CE supervisors and sports funding
The Acting Leader said she would relay Members’ concerns about CE supervisors and the need for a Ministerial meeting. She then responded to points on FAI funding, local-authority charges on voluntary groups, Parkinson’s services, and tribute to Margaret Keogh.
This is my position. There is no wish on the part of the Government to stymie any debate on it. If Senators wish to stay here until 12 midnight, that can be facilitated.
Senator Conway-Walsh, along with other Senators, raised the issue with CE supervisors. I will relay the comments of Senators to the Minister on that. There should be interaction between the Minister and those workers and, as Senator McFadden said, it would be reasonable to meet at least, to allow a discussion to be had.
I do not think a reply has been received regarding meeting with the Minister, which is something that should happen. I will pass on the Senator's comments in that regard to the Minister.
Senator Norris also raised Notre Dame. We are all very sad about that. He also raised the FAI. I responded to his comments about the accountants that were in place since 2017, and I understand the reason for those remarks.
Senator McFadden also raised the CE supervisors issue on which she has been working. I made my response to that. Senator Craughwell also raised the CE schemes and the Defence Forces, as he does regularly in the House. He indicated that the Public Service Pay Commission is due to report. Senator McFadden has been in touch with the Taoiseach whom she has asked to speed up the process so that the report would come sooner rather than later. We will have to await the outcome of that.
Senator Gavan also raised the CE supervisors, an issue to which I have responded. Senator Marie-Louise O'Donnell also eloquently expressed her sadness on Notre Dame. I understand her frustration when speaking about the banks. One needs to pick a particular bank to be able to interact with a person. That is very frustrating. Perhaps there is something positive in the fact that the banks have recognised they have problems that they need to address but who knows if they will improve their behaviour towards people who use their services.
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I am finding it difficult to hear the Acting Leader. Radio Luxembourg seems to be butting in.
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Senator Ó Ríordáin also referred to the CE supervisors and the Aircraft Noise (Dublin Airport) Regulation Bill. I referred to the valid points he made about the FAI, ordinary soccer players and the funding that should rightly be improved.
Senator Colm Burke raised an interesting point about voluntary organisations being charged large fees, up to €100,000, for carrying out works on a public road. That would be useful legislation for him to introduce in consultation with the Department. It is an important issue to highlight and it is one we could also debate in the House.
Senator Boyhan complimented the Joint Committee on Climate Action. We compliment all colleagues, especially those in this House, who partook in that very useful and worthwhile committee. It shows the effect of cross-party committees in these Houses. We have much work to do and the committee highlights a roadmap for that. He also expressed his dissatisfaction with the length of the Taoiseach's visit on Thursday, which I addressed.
Senator Gallagher raised World Parkinson's Day. Until last week I did not realise one could not access brain stimulation therapy in this country.
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It is shocking. That is something we should debate in this House with the Minister, following on from the protests of the Parkinson's organisations last week. Senator Devine, as a nurse, rightly wants to pay tribute to Margaret Keogh and others who were trailblazers in their field. I bid her a happy Easter now in case I do not get to say it to her in advance of Easter.