Frongoch and small business follow-up
The Leader returned to the Frongoch hut matter and then began responding to Senator Burke’s point on small businesses and local enterprise offices.
On the matter of the hut raised by Senator Niall Ó Donnghaile, he might make representations directly to the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Heather Humphreys, or table a Commencement matter. I will, however, be happy to take up the issue if he gives me the details.
Senator Paddy Burke referred to small businesses. I agree that they are the backbone of the economy and join him in commending the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor, for securing increased funding for the local enterprise offices. He is correct that they require further funding. I will be happy to have the Minister or the Minister of State, Deputy Pat Breen, come to the House to discuss the matter.
I commend Senator Keith Swanick for bringing such great imagery to the story he told the House. I hope we can all work to bring the issue to a resolution.
With regard to the Naval Service, I do not have the exact title for which the Senator is looking for the hospital ship. It is, however, an idea at which we should look. I join the Senator and hope all Members will join us in commending the men and women of the Naval Service who have done huge work in the Mediterranean in saving lives. From talking to the men and women who serve we are aware of the trauma they experience in taking bodies from the water and the effect it has on them. It makes us understand better the importance of the work they do. Sometimes newspaper reports do not illustrate or quantify in real terms the work they do and the impact it has on their lives.
Senator Paul Gavan has pointed out that USI members are demonstrating today, as is their right. The Cassells report has been referred to the education committee to be discussed. I share the Senator's view that the right to an education is one we should all have. The funding of third level education is being prioritised by the Government. The Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Richard Bruton, will come back to the House to discuss the action plan for education, with particular reference to third level education. There has certainly been an under-funding of education. In that regard, there is a need to increase further the capitation payment in the funding of third level education. I look forward to discussing how we can do this. Senator Colm Burke is right that we only have a certain amount of money to spend. If we were to adopt Senator Paul Gavan's payment plan model, we would have to increase taxation across the board. That is in line with the fact that Sinn Féin is a high tax party, but that is a choice it has to make.
Senator Colm Burke also raised the very important issue of the role of the access officer. I will be happy to have the Minister come to the House to discuss it.
Senator Catherine Noone referred to the consumption of sugar and the type and quality of hospital food served. This issue comes within the remit of Healthy Ireland and the task force on childhood obesity. I will be happy to have the Minister of State, Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy, come to the House to discuss it.
Senator Frank Feighan raised the very important issue of football hooliganism. I hope it can be taken on board in the FAI's strategic plan. To be fair to Mr. John Delaney and the FAI, they have been vigilant and worked hard to ensure grounds are free of football hooliganism. There are family enclosures and family tickets available. The FAI is to be commended for the work it has done in that regard. I agree with the Senator that outside influences from across the Irish Sea are not welcome and the FAI should ensure they do not take hold.