Order of Business
The Leader outlined Finance Bill timing, and Senator Ó Céidigh proposed moving No. 6 ahead of No. 1; the amendment was seconded and later accepted. Senator Ardagh also raised the threatened loss of the Inis Mór ferry service.
The Order of Business is No. 1, Finance Bill 2016 - Second Stage, to be taken at 1.30 p.m., with the contribution of group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes and that of all other Senators not to exceed five minutes.
Comment on this
I wish to raise two issues. The first is the fear felt by residents of Inis Mór in County Galway over the loss of a ferry link to the mainland. Island Ferries, which runs the service from the south Connemara town of Rossaveal, has said it will cease sailings until 17 March 2017. The row between Island Ferries and Galway County Council arises from a by-law passed by the council in 2011 stipulating that a harbour levy must applied in respect of passengers to and from Inis Mór. Island Ferries, which is the sole operator, has said it has no choice but to withdraw its winter service due the difficulties in paying this levy, which it says is too high. I ask the Government to ensure this matter is resolved so that residents of the island are not left without a service this winter.
I call on the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to address the question of why he has not filled vacancies on certain State boards. He admitted on radio that he has been provided with shortlists by his Department yet he is still unable to make these decisions. There is particular concern about vacancies on the boards of the Road Safety Authority, Dublin Bus, Fáilte Ireland, Bus Éireann, daa, the Irish Aviation Authority and Shannon Group, to name a few. These vacancies are stifling the work of many of these boards in making decisions and planning for our future. It is particularly important that these State companies are on top of their game given the uncertainty caused by Brexit. This country must be in a position where we are thinking ahead and operating in a competitive and organised manner as a State.
Comment on this
I would like to propose an amendment to the Order of Business, that No. 6 be taken before No. 1 today. A number of months ago, I asked the Leader if we could invite the Minister of Finance in Northern Ireland to address us. It is more pertinent in respect of Brexit. Could the Leader raise the matter with the Committee on Procedure and Privileges?
