The Order of Business is No. 13, Private Members' business, motion No. 7, to commence at the conclusion of the Order of Business and conclude not later than 1.45 p.m.; and No. 1, statements on communications, energy and natural resources to commence at 3 p.m. and conclude not later than 5 p.m., with the contributions of spokespersons not to exceed ten minutes, to be followed by questions from the floor.
Order of Business
I will begin with some good news, namely, that I have found out where the Minister for Health, Deputy James Reilly, has been in the past few weeks. I note that on Monday he opened, apparently, a new unit in Connolly Memorial Hospital in Blanchardstown, a unit which was opened 18 months ago and which has been up and running since. There is no question this was just a media stunt and that the reason he was in Blanchardstown and in the hospital on Monday was to promote the Fine Gael candidate for Dublin West. The Minister for Health should be knuckling down to the work he said he would do at a time of ongoing crisis when there are more patients on trolleys than every before in the history of the State. In that regard, my colleague, Senator Thomas Byrne, has submitted an Adjournment matter on Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. Can the Leader tell me why the Minister for Health felt it necessary to open a unit 18 months after it got up and running? The unit was opened previously by our late colleague, Brian Lenihan. Did this opening occur at the request of the Minister or Department or was it at the request of the hospital?
With that in mind, I intend to propose an amendment to the Order of Business. I ask and insist that the Minister for Health attend the House today. I am aware he is due to attend the House on 27 October, but if he can find time for cheap publicity stunts to try to fool the people of Dublin West that he is opening a unit that has already been open for 18 months, he can surely to God find time to attend the House. I was informed by the Government Chief Whip yesterday that the Minister is a very busy man and will try and fit us into his schedule. He is obviously not that busy when he has time for these stunts. In view of this I propose an amendment to the Order of Business: That the Minister for Health attend the House today to tell us why he felt it necessary to waste Government time and his time to fool the people of Dublin West by reopening a unit that has already been open for 18 months.
I have raised the matter of Aviva Insurance in the House previously. What contacts have the Taoiseach and the Minister with responsibility for jobs had with Aviva? I note from reports last night that we are now being told that over 1,000 jobs could be lost from Aviva. The Taoiseach said — I agree — that it is a matter of great anxiety and concern to those who work in Aviva. He went on to say: "It is only right and proper that I do not comment on this until such a time as the company arrives at its conclusions, having carried out its analysis." The Government has the opportunity now, while the company is carrying out its analysis, to ensure the jobs are retained. There is no point in the Taoiseach and the Government deciding to wait until the company has carried out its analysis, followed by 1,000 or 2,000 jobs being lost and then crying crocodile tears about it. What has the Taoiseach done and what contacts has he made with the company? Has the Minister for Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation, Deputy Bruton, met Aviva executives to see what are their concerns with regard to retaining the full 2,000 staff in Ireland? What is the Government doing about the situation?
I seek a debate on two human rights issues. The first concerns a matter raised by Senator Zappone yesterday, namely, the UN periodic review which takes place in Geneva tomorrow. All colleagues have been invited to attend at Buswells Hotel tomorrow morning, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., for a live screening of the hearing at which the Minster for Justice and Equality will be questioned on Ireland's human rights record. I support Senator Zappone's call for the Minister to attend the House following the hearing in Geneva to address us on Ireland's human rights record. We had a good preview of this last week with the address by Maurice Manning, but it would be very useful to hear directly from the Minister with regard to the follow-up to the UN periodic review.
The Minister should also take the opportunity to address us on the proposed merger between the Irish Human Rights Commission and the Equality Authority. There is very little information available on how that merger is to take effect. We are concerned that the merger should have the effect of strengthening human rights and equality protection across the country and need to hear from the Minister on this issue.
I also seek a debate, or cross-party motion if possible, on a human rights issue concerning an individual. A prominent psychoanalyst from Syria who trained in Paris, Dr. Rafah Nashed, was critical of the regime in Syria and was arrested in Damascus Airport on 10 September when boarding an aeroplane for Paris where her daughter was about to give birth. Dr. Nashed is in her 60s and is being held in solitary confinement. She suffers from a heart condition and her health continues to deteriorate. An international petition has been launched to appeal to the Syrian authorities for her immediate release. I will speak to the leaders of the Opposition and Independent Members to try and get support in this House for a cross-party motion calling for her release on human rights grounds. The petition has been signed by many prominent people, including Colin Firth, the Vice President of the European Parliament and a former South American President. There is a wide range of support for her cause. It is a significant human rights issue and there is great concern among psychoanalytic and psychology professionals worldwide and among academics and doctors. We could play a small part here by calling on the Syrian authorities to release Dr. Nashed. I urge the leaders of other groups in this House to sign a cross-party motion.
I congratulate the House on the public launch at noon today of the Seanad Consultation Committee. I commend all here. My mother says self-praise is no praise, but it is important that we are seen to celebrate some of the reform we promised our constituencies. I know I was not elected, but I know from my community that it is important that we continue to engage with civil society and citizens with regard to the business of the Seanad. In that context, I was impressed and pleased that for two recent debates — the debate on human rights and the debate on the arts — while we had an empty media gallery, we had a full Visitors Gallery. It behoves all of us to ensure the Visitors Gallery continues to be full. The cynicism of the media will change once it realises we have the authority and influence to try and open up Seanad Éireann to visitors and the community.
Who, following Dr. Maurice Manning, will be the next significant civil leader to address the Seanad? We need to know this in order that we can prepare, debate and communicate with citizens so that the Visitors Gallery will be full.
Arising from the report today from the Royal Irish Academy on the lack of foreign languages here — apparently, apart from Scotland, this is the one country in the world which almost has a single language — and our failure to join the European Union linguistically when commiting to it in 1973, will the Leader take up this issue with the Minister for Education and Skills? I gather that the proposals to have language teaching at first and second level were victims of the recession in the 1920s and 1930s and were, probably, displaced by the emphasis on Irish as a written rather than a spoken language, which took up so much of the curriculum. In recent times, languages have been displaced by the excessive emphasis on science and engineering, the growth of managerialism in Irish education, the downgrading of arts faculties and the closure of many language departments, some of which had been forcibly amalgamated. It is important that the Minister discusses the crisis in foreign languages in Irish education with language teachers, not with the quangos, the university heads or bodies with the word strategy in the title. The request by the academy for a "strategy" on foreign languages illustrates the problem. "Strategy" is a Greek word based on the destruction of material in factories or the art or science of conducting a war. The misuse of the word in Irish education on an hourly basis shows we are deficient in our knowledge of languages of other countries. I hope the Minister will consult those directly involved — an máistir agus an múinteoir — and get into the classrooms where we have a serious problem in respect of languages.
I wish to raise the issue of the Central Bank advertising online in a tender document for companies to refurbish its offices at a cost of millions of euro. In light of what we have been through with the banks, how the public suffered with the banks and with the Central Bank being a main player in ensuring it did not keep an eye on things, having the gall to advertise for refurbishment of offices is a bit rich. The Central Bank has refused to disclose to a journalist how much the refurbishment will cost. I want to ask the Minister for Finance to undertake an investigation to see whether this refurbishment is necessary. We have lots of open space and vacant offices that could be used if the Central Bank needs more room. I want a thorough investigation because it is our money and, as we now own most of the banks, we have a right to ask those questions. We should have asked many more questions long ago.
That is a matter the Senator could raise on the Adjournment.
The Minister will be here tomorrow.
It will be too late because the tender document will be finalised. It is online and that is no way to inform the public. That is an outrage. The answer provided for the journalist is that, at this moment in time, the Central Bank does not know the scale or value of this framework. That is not good enough; I am a Senator and I want answers. It is our bank and our money.
What is the Senator's question for the Leader?
I ask the Minister for Finance to find out how much it costs and whether it is necessary. I think it is not necessary. They should use the open, vacant office space.
The Minister for Finance will be in the House tomorrow.
I want to make sure he is here. I did not realise that he will be here but I may not have an opportunity to ask him about the matter. I have been told before that certain issues are not suitable for raising for debate on the floor of this Chamber. If the Central Bank issue is not suitable for this House, I ask what is.
The Senator can ask him tomorrow.
There are several ways in which this matter can be raised. The Senator can table an Adjournment matter, she can ask the Minister tomorrow or she can write to him. What is her question for the Leader?
Is the Cathaoirleach telling me that questions on the Central Bank are out of line?
I am telling the Senator how she can raise this matter. I did not see her submitting a request for an Adjournment debate.
I want clarification on this matter. Is the Central Bank and anything that pertains to it off-limits?
If the Senator wants to submit an Adjournment debate, I will take it. Otherwise, does she have a question for the Leader?
I put the question in my very first statement. I want the Leader to ask the Minister for Finance to write to the Central Bank to see, on behalf of the public, whether this waste of public funds is necessary and how much it will cost.
I thank the Cathaoirleach for allowing me to raise a health matter on the Adjournment but if the Minister for Health is not in the Chamber to respond, I will leave and will not take part in the debate. The Minister for Health avoids the Seanad and it has gone on too long. He opens hospitals for political purposes to give a leg-up to a bad candidate, as Senator Darragh O'Brien said. It is not acceptable. I will be here but if the Minister for Health is not in the Chamber, I will walk out. If he can do that for politics, he can do it in this Chamber.
I second Senator O'Brien's amendment. This is a disgraceful opening by a bad candidate in Dublin West. The party is trying everything to get a few points. In the presidential election, Fine Gael is now fighting to save its deposit. It will be a funny sight. If the party acts as it has done in Dublin West, it will get the same answer.
Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?
The Leader would want to ensure the Minister for Health is here in the Chamber to respond to the Adjournment debate. He has never responded to an Adjournment debate in the Seanad and he has never been here on a health issue.
On a point of order, the Senator should withdraw the personal attack on the Fine Gael candidate in Dublin West.
What is the point of order?
It was a personal attack made on a person who is not in the Chamber and the Senator should withdraw it out of decency.
That is not a point of order, it is a political charge. Does Senator Byrne have a question for the Leader?
My aim is to ensure the Minister for Health will be in the Chamber today to respond to me in the Adjournment debate. We have made requests of the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Justice and Equality and they have attended and will do so again. I have no difficulty with them.
I am giving notice that I will raise the question of NAMA tomorrow when the Minister for Finance is in the House. We need a specific debate on NAMA.
The Senator can raise the issue tomorrow.
I am calling for a specific debate. Vincent Browne has an excellent article today following a committee meeting in these Houses a number of weeks ago. NAMA appears to be letting developers off the hook for what they owe. I would never have supported the NAMA legislation if that was clear. It is not provided for within the NAMA legislation, in which the purpose of NAMA is to protect or otherwise enhance the value of the assets it acquires in the interests of the State.
We are not debating this matter today. Is the Senator asking for a debate?
I am giving notice to the Leader, the Minister for Finance and NAMA that, as a taxpayer and as a legislator, I will seek legal advice on what NAMA is doing and whether it has the power to write off debts in the way it is doing. There is no debt write-off for ordinary people. This was not the function of NAMA and it better stand up and take notice of what people who supported and encouraged it in its work in the interests of taxpayers are saying. It is about time this Government got a grip on the problem because Brian Lenihan would never have tolerated it as Minister for Finance.
Can I reassure the other side that the Minister for Health is working extremely hard for the people?
He was in Blanchardstown yesterday. He is not working that hard.
He is trying to dismantle a chaotic health service——
He is dismantling it all right.
——that was left disorganised for a number of years. While I may have disagreements with the Minister, I assure the other side that he is working hard to ensure that we have an efficient and caring health service.
Why is he opening a hospital that has been open for 18 months?
If our presidential candidate is a bad candidate, I do not understand how he was elected in the 14 elections he contested. If that is the definition of a bad candidate, I do not understand where the Opposition is coming from.
Absenteeism in the HSE and in the health service generally was raised previously. It is very easy to criticise people working in the HSE but this is an opportunity to examine the reasons it is happening and put in place better structures for dealing with the issue rather than being critical. The absenteeism rate in the figures released vary from 9.73% to 2% and it raises questions about the structure of employment and the structure of management. I am not highlighting a particular area but the Limerick maternity hospital has an absenteeism rate of7.93%. That may raise serious questions of whether it is a staff shortage issue that is putting staff under intense pressure——
Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?
We need to examine this issue and it will be one of the issues on the agenda when the Minister comes to this Chamber on 27 October. An absenteeism rate of 1% in the health service costs €50 million per year. The average for 2010 was over 5%; therefore, it cost over €250 million. The issue must be carefully watched and we must see how we can put in place better structures to deal with it.
It was nice to have a quick recitation of the Civil War. It got me all nostalgic but I remind my colleagues that it ended 89 years ago. Three more contemporary issues need to be discussed this morning. One of these is something we have dealt with before. I am asking my colleagues in the Seanad, the Leader and the leaders of the other parties if they would consider a further all-party motion in support of the Bahraini doctors who, since we last debated this and since our colleague, Senator Power, took part in a courageous trip to Bahrain in an attempt to raise the issue of their unjust detention, have been given sentences of between five and 15 years. Six of the doctors who have been given long sentences are associates or former associates of the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland. Although we have shilly-shallied around the issue before, at this stage we should be forthright in our opinion that no Irish organisation can in good conscience do business with a government that would do this to citizens, especially those who have been proud to be associated with higher education in this country.
On an allied issue, I ask the Leader to raise with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the plight of Pastor Nadarkhani, an Iranian Christian who has been sentenced to death in Iran for the grievous crime of being an apostate. His apostasy was his alleged conversion to Christianity from Islam, which is a capital offence in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The pastor maintains, however, that even if this crime was a valid charge, he was never a Muslim. He had never been received into the Islamic faith and as such, even by the strange and medieval constraints of the Iranian version of Sharia law, he does not merit the death sentence.
Now a further crime has been committed against this gentleman in that, two years after he was tried, found guilty and sentenced, in response to the justifiable international outrage that this man had been sentenced to death for no crime other than to have a religion that was not agreeable to the ruling junta in that country, the authorities are now alleging that in fact his crime was rape, compounded by Zionism and treason against the state. From a review of the original court documents from 2010, it is clear this is not the case. The charging document states: "Mr. Youcef Nadarkhani, son of Byrom, 32-years old, married, born in Rasht in the state of Gilan is convicted of turning his back on Islam, the greatest religion, the prophesy of Mohammad, at the age of 19."
Is the Senator looking for a debate on this issue?
I am asking my colleagues to consider an all-party motion on the Bahraini doctors and I am asking the Leader to bring to the attention of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the plight of Pastor Nadarkhani. My colleagues may also consider an all-party motion on this issue.
I wish to mention a much less dramatic human rights abuse that is annoying me intensely. I express my displeasure at the detention of Teresa Treacy for the grievous crime of not wanting ESB pylons to be placed across her land at a time when politicians and bankers can traipse through the justice system, leaving a trail of perjury left, right and centre, and never be sentenced to one night in prison.
A Senator
Separation of powers.
I am seeking advice from the Cathaoirleach. I intend to raise a number of issues with the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, while another Senator who already spoke here intends to raise matters tomorrow with the Minister for Finance. Can I raise these issues now and then raise them again this afternoon? What is the procedure? Members seem to be jumping up and down this morning raising issues they are going to raise tomorrow and they are being given latitude to do this. Can I raise my issues with the Leader now, or should I wait until this afternoon?
Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?
I have, but I do not want to waste the Cathaoirleach's time. I am asking for advice on this issue.
My advice is that if the Senator has a question for the Leader he should ask it, and if he does not, he should not.
That is fine.
I agree with the comments made by Senator Cáit Keane and the sentiment behind them. The waste across many areas of the public service at a time of severe fiscal difficulties needs to be reined in. I do not know if anyone saw the interview the other evening with Michael Somers, the former chief of the NTMA, who spoke about the need for us to bring down prices and salaries and try to get the economy in some sort of shape. I hope the Minister for Finance will consider his point that there is a need for a greater adjustment than €3.6 billion that is being talked about in the interest of the sustainability of this country. Some people have commented on Mr. Somers's salary and pension. He was one of the more notable public servants and one of the very few, particularly in the financial and regulatory area, who had come out of this major economic crisis unscathed. His stewardship of the NTMA was nothing short of excellent and it was one of the few areas of public service, of which we could be proud.
I concur with the call by Senator Bacik for a debate on human rights with the Minister for Justice and Equality after the Geneva meeting. It is a good idea and I commend the Leader on having a debate on this last week, although it was a pity we did not have a little longer to make contributions — they were truncated because of the time constraint. I would like in particular to hone in on the distinction between fundamental human rights and invented human rights. An example of invented human rights is the submission to the UN by one of the civil society organisations in Ireland that was concerned with removing religious oaths as they offend the religion of atheism. In that regard, I concur fully with what Senator Crown has said about Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani. It is disgraceful that a person has been given the death sentence in Iran because of his adherence to religion. It is notable that it is not only Christians who are persecuted in Iran but also the Baha'i, who suffer from severe oppression. I urge the Leader, if we are tabling all-party motions, to ensure we deal with cases of abuse of fundamental human rights, of which the case of Pastor Nadarkhani is certainly one. I support Senator Crown in this regard.
I concur with Senators Keane and Walsh on the issue of the Central Bank. I heard about the tender in question and was very troubled by it. What is also troubling — I ask the Leader to bring this to the attention of the Minister for Finance ahead of his visit to the House tomorrow — is the remarkable fact that AIB is proposing to pay its new chief executive officer a salary of more than €1 million. I also find it remarkable that nobody can be found in the free world to run this bank successfully for half a million euro. It sends out all the wrong messages. This is a small country of 4 million people and I cannot understand the logic behind paying somebody €1 million to run a bank.
Perhaps the Leader could inquire of the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of legislation on white collar crime. When will we see a white collar criminal jailed in this country? When will some of the delinquent top bankers and developers who brought this country to its knees end up behind bars? Other speakers correctly contrasted this with the case of Mrs. Treacy, who is now behind bars in Portlaoise for refusing to allow the ESB to cut down trees on her land. It is a disgrace that this woman is in jail while the people who wrecked this country are still walking around free. Perhaps when the Minister for Justice and Equality is in the House he would update us on the Garda investigations into events at Anglo Irish Bank and the other fiascos that have happened in this country.
I concur with the comments of Senators Crown and Walsh about religious freedom and also with the comments of Senator Barrett about the teaching of languages and the RIA report. It is important that we focus on providing opportunities for students to learn foreign languages starting at primary school. We see the problems of an overcrowded curriculum. We now have disparate voices, with some people saying there needs to be more emphasis on maths and science — they make a good case — while others emphasise the need to learn languages to maintain our competitiveness. It is an important point that if one is trying to sell, one must be able to sell in the buyer's language. The flair for languages is something that must be developed from primary school age. There are great opportunities to introduce young children to the importance, value and indeed delight of learning languages through simple conversations as people from other countries speak them. This can be of great fascination to children and it helps them develop a flair and taste for languages. I hope, notwithstanding budgetary constraints, that efforts will be made to use existing resources and to provide whatever possible additional resources are necessary to increase the number of primary schools in which children are introduced to foreign languages.
Although we will have statements later today on communications, energy and natural resources, I call for a debate — as has been called for in this House in the past — specifically on media standards. Such a debate must be a stand-alone discussion rather than merely being part of a broad discussion on communications. I am extremely concerned at media coverage of the presidential election. It is appropriate that I raise this matter in the House at this time. There is a great tradition in this country of kicking people when they are down. In recent days we have seen newspapers which started off promoting the cause of a particular candidate now joining others in ganging up, herd-like, on the same candidate. I do not intend to vote for Martin McGuinness, for example, but the manner in which at least one weekend newspaper treated his candidature is disproportionate. I would prefer to see the media stand back and to allow the candidates to interrogate and put the hard questions to each other.
Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?
It is all part of my request for a debate on media standards. We must have an opportunity to tease out these issues in a considered way. This does not imply Senators putting forth their own personal gripes against the media; I am talking about a more considered type of debate. For example, one of our colleagues was wrongly accused of making representations in this Chamber on behalf of somebody close to him. It turned out this had not happened. I am not a supporter of that individual, but it is disturbing that a person can go from hero to zero very quickly in this society, thanks to the media. We have seen how individuals have gone from being deemed to be above criticism to there being open season on them. Truth and accuracy matter.
Will the Senator put a question to the Leader?
I am asking the Leader for an early debate on standards in the media, not as an opportunity for us to vent personal gripes but in order to discuss the power of the media in this country and to seek to construct a culture where the media operate fairly and as facilitators of truth.
I agree wholeheartedly with Senator Crown's comments on the Bahraini doctors and the other human rights abuses to which he referred. To my honourable friend, the Leader of the Opposition, I make the point that this repeated calling on a very busy Minister to appear at the drop of a hat in this Chamber——
The Minister was in Blanchardstown yesterday. One cannot even stand up and say that now.
Does Senator Coghlan have a question for the Leader?
I do. Let us be honest, this is nit-picking and point-scoring.
It is not nit-picking.
It is a publicity hunt on the Senator's part.
(Interruptions).
Members must not interrupt the speaker. We cannot have people shouting across the floor. We have an amendment to the Order of Business. Does Senator Coghlan have a question for the Leader?
The amendment is out of order, that is the point I am making.
It is not out of order.
It is a mere publicity hunt, or publicity stunt — whatever one wants to call it.
(Interruptions).
That is not relevant.
Of course, it is.
Will the Senator put a question to the Leader?
I look forward to the Leader rebutting what has been said fully and comprehensively, as I know he will.
We look forward to discovering whether the Minister invited himself to Blanchardstown.
(Interruptions).
It is ironic that my colleague from Kerry should be talking about publicity stunts when that is exactly what the Minister was engaged in yesterday.
That is not relevant to today's Order of Business.
It is, because the amendment to the Order of Business seeks to have a debate in this House in the presence of the Minister for Health. I support Senator O'Brien in that regard. The Minister has been invited to attend the House time and again but has failed to do so. My question to the Leader is whether the Minister was invited to Blanchardstown yesterday or whether he asked to be invited.
The amendment to the Order of Business has already been proposed and seconded.
I support the amendment.
Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?
I also support my colleague in regard to the National Asset Management Agency Act and his call for the Minister for Finance to come to the House tomorrow. There is no transparency in NAMA. The sweetheart deals it is doing will eventually come out in the wash but it is the taxpayer who will be at a loss.
I support Senator Mullen's call for a debate on the media. Notwithstanding the discussion scheduled for later today, I ask the Leader to arrange a debate specifically on media standards. We ask for nothing more than that reportage be balanced and fair for any electoral candidate or private person. When we have certain newspapers devoted to pillorying one candidate or another, one cannot say it is balanced or fair. It is incumbent on the Government to take action in this regard. The current legislation is clearly not working. Elements in the media are building individuals up before knocking them down. In the case of one newspaper, it is evident this is being done for fun.
I join Senator Crown in calling for a debate on the situation of the Bahraini doctors, many of whom were educated in Ireland. We must bring whatever influence we can to bear on their situation. I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to come to the House for a debate and to raise the matter with the Bahraini ambassador.
I see a fine example of the new kind of politics from the other side.
Is it like when the Senator's party gives promises to its own electorate?
Senator O'Keeffe must be allowed to speak without interruption.
I am tired of listening to the promises of new politics when all we get are the same old shouting matches.
If the Senator is looking for promises, we know where they came from.
What promises did Senator O'Keeffe make in the general election campaign? Let us be straight about it. Before talking about promises, the Senator should think about Sligo.
Senator O'Keeffe should be allowed to speak.
I had the pleasure last night in Sligo of listening to young people who are on the cusp of leaving school, at a public speaking competition I organised. Some of them described the concept of sitting for ten hours a day every day cramming in order to secure a third level place. They also raised the prospect of studying philosophy in primary school. Above all, what these young people — Katie Lee, Eden Estevez, Thomas Edersby, Ronan Marron and Paul McDonagh Ford — want is to be taught how to think and not simply what to think. I ask the Leader to appeal to the Minister to listen to young people themselves, who say their school experience is effectively one of cramming lessons. That is not to criticise everything they do or to criticise all teachers, but young people want to be part of the debate on education. They want to participate in the debate on a new Ireland and they want to be listened to. The best way to achieve that is for the Minister for Education and Skills to listen directly to them. I ask that he take time to consider how to do so as he looks to reform the education system in the coming years.
I support the proposed amendment to the Order of Business. Senator Mac Conghail asked the Leader to indicate who the next important person to attend the House might be. It would be an achievement if we could manage to get the Minister for Health to the Chamber. This issue arose under previous Administrations too, where the contempt shown to this House is not the sole preserve of the media but also of the Cabinet as a whole. The more experienced Members opposite know that is true. If time can be made available to campaign in an election, senior line Ministers must also make the time to come to this House.
In response to a question I raised some weeks ago about whether members of the national ambulance service were being formally offered sick leave in lieu of overtime, the Leader kindly made every effort to have it answered. I received a written answer from him which had been passed by the Minister. Unfortunately, it was a parrot-like, laundered response from the Health Service Executive which danced around the question. There are 472 patients on trolleys throughout the State today, 294 of them outside Dublin and 13 of those in Sligo where Senator O'Keeffe promised voters a centre of excellence. I think it is essential for democracy that the line Ministers are in charge, regardless of how busy they are, and make themselves available on a fortnightly basis, albeit for a short period to answer key questions of the day. It would certainly play into the consultation process that Senator Mac Conghail is launching this afternoon on the Seanad's future. It would enhance democracy and would give people the right to accountability that they should enjoy under the Constitution.
I know the Minister for Finance will be here tomorrow to speak on general financial matters, but we require specific budgetary debates under the various headings, be it education, social welfare and so on. In that context, the VAT rate was reduced recently and restaurateurs and others passed on this reduction to consumers. The media came in for criticism for not passing on this reduction to consumers, although the Sunday Independent made some hay from the fact that it passed it on. Last Sunday, however, the price of the paper increased. One wonders if it was superficial that the media in the guise——
Does the Senator have a question?
Can we have a debate on media standards and the manipulation of the media?
The contempt in which Cabinet Members holds this House, indicated by their lack of attendance, must end. I know the Leader agrees with me and will use his good office to try to have it rectified.
I wish to make a request. I ask the Leader to ask the leader of the Sinn Féin Party to come to the House to explain why it only opposes cuts on one side of the Border. The Sinn Féin Members are not in the Chamber, but as their Private Members' Bill is to be taken next, perhaps they are being coached.
That is a matter for the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, one not for the Order of Business.
I am asking the Leader to bring the leader of the Sinn Féin Party to this House to explain why we have crocodile tears every day, even from members of the Fianna Fáil Party.
That is a matter for the Committee on Procedure and Privileges.
It has proved one thing, that crocodiles do not have tears
Senator O'Neill, that is not a matter for the Order of Business. It is a matter for the Committee on Procedure and Privileges.
On a point of order, I find Senator O'Neill's point interesting but it needs to be said, because it can sometimes be forgotten, that there is a convention in this House that we do not refer to the absence of other Members. Does that convention still stand?
Yes.
I am asking the Leader to bring in the leader of Sinn Féin because we saw last night——
I have already told the Senator that this is not a matter for the Order of Business. It is a matter for the Committee On Procedure and Privileges.
——that 1,000 workers walked out on strike over cuts in the health service in Northern Ireland. Sinn Féin can play it on both sides. I ask the leader of Sinn Féin to explain.
Ireland, in the main, has a proud record when it comes to human rights. This House played a very significant role in that down through the years. It is possibly a temptation when one is embedded with the international economic fraternity that one is afraid to offend the paymasters. In the case of Ireland, we need to be particularly careful in that regard.
A number of human rights issues have been raised in this House from time to time. We raised the issue of the Palestinian people and all right thinking people will agree they have not been treated properly. We should salute the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Eamon Gilmore, in this regard. We debated the issue in the Chamber and asked the Government to take a stand. From what I have seen, the Minister has demonstrated an independence of office and the sovereignty of this land and he should be lauded in that regard. In the case of Bahrain, however, where the medical profession has been persecuted for doing what one expects from it, there is a degree of silence. Where a nation has a record on human rights, all agencies and organisations operating in our country are expected to do likewise. This is not the case in regard to Bahrain and I fully support Senator Crown in what he said that we expect all agencies doing business with Bahrain to ensure we are not doing it in a manner that ignores the suffering of the people. As we have seen in other countries such as Iraq and Libya, this type of fraternal acceptance of the lack of human rights in a country comes back to haunt us subsequently. I believe in the case of Bahrain this will be exactly the same.
Yesterday morning I raised the case of Teresa Tracy. I must admit I was expecting a prompt response in this regard. I got a good response from the Leader but I cannot understand how we can accept what is happening to that elderly lady. We are rubbing salt into the wounds of those who are suffering in the community for other reasons. She is a relatively innocent person who is incarcerated and languishing in jail while so many other people who have many questions to answer are going around freely and living a royal life. It cannot be good for the morale of our people to allow that to happen. I hope that in the next 24 hours action will be taken in this regard because, if not, I think the body politic as well as the judicial system will have been dealt a body blow. No one wants to see that happening
The Minister for Finance is due in this House tomorrow morning at 11.45 a.m. Is it a general or a specific discussion on financial matters? The Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform is sitting at the same time. Will the Minister be here or will he be at the committee meeting? I wish to raise an issue regarding the Central Bank and Credit Institutions (Resolution) Bill 2011 and I implore all members to inform themselves of the contents of the Bill and the repercussions it will have on the credit union movement. I await a reply from the Leader.
Yesterday in the British newspapers there was a call from the British Government to its consumers to clear their credit card debt in order to help the economy. Perhaps it might be a question more relevant to tomorrow, but I ask the Leader to convey to the Minister for Finance the need to use whatever mechanisms might be available in order to publicise this matter. Some weeks ago I wrote to the Minister for Finance in which I raised the flight of deposits from this country and the need for a more proactive campaign by the Department of Finance to encourage people to leave their deposits here. I am pleased, although it is not anything to do with the letter, to see that there was an increase in the deposits in Irish banks in August.
The other question I wish to raise is relevant to Senator Sheahan's question on tomorrow's session with the Minister for Finance. The Leader will be aware that I raised the question of procedure on how the question and answer sessions should be conducted. I want to repeat that he may give consideration to ensuring that the widest possible number of Members who wish to take part in the question and answer session be allowed to do so and that he consider limiting the spokespersons in the various portfolios to the six to ten minutes they have to make their contributions. Surely they have sufficient time to ask a question during their contributions, unlike what happened here yesterday. With no disrespect to those who engaged, I found it extraordinary sitting here listening to lengthy contributions and then to see the very same Members getting up subsequently during the question and answer session and asking questions. I could not figure out the reason they did not ask the question during their contributions. Surely that is what it is about. In the interest of streamlining the matter, I appreciate the Leader has pointed out repeatedly that this is a new system that needs tweaking on a regular basis. I would be interested in his reply in that regard.
At a time when we hear negative comments on the developments in the health service, I welcome the fact that over 1,200 pharmacists have completed training to enable them to deliver the seasonal ‘flu vaccine this winter. Community pharmacists have stepped up to the mark in response to Government policy. We all realise there is more than enough work within the system for every health professional. I want the Minister to follow through on the policy he initiated to involve health professionals in doing work from which they were heretofore excluded. I hope a contract will be put in place for pharmacists. We all want to ensure local pharmacies continue to thrive and prosper and have financial certainty.
In welcoming the development I applaud some of the innovative things the Minister is doing. We hear a lot of criticism of him in this House but he has made a great start. I ask my colleagues on the other side of the House to cut the Minister some slack. He has given us a date on which he will visit the House.
Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?
The Minister is involved in the extremely important business of State in trying to sort out the ferocious mess that is the HSE. I compliment him on the positive developments and look forward to having some very constructive dialogue with him on 27 October.
The Leader of the Opposition has once again asked if the Minister for Health, Deputy Reilly, will attend the House. Unfortunately, I do not order the Minister's diary but I know he wishes to be accommodating, as much as possible, to the House. He will attend for statements on 27 October and I ask Members to submit any questions they wish to pose to him before 20 October to my office. He has agreed to do his best to answer all questions and any he does not answer he will prioritise and answer by letter. He hopes to be in a position to answer all questions on 27 October.
Members have submitted to my office questions for reply by the Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, today. Unfortunately, my computer has been down since last Friday and is still not working. As a result I have not received the questions. Members will be in a position to ask the Minister questions but he will not have had prior notice of them.
Senators Bacik, Walsh and others referred to Ireland's human rights record and asked for a debate——
I asked about the situation pertaining to Aviva Insurance which is important.
I am not sure what contacts the Taoiseach and the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation have made with Aviva. I understand they have made contact. I will revert to the Senator.
Senators Bacik, Walsh, Mullen and others called for a debate on the UN periodic review. Senator Zappone is in Geneva on foot of the review, on which I hope to facilitate a debate as soon as the Minister can attend the House. A number of human rights issues were raised, such as the case of Dr. Rafah Nashed in Syria. Senator Crown referred to Pastor Nadarkhani in Iran and the situation of the Bahraini doctors. I was under the impression that we had framed and passed an all-party motion on Bahrain but if it is not the case——
On a point of information, on that date they were detained and since then they have been found guilty and sentenced.
We on this side of the House would be amenable to tabling another motion in that regard.
Senator Mac Conghail referred to the Public Consultation Committee which we will launch after the Order of Business in the audiovisual room. It will try to have greater contact between the body public and the Houses of the Oireachtas, in particular the Seanad. At the Senator's request, former President Mary Robinson will attend the House in November. She will be the second person to speak on human rights and other issues. We are very glad that she has acceded to the request to address the Seanad. It will be an excellent presentation.
Senators Barrett, Mullen and others referred to the reform of language teaching in the country and the recent report that was published. The Minister for Education and Skills will attend the House on 8 November and many of the valid points raised by Senators should be raised with him during that debate. He will examine the schools curriculum.
Senators Keane and Conway referred to the refurbishment of the Central Bank. As has been stated, the Minister for Finance will attend the House tomorrow and will take questions on the issue.
Senator Byrne referred to his matter on the Adjournment. The Minister of State, Deputy Shortall, will attend the House to take the matter today. If it is not his intention to be present for the matter we hope he will notify the officials and my office in order that we can notify the Minister of State not to attend. Yesterday a Minister attended the House and nobody turned up for a matter on the Adjournment. It also happened previously. It is not acceptable to have Ministers attending the House to answer Adjournment matters that have been tabled by Members who do not turn up. It is the responsibility of Members to be here for their Adjournment matters when they table them. I ask Members to keep that in mind when they table such matters and I hope Senator Byrne will let me know whether he intends to attend the House for his Adjournment matter. He has said he will not attend if the Minister, Deputy Reilly, does not respond. I hope he will have the decency to tell me what the situation is in that regard.
Senators Crown, Ó Murchú and others raised the imprisonment of Mrs. Treacy. There is a separation of powers and we cannot become involved in the decision. I totally accept the bona fides of Members in this regard.
Senator Landy asked about repetition on the Order of Business and what issues Members should raise. The question answers itself.
Senator Conway referred to legislation on white collar crime. I will try to ascertain for him when it is intended to bring such legislation to the House and revert to him.
A number of senators, including Senators Mullen and Daly, called for statements on the media. This matter was raised by Senator Susan O'Keeffe and is worthy of debate. We will try to bring the relevant Minister to the House to have a debate at the earliest opportunity.
Senator O'Keefe also raised the question of listening to young people on curriculum reform. Her points were valid and can be raised with the Minister for Education and Skills on 8 November.
Senator MacSharry referred to the issue of senior Ministers attending the House. The Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, will attend the House today. The number of senior Ministers who have come to the House not alone to listen to statements from Members but to participate in question and answer sessions and be accountable for their Departments is unprecedented. The Minister for Finance will come to the House tomorrow for a similar session. The Ministers for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht took questions during their appearances in the House, as did the Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport yesterday. I do not know what Senator MacSharry is talking about in the context of senior Ministers being accountable to the House. They have been more accountable than ever before.
With regard to Senator Sheahan's question, there will be a question and answer session with the Minister for Finance tomorrow. He has said he will be here and I have no reason to believe otherwise. The Senator is quite right that the credit institutions Bill is important and I will try to find out when it will be taken in the House.
Senator Mooney welcomed the increase in foreign deposits in Irish banks and I am sure we all welcome them. I agree with him regarding procedures. There was a mix up yesterday. Once spokespersons have had their say, every other Member should be allowed to contribute before the spokespersons contribute again. However, everybody had an opportunity to put a question yesterday as there was no time limit.
Senator Mullen referred to training for pharmacists to administer the influenza vaccines. That will be welcomed by communities throughout the country.
Senator Ó Murchú praised the stance of the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Government on the Palestinian issue, which I welcome.
Senator O'Brien has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, "That a debate with the Minister for Health on the opening of a unit at Connolly Memorial Hospital Blanchardstown, be taken today." Is the amendment being pressed?
Amendment put.
The Seanad divided: Tá, 14; Níl, 32.
Tá
- Byrne, Thomas.
- Crown, John.
- Cullinane, David.
- Daly, Mark.
- MacSharry, Marc.
- Mooney, Paschal.
- Ó Clochartaigh, Trevor.
- Ó Domhnaill, Brian.
- Ó Murchú, Labhrás.
- O'Brien, Darragh.
- O'Donovan, Denis.
- Walsh, Jim.
- White, Mary M.
- Wilson, Diarmuid.
Níl
- Bacik, Ivana.
- Barrett, Sean D.
- Brennan, Terry.
- Burke, Colm.
- Coghlan, Eamonn.
- Coghlan, Paul.
- Comiskey, Michael.
- Conway, Martin.
- Cummins, Maurice.
- D’Arcy, Jim.
- D’Arcy, Michael.
- Gilroy, John.
- Harte, Jimmy.
- Healy Eames, Fidelma.
- Heffernan, James.
- Henry, Imelda.
- Higgins, Lorraine.
- Keane, Cáit.
- Kelly, John.
- Landy, Denis.
- Mac Conghail, Fiach.
- Moloney, Marie.
- Moran, Mary.
- Mullins, Michael.
- Noone, Catherine.
- O’Brien, Mary Ann.
- O’Donnell, Marie-Louise.
- O’Keeffe, Susan.
- O’Neill, Pat.
- Sheahan, Tom.
- van Turnhout, Jillian.
- Whelan, John.
Tellers: Tá, Senators Paschal Mooney and Diarmuid Wilson; Níl, Senators Paul Coghlan and Susan O’Keeffe.
Amendment declared lost.
Question, "That the Order of Business be agreed to," put and declared carried.