Irish Deaf Society funding
Senators debate whether to seek an immediate ministerial appearance or pursue the appeals process over advocacy-service cuts. Supporters call the reduction unjustifiable, while others argue that realistic parliamentary procedures and representations to Pobal are more effective.
I welcome the members of the Irish Deaf Society to the Visitors' Gallery. They have my wholehearted support. I will never stop supporting the Irish Deaf Society, but I must do so within what is reasonable. This is the Order of Business and it is important that we explain how that is dealt with. When one tables unrealistic and unachievable motions, one cannot expect either the Taoiseach or a Minister to come here at the drop of a hat. The diary for the day is set. It is unfair to people to give them unrealistic expectations that we can do this and order a Taoiseach or a Minister to come to the House.
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It is the Order of Business for today.
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I am talking about doing something for the Irish Deaf Society. It was the first motion I tabled. Senator Daly had plenty of time to speak-----
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The Senator did not oppose the cuts in the budget.
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I compliment Senator Daly because he is nominated by the Irish Deaf Society in the Seanad and he is doing his job. However, before I was a Member of the House and when I came to the Houses when there was plenty of money, I did not get much satisfaction. Senator Ann Ormonde and I came to see Senator Mark Daly and others, but we could not get a penny. That was in the good times.
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It was the first motion I tabled for the Adjournment debate and I will put it down again. Will the Leader arrange to have an urgent debate on this when we resume our business? The Irish Deaf Society-----
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We are not asking for a Minister to come to the House. We are seeking support for a motion.
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Every Member on this side of the House is making representations to Pobal. There is an appeal process which must be followed. What has been done is unrealistic and not justifiable. In my capacity as a Senator I will do everything in my power to ensure that the advocacy service is restored to the deaf. Who else do they have to speak for them if they do not have an advocacy service? That is the point. That is what we should be seeking, not putting forward unrealistic and unachievable motions. Tell the people the truth.