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Seanad
‹ An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

CE supervisors and Seanad reform replies

Summary

The Leader said there was an ongoing review of CE supervisors’ position and that a ministerial debate could be arranged. He then addressed Seanad reform, saying the implementation report had gone to Government but unanimity did not exist.

Senator Colm Burke raised the issue of the CE scheme supervisors and the industrial action this week. There is a review being undertaken by the Departments responsible for social protection and finance. The Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection answered questions on this during a Commencement debate. I would be happy to have her come to the House to debate the matter again.

Senator Warfield raised the issue of Seanad reform. As he will be well aware, there is no unanimity on the reform of Seanad Éireann. The report published by the implementation group has gone to the Government. It is awaiting a Government comment, followed by action or inaction, depending on its decision. With regard to the report, the Taoiseach is committed to Seanad reform, as we all are in this House. The type of Seanad reform is for further debate and consultation.

Comment on this

We have a Bill on which there is unanimity. It is signed off.

Comment on this

There is not unanimity on the Bill.

Comment on this
Paul Coghlan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fine Gael

Order, please.

Comment on this

We do not have unanimity on the Bill. We have a report that was produced and agreed by an Oireachtas sub-committee of both Houses. As to what happens down the line, however, that is for further discussion. I do hope we will have Seanad reform, and I am committed to it. As to whether it is the same type of reform the Senator wants, that is a different issue.

I commend Senator Noone on her work on the EU consumer law on aviation. Her point on cooling off is worth considering and should be brought into effect.

Senator Gallagher raised the important issue of senior alerts. The Minister, Deputy Ring, as part of his wide-ranging interview in the Irish Examiner, said he was considering alternative sources for the senior alerts. It is important that we do not try to scare people in our commentary on Brexit. The issue of senior alerts is one whose importance we all understand but let us not all get hysterical over it. Let us hope we can-----

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