IFA action and CAP negotiations
The Leader says the Government is prioritising a successful CAP reform outcome after the IFA’s day of action, while also responding to exchanges on wealth taxation, banking debates and private schools.
In welcoming the acting leader of Fianna Fáil, Senator Ó Domhnaill, it seems Donegal is on a roll. With regard to the Irish Farmers Association's day of action, every organisation has a right to advocate for an individual sector, and agriculture is no different.
We have seen a very strong statement by the agrifood sector and rural Ireland outside the doors of Leinster House today that a successful outcome to the Common Agricultural Policy negotiations is vital. The Government is totally focused on ensuring the Common Agricultural Policy reform negotiations receive full priority. Anybody who was in the House last week listening to the Minister, Deputy Coveney, will realise that we have a person who will champion the efforts of Irish agriculture and farm families in the negotiations. I do not believe we could have a better person representing the country and farm families.
I do not intend to accept the proposed amendment to the Order of Business. I understand a similar amendment on the same issue was proposed by Senator Darragh O'Brien to the Order of Business only on Thursday last and it was voted down. I suggest we should not accept the proposed amendment to the Order of Business.
I will not get involved in the Private Members' debate we will have tomorrow. Senator Ó Domhnaill will have ample time during the debate on his party's Private Members' motion to express his concerns about that subject.
Senator Bacik welcomed the reforms to the junior certificate programme. They will be welcomed by many but not by others. I am sure we will have a debate with the Minister in attendance in the House in early course. The Senator also spoke about the improvement of urban centres. I could try to arrange a debate on that issue.
Senator Zappone raised a question on civil rights, especially in regard to eastern European countries, and called for the Minister of State with responsibility for European affairs to come into the House to outline the policies for our Presidency of the EU. I have arranged that and the Minister of State will come to the House in the next few weeks to address the points the Senator raised.
Senators Clune, Noone, Mullins, Paul Coghlan and others welcomed the development announced by the Kerry Group which will lead to the creation of 900 jobs by 2016 and 400 temporary construction jobs. This €100 million investment is a reflection of the enormous importance of the agrifood sector to this country and the potential economic benefit it may deliver in terms of exports, job creation and Ireland's global reputation as a centre for innovation. This is a very important development. We won the case and it was not just a simple matter, as Senator Noone mentioned, of putting on the green jersey. We were in strong competition with the cities of London and Amsterdam to secure these much sought after jobs. I am sure it will be a wonderful development. We would all like to congratulate everybody involved, Enterprise Ireland and everybody associated with this new development.
Senator Barrett raised the matter of the heads of a proposed universities (amendment) Bill 2012. Requests have been made for the Minister for Education and Skills to come into the House to deal with a wide range of subjects. I will speak to the Minister and perhaps we could debate the heads of that Bill as a separate item. Members have requested a debate on third level education, the reforms to the junior certificate programme and various other areas of education. I will try to arrange for the Minister to come to the House to deal with all those items and will inquire from him whether he is willing to come here to debate the heads of the proposed legislation.
Senator Hayden has raised the matter of how insolvency legislation applies to SMEs and requested the Minister for Justice and Equality to give his comments on that issue. I can arrange that. I suggest the point should also be raised with the Minister of State with responsibility for small businesses when he will be in the House in matter of minutes speaking on the subject of SMEs.
Senator Ó Clochartaigh's contribution was the usual positive one we hear from Sinn Féin on everything that moves. The Senator will have ample opportunity to discuss the many items he raised in his discourse.
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The Leader does not like being obliged to admit Sinn Féin was right.
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The Senator probably needs to improve his figures a little. I suggest, in respect of the taxing of wealth, that he consider last year's budget in which the following taxes on wealth were increased, namely, capital gains tax, capital acquisitions tax and deposit interest retention tax. Sinn Féin Members could do with brushing up on their maths because last night on television I watched a Member of the other House talk about €800 million being brought in on foot of the introduction of a wealth tax. Many holes certainly were shot through that proposal.
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I ask the Department of Finance to cost it.
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Senator Byrne seconded the proposed amendment to the Order of Business. I believe I mentioned last week that when the Minister for Finance came into this House to discuss the banking sector, the Senator was one of those Members who suggested he was fooling himself by appearing here to deal with statements on the banking sector and that he should be introducing legislation instead. Consequently, this is a bit rich, coming from the Senator.
Senators Harte, Colm Burke and Mullen raised the issue of private schools. It is another question for the Minister for Education and Skills, who is not scheduled to appear here for a number of months. However, a number of items must be discussed and Members should have an informed debate with the full facts before them, on both sides of the fence, rather than jumping to conclusions on this issue. Members need to have a calm debate on the subject.
Senator Norris raised the issue of the Ombudsman for Children's report, which I note. On my way to Dublin this morning, I heard the ombudsman making some valid points on radio. As for the Senator's points regarding the IMF, irrespective of the bailout, we still have a €15 billion deficit, which must be and will be tackled by the Government. This will involve cutbacks in several areas.