Proposed debate on poverty
The Leader says a special poverty debate may be arranged, noting that poverty spans several Departments and has been addressed through social-welfare and jobs debates; the Order of Business is then agreed.
Senator Paul Coghlan outlined measures for people in mortgage arrears, while Senator David Cullinane called for a debate on the issue of poverty. We have had debates on social welfare, job creation and budgets, all of which are linked with poverty. We will try to arrange a special debate on the issue, but it is wide-ranging and encompasses a number of Departments. We have had a debate on the Social Welfare Bill and the Action Plan for Jobs, all of which contribute to the reasons people are living in poverty.
Senator Mark Daly referred to the 2011 report on deprivation which dealt with some of the budgets put in place by Fianna Fáil when in government. I have no intention of debating a leaked report. Its leaking was totally ill-advised.
Senator Michael Mullins referred to the public consultation report on lifestyle changes aimed at the prevention of cancer. I will endeavour to have the Minister for Health come to the House to discuss the document. I remind the House that we will have another public consultation session next week. A number of Senators wrote to me to seek such a debate with Ashoka and Social Entrepreneurs Ireland. We will have that debate next Thursday between 11.30 a.m. and 3 p.m. I hope for a good attendance and that Members will take part in the public consultation session.
I note Senator Feargal Quinn's point on upward-only rent reviews. I understand there are constitutional difficulties in that regard, but it is certainly on the agenda for the Government. I will bring the Senator's remarks to the attention of the Minister for Justice and Equality.
Senator John Kelly brought up a wide range of issues, in particular, incentives for people to work. The Government is all about providing such incentives and that programme is beginning to bear fruit. Another major jobs announcement was made earlier and that will happen again in the near future in a number of areas. Things are, therefore, beginning to turn and let us hope that will continue to be the case.
Senator Jim Walsh called for a debate on Northern Ireland issues. The issues he raised were discussed by the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement on a number of occasions, but it is probably time we had a debate in the House on them. As I mentioned, the Minister for Health has not even had sight of the report the Senator requested him to release.
Senator Martin Conway raised the issue of family reunification and referred to the conference under way in Dublin. I wish the eminent judge and his colleagues well in their deliberations on that subject.
Senator Rónán Mullen referred to a number of areas within the remit of the Minister for the Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Perhaps the questions of tickets and Inishmore might be raised via an Adjournment matter. The Minister could give him a specific reply on them.
