Order of Business (Resumed)
- Order of Business 1 speech
The Leader welcomed visitors, responded to a child benefit point, and said he would look at concerns raised about the RTÉ Investigates programme.
Jerry Buttimer
- Communications Minister availability 2 speeches
Senator Mac Lochlainn asked if the Communications Minister was the Minister responsible for the matter, and the Leader confirmed that he was.
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn, Jerry Buttimer
- Procedural interjection 2 speeches
Senator O'Donnell made a light remark about the Minister being in demand, and the Leader simply replied yes.
Marie-Louise O'Donnell, Jerry Buttimer
- Separate debates on Senators' issues 5 speeches
Senator Mac Lochlainn wanted his issue and Senator O'Donnell's issue addressed in the same debate, while O'Donnell said she preferred to raise hers separately. The Cathaoirleach said members should speak to the Leader later and would not allow debate on the matter.
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn, Marie-Louise O'Donnell, Denis O'Donovan
- Illegal dumping and RTÉ access 1 speech
The Leader said he would provide a debate on illegal dumping and also noted Senator Ó Donnghaile's concern about RTÉ access in the North after Sky failed to transmit a championship match.
Jerry Buttimer
- Community banking amendment 2 speeches
An amendment seeking a debate on the Government's decision not to proceed with community banking was moved, then withdrawn after the Leader's assurances.
Denis O'Donovan, Marie-Louise O'Donnell
I join with the Cathaoirleach in welcoming the delegation, whose members I had the pleasure of meeting earlier. I hope we can continue to build relationships and promote areas of concern and interest.
Senator Murnane O'Connor raised the issue of child benefit. Rules are rules, although the Senator made a pertinent point regarding those over 18 and still in school. I am happy to look at what we can do in that regard.
Senator Mac Lochlainn raised the issue highlighted in the "RTÉ Investigates" programme, which puzzles me also. What was highlighted in that programme is alarming in terms of the harm being caused not only to our environment but to people's health. I hope there will be a change in policy by local authorities and the Department and an increase in enforcement and prosecutions. All of us need to consider how we can treat our waste differently. The Senator's point regarding the ten million tyres has left us all aghast. I am happy to invite the Minister to the House on foot of the programme.
Comment on this
Is the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Naughten, the Minister with responsibility in this regard?
Comment on this
I am happy to have my issue and the issue raised by Senator Marie-Louse O'Donnell addressed in the same debate.
Comment on this
I am hoping to engage with the Minister separately on my issue.
Comment on this
In the justice debate last Thursday, two issues were taken, the second on the conclusion of the first.
Comment on this
I cannot allow a debate on the matter. I am sure the Leader will reflect on how best to resolve the issue.
Comment on this
I will do that.
Senator Noone made a telling contribution on the issue of illegal dumping. As I said, I am happy to provide for a debate on the issue.
Senator Ó Donnghaile raised the issue of access to RTÉ in the North in the context of the failure last week of Sky to transmit one of the championship matches, which is disappointing to say the least.
I ask Senator Marie-Louise O'Donnell to withdraw her amendment to the Order of Business and give me an opportunity to engage with the Minister on his availability to come to the House next week or the week after to discuss the issues raised.
Comment on this
Senator Marie-Louise O'Donnell has moved an amendment to the Order of Business: "That a debate be held with the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment on the reported decision of the Government not to proceed with the introduction of community banking in line with the Sparkasse model." Is the amendment being pressed?
Comment on this
No. I am happy to accept the Leader's bona fides.