Syria motion
After further procedural reminders from the Chair, the Leader said he and the Minister would reflect on the views expressed on Syria and would support a revised joint motion condemning the violence in Aleppo.
I remind Members that when the Leader is replying, he is replying to those who have raised issues. I do not want further interjections by Senators. They have made their points and the Leader is replying to the best of his ability. Will Senators, please, allow him to conclude because we are running against the clock?
Comment on this
I am sure the Minister responsible will reflect on the views expressed in the House, as will the Minister of State, Deputy Pat Breen.
Senator Ivana Bacik referred to the situation in Syria and Aleppo. I worked with her over the weekend on the wording of a motion. We are happy to sign the revised motion. I appeal to all Members to sign it. With a joint motion, we can stand in solidarity with the people. There have been breaches of international humanitarian rules, as well as indiscriminate attacks and killings. We all share the views expressed, or at least I hope we do.
Senator Pádraig Ó Céidigh referred to the provision in the budget in respect of the Irish language and the Gaeltacht. I replied on this matter last week. The Minister of State, Deputy Seán Kyne, is committed to coming to the House to discuss it. I hope he will be here in the coming days or weeks.
Senators Tim Lombard, Kieran O'Donnell, Frank Feighan and Ned O'Sullivan referred to the relocation of the Seanad. It is important that we have a period of calm. There was a reaction on the radio this morning which was perhaps a little over the top. A process is being undertaken and managed by the OPW with the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission. The Superintendent of the Houses and representatives of the OPW and the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs are involved. It is important we allow that process to take its course. Equally, in tandem with it, it is important that we allay the fears and worries of members of staff of the Natural History Museum. If this House is relocated to the museum, they will find us happy, able and willing to cohabit with them.
We will work and live together happily. It is important that if there are concerns, they be ironed out and addressed. It would be helpful if all sides were to share information on the issues and processes involved. It would be wrong to have hysterics today. It is important that we allow the process to take its course and I hope we will do so.
Senators Paul Gavan and Robbie Gallagher raised the issue of industrial relations. As a former trade unionist, Senator Paul Gavan should know well that the most important part of any process is engaging in dialogue and negotiations and continuing to talk. I understand clearly the frustration felt by members of the Garda and the AGSI. It has been clear for a while, not just today or yesterday, that there have been issues with Garda pay, conditions and terms of service. The same applies equally to members of the ASTI. As a former member of the ASTI who went on strike once, I know that it is important that all sides engage in dialogue and negotiations. In this day and age there is no room for any of us to be complacent on any aspect or issue of public sector pay. The vehicle of a commission to consider public sector pay is one that should be commissioned and started quickly because industrial unrest does not do anyone any good, not least those who vote to go on strike. As the Leader of the Seanad, I appeal to the members of the ASTI, the GRA and the AGSI to engage with the Ministers, Deputies Frances Fitzgerald, Paschal Donohoe and Richard Bruton, whom they will find are willing and anxious to engage. I hope they will engage with them.
Senator Kevin Humphreys raised a clear issue about the EPA and the plant at Moneypoint. I shall invite the relevant Minister to come to the House to discuss the matter.
Senator Paul Daly has been vocal about the mushroom industry and the potential negative impact on 3,500 jobs. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine will be in the House next week when I am sure the Senator will be very able and willing to put his points to him. I share the views expressed by the Senator. Equally, I know from my conversations with him that the Minister of State, Deputy Andrew Doyle, has been involved and engaged with key stakeholders in the mushroom industry. Last week I was in attendance when he met one of the key people involved in the industry. Therefore, I know that he is taking the issue seriously.