Credit union levy and FAI governance
Senator Norris pressed again for a ministerial response on the higher credit union levy, while the Leader suggested a written query and noted the Senator could also table a Commencement matter. The Leader then responded to Senator Ó Céidigh’s remarks, agreeing that the FAI report raised important corporate-governance issues and that wider confidence needed restoring.
I thank the Leader. In the meantime, could he write to the Minister asking him about this enormous increase?
Comment on this
I am sure the Senator has the capacity to write to the Minister himself and he can put a Commencement matter down on the topic as well as a matter-----
Comment on this
I have given the Senator the answer.
Senator Ó Céidigh raised a number of important points and I should have included him in my remarks about Irish Water. Bhí an ceart aige mar gheall ar chúrsaí uisce. Tagraím don FAI agus an tuarascáil a d'fhoilsíodh. It is an interesting report on corporate governance and it is important that we restore confidence in wider society towards the FAI, especially in the area of corporate governance. The recommendation the Senator makes on the future board or a transitionary board is one that should be looked at. It is heartening that there is a recognition in the FAI that it has got things wrong and it wants to rectify that but from someone such as the Senator, who has brought a wealth of business and sporting endeavour, his comments are worth listening to, his suggestions have merit and I thank him for that.
Senator Freeman raised the issue of our Defence Forces. We have had a number of debates on the Defence Forces. I cannot comment on the case of the person the Senator referenced.
I find that extraordinary. I know the Defence Forces engage with members of staff who have mental health or other health issues. It is important that any issues people have should be brought to the Minister for Defence personally or should be dealt with by the Army, the Naval Service or the Air Corps. It is unfair of Senator Freeman to suggest that nothing is happening in the area of mental health. A great deal of work is being done in that area. The Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Jim Daly, deserves great credit for the work he continues to do. There are deficiencies in any system but, to be fair to him, the Minister of State has been proactive and has engaged extensively in respect of mental health issues.
Senator Freeman also referred to Private Members' slots. There are two coming up next week. We endeavour to have Private Members' slots. This is a matter that the Senator might take up with her group leader and the whip of her group in the context of how they allocate slots for Private Members' time. As the end of this term approaches, we have legislative priorities of Government to attend to. If, however, we have a slot available and if the group of which Senator Freeman is a member see fit to put forward a proposal, I will not object to it being taken.
Senator Mullen should note that I did not hear Senator Noone's remarks. The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland publication at the weekend is one to which we should give consideration in terms of regulation and how we view the world of the Internet and beyond. The Senator raised many different issues worthy of debate and consideration. I would be glad to arrange a debate on the matter in due course.
I welcome back our good friend Senator Ned O'Sullivan. It is good to see him here and looking so well.