The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding the arrangements for the taking of business on Monday, 22 December 2014, to be taken without debate at the conclusion of the Order of Business; and No. 2, Water Services Bill 2014 - Committee Stage, to be taken at the conclusion of No. 1.
Order of Business
I am particularly fascinated by reports in today's media that if the Taoiseach is returned to office after the next election, he intends to promote women to his Cabinet, to constitute a 50:50 proportion of women in it. I was fascinated by this and somewhat bemused considering that, when he had the opportunity earlier this year, he did not promote even one woman to the junior ministerial ranks - not one woman. Is he now appealing to the female vote following the confirmation of the partisan nature of some of those who have been designating themselves as Independent Senators in this House following last night's votes? Perhaps that has been the inspiration for him to proceed now with confidence on the basis that whoever he nominates to this House and to the other House will continue to support the Government. However, that is democracy in action and I have no wish to in any way reflect on the decisions that anyone takes on how they vote in this House.
Of much more importance is the overnight news that a takeover attempt of Aer Lingus was unsuccessful and I ask for the Leader's response. The board has rebuffed this and I am pleased that it has. However, I am particularly concerned that the Government has been quoted as stating it is open to the sale of its 25%-plus stake in Aer Lingus. This country has an extraordinarily successful experience in aircraft maintenance and aviation leasing. Ireland is the leading country in the world for aviation leasing. We also have, extraordinarily, two very successful airlines. We have Ryanair, the pioneering airline which led the break-up of the cartels which operated when I could not afford, as an emigrant in London, to fly from London to Dublin because it cost nearly the equivalent of a month's salary. Ryanair and Mr. Michael O'Leary are to be complimented in this regard. They have continued to be successful. Aer Lingus, following a period of very difficult trading, is now a successful company.
This is an extraordinary turnaround for a company that at one stage looked like going under. When the former Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, was Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications in the 1990s he made statements to the effect that the future of Aer Lingus was in serious doubt. I ask the current Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Donohoe, to clarify the Government's position on a potential hostile takeover of this nature. We are an island nation and unlike any other country in Europe or the world in the context of this debate about the national airline. The Irish people have a strong empathy with the iconic brand of Aer Lingus and the Government's retention of a 25% share in the airline offers great comfort and reassurance to them. It would not be in this country's strategic interest to allow the airline to be sold off to the private sector because it would leave us exposed to the vagaries of the corporate world not only in terms of potential job losses but also in regard to the service that Aer Lingus provides. Retaining our stake in the airline is of national importance. For these reasons, I propose an amendment to the Order of Business that the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport come before the House today to clarify the Government's position on the future of Aer Lingus and reassure the people, as we approach Christmas, that we will retain a significant stake in the national airline.
Yesterday I raised the serious issue of a young woman in her 20s who was being kept on life support while carrying a child that was at 16 weeks of gestation and unable to sustain life outside the womb. It has emerged that a High Court case was initiated and is due to be heard next week. I am sure that case will cast a light on where we stand in respect of the protection of life during pregnancy legislation. As a mother of two daughters in their early 20s, I feel for this family. They have not only lost a daughter but they are also unable to grieve while they await a decision in the courts. I thank the Leader for giving his commitment on arranging a debate early in the new year on the protection of life during pregnancy legislation and the eighth amendment to the Constitution, and their effectiveness in protecting the lives of Irish women.
On the issue of the European Central Bank and Mario Draghi, I support the Taoiseach's efforts to persuade the bank to reconsider its position on appearing before the banking inquiry. The bank is showing a total absence of solidarity towards the people of Ireland in refusing to come before a national banking inquiry. Its claim that it is only answerable to the European Parliament reflects a narrow view of its mandate towards European people. Even if it was unable to add a scintilla of new information over and above what the Governor of the Central Bank could provide, it would be showing solidarity and upholding the right of the Irish people to have the fullest possible disclosure of what happened in respect of the collapse of our economy and the banking crisis.
Staying with the issue of solidarity, I ask that we have a debate in the new year on the threats, for want of a better word, to the European economy and its stability. It came to my attention recently that the old age pension in Greece has been cut to 20% of the rate paid prior to that country's entry to the bailout. There are older men and women near starvation on the streets of Greece. Furthermore, 30,000 Syrian refugees are in the Aegean area of Greece, at a time when the country cannot even afford to feed its own people. We should be cognizant of the issue of solidarity among European people. It would be useful to have a debate on the issues faced by the European Union from an economic and a security perspective.
I agree with Senator Paschal Mooney on the proposed British Airways-Aer Lingus merger. The irony is that the British regulatory authorities have ruled against a merger between Ryanair and Aer Lingus. Was this done in order that their own national airline can take over Aer Lingus? I hope the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Paschal Donohoe, will protect Ireland's national interests. The current actions by the competition authorities in the United Kingdom to oppose the Aer Lingus-Ryanair merger while also restoring the cartel that previously operated between British Airways and Aer Lingus are not acceptable to this country. I commend Christoph Mueller and his staff for turning the airline around.
Like Senator Aideen Hayden, I commend the Taoiseach for his efforts to persuade Mario Draghi to appear before the banking inquiry. The role of the ECB is a crucial aspect of the inquiry, but the bank has displayed an unacceptable level of arrogance in this regard.
As this is our last Order of Business before Christmas, I wish the Cathaoirleach, the Leader and the staff of the Seanad every happiness for Christmas and thank them for their courtesy in facilitating the operation of this House in such a splendid manner. I wish them the very best for 2015.
I ask the Leader to arrange a debate early in the new year on the progress report by the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, on the reform of her Department. In the madness of the water debate, we seemed to forget this was an extraordinary year for the justice system of this country. A Minister was forced to resign, as were a Garda Commissioner and a confidential recipient. The Minister for Justice and Equality, whom I wish well, has given a commitment to the people and gardaí. We continue expect the Garda to protect our homes and streets, even though there is a lack of resources. It would appropriate for the Minister to come to the House to set out her plans for restoring confidence in the Garda. Front-line gardaí, whether they are protecting Leinster House from a small element of rowdy people during marches or the streets, are the ones who have taken the hit. The Minister should outline to us her roadmap to recovery of the justice system. She was correct to describe her Department as a dinosaur. It is old, rusty and creaky, and it is in need of a total overhaul. I will support the Minister in her efforts in this regard, but it is important that she come to the House for a full debate, I hope before the end of January 2015.
I wish the Cathaoirleach, staff and Members of the House a happy and peaceful Christmas and, le cúnamh Dé, an election free 2015. I second the amendment to the Order of Business.
The House let itself down badly last night. It was saved in order to represent the voice of the people. I recognise that the Government legitimately used the Whip, but I regret that the so-called "Endapendents", as well as one of my own colleagues, chose to vote in the way they did. This happened previously, when a Government was saved by one vote from this side. This House is supposed to be an independent voice that is above politics. Nothing made more clear the need for radical reform of the House than its lamentable behaviour last night. I do not blame the Government Senators. They had their reasons. They were whipped and had to support a decent Minister in an awkward position. However, I cry shame on my colleagues who are allegedly independent.
I join speakers who have wished the staff a very happy Christmas and thank them for the services they have provided during the years. I support today the Federation of Irish Sport which has, under the auspices of Mr. Bernard Brogan, called for the sharing of income raised from the sports betting tax among all sports not just between horse and dog racing. While both are very enjoyable, all sports serve us equally. In conjunction with a debate on that, I call for a debate on the problems that gambling, particularly online, brings. Gambling is becoming more popular, particularly online. No country can stop it, but we should be aware of the dangers of it also. The taxes raised should be shared among all sports equally and not just greyhound and horse racing. I call for a debate on both issues.
Guím gach dea-ghuí ar an gCathaoirleach agus ar Cheannaire an Tí, ar mo chomhghleacaithe anseo agus ar an bhfoireann atá tar éis freastal thar barr orainn ar feadh na bliana. Go dté siad slán i mbliana. I wish everyone the good wishes of the season and thank the staff and the Cathaoirleach.
I note that Samaritans brought us back to earth with a bang when it gave us a presentation the other day on its services. I commend it for the services it delivers and note that while Christmas can be a difficult time for many, there are those like Samaritans who do incredible work to support people. The new helpline 116 123 is available through the winter season and it also has a line for the North - 008457 909090 - for those who find themselves in need of support. Its message was it had seen a 50% increase since they were introduced. It put a great deal of this down to the fact that the telecommunications companies were actually supporting the helplines. We must commend the companies for the work they are doing and ask them to continue to support them as there is a finite date on them. I commend all of the volunteers and those who support this vital service.
I raise with the Leader an issue which is coming to the fore and needs to be addressed quickly with the Minister for Education and Skills. It relates to nominations from ETBs to the boards of management of local schools. It is particularly affecting rural areas and Irish medium schools because there is a limit of 20 km being imposed by the Department of Education and Skills on members who are eligible to sit on a board of management. In an area like Connemara, most of the schools are more than 20 km apart and many people are simply ruled out of sitting on the board of management of any school. Boards are finding it very difficult to find people to sit on them which issue is compounded in Irish language medium schools and Gaelscoileanna given the limited number of Irish speakers on ETBs. It is a huge problem to get people onto boards and the issue needs to be addressed. The gender quota system is causing issues in County Donegal. While I welcome the quota, it appears a great deal of pressure is being put on female councillors in County Donegal to go on the board of the ETB, even though they do not want to do so. That issue also needs to be addressed.
I would welcome a debate on these issues. I ask the Leader to intervene with the Minister for Education and Skills as soon as he can. I also ask for a debate on the future of rural schools in spring and on the future of Irish language education and Irish medium education. Nollaig Shona a cháirde ar fad.
I join colleagues in wishing everyone a happy Christmas, including the staff, the Cathaoirleach and all Members. Regarding 2015, I hope we will not have to go through the process of an election until 2016.
One of the issues that has come home to me in the debate on the water charges is the lack of information out there on the cost of running services in Ireland as evidenced in e-mails to me and replies to my replies. I am sure colleagues have received similar correspondence. I have raised the matter previously in relation to local authorities and the amount in commercial rates being collected from the private sector. There is a lack of knowledge among the general public of the amounts being demanded from the private sector. One of the issues that really amazes me is the lack of knowledge people have in relation to the cost of social welfare, health care and education. There was a letter to the Irish Examiner in the last week comparing the current state of Ireland to its state in 1847. That sends a very negative message about the country.
Despite the difficulties we have gone through in the past four to five years, we still pay out more than €400 million a week in social welfare payments. That includes payments to 585,000 people in receipt of the old age pension, people who are unemployed and people with disabilities. It is only right that we should be paying that and it is unfortunate that we have not had an increase in that area over the last four to five years. While we will I hope be able to provide for increases as the economy recovers, we should have a debate on how proper information is circulated, in particular to young people going through the education system. It might be done through a transition year programme or another way in the schools given the lack of knowledge that is there. We have a duty to ensure that we not only provide services, but get information out as to their cost.
I extend Christmas wishes to the Cathaoirleach, the Leas-Chathaoirleach, leaders of parties, all Members, the Clerk, the Clerk Assistant and the excellent stenographers and sound staff who keep the records so diligently and are so efficient in the work they do to compile the record of the proceedings of the House, which is invaluable. I also extend best wishes to the camera operators who provide the excellent television service extended during the year which has brought the House to the attention of so many people. I get a response now when I speak in the House on foot of what appears on television and radio.
Next Tuesday, 23 December 2014, the President of the High Court, Mr. Justice Nicholas Kearns, will make a monumental decision based on the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution of 7 October 1983. As the sole Member of the House who was a Member of the Dáil in 1983 and who stood by the amendment of the Constitution, which is a very enlightened one, I certainly do not pull back from the decision to include Article 40.3.3° whereby the State acknowledges the right to life of the unborn and, with due regard to the equal right to life of the mother, guarantees in its laws to respect, and, as far as practicable, by its laws to defend and vindicate that right. I will not get into the details, which are tragic and very difficult for the families involved and I will certainly not add to them. However, I note regarding the utterances of the Minister for Health, Deputy Leo Varadkar, on 16 December that it is not his right to interpret the Constitution.
He is entitled to comment if he likes, just like the Senator.
As a member of the Cabinet, he is entitled to uphold and vindicate the Constitution as it stands, not to comment otherwise.
We are going to have to repeal it.
The Minister should not, knowing the details of the case, try to influence the courts in their decision next Tuesday. I am not doing that, but I am recording the exact position. I have no change of mind on the decision I took as the sole Member of the House in the Dáil in 1983. I stand by that decision which has led to the safe delivery of many Irish citizens who have contributed to this society since. Without that safeguard in the Constitution, that may not have been the case. I hope there will be room at the inn in 2014.
In recent months I have held a series of public forums on issues of great relevance to communities. The first was how on how we should respond to the suicide crisis, the second was on activating and social networking and the third was on threats to women's health today, in particular alcohol and smoking.
I wish to say, without preaching, that this is a time when people are inclined to over-indulge in alcohol and smoking. It is no harm reminding ourselves to be less indulgent. A we are leaders in society, we should advise the people around us, and not to be puritanical about it, to be less indulgent. Senator John Crown is a professor oncologist at St. Vincent's University Hospital. He has said that the complete eradication of smoking and a sharp reduction in levels of alcohol consumption are critical in Ireland. He also said that smoking is by far the leading preventable cause of illness in Ireland, that there is nothing redeeming about it and that there is no safe level. It also contributes to cancer of the mouth, throat, head, neck, lung, pancreas and stomach. In addition, it damages the arteries, causes circulatory problems, heart attacks and strokes. He has also argued that the physical and social health of Irish people would be greatly improved if they only drank less. Plus, reducing drinking would lead to a decrease in the levels of liver disease and many forms of cancer, as well as, very importantly, a decrease in domestic violence, rape and teen pregnancy. The esteemed chief executive of Alcohol Action Ireland, and former chief executive of Samaritans, Ms Suzanne Costello, raised the following matter which I have raised here before. She discussed the huge increase in the number of young women drinking in Ireland. It is no longer a taboo in Ireland for women to go into pubs and drinking.
What about below cost selling?
Ms Costello has said younger women tend to drink spirits rather than beer which leads to them drinking more units of alcohol on average than men of the same age. At this time of year we all have to be proactive. We have been very successful in the campaign to decrease the number of people driving with alcohol. We, as leaders in society, have to drive the lesson home and get rid of smoking and ask people to be very careful. Senator John Crown also made the point that it has been said a little red wine is good for a person. The point is people never stick to just drinking a little bit of wine. I do not mean to preach but it is important that I pass on this very important information today. It would be ideal to publicly debate these three issues and I ask the Leader to arrange same in the months to come.
The problem is the flogging of drink in big supermarkets which is destroying the whole industry.
Guím beannachtaí na Nollag ar an gCathaoirleach, ar an gcléireach, ar an gcléireach cúnta agus ar gach duine eile sa tSeanad freisin. Tá súil agam go mbeidh Nollaig shona ag gach duine.
Unfortunately, in the run-up to Christmas there is always rushed legislation which usually makes, it has to be said with the precedence that has been set in the past few years, bad legislation. I listened to the debate yesterday but did not take part in it because my party Whip asked me not to for a number of reasons. However, today I shall very much participate on Committee Stage. The Minister did not table any amendments. Therefore, I appeal to my Independent colleagues, who gave conditional support to this Bill, voted for it and ensured its passage, to consider this. I heard Senator Feargal Quinn say he was very concerned that amendments should be looked at and accepted. We have reached a very difficult stage for the Senator because the Minister has not put forward any amendments even after listening to the debate.
Yesterday, the Minister made great play of changing "may" to "shall" in terms of holding the plebiscite. If I understood Senator Fiach Mac Conghail correctly, the change of wording was a factor for him. The change was the greatest example of political bait and switch that we have seen. The mistake was so obvious that it could be spotted by anybody who read the legislation. It enabled the Minister to say he had listened and has changed the legislation. That wording was always going to be changed and was a deliberate error included in the legislation in order to make it look like the Minister gave something back.
Let us look at the reality of what has been promised. I tabled two amendments, while my colleague, Senator Diarmuid Wilson, has a number of other important amendments. My amendments attempt to deal with the difficulty the Seanad has in terms of proposing a constitutional referendum. I have proposed that the public water forum produce a report on the holding of a constitutional referendum, something like the Constitutional Convention. I also discovered a significant flaw in the plebiscite proposals. They only refer to the sale of a share or shares in Irish Water.
We have already dealt with that matter.
The Senator can raise these issues during the Committee Stage debate.
I propose that we include all of the assets of Irish Water, if they were to sell the assets. I ask my Independent colleagues, in particular, to look very carefully at the amendments, as we will look at their amendments, and to judge each accordingly. It has to be said that there is huge disappointment with the Seanad. We are all being blamed for the actions of a few and have been tarred with the one brush for not listening to the people, for not trying to hold this legislation up for a short period and for not trying to improve it.
I support Senator Cáit Keane's call for a debate on gambling and the major issues that it causes in this country. I am concerned that a lot of young people have become addicted, in particular, to online gambling. It is now far too easy for people to access gambling services. Gambling is an issue that we need to have a look at and we should strengthen laws in this regard.
I join colleagues in acknowledging the fantastic work done by many voluntary organisations at this time of year. I acknowledge all volunteers throughout the country who work diligently to ensure many people have a better Christmas, as a result of their activities. I refer to people who live in isolated and difficult situations. I encourage everyone to keep an eye on vulnerable people over the Christmas period, particularly as the weather has been predicted to be harsh.
I extend very good wishes for Christmas to all my colleagues in this House, the Cathaoirleach, the Leader and particularly to all the staff who have been exceptionally helpful and courteous to all of us throughout the year. Above all, I hope everyone will have a very happy and safe Christmas.
Well said.
I join Senators who have wished the Cathaoirleach and the staff of the Seanad a happy Christmas. I shall now refer to the letter I received from him this morning that ruled my amendment to the Water Services Bill out of order. It is for that reason and for that reason alone that I again call for us to amend the Order of Business to remove from it the Water Services Bill.
Is the Senator proposing a formal amendment?
Yes, I propose a formal amendment to the Order of Business. I regret doing so because all of us want to see the end of this Bill. A referendum for the Independents in the House, on which all of them have spoken, is a red line issue. A plebiscite is to my mind-----
The Senator can make his point when we debate the relevant section of the Bill, but he cannot put it to the House.
I formally propose an amendment to the Order of Business.
I want to raise the matter of domestic violence even though it might seem to be regrettable to raise is prior to Christmas. For a lot of people this time year is a family time, but it can also be a very difficult time. I noticed that two days ago the Minister for Justice and Equality made a very substantial statement in the Dáil on domestic violence. At the earliest opportunity in the new year we should ask her to come here for statements on domestic violence. I am very disappointed we have not done so already. As I have raised before, there are always very difficult cases for families around the Christmas period. That said, I wish everybody in the Seanad and the Dáil, Members and the staff, a very good Christmas.
I second Senator Gerard P. Craughwell's proposed amendment to the Order of Business. I also wish to indicate to the Leader that my party will oppose the proposal to have no other business on Monday, which is a sitting day. As we will all be here, there is no reason not to have an Order of Business on Monday.
I take the opportunity to wish the Cathaoirleach, the Clerk, the Clerk Assistant, the ushers and all colleagues a very happy Christmas.
Is the Senator proposing an amendment to the Order of Business?
I am just indicating that we will be opposing the motion to the effect that there will be no Order of Business on Monday.
Senator Paschal Mooney referred to women in government. There are more women in the Government than was the case in any previous Administration.
The Senator also asked that we clarify the Government's decision on Aer Lingus. The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport noted the confirmation by the board of Aer Lingus that it had received a preliminary proposal from the International Consolidated Airlines Group and that it had rejected it on the basis that it fundamentally undervalued the company. This is a matter for the board, in the first instance, and the Minister notes its advice to shareholders to take no action. The Government has indicated publicly that it remains open to the sale of its minority shareholding in Aer Lingus but only when market conditions are favourable and on terms and at a price that are acceptable to it.
That is precisely the point I am making. The Government is selling off a strategic asset.
In the meantime the Government is continuing to manage its shareholding in a responsible manner to protect the State's interests and with the aim of maximising the value of the shareholding. That is the position of the Government on the matter.
Senators Aideen Hayden and Terry Leyden referred to the protection of life during pregnancy legislation. I am sure we will have another debate on the matter in the new year.
Senators Aideen Hayden and Sean D. Barrett welcomed the Taoiseach's efforts to get representatives of the ECB to attend the banking inquiry. The Taoiseach has indicated that he will renew his efforts in this regard in the coming weeks.
Senator Aideen Hayden also requested a debate on the issue of solidarity among European nations and in the European Union in general. I am sure the Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach, Deputy Dara Murphy, would be willing to come before the House to debate the issue. The European Commission's work programme became available in the past week. I have put together a sub-committee to choose items from the programme for debate in the Seanad on a regular basis throughout next year.
Senator Denis O'Donovan requested the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, to come before the House to provide it with a progress report on the reform of her Department and plans to reform An Garda Síochána. I am sure the Minister would be quite willing to come to debate these matters with us.
Senator Sean D. Barrett referred to the vote at the end of Second Stage of the Water Services Bill. As I informed Senator Thomas Byrne, it is very unfair to target Members because of the way they voted. Targeting individual Members will not help anyone's cause.
I think it was Senator David Norris who referred to how Members had voted.
It was indeed and I reject absolutely the Leader's comments. I am glad that I did not wish him a happy new year.
The Leader to continue, without interruption.
I apologise to Senator Sean D. Barrett. I certainly would not want to associate the remarks with him.
Yes; the Leader does want to do so. He is too gutless.
Senators Cáit Keane and Michael Mullins referred to betting tax on sports events and how the money which accrued from it would be distributed. That matter will be discussed in the context of the Betting (Amendment) Bill, Committee Stage of which in the Dáil has been delayed because of the need to await observations from the European Union. I am sure, however, that the Bill will be before the House early in the new year, as will the gambling control Bill. The issue of online gambling and the dangers associated with it will be debated at length.
Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh referred to the work of Samaritans, a matter raised by Senator Hildegarde Naughton on Tuesday. We commend those who volunteer to work with Samaritans for the work they do.
Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh also outlined difficulties in the appointment of members of the education and training boards, ETBs. I will certainly bring the matter to the attention of the Minister for Education and Skills who I am sure is quite aware of the problems. I welcome the 70 major new school building projects announced as part of the five year plan which are scheduled to proceed to construction in 2015. They include 44 new primary schools, 11 extensions to existing primary schools, five new secondary schools, eight extensions to existing secondary schools and two new special schools. The Government intends to progress all of these projects in 2015 and beyond, if the people so decide.
There must be an election in the offing.
The Government is going to sell Aer Lingus, too, which would be a kamikaze move.
Senator Colm Burke stated the lack of knowledge of the cost of Government services was a matter worthy of discussion. We will try to arrange a debate on it in the new year.
I assure Senator Terry Leyden that the Government, as would be the case with any Administration, will uphold the Constitution at all times.
Senator Mary White referred to the dangers associated with over-indulgence in the context of people drinking alcohol and smoking. This matter has been discussed on several occasions in the House. I completely agree with the sentiments expressed by the Senator.
I assure Senator Thomas Byrne that there will be no rush to deal with legislation in the House. Having said that, however, I have been approached by Members on all sides about the time at which business will conclude today and whether it is absolutely necessary for the House to sit on Monday. If the House wants to dispense with Committee and Remaining Stages of the Water Services Bill today, I will certainly accede to any request in that regard. I wish to make it clear, however, that any such decision would have to be agreed to by all groups. Otherwise, we will be sitting on Monday in line with the commitment I have given. There is no point in Members coming to me to ask when proceedings will conclude. It is entirely up to the House to make a decision on that matter. I will agree to any proposal, but such a proposal must come from all groups.
Senator Michael Mullins praised voluntary organisations that looked after the less well-off, particularly at Christmas time. I am sure all Members agree with the sentiments he expressed in that regard.
Senator Michael D'Arcy requested the making of statements on the issue of domestic violence. I am sure the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, would be quite willing to come to the House to engage in a debate on the matter. There is a possibility that legislation will be brought before us early in the new year.
I take the opportunity to wish the Cathaoirleach, all staff of the House and Members a very happy Christmas and a peaceful new year.
As the Leader did not offer Christmas wishes in his opening remarks, I did not do so either. I echo all of what has been said by other Members in wishing the Cathaoirleach, the Leas-Chathaoirleach, the Clerk of the Seanad and the Clerk Assistant, the staff of the Seanad Office and the indispensable and indestructible ushers, without whom the House would not function, all the joys and blessings of the holy season.
I also take the opportunity to wish everybody a happy Christmas.
Senator Paschal Mooney has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, "That a debate with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport on the future of Aer Lingus and the continuing need to maintain a national stake in the airline be taken today." Is the amendment being pressed?
In the light of the Leader's reply which indicates that the Government would be happy to sell a strategic asset which might also indicate a willingness to sell Irish Water, I am pressing the amendment.
Amendment put:
The Seanad divided: Tá, 23; Níl, 27.
Tá
- Barrett, Sean D.
- Byrne, Thomas.
- Craughwell, Gerard P.
- Cullinane, David.
- Daly, Mark.
- Leyden, Terry.
- Mooney, Paschal.
- Norris, David.
- Ó Clochartaigh, Trevor.
- Ó Domhnaill, Brian.
- Ó Murchú, Labhrás.
- O'Brien, Darragh.
- O'Brien, Mary Ann.
- O'Donnell, Marie-Louise.
- O'Donovan, Denis.
- O'Sullivan, Ned.
- Quinn, Feargal.
- Reilly, Kathryn.
- van Turnhout, Jillian.
- Walsh, Jim.
- White, Mary M.
- Wilson, Diarmuid.
- Zappone, Katherine.
Níl
- Bacik, Ivana.
- Brennan, Terry.
- Burke, Colm.
- Coghlan, Eamonn.
- Coghlan, Paul.
- Comiskey, Michael.
- Cummins, Maurice.
- D'Arcy, Jim.
- D'Arcy, Michael.
- Gilroy, John.
- Hayden, Aideen.
- Healy Eames, Fidelma.
- Henry, Imelda.
- Higgins, Lorraine.
- Keane, Cáit.
- Kelly, John.
- Landy, Denis.
- Moloney, Marie.
- Moran, Mary.
- Mulcahy, Tony.
- Mullins, Michael.
- Naughton, Hildegarde.
- Noone, Catherine.
- 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.
Senator Gerard P. Craughwell has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That the proposal for dealing with the Water Services Bill 2014 be deleted from the Order of Business." Is the amendment being pressed?
Amendment put:
The Seanad divided: Tá, 20; Níl, 30.
Tá
- Barrett, Sean D.
- Byrne, Thomas.
- Craughwell, Gerard P.
- Cullinane, David.
- Daly, Mark.
- Healy Eames, Fidelma.
- Leyden, Terry.
- Mooney, Paschal.
- Norris, David.
- Ó Clochartaigh, Trevor.
- Ó Domhnaill, Brian.
- Ó Murchú, Labhrás.
- O'Brien, Darragh.
- O'Donovan, Denis.
- O'Sullivan, Ned.
- Quinn, Feargal.
- Reilly, Kathryn.
- Walsh, Jim.
- White, Mary M.
- Wilson, Diarmuid.
Níl
- Bacik, Ivana.
- Brennan, Terry.
- Burke, Colm.
- Coghlan, Eamonn.
- Coghlan, Paul.
- Comiskey, Michael.
- Cummins, Maurice.
- D'Arcy, Jim.
- D'Arcy, Michael.
- Gilroy, John.
- Hayden, Aideen.
- Henry, Imelda.
- Higgins, Lorraine.
- Keane, Cáit.
- Kelly, John.
- Landy, Denis.
- Moloney, Marie.
- Moran, Mary.
- Mulcahy, Tony.
- Mullins, Michael.
- Naughton, Hildegarde.
- Noone, Catherine.
- O'Brien, Mary Ann.
- O'Donnell, Marie-Louise.
- O'Keeffe, Susan.
- O'Neill, Pat.
- Sheahan, Tom.
- van Turnhout, Jillian.
- Whelan, John.
- Zappone, Katherine.
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, 20.
Tá
- Bacik, Ivana.
- Brennan, Terry.
- Burke, Colm.
- Coghlan, Eamonn.
- Coghlan, Paul.
- Comiskey, Michael.
- Cummins, Maurice.
- D'Arcy, Jim.
- D'Arcy, Michael.
- Gilroy, John.
- Hayden, Aideen.
- Henry, Imelda.
- Higgins, Lorraine.
- Keane, Cáit.
- Kelly, John.
- Landy, Denis.
- Moloney, Marie.
- Moran, Mary.
- Mulcahy, Tony.
- Mullins, Michael.
- Naughton, Hildegarde.
- Noone, Catherine.
- O'Brien, Mary Ann.
- O'Donnell, Marie-Louise.
- O'Keeffe, Susan.
- O'Neill, Pat.
- Sheahan, Tom.
- van Turnhout, Jillian.
- Whelan, John.
- Zappone, Katherine.
Níl
- Barrett, Sean D.
- Byrne, Thomas.
- Craughwell, Gerard P.
- Cullinane, David.
- Daly, Mark.
- Healy Eames, Fidelma.
- Leyden, Terry.
- Mooney, Paschal.
- Norris, David.
- Ó Clochartaigh, Trevor.
- Ó Domhnaill, Brian.
- Ó Murchú, Labhrás.
- O'Brien, Darragh.
- O'Donovan, Denis.
- O'Sullivan, Ned.
- 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.