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Seanad Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 17 Dec 2014

Vol. 236 No. 9

Order of Business

The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding the report of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges on changes to Standing Orders, to be taken without debate at the conclusion of the Order of Business; No. 2, Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill 2014 (Certified Money Bill) - Committee Stage (resumed), to be taken at 11.45 a.m., adjourn not later than 1.45 p.m., if not previously concluded, and be resumed at 6.30 p.m. and followed by Report and Final Stages; No. 3, Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2014 - Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken at 3 p.m. and adjourn not later than 4.30 p.m., if not previously concluded; and No. 58, non-Government motion No. 13 re electoral commission, to be taken at 4.30 p.m., with the time allocated for this debate not to exceed two hours.

I am not sure we agree with the Order of Business. It is proposed to complete the Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill by taking Committee Stage today and Report and Final Stages this evening. I do not believe that schedule is in the best interests of finalising the debate. The legislation should be included in tomorrow's business.

I want to raise an issue with the Leader that has dominated the media for the past 24 hours - the refusal by Mario Draghi, President of the ECB, to come before the banking inquiry which starts today. This is an inherent weakness in the deliberations of the banking inquiry which has already generated enormous controversy about the political motives behind its setting up by the Government. Many people believe the inquiry will be a witch hunt against Fianna Fáil and that very little else will emerge. The process is completely flawed if the person who represents the European institution which is to blame for this country incurring €65 billion in bank debt refuses to attend. The Government should adopt some method to change this situation. I am echoing the sentiments expressed this morning by a Minister of the Government, Deputy Simon Coveney. He said the institution should be compelled to appear before the inquiry. To suggest the European Central Bank, on which we sit through the representation of Professor Honohan, is answerable only to the European Parliament and not to a national parliament is a national insult. It is yet a further indication of how far European institutions have become disconnected from the ordinary people of Europe. The ECB is a powerful institution which continues to have a very important and significant impact on the lives of every citizen in this country. The ECB, under Mr. Draghi's predecessor, Mr. Trichet, forced this country and its Government into incurring a debt that will hang over the people for the next couple of decades. I call on the Government to issue a very stern response to Mr. Draghi's intransigence and convey to him that his refusal is completely and totally unacceptable. I ask the Taoiseach to come here today to explain exactly what the Government's response will be to Mr. Draghi.

I also ask the Taoiseach to come here to make a statement on the growing and developing crisis in Northern Ireland. He and the British Prime Minister, Mr. Cameron, came, looked, saw and left Northern Ireland last week. I was bitterly disappointed with the Taoiseach's rapid departure from these important talks. It seems he went to Belfast for a photo opportunity with Mr. Cameron and then left. We have a frail peace process, but he has left Northern Ireland in limbo. I have questioned on repeated occasions in this House the Government's commitment to engaging in Northern Ireland issues. It is as if they are up there and we are down here, which is totally unacceptable.

I propose an amendment to the Order of Business, that the Taoiseach come before the House today to address these twin issues which are of vital importance, not only to the economy but also in the context of what is or is not happening in Northern Ireland. This matter is of vital importance to the national and island economy.

Yesterday's news of the appalling massacre of more than 140 people, including in excess of 130 children, by the Taliban in Pakistan means that again today we must express horror at this appalling outrage and despicable massacre of children and I am sure others will join me in doing so. The Taliban has reached a new low in its series of atrocities in other countries for some years. Other colleagues have spoken before of the Taliban's targeting of Christians. The Taliban has targeted children in education and yesterday it targeted the most vulnerable victims - children in a school. It is an appalling atrocity.

In terms of children's rights, I compliment Senator Jillian van Turnhout on the motion she tabled in the House to which all colleagues have signed up. I refer to No. 58, non-Government motion No. 14, which calls for adequate funding to be provided to Childline to ensure its night-time service is continued. I wish to inform colleagues, in particular Senator Paschal Mooney, that I have written to the Taoiseach enclosing a copy of the motion and explaining that the issue was raised when I was Deputy Leader in the House last Thursday. This is a good sign of the way the Seanad works and shows how Members come together on such issues.

Like Senator Paschal Mooney I express my real concern at the ECB's refusal to come before the banking inquiry. I wish all of our colleagues on the banking inquiry well in their work as it commences its public hearings today. Their work is hugely important and they have worked extremely hard already in getting the ground set for public hearings. It is very disappointing that the ECB has taken this decision. I agree with Senator Paschal Mooney and the Government will send a strong message to the ECB on its decision. Senators may have heard the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine express in very strong terms the Government's view on the matter.

In terms of the Northern Ireland talks, I would like to see us debate the matter in the new year. The talks are continuing this week in Stormont and we all hope we will see some resolution of the outstanding issues. The Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and his Minister of State, Deputy Seán Sherlock, went to Belfast on Friday. Ministers are still engaging and the Government is still very much engaged in the talks this week. It is very important that parties reach a timely resolution this week. I know that others said the same yesterday.

I ask for a debate on the issue of collective bargaining. Yesterday, the Government approved collective bargaining legislation. The Minister of State at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Gerald Nash, yesterday announced Cabinet approval to legislate for this long overdue legislation. Its aim is to provide for an improved framework for workers who seek to better their terms and conditions where an employer does not recognise a union. This is a hugely important issue for many workers across the State and for the trade union movement. A number of Supreme Court decisions have undermined collective bargaining rights. In the programme for Government in 2011 it was promised that the law would be reformed, in particular to ensure it was in compliance with the European Convention on Human Rights in respect of rights to collective bargaining. We might debate the matter in early course in the new year.

It is very hard to contribute today without paying attention to the banking inquiry. There is little doubt that the two previous speakers have drawn attention to the inquiry. Let us not focus on blaming the ECB for not sending somebody as the only purpose. A great deal can be achieved by the inquiry and the Seanad is well represented on it. I hope we will be able to achieve what we set out to do.

I was very impressed by the reports on the President's visit to China. Before he went, there was a doubt he might use his visit in a manner which would damage the relationship between Ireland and China. Ireland is so tiny compared with China that is so huge. We know that the President has strong views on human rights and there was a danger he could say something that would endanger the relationship between both countries. His visit has achieved a huge amount. The relationship between him and the President of China is very strong which will help to develop the economy and our relationship in many other ways. I congratulate him on what he has achieved during his visit.

I raised concerns a month ago about the postal service and the danger posed by a movement towards other forms of communications. It is a joy to see there is no danger. Either the Government listened to us or already had planned to do the following ahead of time. It has established a business development programme to develop businesses in the post office. At this time of the year the post office is busy, although there may not be as many postcards. A great deal more shopping seems to be taking place online which has led to an opportunity to develop services for parcels and other messages. There is an opportunity for business in the post office. As I mentioned before, in France other work was found for the postal service, particularly postmen visiting lonely people or people living on their own. The postmen have developed and provide that service. The business development programme set up by the Government will provide us with opportunities also.

I wish to raise an issue concerning a member of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant Paul Giblin, who is stationed in the Army barracks in Renmore in Galway.

I remind the Senator that we do not mention in the House tha names of people who are not here to defend themselves.

Senators may be aware that this issue has been widely reported in the media.

It does not matter. The person is not here to defend himself.

The person has been suffering from Hodgkin's lymphoma for the past two years and has to date undergone radiotherapy and chemotherapy, in addition to having had a stem cell transplant. What the lieutenant actually needs is a bone marrow transplant. There has been a search on the global registry but no match is forthcoming. Senators may be aware that there has been significant social media coverage of this story this week. There was a campaign by over 100 people in Galway who gathered to provide blood samples for the Irish Blood Transfusion Service. I am inordinately proud of this. It was a very generous gesture by the people of Galway. I am raising this issue to highlight the fact that the simple act of giving a blood sample could save a life. We should encourage people to give blood samples. If we saved only one life, it would be a worthwhile process. I commend the people of Galway for supporting Lieutenant Giblin at this very difficult time.

I second the amendment to the Order of Business proposed by Senator Paschal Mooney and wish to expand on what he and others said in the House this morning. It is appalling and a disgrace that Mr. Draghi and the ECB are washing their hands of and giving the two-fingers sign to the Irish banking inquiry. This is so serious that I urge the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and the Minister for Finance to summon an European Commission summit to discuss the issue. The ECB banking system was a disaster and when we needed the European Union most, it turned its back on us and forced the former Minister for Finance, the late, great Brian Lenihan, to do its bidding in this country to protect the banks. Irish citizens are entitled to answers from the ECB. I wish the inquiry well, but its work will not be adequate, proper or definitive in its decisions without the evidence from the ECB. It is a disgrace that it is ignoring us. I welcome the remarks made this morning by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Simon Coveney, but we must go further. We note that there is somebody currently being extradited from Brazil to Ireland over a case involving some €80 million. This is a serious issue, yet there are billions involved in the issue concerning the ECB. The Europeans who are supposed to be our partners are ignoring the demands from Ireland. If it is possible, the Leader might explore whether a European arrest warrant could be issued to bring the European authorities here by hook or by crook. Let them answer questions. What are they afraid of? Is there something they might say that would expose the European Union such that it might have to compensate Ireland for the billions of euro it put in to support the banks? It is an appalling disaster and it is so serious for the nation. This is the first time I have ever said publicly or at any forum that we, as a small nation on the periphery of Europe, should reconsider our position in the European Union if the ECB officials do not come here to answer questions. The biggest crisis this nation ever faced in my lifetime and in its history happened in 2008 but the ECB is hiding behind the frivolous, vexatious notion that it is a national issue. The banking crisis was a Europe-wide issue. It hit Greece, Portugal, Spain, Cyprus and other countries, yet the European authorities are ignoring this. Perhaps if they came here and gave answers, we could move on and learn lessons from the appalling, disastrous position they put us in as a nation.

I welcome the granting of planning permission for a new greenway or cycleway between Carrick-on-Suir and Clonmel. This project has been funded through the national infrastructure package of Exchequer funding to the tune of €1.9 million. It presents a great opportunity for part of the south east to develop a new tourism product. It is most welcome in an area that has a strong tradition of cycling as it is the home of Seán Kelly who was the number-one cyclist in the world for many years. Contrary to some reports, the funding is actually national funding and does not come from "that crowd over in Europe", as said in other fora. It is actually coming from the Exchequer which is investing money to create a tourism product in the south east which, it is hoped, will create 80 direct jobs and many more indirectly. I ask the Leader to request the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to come to the House after Christmas to discuss the tourism product in the south east. When we examine the figures for 2013, we see that County Kerry alone received 877,000 overseas visitors, while the south east, including Carlow, Kilkenny, south Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford, only received 846,000. Therefore, there is a definite need to promote tourism in the south east. The cycleway is a good start but the Leader should request the Minister to come to the House in the new year to consider a strategy for the south east. We have heard this is planned for the next tourism strategy, but we need an opportunity to debate this matter early in the new year.

I propose an amendment to the Order of Business, namely, that No. 58, non-Government motion No. 10, be taken today. The motion was placed on the Order Paper on 12 November requesting the Government to initiate legislation as a matter of urgency to provide for a constitutional referendum to reduce the voting age to 16 years for all elections. I decided to propose my amendment in the light of the Cabinet's announcement yesterday to hold referendums next May on same-sex marriage and the reduction of the age of candidates eligible to run for President. We have not yet received any indication as to when the referendum on reducing the voting age to 16 years will take place. This issue is very topical. Government sources confirm that the decision to hold a referendum on reducing the age of presidential candidates is part of a drive to make the Presidency more relevant to younger people. That is important but extending the voting franchise to younger people is also important. We need an indication as soon as possible as to when the referendum in this regard will take place. In recent days it was announced that the voting age in Scotland is to be lowered to include 16 and 17 year olds after Mr. David Cameron offered to introduce speedily new electoral powers for the Scottish Parliament. That gives added impetus and momentum to the Irish Government to initiate legislation to hold a referendum. It is important that we do so. I fear that it will not be provided for in time for the next general election, perhaps next year. Alternatively, it might not be possible to work out in time the logistics of ensuring young people are able to register for the next general election. I am proposing my amendment because it is important that this House put pressure on the Government to ensure the referendum will happen as soon as possible and that it will not be put on the back boiler. We should give more young people a voice.

Will the Senator clarify the amendment?

I propose that No. 58, non-Government motion No. 10, be taken today.

While I will not be supporting Fianna Fáil’s amendment to the Order of Business, I share the anger expressed at the decision by Mr. Draghi not to appear at the banking inquiry. I hope all political pressure will be brought to bear on him to change his mind. I very much welcome what the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Simon Coveney, had to say this morning and I am sure he was speaking for the Government. Mr. Draghi, I understand, has said he reports to the European Parliament on this issue. I certainly hope our Members there will be bringing all necessary pressure to bear on him to change his mind. It is true that we want a full account of what happened with banking in Ireland in the critical years. We want it warts and all in order that there will be be no hiding place for anybody, certainly not the ECB, which had a central and key role to play in this whole matter.

I am sure Senator Denis O'Donovan will join me in congratulating the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Simon Coveney, on the very good deal he negotiated for the fishing industry in recent days. It has been welcomed generally by spokespersons for the various fishing communities throughout the country. A very good day’s work was done by the Minister and his team of officials.

I ask that pressure be put on the Egyptian Government to have Ibrahim Halawa, an Irish citizen, released from an Egyptian prison.

He is a 19 year old student who has been in detention in an Egyptian jail for over 460 days awaiting trial for crimes he did not commit. His trial is scheduled for January and he could face the death penalty. His sisters who were arrested with him are safe and well back in Ireland. Amnesty International has conducted a thorough review of his case and found him to be totally innocent. His only crime was peacefully expressing his right to freedom of expression. He was arrested over a year ago following the overthrow of President Morsi. I ask the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to appeal to the Egyptian embassy in Dublin to put pressure on the Egyptian authorities to have this innocent man released.

The Leader is probably shaking in his boots this morning at the likelihood I will request an amendment to the Order of Business. I wish to withdraw my intention to seek an amendment. I thank Senator Aideen Hayden who approached me yesterday and advised me of a report on private rental property that was soon to come out. As the Senator has the same concerns as me, I am very happy to withdraw my intention to seek an amendment to the Order of Business.

With respect to the European Central Bank and the banking inquiry, I can only liken the ECB to the Vikings who came here, pillaged all we had and then left us to clean up the mess. How dare they turn around and say they will not come here and answer questions, having put this tiny little country to the pin of its collar to save the euro? If they will not answer questions, we should not pay our loans or anything we owe them.

With respect to the Water Services Bill, I remind the Leader that I indicated yesterday that if the Bill was to be brought before the House tomorrow with a view to having it finished before Christmas, I would propose an amendment the Order of Business and I believe there are others who would support it. It is wrong to try and rush this serious legislation through. I do not care what impact it has. The Government can decide at the stroke of a pen to delay this at any stage. It is wrong in every way to try and rush this through either House. I am putting the Leader on notice that I will propose an amendment to the Order of Business tomorrow. This is a chance for the independent Senators to show that the Seanad is independent. It may be time to teach Ministers that they should have some respect for the Members of this House.

I thank Senator Gerard P. Craughwell for withdrawing his intention to propose an amendment to the Order of Business. I very much look forward to having that debate on rent regulation in the new year, after the publication of the National Economic and Social Council's report. Yesterday, I launched Threshold's annual report as Chairperson of that organisation. The report clearly shows that the current lack of strategy for the rental sector makes it not fit for purpose. Approximately 20% of Irish people now live in rented accommodation and that number will increase in the future. There are too many loopholes in the current legislation allowing for people to be economically evicted. The legislation does not allow for reasonable rent increases and does not allow tenants to make their homes in the rented sector. We cannot ask people to make their homes in the rented sector with a regulatory system that just is not fit for purpose. In the new year, together with our debate on regulation I would like to see a wider debate on strategy for the private rented sector.

Regarding the European Central Bank's decision not to participate in the banking inquiry, I share the disappointment of everybody in this Chamber. It is easy to conclude that this country is indeed being given the two fingers. The matter came up at the finance committee and the Governor of the Central Bank, Mr. Patrick Honohan, indicated that he would make a full and frank disclosure to the committee, to the point where he believed they would not be left lacking any information and would not be in a negative position because of the failure of ECB representatives to appear. I hope I am paraphrasing him correctly. I have found Mr. Honohan to be an honest and very forthright person in the past and look forward to his evidence to the banking inquiry. I wish the inquiry every success.

Tá mé ag seasamh inniu le aird a tharraingt ar cheann de na faillí atá á ndéanamh ag an Rialtas seo maidir le cearta agus ó thaobh na reifreann atá geallta. There was an extensive debate at the Constitutional Convention on a number of referenda that could have been brought forward. One of the recommendations is to extend the voting right in presidential elections to members of the diaspora. I am very disappointed that issue has not been brought forward. We now have a Minister of State with special responsibility for the diaspora, which is welcome. The Minister of State visits our emigrants abroad and gives them the impression that this is a priority for the Government, but it seems to have been kicked to touch once more. It is very disappointing for all those people who will not be able to get home for Christmas, many of whom have had to leave in recent years and who certainly want to have some role in the way people are elected on the island of Ireland. It is very important that we receive clarification from the Government as to when it intends holding this referendum. I hear there are sources from inside the Government being quoted that there will not be any more referenda during the lifetime of the Government. Have the voting rights of the diaspora been kicked to touch completely? Perhaps early in the new session we might have a debate on these issues, including how they pertain to people in the Six Counties who do not have a vote in the South, not just in the presidential election but also in Dáil and Seanad elections. Seanad reform is planned and we need to make sure we have representation for the diaspora in this House also. I second the amendment proposed by my colleague, Senator Kathryn Reilly, on the issue of voting rights. I concur with her.

I add my voice to those who have already spoken about the decision by the President of the ECB, Mario Draghi, and the ECB not to partake in the banking inquiry. Mr. Draghi said the ECB is primarily held accountable by the European Parliament. The word "primarily" should be taken up there because Ireland is not secondary. There is more than one way to skin a cat and if Mr. Draghi refuses to come to the inquiry, the inquiry should go to him. If the ECB is primarily responsible to the European Parliament, the inquiry members here can write out the questions they want asked and give them to our MEPs to submit for direct and written answer within the European Parliament. There is more than one way to be held accountable and we have MEPs representing us at the European Parliament. The questions can be put there and the members of the inquiry can go there, give the written questions to their MEPs and observe the answers.

As regards rushing any water Bill through, there is no intention to do so. We have seen debates in the Houses. Could we have a monitor on the Oireachtas system to monitor repetition when the same thing is said three, four and five times? I was listening to the debate in the Dáil and it was like a hamster going around in a wheel. It is an insult to debate.

I support Senator Michael Mullins in calling for the release of Meriam Ibrahim. Today I am calling for a debate on sexual violence against women because we cannot let that issue die. I am calling particularly on Sinéad O'Connor to go to the Garda. She has said-----

We do not mention in the House the names of people who are not here to defend themselves.

I am referring to a person of note who has written in a Sunday newspaper that she was sexually molested by a member of Sinn Féin and I am calling on her to go to the Garda.

The Senator is way over time.

She would only do a favour to Maíria Cahill and every other woman in so doing. As she is writing about it, she should be prepared to do so.

I agree with Senator Gerard P. Craughwell that it is not good politics to rush Bills through at the end of the year. We seem to have this problem every year and we have it again with the Water Services Bill.

I know that the Leader is saying he will allow as much time as possible on Friday for the Committee Stage debate on the Water Services Bill 2014, but it is still not good enough that an attempt is being made to rush it through in a couple of days and that we will be brought back next Monday.

(Interruptions).

I did not interrupt Senator John Gilroy or anyone else.

This is just pathetic.

I know that it is difficult to listen to the truth from the Opposition.

Senator David Cullinane to continue, without interruption.

Settle down now and listen for a second. As I do not think the current arrangements are good enough, I intend to support the amendment to tomorrow's Order of Business that will be proposed by Senator Gerard P. Craughwell.

I thought Sinn Féin wanted to do things differently on Friday.

I would like to comment on the suggestion made by Brian Hayes, MEP, that "we need to have an honest debate about this, rather than this kind of attacking Johnny foreigner kind of UKIP, au français national, Sinn Féin position." I find that deeply offensive and think he should withdraw his remarks. By lumping Sinn Féin in with the National Front in France or anywhere else, or UKIP, he is trying to portray Sinn Féin as a racist party.

Of course, it is.

That is absolutely outrageous and does nothing to tackle the issue. Sinn Féin is clearly an anti-racist party. It clearly believes in multiculturalism. It has very progressive policies. It has consistently called for progressive reform of our immigration policies. This type of politics is despicable. I do not like the rise of UKIP. I do not like the rise of the far right anywhere in Europe. Any attempt to lump Sinn Féin in with those groups does nothing to tackle the issue. It shows how silly and pathetic Fine Gael has become. I am calling for a debate on immigration. Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh has done a significant amount of work on the need to reform the system of direct provision, but that has not happened. Sinn Féin is to the fore in making sure people are treated fairly and equally in this state. I ask for that debate to happen as soon as possible.

The community in Ballingeary, County Cork, like the community in Dysart, County Roscommon, has had to take a High Court challenge to a decision by An Bord Pleanála to grant permission for a wind farm development. The local community won in both cases. It was ruled that a company could not receive planning permission for a wind farm development without knowing how it would access the grid. The company in this case was banking on using the Grid Link project to connect to the grid in the future. I raise this issue particularly because it seems that a proliferation of wind farm developments is proposed for County Mayo. The Grid West project has not yet been sanctioned. There are serious questions about whether it will go ahead. The ESB needs to ask serious questions about whether it is needed. I have previously called for a serious debate in this House on wind energy. I have to say that on this occasion, as in the Dysart case, An Bord Pleanála has been found out. I am calling on the Leader of the House to arrange a debate as soon as possible after we resume in January on the need for wind energy projects.

Like others, I agree fully with Senator Paschal Mooney's remarks about the refusal of Mr. Draghi and the European Central Bank to participate in the banking inquiry. We know we have a first-class record as excellent Europeans. We support the euro and all the institutions. The Taoiseach and the Government will have to take up this issue in the strongest possible manner. That needs to happen quickly. The non-participation of Mr. Draghi and the ECB will weaken the inquiry, which cannot be seen to be full and thorough in the absence of people who were so central to the matters under scrutiny. We await developments in early course in this regard.

I agree totally with what the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Simon Coveney, said this morning on the fisheries issue. I join Senator Michael Mullins in congratulating the Minister on the €123 million package for whitefish fishermen. This issue is close to the hearts of the Leas-Chathaoirleach and everyone else involved in fishing in the area of the Celtic Sea to the south of his constituency. This package is very much to be welcomed.

It has already been mentioned that we could usefully have a debate on the situation in Northern Ireland in the new year. The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Charles Flanagan, and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland have invested a huge amount of time in this process. It is unfortunate that the parties have not yet managed to come to some compromise agreement. I look forward to a debate on the matter at an early stage of the new year.

My good friend, Senator David Cullinane, is in great form this morning. If we were to ask Maíria Cahill to comment on the Senator's suggestion Sinn Féin was interested in fair and equal treatment, we might find that she did not fully agree with it. If we were to ask the families of young Paul Quinn or many of the disappeared, we might find they did not agree that they had been treated fairly or equally by Sinn Féin. That is not the reason I am speaking. I could not allow Senator david Cullinane's remarks to pass without comment.

When will we have a debate on homelessness? Has the Leader pencilled in a date for such a debate? The Members of this House would like to comment on it. I would like to point out to the House, in the context of the political debate on homelessness, that when it was recently proposed to build nine two-bedroom social housing units in Balrothery aimed at elderly people and perhaps those with disabilities also, the great heroes of the Anti-Austerity Alliance and the People before Profit councillors in the Balrothery area voted against it. Members of these parties and Sinn Féin are often heard shouting and roaring about the fair and equal treatment of people in society. When does the Leader propose that we have a full debate on homelessness?

I agree with colleagues that the timing of Mr. Draghi's letter to the Chairman of the banking inquiry was a deliberate attempt to subvert that committee's efforts to reach real conclusions about what happened when the economic process in this country collapsed and this country was forced and blackmailed by the European Central Bank into taking on board a huge debt on behalf of the people. I do not believe we should have had to take on that debt. As Senator Denis O'Donovan said, if we are able to extradite somebody from Brazil for €80 million of outstanding debt, the least we should expect is for the president of the ECB and the former president of the ECB - the president at the time - to attend the properly constituted banking inquiry being held by the Houses of the Oireachtas.

I agree with the Senators who have said the Taoiseach should come into the House to give us an update on the discussions in Northern Ireland. Thankfully, huge progress has been made on this issue, particularly in ensuring peace, in the past decade or so. It has been a victim of its own success, as far as the Government is concerned. The process has been totally ignored and not supported in the way it should have been. The Taoiseach needs to come to the House to give us an update on what exactly he proposes to do to ensure progress is made to resolve the difficulties in the North of Ireland.

I welcome the recent announcement by the Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Michael Ring, that an allocation will be made to sports bodies and organisations as part of the 2014 Supplementary Estimate for the Department. The Estimate provides for funding in a number of areas to support our athletes at home and as they travel abroad to compete on the world stage. Some €1 million has been allocated for the purchase of equipment by the national governing bodies of sport. Another €1 million has been provided to fund the preparation programmes of high performance athletes who are preparing for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Some €80,000 has been set aside for the development of a new headquarters for Special Olympics Ireland within the national sports complex. This funding will support elite performance and participation. As part of the stimulus funding that has been announced, some €80,000 will go towards the development of a headquarters for Special Olympics Ireland within the national sports campus complex.

It is important that, as the economy recovers and additional funding may become available, we facilitate the promotion of sport at every level. The social, mental and physical benefits associated with sport mean that we must do all we can to encourage participation at local level. We must do everything in our power to support our athletes as they progress. The measures further demonstrate the Government's continued commitment to sport in Ireland and recognise the important role that sport plays within communities throughout the country.

I refer to the most serious matter affecting the country, namely, the position in the talks in the North. I raised this matter yesterday and asked the Leader to arrange for the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Charles Flanagan, to come before the House to discuss it. My colleague, Senator Paschal Mooney, has asked that the Taoiseach come before us to outline the position. I completely support the Senator's call in this regard. What happened at the recent talks was tantamount to fraud. The Prime Minister, Mr. Cameron, did not have the patience to await developments and left the talks at 10 a.m. on Friday last. On the basis of the information I have received, I understand that if he had put his shoulder to the wheel for that day, the relevant issues would have been resolved. I have no difficulty in saying Mr. Brian Feeney of the Irish Republican News places the blame for this shambles at the feet of the proconsul. I am surprised by the cheek of the Prime Minister in offering those in the North €25 billion of their own money to be repaid over 25 years at normal interest rates. That is farcical. What has happened is very sad. The Taoiseach is doing his best, but it is not good enough. There is a crisis in the North. Massive efforts have been made to bring the peace process to fruition, but those involved have almost been hung out to dry.

I am not a supporter of the banking inquiry. I set out my reasons for this on previous occasions. I do not think that engaging in such an inquiry is a job for politicians. I also do not believe there will be public satisfaction with its outcome. That said, I do not approve of the complete disregard the European Central Bank and others have displayed towards the Irish parliamentary process. This issue highlights the new power relationship between Ireland, as a small member state of the European Union, and the European bureaucracy.

I wish to raise the issue of the new personal data collection rules proposed by the Department of Education and Skills in respect of primary schools. A number of primary school principals have brought to my attention their concerns regarding the scope of the information being collected and whether this will be shared with other organisations. Primary schools collect certain data on the age, addresses, PPS numbers, etc., of students. This information is used for identification purposes. The Department is proposing that primary school principals should collect new data on students and record this on the proposed primary online database system, which can be viewed by departmental officials. There will be different categories of personal data held. These will include personal data shared between a school and the Department, as is currently the case; and sensitive personal data shared between a school and the Department - this is a new category which will include information on students' race and religion and those of their parents. Previously, the only organisation which recorded such information was the Central Statistics Office in the form of the highly confidential census. Now a Department of State is proposing to collect and store this information. The Department of Education and Skills has defended the proposal by stating it will use pupil data in categories 1 and 2 for planning, policy and statistical purposes. While I support the legitimate collection of information for such purposes, a number of major questions relating to this matter remain unanswered. For example, with what other State bodies will the Department be sharing the sensitive data of primary school students and for what purpose? Why is the Department proposing to retain personal data in categories 1 and 2 for each pupil up to the period of the pupil's 30th birthday? I would like to hear from the Minister for Education and Skills on this matter.

I will not be requesting a debate on the most recent comments of the Minister for Health, Deputy Leo Varadkar, on abortion. All I will say is that it is sad to see this political change of tack on his part. I am also saddened by the fact that the Minister is lending his support to what are really destructive elements in our society. This is an unwelcome development, but, thankfully, the people will be required to have their say on any change in this area. The much-maligned eighth amendment to the Constitution at least ensures we are in a situation where only the people can decide. When unprincipled politicians continually shift their ground - under the guise of compassion - it is just as well that the people must be consulted.

Senator Mooney Paschal referred to the fact that we would be taking Committee and Report Stages of the Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill today. There is very little remaining to be debated on Committee Stage. I discussed this matter with the Senator's party's leader in the Seanad and he was quite amenable to having a break between Committee and Report Stages. If a problem arises, we will certainly try to rectify it and take Report Stage at another time. As matters stand, however, the arrangements I announced remain in place.

The vast majority of Members referred to the refusal of representatives of the European Central Bank to attend the banking inquiry. This is regrettable and completely unacceptable. An appearance by representatives of the ECB at the inquiry is essential. As Senator Aideen Hayden indicated, the Governor of the Central Bank, Professor Honohan, will give evidence to the inquiry. Professor Honohan was involved with the ECB at the time of the bank guarantee. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Simon Coveney, indicated in very strong terms earlier this morning that the ECB should send representatives to appear before the inquiry. The Chairman of the inquiry has indicated that he will be writing again to Mr. Draghi to ask him to reconsider his position. I am sure the Government will be making strong representations in order to have Mr. Draghi attend the inquiry. Senator Cáit Keane suggested there might be ways for Irish MEPs to obtain answers from Mr. Draghi. I do not believe anything would be as appropriate as his appearing before the inquiry to answer questions posed by its members.

Senator Paschal Mooney and others referred to the Northern Ireland talks. The Government is fully engaged with the talks, in which both the Taoiseach and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Charles Flanagan, have been involved. The parties in Northern Ireland have serious responsibilities to which they must face up. They must also knuckle down when it comes to breaking the impasse. The Government is fully engaged with the Northern Ireland talks process and this will continue to be the case.

Senator Ivana Bacik referred to the massacre of children in Pakistan. It is absolutely appalling that they were killed in such a manner. What happened yesterday highlights the need to tackle terrorism worldwide. The Senator also referred to funding for Childline. The Government is involved in negotiations with the organisation and it is to be hoped the matter can be rectified in early course.

Senator Feargal Quinn lauded the President on his successful visit to China. I agree with him that the visit was successful and hope great benefits will accrue to both countries as a result of it. The President was accompanied on his visit by a number of Ministers, including the Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael Noonan. The Senator also welcomed the proposed development of business opportunities for the postal service. It is extremely important that post offices nationwide remain open and viable.

Senator Hildegarde Naughton encouraged more donors, those who might donate bone marrow, etc., to come forward.

Senator Denis O'Donovan also referred to the ECB. The word "extradition" may be too strong to use in the case of Mr. Draghi. However, I agree with the general sentiments expressed by the Senator to the effect that Mr. Draghi should come before the banking inquiry.

Senator Denis Landy welcomed the granting of planning permission for the new greenway between Carrick-on-Suir and Clonmel and the tourism benefits to which this development would give rise. The Senator claimed that Sean Kelly was a Tipperary man, but I assure him that he is a good Waterford man from Carrickbeg. He comes from a place on the right side of the river and is very proud of this fact. We can certainly arrange a debate in the new year on tourism, particularly in the context of the strategy for the south east.

Senator Kathryn Reilly has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business which I do not propose to accept that No. 58, non-Government motion No. 10, which relates to the holding of a referendum on reducing the voting age to 16 years be taken today. The date of the referendum has not been set, but the Government is committed to holding it.

Senators Michael Mullins and Paul Coghlan referred to the refusal of representatives of the European Central Bank to co-operate with the banking inquiry. They also congratulated the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Simon Coveney, on his success in the negotiations on fisheries. I understand they were very tough negotiations and that what the European Union was proposing was absolutely crazy. We now have an increase in prawn catches and a benefit in the case of whitefish, cod and haddock. The outcome of the negotiations has been welcomed in general by all those involved in fisheries.

Senator Michael Mullins also referred to the plight of an Irish citizen being held in an Egyptian prison. The Government has appealed to the Egyptian authorities and I am sure that appeal will be renewed into the future.

Senator Gerard P. Craughwell referred to the forthcoming debate on the Water Services Bill 2014. I assure him the legislation will not be rushed through the House in any way. We will allocate as much time as is necessary tomorrow to complete Second Stage and will have all day and night on Friday for Committee Stage. Several Members on the other side of the House asked why we were not taking Committee and Report Stages on Friday. There is a difference of opinion on this. However, we will have ample time on Monday to deal with Report Stage. We will give the same attention to the Bill as we give to all legislation that is brought before us. The debate will not be rushed in any way and no guillotine will be applied.

Senator Aideen Hayden called for a debate on the private rental sector, as did Senator Gerard P. Craughwell. I hope to accommodate that request by arranging a debate early in the new year.

Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh spoke about giving voting rights to members of the diaspora and reducing the voting age to 16 years. His colleague has tabled an amendment to the Order of Business on the holding of a referendum on the second matter. I note the Senator's points in that regard.

Senator Cáit Keane referred to sexual violence against women. We will have an opportunity to debate that issue when we take Committee Stage of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) (Amendment) Bill 2014 early in the new year.

Senator David Cullinane referred to the debate on the Water Services Bill 2014. As I said, there will be ample time for all Members to contribute to the debate and there will be no rush to get the legislation through.

Senator John Kelly raised questions about a wind farm development in County Cork. I will renew my request to the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Alex White, to come to the House in the new year for a debate on the issue.

Senator Paul Coghlan spoke about the input of the European Central Bank being central to the success of the banking inquiry. He also called for a debate on Northern Ireland. I will arrange that debate early in the new year.

Senator John Gilroy referred to the issue of homelessness. We had a debate on 3 December which was attended by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Alan Kelly, and might ask for a progress report on the matter after Christmas. I also note the Senator's points about the Sinn Féin Party and the questions that need to be answered on its treatment of Maíria Cahill and the family of Paul Quinn.

Senator Terry Brennan spoke about financial support for elite sports people and the need for greater participation in sport. There is no doubt that sport plays an important role in Irish society.

Senator Mary White referred to the talks on Northern Ireland. As I said, we will have a debate on the matter early in the new session.

Senator Rónán Mullen referred to the collection of data from schools in the context of planning and policy. His question about what information the Department of Education and Skills will share with other Departments is valid. Perhaps an Adjournment motion might help to solicit answers from the Minister on that point.

Senator Paschal Mooney has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, "That a debate with the Taoiseach on the decision of the Governor of the European Central Bank not to appear before the banking inquiry and on the Government's approach to the current talks in Northern Ireland be taken today." Is the amendment being pressed?

Amendment put:
The Seanad divided: Tá, 16; Níl, 25.

  • Craughwell, Gerard P.
  • Cullinane, David.
  • Daly, Mark.
  • Leyden, Terry.
  • Mooney, Paschal.
  • Mullen, Rónán.
  • Norris, David.
  • Ó Clochartaigh, Trevor.
  • O'Brien, Darragh.
  • O'Donovan, Denis.
  • O'Sullivan, Ned.
  • Power, Averil.
  • Quinn, Feargal.
  • Reilly, Kathryn.
  • White, Mary M.
  • Wilson, Diarmuid.

Níl

  • Bacik, Ivana.
  • Brennan, Terry.
  • Burke, Colm.
  • Coghlan, Eamonn.
  • Coghlan, Paul.
  • Comiskey, Michael.
  • Conway, Martin.
  • Cummins, Maurice.
  • Gilroy, John.
  • Hayden, Aideen.
  • Henry, Imelda.
  • Higgins, Lorraine.
  • Keane, Cáit.
  • Kelly, John.
  • Landy, Denis.
  • Moloney, Marie.
  • Moran, Mary.
  • Mulcahy, Tony.
  • Mullins, Michael.
  • Naughton, Hildegarde.
  • O'Neill, Pat.
  • Sheahan, Tom.
  • van Turnhout, Jillian.
  • Whelan, John.
  • Zappone, Katherine.
Tellers: Tá, Senators Ned O'Sullivan and Diarmuid Wilson; Níl, Senators Paul Coghlan and Aideen Hayden.
Amendment declared lost.

Senator Kathryn Reilly has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, "That No. 58, non-Government motion No. 10, be taken today." Is the amendment being pressed?

Amendment put:
The Seanad divided: Tá, 15; Níl, 27.

  • Byrne, Thomas.
  • Craughwell, Gerard P.
  • Cullinane, David.
  • Daly, Mark.
  • Leyden, Terry.
  • Mooney, Paschal.
  • Norris, David.
  • Ó Clochartaigh, Trevor.
  • O'Brien, Darragh.
  • O'Donovan, Denis.
  • O'Sullivan, Ned.
  • Power, Averil.
  • Reilly, Kathryn.
  • White, Mary M.
  • Wilson, Diarmuid.

Níl

  • Bacik, Ivana.
  • Brennan, Terry.
  • Burke, Colm.
  • Coghlan, Eamonn.
  • Coghlan, Paul.
  • Comiskey, Michael.
  • Conway, Martin.
  • Cummins, Maurice.
  • Gilroy, John.
  • Hayden, Aideen.
  • Henry, Imelda.
  • Higgins, Lorraine.
  • Keane, Cáit.
  • Kelly, John.
  • Moloney, Marie.
  • Moran, Mary.
  • Mulcahy, Tony.
  • Mullen, Rónán.
  • Mullins, Michael.
  • Naughton, Hildegarde.
  • Noone, Catherine.
  • O'Neill, Pat.
  • Quinn, Feargal.
  • Sheahan, Tom.
  • van Turnhout, Jillian.
  • Whelan, John.
  • Zappone, Katherine.
Tellers: Tá, Senators David Cullinane and Trevor Ó Clochartaigh; 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, 14.

  • Bacik, Ivana.
  • Brennan, Terry.
  • Burke, Colm.
  • Coghlan, Eamonn.
  • Coghlan, Paul.
  • Comiskey, Michael.
  • Conway, Martin.
  • Craughwell, Gerard P.
  • Cummins, Maurice.
  • D'Arcy, Jim.
  • Gilroy, John.
  • Hayden, Aideen.
  • Henry, Imelda.
  • Higgins, Lorraine.
  • Keane, Cáit.
  • Kelly, John.
  • Landy, Denis.
  • Moloney, Marie.
  • Moran, Mary.
  • Mulcahy, Tony.
  • Mullen, Rónán.
  • Mullins, Michael.
  • Naughton, Hildegarde.
  • Noone, Catherine.
  • O'Neill, Pat.
  • Quinn, Feargal.
  • Sheahan, Tom.
  • van Turnhout, Jillian.
  • Whelan, John.
  • Zappone, Katherine.

Níl

  • Byrne, Thomas.
  • Cullinane, David.
  • Daly, Mark.
  • Leyden, Terry.
  • Mooney, Paschal.
  • Norris, David.
  • Ó Clochartaigh, Trevor.
  • O'Brien, Darragh.
  • O'Donovan, Denis.
  • O'Sullivan, Ned.
  • Power, Averil.
  • Reilly, Kathryn.
  • White, Mary M.
  • Wilson, Diarmuid.
Tellers: Tá, Senators Paul Coghlan and Aideen Hayden; Níl, Senators Ned O'Sullivan and Diarmuid Wilson.
Question declared carried.
Barr
Roinn