Leader’s responses to raised matters
The Leader responds to earlier concerns, including child-abuse allegations, and indicates that matters raised by Senators have been or will be addressed.
Senator Mark Daly spoke about the issue of child abuse, a matter he also raised last week when I think I gave a comprehensive reply on the points made by him. I do not wish to expand on them. I read about the priest in Florida who was a whistleblower, as a result of which he suffered through the actions of his church, which was absolutely crazy. An elderly nun who had assisted him in reporting the allegations of child abuse was also ostracised. It is a matter for another jurisdiction, but I think I dealt comprehensively with the Senator's comments on the matter last week.
Senator Ivana Bacik welcomed the giving of the green light for the introduction of two weeks paternity leave. She called for a debate on the matter and also on the cost of child care. I doubt that we will get around to having it in this term. I am sure, however, that whoever will be in my place after the general election will arrange such a debate.
The Senator also welcomed the Minister's clarification on the difference between a physiotherapist and a physical therapist, which has been welcomed by everyone.
Senator David Norris spoke about the European Court of Auditors and the fact that the Irish representative had to stand aside. It is regrettable that there is no representative from Ireland on this body when dealing with the issue referred to.
The Senator also strongly expressed his views against the new regulations governing the size of one-bedroom apartments. That matter has been debated at length and I am sure it will continue to be debated in the coming months.
Senator Máiría Cahill raised a very important matter about the IRA and informers and said Sinn Féin should clarify its position on it. She rightly pointed out that victims were always at the bottom of the pile, which is most regrettable. I will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Senator Paschal Mooney raised the issue of spam e-mails, including about Irish Water. I also received one and agree with him that it is a despicable practice. He said banks - Senator Michael Mullins mentioned Revenue - did not contact their customers in that way. Customers should be aware of this and not be conned. People must be very wary about what they receive in e-mails.
Senator Michael Mullins also referred to a recent horrific murder and called on the public to co-operate fully with the Garda, something we all endorse.
Senator Feargal Quinn raised the issue of organ donations and presumed consent, a matter we have debated in the House. I note his point about a young boy who received a transplant. It was wonderful to see how well and how young and vibrant he looked after the treatment. We all wish him well. This is a matter that will not go away. Differences were expressed from some sides of the House on whether providing for presumed consent was the right approach to take. Personally, I think it is, but there is a difference of opinion on the matter. Some action should be taken by the Government one way or the other on it.
Senator David Cullinane referred to the difficulties in the construction sector and the fact that some subcontractors were not paying proper rates. Workers must receive a fair rate of pay and any exploitation of workers should be condemned.
Senator Cáit Keane spoke about the ban in San Francisco on using small plastic bottles. She suggested we adopt a similar approach to curb plastic pollution and protect the environment. I doubt that we will have time to debate the matter in this Seanad, but I am sure it is one that will be raised and debated in the new Seanad.
In response to Senator Gerard P. Craughwell's inquiry, I mentioned the time allocated for the debate. Provision has been made for 25 speakers, which will probably be the maximum number who will offer to speak on the matter.
Senator Paul Bradford referred to town councils and the recent comments of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on the matter which was also raised by Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill. To go back on the decisions that have been made would require much debate in terms of which councils should and should not be reinstated if the decisions made were to be reversed. I am sure it is a matter that will be discussed by the new Members of the Oireachtas, whoever they may be.
Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill also called for a debate on Brexit and the economic implications of same.
The matter has been debated at the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly and in several other fora. I agree with the Senator that it is of paramount importance to this country and that if Britain was to decide to leave the European Union, it would have severe implications for Ireland. However, as I have said in the case of other matters, I doubt that we will have an opportunity to discuss it in the coming week or two.