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

Disability, youth image and referenda

Summary

Issues raised on disability supports, image and self-esteem among young people, and constitutional change are linked together in the Leader’s reply. He agrees these merit debate and says the Constitution can be amended by the people, while also noting some referenda may be pointless.

On a serious note, all Members agree that investment is required in respect of people with disabilities, whether in terms of housing adaptation, as Senator Devine referenced, jobs or education.

Senators Ruane and Noone made reference to the issue of image, photoshopping, young people's self esteem and magazines that present perfect people. As Members know, that plays on people's minds and the Senators are right to raise the issue. Senator Warfield referenced young people's issues yesterday and today. It is important that there be a debate in the House on youth services, young people and issues that affect them because those will be huge issues for society. If one looks at what is happening on Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook and Twitter - the last to a lesser degree because young people do not use it as much, although I may be in trouble for saying that - both Senators are correct that it is a huge issue that requires discussion and an action plan because it has an effect on how people see themselves. I welcome Senator Freeman back to the House. She is working in this area, to which I will return. I would be happy to have that debate. It is urgently required.

Senator Ruane also referenced the issue of access to education. I am a former director of education, and spoke last week at the third UNESCO international conference on learning cities which took place in Cork city and was attended by delegates from over 80 countries. I am aware of the importance of returning to education or empowering people to go out to the workplace and better themselves and get a job. I do not have the details the Senator mentioned but if they are given to me, I will pass them to the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Deputy Regina Doherty, because people must be allowed to progress. The issue raised by the Senator is disappointing and I would be happy to pursue it for her.

Senator Noone also made reference to the issue of mental health and Senators Freeman and Devine referenced the issue of 16 to 18 year olds not being catered for. A Seanad Public Consultation Committee report is soon due on the issue of mental health. All Senators will agree there are many factors, including the good work being done by the charitable sector, including Pieta House, in the area of mental health and suicide. It is important that we invest and try to prevent the tragic deaths of young people in our communities. I would be happy to have a debate on that issue when the report is completed.

Senator Murnane O'Connor spoke on promoting Positive Ageing Week and said that it is important the budget be a fair one that reflects the needs of our older citizens. I am sure the Minister for Finance, Deputy Donohoe, will do that in his budget speech.

Senator McDowell made a very eloquent address on constitutional reform. There is no one view on that issue. The Senator has expressed his. I am happy that he will park Seanad reform and will not put it to another constitutional referendum.

Comment on this
David P.B. Norris Senator David Norris Independent

There should be a constitutional referendum on it. It is a really radical way to deal with the situation.

Comment on this

It is equally important that Members understand that the Constitution is open to change by the will of the people. If our Constitution does not reflect a modern society, then we would not, for example, have passed marriage equality and we would still have people being treated as less equal than others in our Constitution. In saying that, Senator McDowell is right that there are referenda that can be held that are meaningless and pointless, and that will be the debate we will have on the different propositions being put to the people. I do not think we can be afraid to amend the Constitution if we think it needs to be amended, but that is a debate we can have. I welcome that the Senator does not want another referendum on Seanad reform.

Comment on this
David P.B. Norris Senator David Norris Independent

I do.

Comment on this

The point the Senator makes is one that we need to have a conversation about with regard to the number of referenda we hold and when. The Taoiseach has outlined his views on that.

Senator Reilly referred to transport. I would be happy to invite the Minister, Deputy Ross, to the House. The Senator also referred to Irish Water and the new sewage treatment plant in Rush. It shows the importance of Irish Water for investment, cleaning up our waterways and ensuring that we have clean drinking water and a fit for purpose infrastructure.

I referred to Senator Gavan's amendment. I am going to withdraw the Government motion and bring it back next week. In regard to the number of days we sit, we have a group meeting every Wednesday and we had a discussion yesterday. I will sit for as long as we can every day if we have to but-----

Comment on this