The Order of Business is No. 1, Local Government Reform Bill 2013 - Second Stage, to be taken at 3 p.m. and to conclude not later than 7 p.m. with the contributions of Senators not to exceed ten minutes each and the Minister to be called on to reply to the debate not later than 6.50 p.m.; No. 2, Pyrite Resolution Bill 2013 - Order for Second Stage and Second Stage, to be taken at the conclusion of No. 1 and to conclude not later than 8.30 p.m., with the contributions of group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes each and those of all other Senators not to exceed five minutes each and the Minister to be called on to reply to the debate not later than 8.20 p.m.; and No. 3, Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013 - Committee Stage (resumed), to be taken at the conclusion of No. 2. We spent a great deal of time on Committee Stage of No. 3 last week and we will finish that Stage this evening. I hope to allocate three hours for Report Stage of the Bill tomorrow, which should be more than sufficient.
Order of Business
The Leader is correct that three hours for Report Stage tomorrow is sufficient.
Is the Leader in a position to provide an update on the meeting the leaders of the various groups were supposed to have with the Taoiseach in respect of Seanad reform? I had understood that the meeting to which I refer was due to be held on Wednesday next. As leader of the Fianna Fáil group, I have received no formal notification of or request from the Taoiseach to attend such a meeting. Am I to assume that the meeting will not be proceeding? Perhaps the Leader is in possession of more information than I am. Will the Taoiseach be sending me an invitation to the meeting in order that he might hear what I have to say?
He might not want to hear from the Senator
Yes, he may not want to hear what I have to say but I would like to attend. I will certainly make myself available.
On an even more important matter, I am in receipt of information which, in my view, will rock the National Assets Management Agency, NAMA, to its very core. Is the Leader aware that the Garda Commissioner has been requested to carry out an investigation into corruption and impropriety in NAMA?
That is very strong language.
It is very strong because the information put into my possession by certain individuals-----
Has the Senator forwarded it to the Garda?
-----is extremely serious. NAMA is the largest property management company in the world and has responsibility for €74 billion in loans. Allegations have been made in the past couple of years with regard to how some of NAMA's current and former staff have used information they obtained during the course of their work. It has been alleged that those to whom I refer have leaked or given this information to third parties - vulture funds and other investors-----
Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?
This is important because I want to place the matter in context.
Senator Darragh O'Brien is right.
Information is being leaked from NAMA and is being given to vulture funds and other investors in order to confer financial advantage on them. This will ensure that these entities will profit off the backs of taxpayers and that viable businesses will be shut down as a result. I need to know today whether the Garda Commissioner has been requested to carry out a detailed investigation into corruption and impropriety in NAMA. It is crucial that the Taoiseach, the Minister for Finance or the Minister for Justice and Equality come before the House today to make a statement on this matter, which is so serious that it could undermine NAMA and the property and financial services sectors. I wish, therefore, to formally propose an amendment to the Order of Business to the effect that the Taoiseach, the Minister for Finance or the Minister for Justice and Equality come before the House and confirm whether the Garda Commissioner has been requested to carry out an investigation into corruption and impropriety in the National Asset Management Agency, which manages €74 billion worth of loans on behalf of the taxpayer.
So many different items of information have been referred to in the House in the past two years that it seems that the staff within NAMA who are doing their level best and working on behalf of the State are being tarred with the same brush as certain individuals who are still with the agency or who recently left its employ and who are giving or have given information to third parties in order that they might make serious profits. This needs to stop and, as a result, the matter must be dealt with today in the Seanad.
Senator Darragh O'Brien has raised serious matters of grave concern. The general point he makes is that if anyone has information about corruption or criminal matters that have arisen, then clearly he or she has an obligation to report this to the Garda. That overrides any imperative for discussing such matters in this or any other forum. The other issue is that the Garda Commissioner and the force are independent. I would, therefore, be concerned by any suggestion that there might be some sort of political dictation to the Garda Síochána in the context of what it may or may not investigate. We must be careful-----
I agree with the Senator. All I am seeking is confirmation as to whether the Garda Commissioner has been requested to carry out an investigation.
We need to be careful about what we are saying,-----
I agree.
-----particularly if there may be criminal proceedings arising from some of these issues.
On another issue raised by Senator Darragh O'Brien that I was also going to raise, namely, Seanad reform and a certain report in today's newspapers that the Taoiseach was to meet with Seanad political leaders, as leader of the Labour Party group in the Seanad I have not been approached or asked about a meeting. I would welcome such a meeting either this week or early in the new year to discuss issues of Seanad reform through legislation. I would like the meeting to be sooner rather than later. All Senators have called for that meeting. Will the Leader clarify whether any such meeting is to go ahead this week?
The troika exit is welcome. I mentioned it on Thursday. There has been a good number of events and news announcements to mark it. In light of the exit and commitments given by the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Burton, on the European youth guarantee, I call for a debate on job creation in the new year. There were some welcome comments in the Taoiseach's speech last night as well as in speeches given by the Tánaiste and others in recent days regarding the focus on job creation and ensuring a return to close to full employment in the coming years. We would all like to hear more about the details of that plan. It would be good to have a debate with the Minister, Deputy Burton, or the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Bruton, early in the new year about job creation plans. Each of their Departments will play a large role, particularly in the implementation of the youth guarantee.
I note that we were not able to cover more than one fifth of the Finance Bill last week. While I accept that is how it happened, I suggest that we go through the important items in the new year. People on this side of the House wanted to have an input into the budget. For instance, section 42 extends capital gains tax relief for properties from the 2011-13 period to 2014. This seems like something that should have been debated in the House. I would also have liked to have discussed pension funds and so on. Rather than have the House never discussing the remaining items, perhaps the Leader might arrange a debate at some stage, regardless of whether the Minister is available to attend.
Yet another insurance company is close to going broke. Apparently, RSA Insurance is short €270 million. As the Minister for Finance moves away from his strong and excellent work in recent years, regulating financial institutions requires debate in this House. Some €270 million is needed by an insurance company, €52 million for a credit union, pension funds must be dealt with, etc. As this sector caused us so many problems in 2008, I would welcome it if the Minister was willing to debate the issue with the House.
I commend the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Varadkar, on promising a decision early in the new year on the Phoenix Park tunnel, a railway that connects Connolly and Heuston stations. Platform 10 has already been built. We know from correspondence with the Minister and his work on our behalf, that CIE does not wish to re-open the link. It would prefer something more expensive, as engineers usually do. The estimate is €10 million. The tunnel exists. It runs freight trains, has concrete sleepers and electronic signalling and could be opened for much less than €10 million or whatever would be the cost of building a tunnel through St. Stephen's Green, which is what the railway engineers would like us to do. I commend the Minister on considering a low cost way of relieving congestion in the city, particularly while the Luas lines are being extended.
It is a great day for the country, our first day of economic freedom in a long time as we leave the EU-IMF programme. The people of this country have worked hard to reach this point. It has not been easy for them. It is notable that the country has not seen the social upheaval witnessed in other countries experiencing similar situations. In many ways, this is due to the responsible attitude adopted by all political parties, allowing for a certain amount of justifiable rhetoric. A special word must be said for the Taoiseach.
A few years ago many were saying that the Taoiseach was not up to the job.
Was that the Senator's crowd?
It was said by those who were responsible for creating the mess we are in-----
And almost half the parliamentary party.
-----who themselves it must be remembered bailed out-----
Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?
Despite Senator Daly's remarks, I respect him and all those sitting around him. I do not respect the members of his party who caused this mess and left on big pensions and are now sitting at home laughing at everybody else.
Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?
Before I ask my question-----
The Senator is running out of time.
I remind everybody that it was the stone rejected by the builders that became the cornerstone.
That is a good line for the press office. They will like that.
I ask that the Leader invite the Taoiseach to the House so that, as is done in the US Congress, we can stand up and applaud him.
Senator D'Arcy should second the amendment to the Order of Business.
The Taoiseach can then tell us what the next stage is for us.
I second the amendment to the Order of Business that a member of the Government come to the House today to discuss the revelations in relation to NAMA. I thank my colleague, Senator O'Brien, for raising this issue which I have raised on a number of occasions in the House. This is a serious issue. It has been in the ether for a long time that former developers have been benefiting in terms of buying back their own properties from NAMA. We have read in the newspapers that former members of NAMA are under suspicion in regard to their joining property development companies which are buying back their properties.
I have previously raised on the Order of Business the case of-----
The Senator may not speak about any specific case.
-----Anglo Irish Bank which granted a loan for the Four Seasons-----
We cannot discuss individual cases here.
This information was in the newspapers.
There could well be legal cases. We cannot discuss the matter now.
This one is done and dusted.
There could well be legal proceedings in relation to the matter.
Some €50 million was spent-----
We are not discussing any particular case here.
This is not a legal case. It is a matter of public record.
The Senator may not speak about any specific case.
Some €50 million has been spent on-----
Senator Daly, we are not discussing any specific case here in respect of which legal issues may arise.
This is not a legal case. It is a matter of public record that €50 million was spent-----
This is a Parliament and the Senator is under privilege.
This is a matter of fact.
The Senator is under privilege.
I know that.
I am not allowing the Senator to discuss any specific case.
This has nothing to do with privilege. It is a fact that-----
Excuse me. The Senator is speaking here under privilege. I am not allowing him to speak about any specific case or individual.
This is not in relation to an individual. It is in relation to loans that are on the public record. Am I allowed to discuss those?
We are not discussing anything like that. This is the Order of Business. Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?
I am asking the Leader about issues which I have raised previously in relation to lands that have been sold not only below market value but for less than that for which they were sold to NAMA. Properties for sale to developers or people in the know are not being made available to the public by way of list or advertisement in the newspapers and so on. We previously asked in the context of the NAMA and Irish Bank Resolution Corporation Transparency Bill that every asset for sale by NAMA would be available on a public list. This has not been done. As a consequence, the Garda Commissioner is to investigate NAMA, which is a serious issue. This matter has been ongoing for two years.
The Senator is way over time.
What we need in NAMA is transparency for the good of NAMA, the taxpayer, NAMA employees and for the betterment of the structure of NAMA.
Hear, hear.
I support the amendment to the Order of Business so that a Minister can come to the House to see if the Government knows what is going on in order to have transparency in NAMA.
I am sure the Leader would have no objection to asking any Minister to come to the House to discuss issues regarding NAMA at the appropriate time and in the appropriate place. However, I completely concur with Senator Bacik. The matter alleged is rightly one for the Garda Commissioner and should remain with him-----
We just want to know whether it is with him.
-----until he has had the opportunity-----
The Senator is missing the point.
-----to investigate properly and appropriately any allegations of fraud that are being made.
The Senator is missing the point.
I am sure the Senator would agree if he were sitting on this side of the House-----
I do, but the Senator is missing the point.
-----instead of, dare I say, stirring on the other side of the House.
Sorry-----
Senator Hayden without interruption.
On a point of order-----
A point of order, Senator O'Brien.
No one is stirring. I have raised an issue that is of national importance so I ask the Senator to withdraw that phrase.
No, Senator.
I do not stir and I am not spinning.
I have no intention of withdrawing. As the Senator well knows-----
What I am saying is that if the Senator wants-----
-----if there are any allegations-----
Senator Hayden, please. Senator O'Brien is on a point of order. What is the point of order?
I formally ask that Senator Hayden withdraw the allegation that I am stirring. I am raising matters of fact and of national and international importance here.
I call Senator Hayden.
All I was asking for was confirmation as to whether the Garda Commissioner has been asked to make an investigation of corruption.
The Senator has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business.
I am not asking to be involved in it.
As I said-----
I ask the Senator to withdraw that phrase of "stirring".
As I said, I do not intend to withdraw that remark. If there is any allegation of wrongdoing or fraud in NAMA-----
The Senator has missed the point completely.
I ask Senator Darragh O'Brien to resume his seat.
-----the appropriate person to investigate that is the Garda Commissioner.
The Senator has missed the point completely.
Does Senator Hayden have a question for the Leader?
I do indeed.
The Senator should have listened at the start.
I wish to raise the unfortunate issues that have arisen regarding the Central Remedial Clinic. I ask for the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Shatter, to come to this Chamber at the earliest possible opportunity to discuss with this House his intentions for putting the charities regulatory authority on a statutory footing early - I emphasis early - in 2014. The Charities Act 2009, which provides for the establishment of a charities regulatory authority, was passed almost five years ago. Had it been implemented more promptly, I doubt if public confidence would have been damaged as it has by the matter of the CRC.
While it is very unfortunate, it needs to be acknowledged that funds to voluntary organisations have dropped by 40% since this issue came into the public domain. Many of these organisations are providing vital services to people who need them. If those services are not provided by the voluntary organisations, they will need to be provided by the State. I understand the reason it has taken so long-----
The Senator is way over time.
-----for the charities regulatory authority to be established was a matter of cost.
The Senator is way over time.
That is a false economy and I would like the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Shatter, to come to the Houses to outline his current plans.
Almost 20 years ago in 1994 the Government established the leaving certificate applied. That was a great development in education because it recognised intelligences other than just the intelligence of doing an examination on the basis of remembering everything they had learned after two years of study. It measured the other talents, intelligences, skills and abilities. However, many of the access opportunities that gave to students are gradually being closed. Last weekend, I heard that applicants for the Garda College in Templemore will need something other than the leaving certificate applied - something more theoretical and academic. I believe that is a mistake because the talents and abilities of the people who get the leaving certificate applied are exactly the talents needed in the Garda. Something similar happened with nurses some time ago when they were required to have a university degree. While the talent that people have to be nurses certainly includes those academic qualifications, it also includes the ability to care for and look after people, which is not unlike what is needed in the Garda Síochána.
I urge the Leader to make contact with the Department of Education and Skills to ensure that the recognition of the leaving certificate applied will continue to give access to those students to be able to qualify to enter the Garda College in Templemore. I believe it is worthy of consideration.
I am sure those at the top in NAMA are above reproach, governed by law.
As has been stated, if there is anything amiss or untoward-----
What makes the Senator so sure about that?
----- as has been alleged or suspected, it is up to people to report such matters to the Garda and it is up to that force to investigate. I am not too sure it is the business of the Garda to communicate with Members as to whether it is doing something. I accept that these people are governed by law and I do not believe there is anything untoward at the top in NAMA.
What would the Senator define as being the top?
Senator Paul Coghlan, without interruption.
I am aware that allegations were thrown about in this Chamber in the past, albeit not by Senator Darragh O'Brien, for whose comments in general I have great respect, but things were thrown around that could not be substantiated.
They were substantiated.
Senator Paul Coghlan, without interruption.
They were not substantiated but Members should have the utmost confidence in the board, the managing director, the chairman and the people of NAMA. However, if something is alleged, let it be properly investigated. That is not the business of Members.
I want to know whether it is being investigated.
I am unsure that-----
I seek confirmation in this regard.
Does Senator Coghlan have a question for the Leader?
No, but-----
Senator Paul Coghlan, without interruption, please.
The public is entitled to know.
Senator Paul Coghlan, without interruption, please.
A Chathaoirligh, the public is entitled to know.
It is a matter for the Garda.
Senator, have you a question for the Leader?
No, but I am trying to clarify the position.
I call Senator Cullinane.
The point is-----
I also wish to express confidence.
The point is-----
Members should have confidence in NAMA.
Senators, no crossfire here. I call Senator Cullinane.
At the outset, I commend Senator Jim D'Arcy on his very own state of the nation address, which he gave in the Chamber this afternoon. I am sure he will be suitably rewarded by the Taoiseach and his seat will be safe after his performance today.
The Taoiseach's nominee.
I acknowledge his point, that Members should applaud the Taoiseach, was made tongue in cheek but one should be careful not to upset in any way those who currently are living in poverty. Many people have suffered over the past seven austerity budgets and the past six years and the Taoiseach made the point that people have taken a lot of pain. However, it need not have been the way it was and one should consider the ESRI report published last week. The institute examined all the budgets introduced since 2008 by both the previous Government and the present Administration. It then broke down the various different income brackets and the aforementioned independent think-tank concluded that it was the low paid people in society who paid a disproportionate price and who bore the brunt of those budgets. This is the reality.
In addition, a report from the Mandate and UNITE trade unions called Hungry for Action: Mapping Food Poverty in Ireland, was published on 15 December. It again showed that far too many people are living in poverty in the State, be it fuel poverty, food poverty or, if the Government has its way, water poverty in the future as well. I called for a debate on poverty several times this year and was supported by a number of Senators from the Government side. However, Members did not have a stand-alone debate on poverty, which would be a useful and worthwhile debate. Perhaps a full-day sitting of the Seanad Public Petitions Committee could be held on that issue because it is of fundamental importance to all Members to do what they can to reduce poverty levels. However, in the context of a Government that will be clapping itself on the back for emerging from the bailout, which is of itself a milestone, all Members should be mindful of the huge levels of suffering that continue to persist, as well as the long road that must be taken to support all those families who are living in poverty. Consequently, I would welcome the opportunity early next year to have a debate on that important issue.
I also welcome the fact that Ireland has exited the bailout. Many positive things have been said in recent days in the media, both nationally and internationally. However, like Senator Cullinane, I recognise there certainly are significant levels of poverty and the only thing that will seriously dent that will be the creation of badly-needed employment in parts of the country that are significantly hit by unemployment levels. I hope that early in the new year, a further discussion will be held in this Chamber on job creation and on the Action Plan for Jobs 2014 because that is the tide that will lift all boats. The creation of employment, particularly for those who are long-term unemployed, is the answer to solving the poverty crisis in which many people find themselves.
I support Senator Hayden's call for an early debate with the Minister for Justice and Equality on the charities regulator. I, too, am deeply concerned about the great damage that has been done to the charity sector by the bad publicity generated by the CRC revelations. As a result, many organisations will experience a crisis early in the New Year and will be left unable to provide the services that they have diligently provided over the years. The level of greed that existed in the CRC is appalling and will deprive many people, the most vulnerable in our society, of a service to which they have grown accustomed. Early in the new year the Oireachtas must see what it can do, on an all-party basis, to rescue the sector in order to restore people's confidence in the organisations. Many charitable organisations are ran well and account for every penny collected. It is sad and appalling that a small handful of people can inflict so much damage on organisations who work in the best of interests of the most vulnerable.
I join with Senator Quinn's call for the Minister for Justice and Equality to re-examine his decision to disallow applications from graduates of the leaving certificate applied examination and the requirement to have an additional academic or theoretical qualification when applying for a job as a garda.
The leaving certificate application examination was introduced 20 years ago next year. I recognise the contribution that Senator Quinn has made to the examination. Since 1994 many thousands of young people have graduated from second level schools and Youthreach training centres with the qualification. It is an ideal qualification. It should enable people to apply for jobs in the Garda Síochána, the Army or the Civil Service. The qualification is excellent and it is regrettable that it has not been recognised as suitable for recruitment to the Garda Síochána. I want the decision overturned immediately.
I support Senator Hayden's call on the Leader to invite the Minister to the House to discuss the long overdue charities regulation Act. I have been involved in the charity sector for 27 years and have been employed by and acted as a volunteer for many organisations. I was disgusted by the vulgarity demonstrated by the CRC board in the way they abused their corporate governance to fill their back pockets. Like Senator Michael Mullins, I agree that the charity sector has been tarred with the same brush due to their actions. The staff working for credible charities do wonderful things for the less fortunate in society. They have been hurt by the revelations. They too have been questioned when they have delivered their services to the volunteer sector, including those who have raised funds in Ireland and abroad for the various charities.
The charity sector has been shook to its foundation as a result of what happened in the CRC. I have always found that it is the people who have nothing that give the most to charitable organisations and the CRC has broken their trust. I do not want such people to lose trust in the act of charity, particularly at this time of year. They have supported charities for many years and I want them to continue doing so.
I welcome the exit from the troika. Destiny is back in our hands, yet more needs to be done. The Taoiseach has said that the Irish people have made sacrifices. Moving forward is all about attitude.
Wonderful accolades have poured in from people outside Ireland on how well we are progressing. Now it is time for people at home to change their attitude and look to a bright future. The Taoiseach has a persistent vision for a better future for this country and this is the start of it now we are out of the bailout.
Senator Darragh O'Brien referred to a meeting with the Taoiseach which he read about in the newspapers. I met the Taoiseach about a fortnight ago and he told me letters would be issued to the leaders inviting them to a meeting, but I have heard nothing since. I have been told there will be a meeting on Wednesday but I have not been made aware of it; nor have the leaders. I will find out for the Senators after the Order of Business what the situation is but it is short notice if a meeting is to take place on Wednesday morning. However, the last time I had a conversation with the Taoiseach was about a fortnight ago and he said letters would issue to leaders, but I understand that has not happened.
Senator Darragh O'Brien made very serious allegations of corruption and impropriety in NAMA and asked if the Garda Commissioner had been requested to investigate allegations of corruption. I am not aware of any such allegations - nor am I aware of whether the Garda Commissioner has been requested to investigate such allegations - but I will certainly bring the matter to the attention of the Taoiseach and the Minister for Finance after the Order of Business. I do not propose to accept the amendment to the Order of Business but I will certainly notify the Taoiseach and the Minister for Finance of this.
Senator Bacik referred to the focus on job creation. I agree totally with her in that regard. The focus of the Taoiseach's address was that we must look to the future now and continue the progress that has been made in regard to job creation. The unemployment rate has gone from 16.5% down to 12.5%. Early in the new term in January I will arrange for the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Bruton, and the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Burton, come to the House to discuss the whole question of job creation.
I note Senator Barrett's comments on the Finance Bill 2013 and his call for a debate on the regulation of financial institutions. I will certainly try to arrange for the Minister to come to the House discuss that matter with us. I note also Senator Barrett's praise for the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Varadkar, in regard to the Phoenix Park tunnel and the low cost of €10 million to solve the transport problems. Perhaps the Minister, Deputy Varadkar, might be willing to discuss that project with us in early January.
Senator Jim D'Arcy referred to the restoration of our economic sovereignty today and complimented the Taoiseach. In his address, the Taoiseach outlined a mid-term economic plan. I will certainly ask him to come to the House when it is introduced so we can have a chat about it.
Senator Daly seconded the amendment to the Order of Business. I agree that we should have full transparency in all matters relating to NAMA. The Senator made allegations previously and he could neither put up nor shut up about them, but I agree with him in regard transparency.
Senators Hayden, Mullins and Coghlan and other Senators referred to the Central Remedial Clinic. This issue has done irreparable damage to the charity sector and is causing major problems in regard to the financing of charities.
On the call for the Minister for Justice and Equality to set up the charities regulation authority, in July the Government approved plans from the Minister for Justice and Equality for the establishment of the charities regulatory authority under the terms of the 2009 Charities Act. The authority is to be an independent State agency under the aegis of the Department of Justice and Equality. In addition to functions set out in the Charities Act relating to the registration and regulation of charities, the authority will also take on the functions of the Commissioners of Charitable Donations and Bequests for Ireland. Following the appointment of its members, the authority will operate in shadow form for a period in advance of its formal establishment to allow the necessary systems and procedures be put in place to enable it carry out its statutory functions. Subject to the necessary preparatory work being completed, it is intended that the authority will be formally established in the autumn of 2014. In advancing this process the Minister for Justice and Equality intends, in the near future, to invite expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced persons who wish to be considered for membership of that authority. The Minister is pressing on. Naturally, we would all like that authority to be in place in a shorter time than autumn 2014 but I am sure the Minister is fully aware of the need for such a regulatory authority to be in place sooner rather than later.
Senators Quinn and Wilson raised the possibility that the leaving certificate applied will not be sufficient where Garda recruitment is concerned. That is a serious matter. I agree with both Senators that it is a good qualification. I will certainly make representations to the Minister for Justice and Equality and the Minister for Education and Skills on that matter because as Senator Quinn mentioned, people who have done the leaving certificate applied course are the type of people who should be considered and should not be debarred by only having that qualification.
Senator Paul Coghlan raised the issue of NAMA and pointed out that NAMA is governed by law and any breach should be thoroughly investigated.
Senator Cullinane, in his state of the nation address this morning, called for a debate on poverty, which we will try to arrange in the new year.
Senator Mullins called for a greater number of jobs in the regions. That is necessary. We have seen a considerable number of job announcements in Dublin, Cork and other areas, which are to be welcomed, and I am sure those jobs will filter into the regions early in the new year.
Senator Mullins also raised the issue of the charities sector. Some of the salaries of the chief executive officers were mentioned in a newspaper article yesterday but quite a number of them were not mentioned. Chief executive officers in the charities sector earning more than €100,000 is a disgrace and it is doing nothing to repair the damage done in respect of the Central Remedial Clinic, CRC.
Senator Eamonn Coghlan made similar points and noted that the staff in particular have been badly hurt by comments made about the CRC and others. The staff are the innocent party in this regard and we should all support the wonderful work the staff are doing in these charities.
Senator Darragh O'Brien has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That a debate with the Taoiseach, the Minister for Finance or the Minister for Justice and Equality on the operation of NAMA and to clarify whether the Garda Commissioner has been asked to investigate allegations of corruption or impropriety in that agency be taken today." Is the amendment being pressed?
Tá
- Barrett, Sean D.
- Crown, John.
- Cullinane, David.
- Daly, Mark.
- Leyden, Terry.
- Mullen, Rónán.
- Norris, David.
- Ó Clochartaigh, Trevor.
- Ó Murchú, Labhrás.
- O'Brien, Darragh.
- O'Donovan, Denis.
- Power, Averil.
- Quinn, Feargal.
- Reilly, Kathryn.
- Wilson, Diarmuid.
Níl
- Bacik, Ivana.
- Brennan, Terry.
- Burke, Colm.
- Clune, Deirdre.
- Coghlan, Eamonn.
- Coghlan, Paul.
- Cummins, Maurice.
- D'Arcy, Jim.
- D'Arcy, Michael.
- Hayden, Aideen.
- Keane, Cáit.
- Kelly, John.
- Landy, Denis.
- Mac Conghail, Fiach.
- Moran, Mary.
- Mullins, Michael.
- Naughton, Hildegarde.
- Noone, Catherine.
- O'Neill, Pat.
- van Turnhout, Jillian.
- Whelan, John.
Is the Order of Business agreed to?
Tá
- Bacik, Ivana.
- Brennan, Terry.
- Burke, Colm.
- Clune, Deirdre.
- Coghlan, Eamonn.
- Coghlan, Paul.
- Cummins, Maurice.
- D'Arcy, Jim.
- D'Arcy, Michael.
- Hayden, Aideen.
- Keane, Cáit.
- Kelly, John.
- Landy, Denis.
- Mac Conghail, Fiach.
- Moran, Mary.
- Mullins, Michael.
- Naughton, Hildegarde.
- Noone, Catherine.
- O'Neill, Pat.
- van Turnhout, Jillian.
- Whelan, John.
Níl
- Barrett, Sean D.
- Crown, John.
- Cullinane, David.
- Daly, Mark.
- Leyden, Terry.
- Mullen, Rónán.
- Norris, David.
- Ó Clochartaigh, Trevor.
- Ó Murchú, Labhrás.
- O'Brien, Darragh.
- O'Donovan, Denis.
- Power, Averil.
- Quinn, Feargal.
- Reilly, Kathryn.
- Wilson, Diarmuid.