Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank all Senators who contributed to the Order of Business. The first to speak today was Senator Clifford-Lee who again raised the issue of Natasha O’Brien's case that was spoken about by almost every Member yesterday as well. I concur with her remarks on the incredible bravery and leadership Natasha has shown in not just advocating for herself but for women and other victims across the country. It was well put yesterday by many Members. There was widespread anger and disgust at the way that case was treated and Ms O'Brien has done herself a great service. She visited Dáil Éireann yesterday and received a standing ovation, which was much deserved. Senator Clifford-Lee raised the issue of the use of suspended sentences. The point I made yesterday was that they have a role but the Senator rightly questioned how that would be applicable in circumstances where a very violent is committed and the sentence is wholly suspended. People are finding it difficult to understand the logic and reasoning behind that particular decision.

Senator Lombard drew our attention to the sad passing of former Deputy, Bernard Allen. He spoke very passionately about him and acknowledged his great public service. I offer our deepest sympathy to his family, friends and community on his sad passing. The Senator also raised issues around local authorities working with the Department of sport. He acknowledged the good work by the current Minister of State with responsibility for sport, Deputy Thomas Byrne , but asked for greater co-operation in that some local authorities are doing good work and working with community groups and others could do better. I concur with the Senator’s remarks.

Senator Craughwell raised again the issue of the Defence Forces and the scrutiny of them as an organisation in respect of the O’Brien and Crotty case. I agree with this remarks. An unfair level of criticism is being levelled at our Defence Forces and serving members, notwithstanding that some bad individuals are unfortunately wearing the uniform or have worn the uniform. That should not be used to tarnish the good name and reputation of every other member of the Defence Forces that is serving his or her country with distinction. The Senator rightly mentioned those serving in Lebanon in a very precarious and dangerous position. The scrutiny has been unfair in that thousands of people are serving in our Defence Forces and many more thousands have served who are deeply disturbed by that case and equally supportive of Natasha O'Brien and justice in our system.

Senator Hoey raised a number of issues around trans rights and Pride week. I am not sure whether the Senator said that 16-year-olds should not get the consent of parents but if that was the suggestion I would have concerns about that in terms of parents having access to information around their children because a 16-year-old is still a child. Notwithstanding, the other areas that need to be addressed in healthcare, I would agree with those points. There are questions to be asked around healthcare for children and child protection as well.

Senator Keogan asked for an amendment to the Order of Business that No. 1 not be concluded but be adjourned. It was seconded by Senator McDowell and supported by Senator Craughwell. I am not in a position to accept the amendment to the Order of Business. We will have a further almost four hours of debate today. I take the points raised by Senator McDowell. I know the Minister for Health has addressed those points directly in committee, and also here in the House and in the Dáil, and his position on that is that it would be discriminatory. It is not a position that I share but the Minister has made his view clear and will be here again today for almost four hours to have further debate on more amendments.

The Senator also raised issues around prison numbers and posed a good question as to whether the lack of space in prisons is having an impact on judges' decisions on sending people to prison. It quite possibly is, maybe at the lower levels where there is not space and that needs to be addressed. The Minister for Justice. Deputy McEntee, has dealt with this issue in that she has acknowledged there are constraints within the prison system that need to be dealt with.

With regard to Thornton Hall and the issues raised by the Senator around migration, she sought a debate on these matters yesterday.I am happy to finally confirm that a debate on migration will be scheduled for Wednesday, 10 July. It has taken some time to get that debate but we will have it in the Chamber and my understanding is that the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, will be attending on that date. It will be an opportunity to raise issues around Thornton Hall but also the wider migration debate in the House. Regardless of people's positions or views, it is important that we discuss in these Houses the issue that everybody is discussing outside of these Houses. I welcome the Minister taking the time and that we will have the debate in the House.

Senator Currie spoke about the level of litter in Dublin city centre. Although I am not from Dublin and do not live in the city, I spend a lot of time here with work. I concur with the Senator’s remarks that the city centre is not clean enough and there are issues of litter, cleanliness and it being a safe and clean space for people to visit, but also for people to live. I support the Senator’s remarks.

Senator McDowell raised issues around surrogacy. I have dealt with those and I accept the Senator's comments in that regard.

Senator Ward raised issues regarding China and its aggression in the protected waters and sovereign territory of the Philippines. Those points were very well made. We will look for a debate on that issue. It is unlikely that we will get it before the summer recess, given the level of legislation coming through at this stage and the Bills that we need to finish, in particular the planning Bill. We will be busy but we will certainly make the request to the Department and see when we can get that debate in the House.

Senator Dolan acknowledged the importance of having good people coming into politics at a local level. I support the Senator's comments.

Senator Malcolm Byrne made a plea for increased capital funding for the National College of Ireland, which does fantastic work in promoting access and greater integration in the education sector.

Senator Davitt requested a debate with the Minister, Deputy Peter Burke, on the cost of doing business. The Senator highlighted the increased cost for businesses in terms of wages, statutory sick leave and auto-enrolment. A lot has come together in a relatively short period and it is certainly putting pressure on businesses. The Government has responded with the increased cost of doing business grant, which has seen a significant rate of applications and that rate has improved across all local authorities. I appreciate there has been a lot of change for business. We will request that debate with the Minister at the earliest opportunity. Again, it may be that we will not get it before the summer recess but we will certainly make the request.

Senator Boyhan alerted us to the pre-budget briefing by Macra na Feirme in Buswells Hotel today from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Its members are making their case around the challenges for young people in rural Ireland, issues around succession planning and farming, the need to have proper rural housing guidelines, which we await with anticipation and would love to see published, and transport for young people in rural areas. These are very important issues. I thank the Senator for alerting the House to the briefing that is taking place today in advance of budget preparations.