Garda and GSOC confidence
The Leader says a policing debate could occur before or after the scoping exercise and affirms that the Government intends to address confidence in the Gardaí and GSOC.
Senator Ivana Bacik called for a debate on policing. When the reports are completed would probably be an appropriate time for a debate, but we could possibly have one before then. This matter was also raised by Senators Denis O'Donovan and Michael Mullins. Confidence in the Garda and GSOC is a matter of paramount importance that must be addressed and the Government has every intention of addressing it in the best possible way. There will a scoping exercise and if an inquiry is necessary, I am sure it will happen.
Senator Ivana Bacik, as well as Senator Katherine Zappone and others, also referred to the completion of the Constitutional Convention. Mr. Tom Arnold appeared before the House previously and agreed to return to debate the full report when it was complete. We will have that debate when the report is published.
Senator Katherine Zappone spoke about the protection of basic human rights, an issue discussed at the Constitutional Convention, and mentioned that the public consultation committee would also deal with the issue. I note her point about the situation in Uganda, a point also raised by Senator Michael Mullins. I share her concerns about the extreme legislation, which is reprehensible, introduced there. I will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade.
I note Senator Rónán Mullen's comments on the health service and universal health insurance, an issue I have addressed. In respect of wind energy, time was allocated for public consultation on the matter. I am sure we can have a debate when that period is complete. I have already asked the Minister on a number of occasions to come to the House to discuss the matter.
Senator Tom Sheahan and others raised the issue of rural post offices and referred to the need for post offices to attract new business and so forth. Last week there was a request that we deal with the 2013 report of the Joint Committee on Transport and Communications on promoting a sustainable service for the post office network. The report will be discussed in the other House tomorrow. I remind the House that we had a debate on the report on 4 July last year; therefore, we are well ahead of the posse.
