School secretaries and cruise liners
The Leader supported regularising school secretaries’ employment and said their role is vital, noting the education committee was considering the issue. He then backed Senator Burke’s call to revisit Dublin Port’s cruise liner decision, saying it harms tourism and sends the wrong message.
We congratulate him on that.
Senators Gallagher and Norris raised the important matter of school secretaries. The education committee is debating the issue today. Fórsa is running a good campaign on the role of school secretaries. A regularisation of their position is necessary. That some schools can do A, B and C while others can do X, Y and Z is anomalous and must change. The job of school secretary is one of the most important roles in any school community. In that context, we would support any change that betters the lives of school secretaries.
Senator Gallagher also discussed domestic violence and the need for extra resources. As a more expeditious way of getting a reply, I suggest that he table a Commencement matter on the subject.
Senator Horkan pointed to the need for a debate on illegal dumping. I would be happy to arrange that in the coming weeks. I agree that the suppliers of goods across the entire retail sector must reduce the amount of packaging of which people are obliged to dispose. I would be happy to have that debate as part of the ongoing discussion on waste and recycling.
From my reading of the regulations on the supplementary electoral register to which Senator Leyden referred, this means a change. That is positive. It is important from all of our perspectives that people register and vote. As such, it is important that it be made easier for them to register. My interpretation of the regulations is similar to the Senator's in that people will be able to register online.
Comment on this
It is a step in the right direction.
Comment on this
Yes. I commend the Minister of State, Deputy Phelan, in that regard.
Senator Paddy Burke referred to Dublin Port Company's decision to reduce the number of cruise liners coming to Dublin. This is a regressive move and I ask the company to revisit its decision. The cruise liner industry is both lucrative and an important means of attracting people to Dublin, Cobh and, perhaps, Belfast. I hope that, following on from the contributions of the Senator and others in the House, this move will be revised by the company. It sends the wrong message and does not help to promote our tourism strategy, which is about attracting people to Ireland.
In accordance with Senator Warfield's proposal and with the Leas-Cheann Comhairle's permission, it would be appropriate for us to stand and remember the Rwandan people today.