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Seanad
‹ Order of Business

Palestine and Justice amendment

Summary

The Leader reiterated support for a debate on Palestine and agreed with concerns about repossessions and banking behaviour. The sitting then closed with Máire Devine formally pressing her amendment for a Taoiseach debate on the handling of Justice Department matters.

On Senator Burke's comments on the credit union movement, I would be happy to have a debate on that.

Senator Craughwell referred to an issue of accountability. I laughed at the opening the veil on the Sir Humphreys line. Many fine people work in the Houses of the Oireachtas and other Departments and do a fine job. We should not castigate everybody. I hope that we do not do that. There are very fine people from Departments working with us in the Seanad.

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As well as the Department of Justice and Equality.

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David P.B. Norris Senator David Norris Independent

The Senator seems to have an urge to be the Leader of the House.

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I think I would do a very good job.

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I am sure he would.

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Paul Coghlan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fine Gael

Senator, you are entitled to your own opinion. You are not allowed to interrupt the Leader.

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Senators Gavan and Ó Donnghaile raised the issue of the international day of solidarity for the Palestinian people. We all want to join with those comments. I have put the request for a debate to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Coveney. He is anxious to have the debate in the House.

I agree with Senator Murnane O'Connor on repossessions. It is a blight and the banks should reflect on their actions. People have to be in court this week, for whatever reason. The Senator referred to Galway. I am not sure why people are before the courts. There are a wide variety of cases. It is incumbent upon the banks to work with everybody to ensure that no family is removed from their home. It is important that we all work to ensure that there is a resolution which allows families to remain in their homes. We had a debate on tracker mortgages last week. I would be happy to have another debate in the coming weeks.

I spoke to Senator Ó Domhnaill yesterday about the horse and greyhound fund. It was in committee and there was a significant amount of scrutiny. I have made a request that he be allowed to participate in the debate. Despite what some Members might think, I do not want to discommode people or not allow them to speak. The Senator will have an opportunity to speak on that debate.

I am happy to accept Senator Humphreys's amendment. I will work out the timing of the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Flanagan, coming to the House to discuss the Garda overtime and budget. I am working with the Office of the Taoiseach to make sure we have a date for him to come to the House. Therefore, I will not accept the amendment to the Order of Business from Sinn Féin.

Comment on this
Paul Coghlan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fine Gael

Senator Devine has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That a debate with the Taoiseach on the way in which matters arising recently in respect of the Department of Justice and Equality have been managed would be taken today." Is the amendment being pressed?

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Division Lost

Amendment put

Tá 14
·
Níl 28

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