Protecting public service workers
Senator Davitt raised assaults on bus drivers and other public servants and suggested extending a proposed assault and abuse Bill. The Leader and Chair responded that the matter would need further teasing out.
First, I raise an issue brought to my attention by a bus driver in Mullingar, which culminates in respect of news I heard on the wires this morning about a Bill, framed by my colleague, Senator Gallagher, on assault and abuse of people working in the emergency services. Given the horrific accounts I heard at the weekend from a local bus driver, it is possible we could consider extending that Bill and the good work Senator Gallagher is doing to include other people who serve the public such as bus drivers, council workers, and so on. There are many people who come in for both physical and verbal abuse in their work that is not canvassed or necessary. They need our protection. Senator Gallagher is framing a very good Bill and it is possible that it could be extended further to include such workers.
Second, I agree with Senator McDowell on the great work he is doing on the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill.
Comment on this
Will he be back with his own Bill?
Comment on this
He is right that all these issues need to be teased out and ventilated. I put off work on what would have been an extremely busy day yesterday, unannounced, to be here to support the topics being discussed. As Senator McDowell is Chairman of the Seanad reform committee, I hope he will ensure they will be ventilated robustly in this House, including all the changes and every issue that needs to be brought before the House, and that, as Chair, he will give it as much attention and fervour as he has shown in respect of the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill.