The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on update on implementation of the national forestry programme, to be taken at 12.45 p.m. and conclude not later than 3 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 given not less than six minutes to reply to the debate; No. 2, Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017 - Committee Stage, resumed, to be taken at 3 p.m. and adjourn not later than 5 p.m., if not previously concluded; No. 3, statements on defence matters, to be taken at 5 p.m. and conclude not later than 6.30 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 given not less than six minutes to reply to the debate; and No. 82, Private Members' business, non-Government motion No. 10 re report of interdepartmental working group on gambling, to be taken at 6.30 p.m., with the time allocated for the debate not to exceed two hours.
An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business
I wish to highlight the issue of Dublin Port and call for a debate on its future post Brexit. The House has had many debates on the unfolding situation, but it would be good to have a specific debate on the future of Dublin Port. The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Ross, needs to outline the plans for the port post Brexit, be it at the end of March or a short time thereafter. Dublin Port is the State's single busiest outpost in terms of customs checks and Border inspections and whenever the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union happens, it will become much busier. Its CEO has called it the pinch point post Brexit. As the Minister has also used that language, it is already known that there will be issues at the port. The CEO has stated technology is in place and that extra booths have been built. They will represent the first Border checks since the early 1990s. The work that will be done at the port will be intensive and time consuming. Therefore, we must ensure its infrastructure and the surrounding road network, including the Dublin Port tunnel, will be able to facilitate that work in order that we will not see lengthy delays in goods leaving the port for delivery in the rest of the country. The M1 and the Dublin Port tunnel are elements of the infrastructure people from north County Dublin use on a daily basis. North County Dublin is the fastest growing part of the country and increasingly providing housing for people living in Dublin city, yet it has inadequate transport infrastructure, with train services operating beyond capacity, a bus service that was designed many years ago and which is not fit for purpose and many people being forced into their cars, onto the M1 and into the Dublin Port tunnel. The situation is bad at the best of times, but the impending disaster of Brexit, regardless of whether it will happen at the end of March, the end of June or some other date, will have knock-on effects on the people living in north County Dublin and the northern half of the country who rely on the M1 and the Dublin Port tunnel to access the city.
While we are discussing the issue of transport, we might also consider the Luas. I live along the green line. When the service started, it was a comfortable way to come into town, but it has now reached the stage where, from approximately 7.30 a.m. until 10.30 a.m. and from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. or 8 p.m., it is like getting into a sardine can. Trams are so overcrowded, it is not funny. Someone cannot scratch his or her nose for fear of assaulting someone in the process. We might, therefore, include the Luas in any discussion on transport.
Last week the Leader and I met the Iranian ambassador. I compliment the Leader on addressing the issue of human rights in Iran, rightly so. He left the ambassador in no doubt as to his views. There is no getting away from the fact that the situation in Iran and other countries has to change, but that is no reason for Ireland to cut off its nose to spite its face. There are 80 million people in Iran who provide a massive market for beef, lamb, chicken and turkey. There are also massive opportunities in petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, ICT, exchange programmes for academics and co-operative academic work between the two countries. I cannot for the life of me understand why when almost every European country has an embassy in Iran and those who impose sanctions on Iran are trading with it on a daily basis, despite there being an open market in which to compete, we will not open an embassy there. We will not even put one official on the ground just to have a presence.
Yesterday my colleague in the Dáil, Deputy Michael Collins, raised the issue of the cattle market in west Cork last week and the frustration of farmers who were unable to sell their beasts because the price was too low. The situation was the same in Galway and Kilkenny. Farmers have beasts that are ready for sale but we cannot get a market for them. The market is flat throughout the country. I will let my colleagues who are more involved in agriculture than me address that issue. However, could the Leader invite the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to the House for a debate on Iran and the opportunities there? Perhaps we might get a clear explanation, not the usual old waffle about the fullness of time and the right juncture, of the reason no embassy is open there. We have a good relationship with that country. The Leader, the Cathaoirleach and I were in Iran and we were treated with the utmost respect and, by and large, we found the people to be happy-go-lucky and, like the rest of us, trying to scratch out a living. We might have that debate as it is something we should address urgently. There is an opportunity there. It is knocking on our door but we are not opening the door.
First, I send congratulations and solidarity to the family of Pat Finucane on the significant victory in the Supreme Court in London. For the first time there is judicial recognition that no proper investigation under Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights was carried out into his murder 30 years ago. The family have struggled for years to get this far and have shown dignity and grace in the face of sheer refusal and duplicity from British Governments. It is time the murder of Pat Finucane is properly and publicly investigated in a public inquiry. Nothing less will suffice.
On another matter, figures I received last week show that in Mayo 130 adults and 55 children are on the waiting list for inpatient ear, nose and throat, ENT, treatment and there are 2,028 adults and 823 children on the outpatient list awaiting treatment. That is more than 3,000 people in Mayo alone. The reason I investigated the figures is that I received a call from the parent of a child with autism who needed an appointment. She was told it would be two and a half years before the child would get an appointment. I thought that had to be wrong but on seeing the waiting list I realise it is true. It is absolutely scandalous in this day and age, when we talk about rainy day funds and how well the economy is doing, to have 3,000 people in one county alone waiting for ENT treatment. Delays in treatment can lead to permanent and irreversible damage to patients. Many patients in need of ENT treatment suffer from a range of other physical and intellectual disabilities as well. That magnifies the problem. As I mentioned last week, 60 more children were failed by the audiology testing services. In many of these cases earlier diagnosis and swift treatment could potentially have reduced any harm caused by this systemic failure.
The lack of urgency to clear the waiting list for 2019 shows that little has changed in terms of Government priorities. The Minister, Deputy Harris, said he plans to publish the joint Department of Health, HSE and National Treatment Purchase Fund, NTPF, scheduled care access plan for 2019 shortly. I urge him to make that a priority and to ensure that adequate funding and resources are provided to reduce and eventually clear these waiting lists. It is inhumane to have children suffering in this way only to be told that they must wait two and a half years for treatment. It must be dealt with. I ask that the Minister be invited to the House to discuss that plan and what he is planning to do to reduce the lists. It is impossible to explain to a child that because one does not have the money the child cannot get the treatment he or she needs.
I call Senator Nash.
I will give way to Senator Norris.
Normally you are first, Senator Nash.
Yes, but I wish to move an amendment to the Order of Business which Senator Nash will second. First, I am not aware of the decision of the Supreme Court in London but I gather it is positive and I very much welcome that. I have never been anything but greatly averse to the IRA and all its doings, but Pat Finucane was a professional man going about his professional responsibilities in representing citizens. He was murdered by a collection of loyalist thugs. Of course there should be a proper, full inquiry into this.
I propose an amendment to the Order of Business, that we take statements on defence matters from 3 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. and the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill from 4.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m.
Next I call Senator O'Reilly. Do you wish to second the amendment?
Let the record show that there was raucous laughter from the Leader.
It is a pity Senator Coghlan is not here.
I will begin by getting myself some brownie points by congratulating our Chief Whip, Senator McFadden, on a significant event in her life today. That should get me a couple of days off next week, please God.
Will you elaborate on the significance?
No, I will let her do that. I am very pleased that after a long campaign on my part, initially raising it in this House and the Leader bringing the matter to the Minister, today members of the National Transport Authority, NTA, appearing before the transport committee, are suggesting that we supplement taxis and hackneys in the country to work the country's less profitable shifts. I have been calling for that consistently so I am extremely pleased. It will have major implications for Cavan, Monaghan and all rural areas where there are dispersed populations.
I have a different request now for the Leader. I ask him to invite the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Bruton, to the House to discuss the climate change agenda. Central to that is the need for the next Common Agricultural Policy to incentivise and support farmers to green their activities and continue environmentally friendly activities, to expand the green low-carbon agri-environment scheme, GLAS, and so forth. That must be in the next Common Agricultural Policy and we should discuss it with the Minister, Deputy Bruton.
However, the main issue I wish to raise with the Leader and with the Minister, Deputy Bruton, when he comes to the House is electric cars. First, we need an infrastructure for them. We must have more and better charging points. I have a new proposition in that regard, which is that we should incentivise young drivers with an extra amount of money or a grant, and it would not be expensive on a national level, to make their first car an electric or hybrid car. The reason is that if a young person's first car is an electric car he or she will develop a green environmental consciousness and a pride in the electric car. That will expand to other facets of the person's life. The person will seek to have solar panels on his or her house and to do other things in the climate change area. I am specifically proposing, first, that we give a special incentive of extra money to young drivers to drive an electric car as their first car, second, that the Minister be invited to the House to discuss that and, third, that when we put a major focus on the infrastructure for electric cars and grant aiding young people to have them we also support the next Common Agricultural Policy having a very green dimension and decent money for farmers to do what they love, preserving the environment.
I propose an amendment to the Order of Business, that No. 15, the Criminal Justice (Public Order) (Amendment) Bill 2019 be taken before No. 1.
Last night, I had the privilege and pleasure of attending the film and documentary entitled "In the Name of Peace: John Hume in America" and somebody said that he could have written loads of films such as "John Hume in Europe", "John Hume in Westminster", "John Hume in Stormont" and "John Hume in Leinster House".
It was never John Hume in Fianna Fáil.
John Hume made a huge difference. He was truly a peacemaker. We should recognise the legacy that he has left our country regarding the work that he did. It was a privilege for me to meet Pat Hume and her family, and many other people. Between 200 and 300 people watched the film in Westminster last night, which shows the respect that people have for his efforts.
On 12 March we are holding an event called Champ, which has generated peace, harmony and affection among politicians from Northern Ireland in Westminster. The event is called Champ because this is a dish made with potatoes and scallions that everyone from Northern Ireland is familiar with. We have expanded the group to include politicians from Leinster House. The event will take place on 12 March in Westminster. Many politicians from all sides have been invited and they are very welcome to attend. A significant vote will take place on the same day as Prime Minister May will try to get her Brexit deal through; it will be an interesting day. With what is happening in Westminster, Europe and, indeed, here, I hope that we can have some deal in the coming weeks and months.
I call Senator Marshall; I regret that I did not see him indicating. He was leapfrogged there for a short while.
The Brexit discussions change on a daily basis and, in fact, on an hourly basis at the moment. In the last 48 hours we have witnessed a Prime Minister, after a deal had been rejected, offer the opportunity to separate the votes to leaving without a deal or the opportunity to vote on whether to extend Article 50. We have also witnessed Jeremy Corbyn do a U-turn and move to a position to support a second referendum.
This is a time for cool heads and steady leadership. We need to give space for Westminster to follow protocols and due process to define what will actually happen. It is not a time for inflammatory language or antagonising words. We all need to move away from the rhetoric of a bad deal being better than no deal or of no deal being better than a bad deal because all of this language is unhelpful. We need to recognise once and for all in Britain, Ireland and Europe that there is no such thing as a good Brexit.
Hear, hear.
If the UK needs and requests more time then that is good. If the UK needs and requires these decisions to be referred to parliament then that is good. If the Prime Minister and the UK Government cannot get a majority position and decide to go back to the electorate then that is good-----
Hear, hear.
-----and should be seen as such. Do not underestimate the integrity of either the politicians or the electorate. The best people to decide the future of the UK and its relationship with Ireland, the EU and the rest of the world are ultimately the electorate. Give them all of the facts, and I mean all of the facts, give them all of the information and let them decide. Democracy dictates that one is entitled to change one's mind and it is not undemocratic to do so. British citizens, like Irish citizens, are perfectly entitled to change their mind based on information that they now have.
In a climate where we are all reminded of the importance of respect we must respect the referendum, which we have done; we must respect the need to get this right, which we are doing; and, we must respect the 16 million people who did not elect to leave. It was Franklin D. Roosevelt who said: "Let us never forget that government is ourselves and not an alien power over us. The ultimate rules of our democracy are not a President and senators and congressmen and government officials, but the voters of this country." In 2016, this decision was presented to an electorate. If the British Government is so divided and is failing to get a majority or a consensus then it must raise the question of whether this is the right thing to do. Brexit began being about opportunity and sovereignty and has ended up being about damage limitation and division. Leader, I urge that this Government gives the UK Government time and space, and accepts that a few extra weeks now would be time well spent.
Last Monday evening, I tuned into "Channel 4 News" to get the latest news about the ongoing soap opera that is Brexit but it was not the lead item. In fact, the lead item was from Libya, which involved tremendous work done by an Irish journalist called Sally Hayden. She has been crucial in exposing the horrific torture and human rights abuses going on in Libya. I recommend that people watch the film, which can be downloaded from "Channel 4 News".
The film actually showed Eritreans being tortured, having hot molten plastic put on their backs, and having concrete blocks placed on their backs while they lay in chains on the floor screaming in pain. The reason this is happening is because the pirates who have taken these guys, girls, women and children extort large sums of money from the families in Eritrea. The horrible truth is that our Government is complicit in this happening because, through the permanent structured co-operation, PESCO, rather than rescue migrants and bring them to safe havens, now the PESCO forces, including our Naval Service, hand them over to the Libyan coastguard, which is the equivalent of handing these people over to pirates. The Libyan authorities, in turn, sell them as human commodities to people traffickers and at that point the torture, degradation, rape and mutilation is an everyday occurrence. This has all been filmed and it was all shown on "Channel 4 News" on Monday night.
Sinn Féin has been consistent in opposing the membership of PESCO by our naval forces. It gives me no pleasure to say that this situation shows how right we were. The most shameless disregard for human rights across the world is happening in the Mediterranean and, unfortunately, our Naval Service is part of it. We pay large sums of money to Libya to take care of the problems so that we do not have to see these people or worry about them and, in turn, they are sold, tortured, mutilated and killed.
I ask for a debate on the matter, Cathaoirleach, as a matter of urgency. It is time for people to stop their silence. Surely we should all be able to speak out against what is happening in Libya and against the role of our Naval Service in allowing it to happen.
I share the sentiments expressed by Senator Marshall. Thanks be to God, it now looks like we will have a deal or, as he hinted at, an extension. Please God, the moderate voices across both parties in Westminster will be to the fore and sense will prevail. I agree fully with what he has said.
I agree with Senator Feighan about the Champ event. It is a very good effort and has borne fruit over the past year or more by maintaining very good friendly relations between politicians at Westminster and here in Ireland. While it may not be possible for us all to get to the event on 12 March, we all wish them well and, hopefully, apart from Senator Feighan that some few others will attend.
This morning I am very concerned about the increasing number of deer in Kerry, particularly in the Killarney area. Traditionally, the deer have been largely confined to the Killarney National Park. However, there is much evidence in recent times that the deer have encroached on and roam well beyond the parkland. While I accept that fences are not the answer, in a few specific instances, mainly between the park and the Castle Ross lands and Killarney Golf & Fishing Club, some limited fencing would help. This may be also the case on another stretch of road between Ballydowney and Gortroe.
Our coroner has been concerned about the increasing number of accidents, unfortunately, causing death in a few instances. I am not too sure if the Garda is fully satisfied about that, but in any event, the deer are crossing that road to farm land on the northern side, and that is an important route on the Ring of Kerry. We need to hear more about an updated management plan from the National Parks and Wildlife Service. It might be appropriate for us to hear from the Minister on this matter generally.
I am happy to second the proposal made earlier in the proceedings by Senator Norris. It is important too that we would have an early debate on defence matters, especially on the pay and conditions of those who serve in the Defence Forces. That is important also in the context of the outcome of the vote that might arise from our consideration of Senator Norris's proposal.
I rise today to express my concern about what is going on in my home town of Drogheda at the moment. The town is in a state of fear. As Members of the House will know, an attempt was made on a man’s life yesterday in a horrific gun attack outside a toy store in a retail park on the north side of Drogheda. The Garda is very clear that it was connected to an ongoing violent criminal feud in the town. Drogheda simply does not have enough members of An Garda Síochána policing the streets or available to senior Garda management. Cities of an equivalent scale and towns that are much smaller, such as Dundalk and Sligo, for example, have units and shifts for 12 to 14 gardaí while in Drogheda many of the units only have five or six gardaí. Yesterday, only one marked Garda car was available to police an area with a population of 50,000, which is absolutely disgraceful. Last week, an overtime ban was introduced for the Drogheda area. In addition, in recent days I understand that the armed response unit was withdrawn from the area so there was no access to a full-time armed response unit in the middle of a violent criminal feud that is striking fear into the people of my home town. That is not good enough. It is disgraceful and absolutely scandalous.
The Minister for Justice and Equality, in a PR stunt, visited Drogheda Garda station in December. He is on record as saying that Drogheda will get what Drogheda wants and what Drogheda needs. What Drogheda got was 18 additional probationer gardaí, straight out of Templemore but we have only retained three to supplement a stretched Garda force in the town that is not sufficient even to undertake normal policing duties let alone police a violent criminal feud. People’s lives are at stake and it is only a matter of time before somebody is killed. My fear is that the first person to be killed will be an innocent bystander not connected to any criminal activity whatsoever in Drogheda. We need to have an urgent debate in this House and hear the Minister for Justice and Equality make a commitment to the people of Drogheda that the police force in our town will be properly resourced, not just to police the violent criminal feud but to do normal policing work, as we are entitled to expect.
I thank Senator Nash.
The gardaí who are in Drogheda at the moment require the kind of support that I think every member of An Garda Síochána in this country is entitled to expect. If I can, a Chathaoirligh, I will conclude on this point. This is an urgent matter. I understand that the Taoiseach is scheduled to visit Drogheda on Friday. My message to him is that he should not come to Drogheda if he does not have additional Garda resources to provide to the senior Garda management in the town. Otherwise, it can only be dismissed as a mere PR stunt, the same type of PR stunt that was undertaken by the Minister for Justice and Equality last December.
I second the amendment to the Order of Business by Senator Gallagher. It is a great day for the Finucane family. I concur with what Mrs. Finucane said, so I presume the outcome is totally satisfactory to her. I raised this issue many times in the Council of Europe. I thought there was collaboration between the United Kingdom and paramilitary forces, which amounted to state execution. There was also the assistance of an MP. The comments made in the House of Commons under full immunity were absolutely disgraceful. That must be exposed. It is a great day for the Finucane family.
I remind the Leader of my request for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to come into the House to discuss the beef environmental efficiency pilot, BEEP, scheme. According to an article in the Farming Independent of Tuesday, 26 February, by the reporter, Declan O'Brien, just a quarter of suckler farmers have applied for the scheme. An extension of the application period has been sought by organisations until at least Friday, 1 March. That is not satisfactory and I do not believe it will attract any more applicants but the Irish Cattle & Sheep Farmers Association, ICSA, and the Irish Farmers Association, IFA, have sought that. A total of 17,000 suckler farmers with 400,000 cows have applied, which is 26% of the 65,000 suckler farmers that are eligible. They know exactly what I said, namely, that it is a very unsatisfactory scheme. I reiterate the point that the scheme is badly thought out and should be fully reviewed. The chairman of the ICSA suckler group, John Halley, said the idea that €40 per cow would make any difference was an illusion. We now have typical suckler beef U grade carcases of 450 kg being cut by 10 cent per kilo or €45 per head. The scheme is completely counterproductive. Health and safety issues also arise, as it is a very dangerous endeavour to move a cow into a weighing scales and it will really not prove anything. At the very least, this matter should be reviewed now in light of the slow and low take-up, which shows that the Leader of the House does not have all the answers at any time, although he might pretend he has. He knew all about it yesterday but he certainly did not know that so few had applied, even though his party is in government. He is a bit of an illusion too.
It is a great place to be.
If only.
I wish to ask the Leader if we could have a debate on the housing options for our ageing population. I have just come from the AV room which was packed this morning for the launch of a Government document on housing options for our ageing population. The Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, Deputy Damien English, and the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Jim Daly, who has responsibility for older people, set out the excellent Government policy on housing options for our aging population. The real devil in the detail is that we must see performance, deadlines and targets for how it will happen. It is all very aspirational. I accept that every plan must have aspirations but it must also have mechanisms for monitoring its implementation. The reality is that we know many elderly people are living in houses that are perhaps a bit too big for them. They would like to trade down but they do not have the option because of the lack of supply of smaller residential units within their community where they wish to live and where they are involved in the community and have their library and doctor, and where they go to mass or wherever else. People want to stay within their communities. We all know that from our involvement in local government and in relation to housing. This is a really good policy document and I urge everyone to pick it up today. It has only just been launched in the past half hour. It is really good and interesting. If there is a slot sometime in the future I ask the Leader to set aside some time for the Ministers to come in and outline their vision on the policy and, more important, their timelines for the introduction of the various measures within it.
I rise this morning to talk about the aquaculture industry and licences therefor. Both the Leader and the Cathaoirleach are very much aware of the issue. I am concerned about where we are going and how we are policing aquaculture licences, the regulations and legal rights allowing people to get involved in the process. The industry will be a driver of the economy but we must ensure that the proper locations are identified for it. We must bring people with us. There must be consultation and informed debate about what it will mean for the marine area and marine users. It is important that the Minister would come to the House at some stage to outline his view regarding those issues. There is a proposal in Kinsale at the moment for an extensive mussel farm.
Location is a significant issue, as is the information provided. The Minister must clarify how much information is given in the applications. If sufficient information is not provided, how does the Department adjudicate? We need the Minister to come to the House to clarify these issues so that we can have an informed debate on where we are going to locate these farms. We all know that they are going to be part of the industry going forward but how we determine their location and engage with the public on same is very important.
We know that 2018 was a record year in terms of HIV transmissions in Ireland. New figures show that not only are we failing to combat HIV effectively but are actually going in the opposite direction to our European counterparts. Many of our European counterparts have the same health resources but have implemented and prioritised proactive health policies in this area. Many have invested in PrEP and PEP distribution and accessible testing but we have not done so. It should also be noted that it costs the State more than €400,000 to treat a person with HIV over his or her lifetime. This is money that could and should be spent on improving our health response to HIV.
An effective measure that could be implemented and would cost absolutely nothing is a renewed and inclusive sex education curriculum. At present, HIV prevention is regularly excluded from lessons in the context of men who have sex with men. We are not equipping our young people with the measures to fully navigate their sex lives in a safe and positive manner. Indeed, 24% of respondents in a HIV Ireland survey thought that HIV could be passed on through kissing or by sitting on a toilet seat which shows that misconceptions are increasing among young people. Something needs to give or to change in this regard.
The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education and Skills published its report on sex education which will inform the review by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, NCCA, of relationships and sexuality education provision. I support the recommendations in that report which are very ambitious and I commend Senators Gavan and Ruane who played a very active role on that committee. I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for Education and Skills to the House to discuss the report and provide an update on NCCA review.
I wish to fully endorse the comments of Senator Marshall regarding Brexit. I do not think that any right-thinking person on this island could disagree with one word of what he said. I also join Senators Conway-Walsh, Norris and Leyden in welcoming the decision of the Supreme Court in London on the Finucane case. The court found that no satisfactory inquiry was held into the murder of Pat Finucane in front of his wife and children in 1989. I reiterate my party's support for a public inquiry into that murder.
Hear, hear.
This morning on my way here from Cavan I drove through very severe fog for most of my journey. I was astonished at the number of cars that had no lights on, not to mention fog lights, in what were very treacherous driving conditions. I call on the Road Safety Authority, RSA, which has conducted very successful road safety campaigns on speed, tiredness and drink driving, to also devise a campaign on driving in very hazardous conditions such as fog, ice and snow. The RSA campaigns have proved to be very successful. I was astonished at the number of people who were driving without even their normal lights on this morning.
I wish to raise a related issue in terms of traffic and An Garda Síochána. Since the foundation of the force in 1922, bar a few glitches, An Garda Síochána has served the community of the Twenty-six Counties on this island with distinction. However, I have noticed recently that the word "Garda" is being dropped from a number of areas. We have the Policing Authority, reports on the future of policing and, most recently, I noticed that newer Garda cars do not carry the "Garda Traffic Corps" mark, which is a well respected brand throughout the length and breadth of the Twenty-six Counties, but have "Traffic Policing" on them. I am concerned that there is an attempt to denude the brand of An Garda Síochána. I am highlighting this because it would be a pity to do so. Since 1922 An Garda Síochána has guarded the peace and safety of our citizens. It could become known as the police but I do not want to see that happening. I hope that this is not as a result of the new Garda Commissioner coming from a police state.
That is rubbish.
It is not rubbish.
Senator Norris is entitled to be wrong.
The Senators have overused their entitlement.
I call on the Leader to respond.
I was going to ask if it was something I had said-----
Just because he said rubbish does not necessarily mean he was referring to Senator Buttimer.
I thank the 16 Members of the House who contributed on the Order of Business today. Senator Clifford-Lee raised the very important issue of Dublin Port and the contribution of the chief executive, Mr. Eamon Reilly, to the debate on Brexit. We should reflect on his contribution and his belief that there will not be any additional congestion, notwithstanding that there will be a pinch point. As the Senator rightly said, Dublin Port is a pivotal access point for goods entering and leaving our country.
In the context of Dublin and transport, it is important to recognise that the Government is committed to extensive capital investment in public transport. The BusConnects programme will bring about a significant reduction in journey times of between 40% and 50% which will greatly improve the customer experience. It is important that we have that debate and I am happy to invite the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to the House to discuss the transport issues raised by Senator Craughwell. The Senator also raised the very important issue of trade in the context of Iran. A parliamentary delegation made a very successful trip to Iran last year. We must stress to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade the importance of opening dialogue around the possibility of reopening our embassy in Tehran. We should not be dictated to by another super power in that regard. Significant trade opportunities can be opened up, notwithstanding the issues around banking and the persecution of Christians and those of LGBT persuasion. These are issues that also need to be addressed as part of a dialogue. Discussion is healthy and I commend the Cathaoirleach for having discussions last week with the Iranian ambassador in Dublin. It is through dialogue and exchange visits between our parliamentarians that we can open up new channels of communication which will ultimately lead to the reopening of our embassy in Tehran, which I support.
Senators Conway-Walsh, Feighan, Wilson and Coughlan spoke about Northern Ireland and about Brexit. I also welcome the ruling of the British Supreme Court today on the Finucane case.
It is important that we read what the Supreme Court said, namely, that an "effective investigation" into Pat Finucane's death had not been carried out. In the Lower House this morning, the Tánaiste reaffirmed the Government's position that there should be a public inquiry into the death of Pat Finucane. The former Prime Minister, David Cameron, gave a commitment but that was reneged upon for whatever reason. It should now be honoured. We all recognise that, as part of reconciliation on our island, there are people on all sides of the political divide seeking answers and justice for their hurts. Today is no exception. This House should send a strong message that a public inquiry should be initiated by the British Government.
Senators Marshall, Feighan, Coghlan and Wilson referred to Brexit. I concur with the wise contribution of Senator Marshall. If the British Government needs more time, let us give it that time. If it cannot get a majority in the Parliament, let us have a second vote. We were all warmly receptive to yesterday's comments by Michel Barnier when he said that he was doing all he could to reach a resolution but that the backstop was not renegotiable. That is the fundamental point. There will be another vote today in the UK and further votes later, but it is critical that the UK as a parliament and a people recognise that we are here to continue our relationship and work with it. There is no good Brexit, full stop. We commend the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Minister of State, Deputy McEntee, on their work.
Senator Conway-Walsh raised the issue of waiting times in Mayo. I do not have an answer for her, as I am not familiar with the issue. Senator Leyden will be glad to hear that.
Surprise, surprise.
Any frustration experienced by families and young people must be addressed as a matter of urgency. I suggest that Senator Conway-Walsh submit a Commencement matter on this issue. We have requested that the Minister for Health attend the House. I await his finding of a free spot in his diary.
As much as I would love to accept Senator Norris's amendment to the Order of Business, I will not do so. The Minister of State, Deputy Kehoe, has made himself available today. I thank the House in advance of the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill being taken today at whatever time that may be. The Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Flanagan, had a double entry in his diary, so I thank the House for providing for a debate of only two hours today, instead of the three hours that were scheduled. As I see no reason to change that, I will not accept the amendment to the Order of Business.
Senator O'Reilly made an interesting proposal regarding electric cars. The National Transport Authority will be before the Joint Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport today. The Senator's suggestion on incentivising young people through a grant or allowance to purchase electric cars as their first vehicles is an interesting one and needs to be considered. There is great foresight in the proposal. I would be happy to have the Minister come to the House. We all must try to improve our attitudes to climate change. An example of that is Senator O'Reilly's proposal, and I commend him on his suggestion.
I would be happy to accept Senator Gallagher's amendment to the Order of Business.
I join Senator Feighan in commending and paying tribute to John Hume, who has left a significant legacy on our island and in the world in which we live. Thanks to the work and life of John Hume, our world is a better place today.
Senator Gavan raised the issue of PESCO. It is important to recognise that it does not affect our national sovereignty and has no pressing impact on our neutrality.
Of course it has.
It is a co-operation of EU countries on particular EU defence projects. I do not see this as being tied in any way to how we can all condemn the blatant disregard for human rights in Libya. We can work to continue promoting and enhancing the lives of Eritrean people and we can ensure that the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade works on behalf of the Government to raise these issues. I would be happy to have him come to the House.
Senator Coghlan raised the issue of deer marauding through Killarney. It is an important issue. He referred to the Ring of Kerry, the N72 and other routes where this issue is having an impact on drivers. His point needs to be addressed. Some 120 deer have been culled but fencing has been ruled out.
Senator Nash raised the important issue of the ongoing violent criminal feud in Drogheda. As he will appreciate, I do not know the Garda numbers for Drogheda, but the Minister, Deputy Flanagan, has increased the moneys available to the Garda Síochána for new cars, new equipment, recruitment, and pay and conditions. I am not familiar with the overtime issue that the Senator raised. As he pointed out, the Taoiseach will be visiting Drogheda on Friday. It would be wrong to ask him not to go. It is important that he go to hear at first hand the issues affecting Drogheda. I am sure that the chief superintendent in charge of the district-----
I believe he has now reconsidered.
It is important that he hear about the issues.
He has heard them before.
Senator Leyden will be glad to hear that I do not have all of the answers regarding agriculture.
Surprise, surprise.
The Senator has all the answers. He has been here so long, yet he has done nothing wrong in that time. His party has done nothing wrong either. The Senator is like the salmon of knowledge. He is the font of all wisdom and knowledge.
I hope the Leader does not weigh the same cow again today.
That would be nice for a change.
The cow that Senator Leyden was flogging yesterday is well gone. I will repeat my points from yesterday. A man of such learned experience and wisdom will know that the Budget-----
That is enough about yourself, now.
-----Statement of October highlighted the issues with the closing date that the Senator raised yesterday and today. We all recognise that it has been a difficult year for agriculture. The Senator knows full well that the Government has no role to play in determining the prices that farmers get for beef from processors. However, we are supporting sustainable and efficient development through policies aimed at improving competitiveness. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Creed, and his predecessor, the Tánaiste, have travelled around the world opening new markets. Next month, the Minister will go to Turkey to open a new market.
The valuation out there is hardly worth it. It is disastrous.
All the Senator wants is for nothing to happen so that he can come in here and whinge every day.
No. When I was a Minister of State with responsibility for trade, I used to sell beef to places that could afford to buy it.
It is a pity that the Senator was not kept on.
Unfortunately, that was a loss for the State.
It is a pity he sold beef to Iran and left the Irish taxpayer with the Bill.
I am glad that Senator Norris came to my assistance. I was about to say that as well.
What did he say?
I said that it was a pity Senator Leyden had sold beef to Iran and left the Irish taxpayer to pay the bill.
It is called "Islamic Republic of Iran", by the way.
Senators, please.
We sold to Iraq as well. We were very fair.
Through the Chair, please.
Well, there we go.
And Libya.
We will not go back over the beef tribunal. I am sure the Senator will want to discuss that, too.
They were all vindicated, were they not?
I suppose Senator Leyden supported Mr. Philip Reynolds on the radio last Saturday, although he was probably busy at the Ard-Fheis and did not hear him.
Never heard him.
Perhaps the Senator should recognise that the Government is investing €300 million under the rural redevelopment programme to support the suckler sector. As the Senator rightly stated yesterday, there is a pilot scheme for suckler farmers worth €20 million specifically aimed at further improving the carbon efficiency of beef production. Besides the €20 million for the beef environmental efficiency pilot, BEEP, there is the €300 million under the beef data and genomics programme, €23 million for the areas of natural constraint scheme and further schemes that will invest significant amounts of money. The Senator can throw his eyes to heaven all he wants, but at least this Government is investing. He should acknowledge that. Of course, he will not do so, which is his wont.
Do not go that far. I am fairer than fair.
Last October it announced that it took four months to be implemented. That is real efficiency.
Senator Boyhan is waiting for the Leader to address his issue.
I rest my case.
Senator Boyhan referred to the publication this morning of an important report on the housing choices for older people in Ireland. Senator Marie Louise O'Donnell also raised the matter on the Order of Business yesterday. The points made by Senator Boyhan should be addressed in this House and it is my intention to have the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government come to it because it is critical that we have a discussion on the issue of choice and the future model of delivery of housing for older people. The Senator spoke about the report. The Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, Deputy English, has commented that it is a question of "right sizing", rather than downsizing. Having that debate is necessary and healthy and we will have it.
Senator Lombard raised the issue of aqua licences. I will be happy to have the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine come to the House to discuss it in due course.
In a very telling contribution Senator Warfield referred to the rise in the number of cases of HIV and the need for a new model to tackling it. It is alarming that there were 531 new cases last year. It is happening at a time when, notwithstanding the Senator's remarks, people are more aware and have greater access to information than ever before. It is frightening, therefore, that the number of cases of HIV is going up, rather than down. I agree that there is a need for a new collaborative approach to be taken. I will be happy, therefore, to invite the Minister for Health to come to the House to discuss the issue which is one that needs to be addressed urgently. The increase in the number of cases is significantly against the trend elsewhere in Europe. There is, however, a lot of good work being done in many parts of the country, but for some reason, it seems to be falling on deaf ears. Whether it is an attitudinal issue or a complete failure to understand, I am not quite sure, but there is a need to have a further conversation, leading to change in the model of delivery.
Senator Wilson made a very interesting point about the lack of care taken by motorists in difficult weather conditions and how common sense should dictate that they switch on their lights. I concur completely with him on the movement to change the name of "An Garda Síochána" and the word "Garda", on vehicles in particular. I was not aware of it, but I support him 100%. An Garda Síochána is what the force is called and it should always be that way. I am not in any way in favour of a change of name to policing or police force. I will be happy to have the matter taken up with the Minister for Justice and Equality.
While I will accept Senator Gallagher's amendment to the Order of Business, I will not accept Senator Norris's.
Senator Norris has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 3 be taken at 3 p.m. and conclude not later than 4.30 p.m. and that No. 2 be taken at 4.30 p.m. and adjourn not later than 6.30 p.m., if not previously concluded." Is the amendment being pressed?
Yes.
Tá
- Bacik, Ivana.
- Boyhan, Victor.
- Clifford-Lee, Lorraine.
- Craughwell, Gerard P.
- Daly, Mark.
- Daly, Paul.
- Davitt, Aidan.
- Gallagher, Robbie.
- Higgins, Alice-Mary.
- Horkan, Gerry.
- Leyden, Terry.
- Marshall, Ian.
- Nash, Gerald.
- Norris, David.
- O'Sullivan, Grace.
- O'Sullivan, Ned.
- Ó Ríordáin, Aodhán.
- Wilson, Diarmuid.
Níl
- Burke, Colm.
- Burke, Paddy.
- Buttimer, Jerry.
- Byrne, Maria.
- Coffey, Paudie.
- Coghlan, Paul.
- Conway-Walsh, Rose.
- Conway, Martin.
- Devine, Máire.
- Gavan, Paul.
- Hopkins, Maura.
- Lombard, Tim.
- McFadden, Gabrielle.
- Mulherin, Michelle.
- Noone, Catherine.
- O'Donnell, Kieran.
- O'Donnell, Marie-Louise.
- O'Mahony, John.
- O'Reilly, Joe.
- Ó Donnghaile, Niall.
- Richmond, Neale.
- Warfield, Fintan.
Senator Gallagher has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 15 be taken before No. 1." The Leader has indicated that he is prepared to accept the amendment. Is it agreed to? Agreed.