allow cruise ships to dock in Dún Laoghaire w here such ships cannot dock. This development is very important in the context of tourism. Some very good news is emanating from Shannon Airport to the effect that the number of flights into and out of the airport has increased substantially since the change of management took place there. This is a reminder of the importance of giving individual units the freedom to do what they want rather than having them controlled from elsewhere. From the point of view of tourism, the entire Shannon area will benefit from the increase in flights to which I refer. Let us ensure that this continues to be the case.

I wish to raise two issues. First, I congratulate the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Heather Humphreys, and the Cabinet on agreeing the criteria for the selection of the European capital of culture 2020. This is very important for cities throughout the country that wish to submit applications in respect of this prestigious designation. The people of the city of Galway, in which I live, have been waiting anxiously for the launch of the applications process. Winning the European capital of culture designation would represent a huge opportunity to highlight the richness and diversity of cultural life in Galway. Major work has been ongoing for some time on the tender proposal, so yesterday's decision by the Government is welcome. According to the European Union, being awarded European capital of culture status has led to the regeneration of cities, a raised international profile for cities, an enhancement of the image of cities in the eyes of their inhabitants, the rejuvenation of cities' culture and a significant increase in tourism. I wish all the cities applying for designation as European capital of culture every success.

It is important to acknowledge that Christmas can be very lonely for many people throughout the country. Yesterday, I met representatives from Samaritans in Galway who wanted to raise awareness of the organisation's freefone number 116 123. This a new number, which is operational 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, is one of the European Commission's easy to remember freefone numbers that are designed to assist people. Christmas can be a very difficult time for the older people who may be lonely or who may be the subject of elder abuse. The delegation from Samaritans informed me that people can contact them about anything. In Galway alone, the Samaritans receive 800 calls each week. The number of calls has increased significantly since the new freefone number came into use in March. I commend the six telephone operators which have funded the freefone service to the tune of €100,000 per year. Some 1,500 volunteers are working for Samaritans throughout the country. It is important for people who experience difficulties to realise that they are not alone and that they can call the non-judgmental individuals who operate the freefone helpline to which I refer.

I support the comments made by Senator Terry Leyden in respect of the dramatic developments in the relationship between Cuba and the United States. We have been made aware that Pope Francis, who celebrated his 78th birthday yesterday, played a crucial role in brokering the landmark deal between the United States and Cuba. As more details emerge about the watershed normalising of diplomatic relations between the two countries, we are learning more about the instrumental role the Pope played in bringing American and Cuban leaders together. Given that relations between the United States and Cuba were frozen for 50 years, what happened yesterday represents a paradigm shift. The Pope wrote a letter to President Obama and President Raúl Castro of Cuba during the summer in which he urged the two to mend the relationship between their countries. President Obama really seems to have rediscovered his, to use a crude word, mojo particularly in view of what was announced yesterday and the compassion he has shown towards undocumented Irish and others in the United States. The Pope, whose mantra is "mercy and compassion", is 78 years of age and he has provided extraordinary leadership and encouraged people to be more tolerant, understanding and forgiving. Despite the negative reaction of some Cuban exiles in Florida, I am of the view that this process is going to move forward. President Obama is on a mission and he intends to open a US embassy in Cuba. In addition, 50 American prisoners in Cuba are to be released. People have visited the Houses of the Oireachtas to request our help in having the Cuban five - who were convicted of being involved in espionage in the United States over 20 years ago - freed. President Obama has indicated that he intends to release these individuals. This is a wonderfully inspiring time for everyone. Showing leadership is what it is all about - it is not about engaging in populist politics.

At this time of year people struggle and find themselves in very challenging situations. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is one of many charities which do fantastic work. It is important to recognise businesses that go the extra mile to do something different. I refer here to Hotel Doolin, which is located in County Clare and which normally closes for three days at Christmas. However, it has been announced that the hotel will remain open in order to accommodate people sent to it by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. The staff at the hotel will work on a rota basis and free of charge during the Christmas period. The companies which supply goods to the hotel will provide food and other essentials in order to ensure that less fortunate people in Clare will have an enjoyable Christmas. The meitheal displayed by the staff and management at Hotel Doolin should encourage their counterparts at other hotels to realise that sometimes giving up one's Christmas is a good thing to do. It is not about money, rather it is about time. What the people at Hotel Doolin are doing is noble, honourable and reflects the spirit of the people of county Clare and Irish people in general. I commend them for their action.

Yesterday, I advised the Leader of my view that the Water Services Bill was bring rushed through the Houses of the Oireachtas and stated that in the light of public concern about this issue I would request that today's Order of Business to be amended in order that our deliberations on it be delayed until January. It is wrong that we are dealing with the Bill in this way. As a result, I formally propose that the Water Services Bill be removed from the Order of Business and taken in January.

Like previous speakers, I welcome the moves announced yesterday in the context of normalising relations between the United States and Cuba.

I very much applaud the role played by Pope Francis in bringing about an improvement in relations after almost 50 years. I hope that Pope Francis will continue to play an active role in helping to broker peace in many of the trouble spots around the world. He could be a great influence for reconciliation and for improving relations between warring factions.

I very much welcome the strong tourism figures announced in recent days which show that approximately 7.3 million overseas visitors will have come to our country in 2014, which is up 8% on 2013. These visitors will contribute €3.6 billion to the economy, which is up 9% on 2013. Much of this success is due to the excellent marketing of the Wild Atlantic Way, which is making a huge contribution to tourism in this country. The fantastic work being done by Tourism Ireland in promoting Ireland abroad, in particular in the United States, is very significant. The additional flights between Ireland and the United States this year also contributed very significantly. Next year is looking particularly good with new Aer Lingus flights from Washington DC to Dublin, new United Airlines flights from Chicago to Dublin, a new Transavia service from Paris to Dublin, Finnair flights from Helsinki to Dublin and flights from Gothenburg in Sweden. While 2015 is looking particularly good, we need to keep our eye on the ball. Our hotels need to ensure their prices remain competitive, they continue to give good customer service and value for money and they address some issues and problems in that area. In the new year, I would like the Leader to organise a full debate on tourism and the huge contribution it can make to the recovery of the economy.

As we head into the Christmas period and with the huge increase in traffic on the roads and, unfortunately, the increase in the number of people losing their lives on the roads, I urge everybody to be particularly careful, to ensure nobody goes out on the roads having consumed alcohol and to do everything possible to ensure no family is without a loved one this Christmas as a result of irresponsible behaviour on the roads by any of us.

I support Senator Gerard P. Craughwell's amendment to the Order of Business. As we are aware, the debate on the Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2014 was guillotined in the Lower House. That was the second time that the debate on a water services Bill, which is of national importance, was guillotined, albeit the Bill was given a little bit more time on this occasion than on the previous one. We do not know what will emerge as a result of the guillotining of that Bill. It is only right and proper that we have time to read that Bill, as passed by the Lower House. This House should not rush to judgment until we have had an opportunity to read it, and the amendments made to it, properly. Having said that, I want to clarify that if the amendment to the Order of Business is not successful and we proceed with Second Stage of the Water Services Bill 2014-----

Now the Senator is thinking positively.

As Whip of the Fianna Fáil Party, I want to clarify something. Since the unfortunate confinement of our colleague, Senator Jimmy Harte, due to a serious injury, on every occasion my party has honoured a request for a pair for the Senator. There may be speculation in that regard but as the Whip of the Fianna Fáil Party in the House, I will give a commitment that request for a pair will continue to be honoured, regardless of how difficult or serious the legislation before us.

That is absolutely daft.

As a Labour Party Senator, I appreciate that.

I have to say that is a load of nonsense. In politics, one wins. It is as simple as that. One takes advantage. That is what I have learned in political life, in particular if one is motivated by the interests of the people.

(Interruptions).

The illness of a Member should be exploited by this side and I will not pay any tribute to Fianna Fáil for it.

For God's sake, that is an outrageous comment.

It is unbecoming of Senator David Norris.

I welcome very much the relaxation of the relationship between Cuba and the United States of America. It has taken 50 years, which is a hell of a long time. Through their secret agencies, the Americans have been involved in bombings, murder, invasion, assassination attempts on Fidel Castro, the Bay of Pigs and so on. I am very glad, therefore, that this is coming to an end. Like Senator Michael Mullins, I salute Pope Francis for his very positive intervention in this matter. However, I sincerely hope there will be a complete revision of the noxious and impertinent Helms-Burton legislation which purports to give the United States the right to dictate financial policy and trading relations to other countries throughout the world. We very recently saw an example of that where Bank of Ireland froze perfectly legitimate bank accounts on behalf of a Cuban solidarity group. This was an appalling infringement of our financial independence and I sincerely hope this is revised. As I understand it, the three remaining members of the Miami Five, who went to Florida to warn the United States about the armed activities of the anti-Castro movement there, who were arrested as spies in a most nasty and dangerous operation and who were incarcerated for many years, have been released. It is a good day and a positive move by the United States of America.

The acting Leader of the Opposition, Senator Terry Leyden, referred to the Water Services Bill 2014. What happens in the other House is not a matter for us, but there were 40 hours of debate. If we want 80, 90 or 100 hours of debate, the debate will not be curtailed in any way.

I oppose the proposed amendment to the Order of Business. We will deal with the Bill in the same way as we would any other in this House. We will not guillotine the debate and did not do so the last time.

We will come in over Christmas, if necessary.

Members will be able to debate the Bill for as long as they wish, as is proper.

It is a complete waste of time.

Please allow the Leader to respond to the questions raised.

If it is a waste of time, there is no point in debating it at all, but that is up to the House to decide. I am totally in its hands on how long it wants to have to debate the Bill on every Stage.

I commend the Leader of the House.

Work will continue as usual. We will have an Order of Business tomorrow which will be no different from any other day. We are not in an emergency or anything like it. It is a time for cool heads.

Like everyone else, Senator Terry Leyden welcomed the decision of President Obama to normalise relations with Cuba, but as the Senator pointed out, there are a lot of steps to be taken in the meantime. Senators Mary White, Michael Mullins and David Norris praised the role played and the leadership shown by Pope Francis in brokering a deal between the two countries. It is welcome that such negotiations are ongoing. I am sure there is still a long road to be travelled, but we wish the two countries well in their negotiations. I note the point made by Senator David Norris about the freezing of the accounts, an issue he raised some months ago. I hope it will be rectified as a matter of urgency.

Senator Aideen Hayden referred to the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre and the possibility of it losing its headquarters. It would be regrettable if that were to happen.

I will certainly make representations to the Minister. I do not know whether she can interfere with NAMA on it, but I hope some solution can be found in that regard.

The Senator also called for a debate on the need to review the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act 2013. We will certainly give consideration to that issue in the new year.

Senators Aideen Hayden and Feargal Quinn spoke about Dún Laoghaire Harbour and Dublin Port. They mentioned the possibility that Stena Line would leave Dún Laoghaire Harbour. There is no doubt that such a move would be a massive blow to Dún Laoghaire. I remember the damage done to my own city of Waterford when a major carrier left the local port. That decision continues to damage the Port of Waterford. I note the points were made about the competition between Dún Laoghaire Harbour and Dublin Port and will certainly bring the matter to the attention of the relevant Minister. Competition between ports is of paramount importance. Senator Feargal Quinn referred to the competitiveness of Shannon Airport and the benefits that had accrued to the area and the tourism sector as a result. The matter is certainly worth considering. The Senator also referred to the need to be very vigilant in monitoring energy costs in the interests of competitiveness.

Senator Hildegarde Naughton welcomed the agreement on the criteria to be used in the designation of the European capital of culture. I am sure it will be welcomed in all cities, including Galway and Waterford, and by all those Senators who have an interest in the tender competition to be granted that prestigious designation.

Senator Hildegarde Naughton also praised the work of Samaritans and highlighted the availability of the organisation's helpline. We all agree that during the yearsd Samaritans has done excellent voluntary work the length and breadth of the country.

Senator Martin Conway praised the work of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. He mentioned that a hotel in County Clare had kindly offered to give generously of its time and money to help people less well off than others over the Christmas period.

I do not see the need for the amendment to the Order of Business proposed by Senator Gerard P. Craughwell. As I said, we will have plenty of time to debate the Water Services Bill 2014.

Senator Michael Mullins welcomed the excellent tourism figures. He said the increase of 8% in tourist numbers this year had generated great benefits for the economy. I suggest this has resulted from various measures taken by the Government, including the VAT reduction and the removal of the travel tax. The Senator welcomed the introduction of new flights and routes planned for 2015 and 2016, which will lead to further tourism benefits in the years ahead. The Senator also reminded us of the importance of thinking about road safety over the Christmas period.

We thank the Whip of the Fianna Fáil group, Senator Diarmuid Wilson, for the ongoing provision of a pair for one of our colleagues who is severely incapacitated. We reciprocated that practice during the term of the last Government when someone on the other side of the House was seriously ill. It is a good practice, for which we thank the Fianna Fáil group.

Senator Gerard P. Craughwell has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, "That the proposal regarding the Water Services Bill 2014 be deleted from today's Order of Business." Is the amendment being pressed?

Amendment put:
The Seanad divided: Tá, 18; Níl, 29.

  • Craughwell, Gerard P.
  • Crown, John.
  • Cullinane, David.
  • Daly, Mark.
  • Heffernan, James.
  • Leyden, Terry.
  • Mooney, Paschal.
  • Ó Clochartaigh, Trevor.
  • Ó Murchú, Labhrás.
  • O'Brien, Mary Ann.
  • O'Donovan, Denis.
  • O'Sullivan, Ned.
  • Quinn, Feargal.
  • Reilly, Kathryn.
  • Walsh, Jim.
  • White, Mary M.
  • Wilson, Diarmuid.
  • Zappone, Katherine.

Níl

  • Bacik, Ivana.
  • Bradford, Paul.
  • Brennan, Terry.
  • Burke, Colm.
  • Coghlan, Eamonn.
  • Coghlan, Paul.
  • Comiskey, Michael.
  • Conway, Martin.
  • Cummins, Maurice.
  • D'Arcy, Jim.
  • Hayden, Aideen.
  • Henry, Imelda.
  • Higgins, Lorraine.
  • Keane, Cáit.
  • Kelly, John.
  • Landy, Denis.
  • Mac Conghail, Fiach.
  • Moloney, Marie.
  • Moran, Mary.
  • Mulcahy, Tony.
  • Mullins, Michael.
  • Naughton, Hildegarde.
  • Noone, Catherine.
  • O'Donnell, Marie-Louise.
  • O'Keeffe, Susan.
  • O'Neill, Pat.
  • Sheahan, Tom.
  • van Turnhout, Jillian.
  • Whelan, John.
Tellers: Tá, Senators Gerard P. Craughwell and Diarmuid Wilson; Níl, Senators Paul Coghlan and Aideen Hayden.
Amendment declared lost.
Question put: "That the Order of Business be agreed to."
The Seanad divided: Tá, 30; Níl, 19.

  • Bacik, Ivana.
  • Bradford, Paul.
  • Brennan, Terry.
  • Burke, Colm.
  • Coghlan, Eamonn.
  • Coghlan, Paul.
  • Comiskey, Michael.
  • Conway, Martin.
  • Cummins, Maurice.
  • D'Arcy, Jim.
  • Gilroy, John.
  • Hayden, Aideen.
  • Heffernan, James.
  • Henry, Imelda.
  • Higgins, Lorraine.
  • Keane, Cáit.
  • Kelly, John.
  • Landy, Denis.
  • Mac Conghail, Fiach.
  • Moloney, Marie.
  • Moran, Mary.
  • Mulcahy, Tony.
  • Mullins, Michael.
  • Naughton, Hildegarde.
  • Noone, Catherine.
  • O'Donnell, Marie-Louise.
  • O'Neill, Pat.
  • Sheahan, Tom.
  • van Turnhout, Jillian.
  • Whelan, John.

Níl

  • Craughwell, Gerard P.
  • Crown, John.
  • Cullinane, David.
  • Daly, Mark.
  • Leyden, Terry.
  • Mooney, Paschal.
  • Norris, David.
  • Ó Clochartaigh, Trevor.
  • Ó Murchú, Labhrás.
  • O'Brien, Mary Ann.
  • O'Donovan, Denis.
  • O'Sullivan, Ned.
  • Power, Averil.
  • Quinn, Feargal.
  • Reilly, Kathryn.
  • Walsh, Jim.
  • White, Mary M.
  • Wilson, Diarmuid.
  • Zappone, Katherine.
Tellers: Tá, Senators Paul Coghlan and Aideen Hayden; Níl, Senators Gerard P. Craughwell and Diarmuid Wilson.
Question declared carried.
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