We use Google Analytics to see which pages are read and how the site is used, so we know what to improve. This only runs if you accept. See our privacy notice for details.

Seanad
‹ Order of Business

Teachers and social charges

Summary

The Leader acknowledges progress but continuing disagreement over junior-cycle reform, exchanges views on social-charge policy and responds to interruptions about temporary measures.

I note the Senator's points and those of others on the junior cycle. Senators Gerard P. Craughwell, Diarmuid Wilson, Paschal Mooney, Michael D'Arcy, Michael Mullins, Fidelma Healy Eames and others referred to the dispute with teachers on the junior cycle. It has been recognised that the Minister has gone some way, although obviously not as far as the unions would like, and I hope both parties will work to find a solution. That is what everybody wants, especially parents and pupils who will be affected by any dispute.

Senator John Kelly supported Senator Aideen Hayden on the provision of an additional €4 million for homelessness services in the Dublin region. He also raised a point, as he has done consistently, on rent supplement. The Minister will attend the House to debate the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill, during which the point made could be raised.

Senator Terry Leyden referred to the Garda Inspectorate's report. I named the other Senators who had spoken about the matter.

Senator Paul Coghlan referred to the work of Mr. Ryan, a former civil servant, on the Ansbacher accounts and welcomed the whisteblower legislation and its operation in this regard.

Senator Hildegarde Naughton referred to the ruling of the European Court of Justice and the consequences for taxpayers. It is a matter I am sure the Senator could address to the Tánaiste in the debate on the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill.

Senator Mary White praised Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council for its efforts on behalf of a constituent on the issue of rent and eviction. There are many unscrupulous landlords who are raising their prices to exorbitant levels in Dublin, in particular. Many people have come to me who cannot find a place to rent owing to the prices being charged. It is a matter that will certainly have to be addressed.

Senators Michael D'Arcy, Trevor Ó Clochartaigh, Fidelma Healy Eames and Catherine Noone referred to the issue of domestic violence. It is a debate we should have outside the debate on the Garda Inspectorate's report. We will ask the Minister to come to the House to discuss the matter.

Senator Colm Burke referred to access to social welfare payments by people returning home and the difficulties they experienced. Again, it is a matter which could be raised during the debate on the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill.

Senator Jim Walsh referred to the Garda Inspectorate's report and the need for greater leadership. He also mentioned the universal social charge, a Fianna Fáil-introduced tax the Government has taken-----

Comment on this

It was introduced as a temporary measure.

Comment on this

The Senator should let me reply. He had his say.

Comment on this
Paddy Burke An Cathaoirleach Fine Gael

The Leader to continue, without interruption.

Comment on this

When is it going to be removed?

Comment on this

The Government has taken more than 500,000 people out of the universal social charge net, a charge the Senator and his party imposed on the lower paid. That is what the Government did and it will continue to reduce a tax which was introduced by Fianna Fáil.

Comment on this