Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding changes in committee membership to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business without debate, and No. 2, Intellectual Property (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2014 - Second Stage, to be taken on the conclusion of No. 1 with the contribution of group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes and all other Senators not to exceed five minutes.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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The Government's announcement about the new Seanad reform group, which is to report to the Government by March of next year, was printed in the newspapers over the weekend. Everyone here will know that the public rejected the Government's proposals to abolish the Seanad with the assistance of many members of the Government bench, the Leader included, and we all want to see reform of this House and reform of the Oireachtas itself. I have had one meeting with the Taoiseach, the party leaders and leaders of all the various groups in the Dáil and Seanad, which the Leader attended, since the referendum, and nothing whatsoever has happened since. The Taoiseach has not been in touch with anyone. He certainly was not in touch with me. Perhaps I am not important enough for him to be talking to.

In advance of the announcement about the new group he has set up, was the Leader of the House consulted about the establishment of this Seanad reform group? Was the Cathaoirleach of the Seanad consulted? Furthermore, as another office-holder, was the Leas-Chathaoirleach consulted? We all want to work towards reform of the Seanad, but also reform of the Oireachtas. The Taoiseach is missing the point. Although there are some excellent people in the working group, why is it that no existing Member of the Seanad was brought in? The father of the House, Senator Norris, has served here longer than anyone else. What is going on? Is the Taoiseach just going to use this House as he did before, as a little pawn-----

David Norris (Independent)
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Yes.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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-----and decide to set up a little working group. I will not even mention the people on it - they are good people - but what type of interaction-----

David Norris (Independent)
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Some of them.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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That is Senator Norris's opinion. I am not getting into that.

Senator Quinn and Senator Zappone have brought forward a very good reform Bill in this House. Other Senators, including Senator Norris, introduced through the Leas-Chathaoirleach a very detailed document on proposals for Seanad and Oireachtas reform. It is not just the Seanad that needs reform; it is the Oireachtas, the committee system, the whip system and the various issues we have discussed at length in this House. What is the point in having the Government Information Service, through the Taoiseach, issue a press statement over the weekend and have it in the Sunday papers, telling everyone that this group will report to the Taoiseach by March? He promised us at the meeting the Leader attended that we would be consulted widely in this regard and that the Taoiseach was going to move forward on reform. By reform I do not mean changing the sitting times. We certainly need to work around how we can do things better, but I am talking about fundamental reform. To return to the question, was the Leader of the House, the Cathaoirleach or the leader of any other group in the House consulted about the establishment of this committee? The Taoiseach came in in 2011 with this idea of democratic revolution, saying he was going to reform the devil and all. He has reformed nothing. Is this a chance, prior to the next election, to say he is doing something about Seanad reform when he patently is not?

Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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Hear, hear.

David Norris (Independent)
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I would like to ask the Leader if we can have a debate on the situation in Áras Attracta in Swinford, County Mayo, where there was substantial and serious abuse of patients, especially in Bungalow Three. I understand a programme on this will be broadcast tonight. I would like to express my sympathy to the patients and their relatives. However, the root cause of this is austerity and the financial situation in the country. It is the re-implementation of these measures. During the presidential election I saw the situation. I take my hat off to the people working in these kinds of institutions because they are put under such severe pressure. When a person retired, he or she was not replaced. This was endemic. If the person transferred, he or she was not replaced. The moratorium on employment in the public service saw to that. There was an ever increasing and appalling burden placed on these people because of the declining patient-carer ratio. This is a direct result of the prevailing financial conditions. This country, and its citizens, were the victims of a highway robbery or a stick-up job by the European Union. It held us to ransom, with the Government of the day and the Opposition colluding in it. We were subject to treatment to which no other country in Europe was subject. We should go to the European Union and demand a recalculation of this situation.

During the week we were told by the Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael Noonan, in the Dáil that there was a strong possibility the junior bondholders in Anglo Irish Bank would be reimbursed. These are people who took a risk. They gambled. None of them is an original bondholder. They are people who paid 7%. They are demanding to be paid in full. They should be given their answer, and told to go to hell. How can we expect the citizens of this country to continue to be so subservient when they are confronted with these extraordinary contradictions? I ask for a debate on this subject.

I agree with every word my colleague Senator Darragh O'Brien said about reform of Seanad Éireann. It is very important that someone who continues to practise as a Senator should be involved, but I welcome the establishment of this committee.

Hildegarde Naughton (Fine Gael)
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In the week during which we will discuss the arts and a Labour Private Members' motion, I welcome the announcement by the Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Michael Ring, for funding, through Fáilte Ireland's national festival and events programme, of almost €2 million for festivals throughout the country. This includes €200,000 for the Galway Arts Festival, €1 million for the Saint Patrick's Day festival, €100,000 for the Wexford Festival Opera and €90,000 for the Fleadh Cheoil in Sligo, to mention but a few. These festivals are the back bone of our tourism industry. We have seen very significant growth this year. If one looks at festivals alone, they are responsible for the employment of more than 11,000 people. When one takes into account volunteerism and community spirit, it accounts for 50,000 volunteers nationally. This is very positive news for the tourism industry. I commend the Minister of State and the Government on the continuing investment in this area.

David Cullinane (Sinn Fein)
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I join with Senator Bacik in welcoming the imminent announcement for the former Waterford Crystal workers.

While, understandably, politicians will seek praise on this issue and a lot of work was done by politicians from both Government and Opposition, the real praise has to be given to the workers who took the court case. If those former workers had not taken the court case, I wonder whether they would have got the settlement and whether the Cabinet would have signed off on the plan and the announcement that will be made shortly. I do not think so. The workers themselves put a lot of effort into this but they should not have had to take the State to court in the first place. Much of the responsibility for that goes back to the previous Government, which I accept, but the fact they were forced through the courts by the State was regrettable. I want to put on the record of the House that a number of former workers have passed away since then and will not see justice, which is to be acknowledged.

I welcome the announcement. It will be fantastic for that money to be, hopefully, spent in the local economy in Waterford. This is symbolic for the workers and they should be praised for their efforts. I also want to praise the Unite trade union. Trade unions come in for a lot of flak but I believe the Unite trade union has shown the value of trade union membership and the value of what it is to be in a trade union. It supported the workers in taking this court case and those workers have finally, after a long battle, seen justice. That is to be commended.

We had a briefing today by the Detroit people who are here as part of the Right2Water campaign and who will be at the protest tomorrow. They gave their experience of what happened in Detroit when water became a commodity - not a public right, not a human right, but a commodity. Tens of thousands of people in Detroit at this time - as we speak here today - are without water. That is the reality of what happens when it is made a question of money and made a commodity, and there are lessons to be learned from that. The people from Detroit appealed to all Oireachtas Members and to the Government to turn back from the current policy and not to charge people twice for water but to provide it as a human right, paid for through progressive taxation, which is what we in Sinn Féin obviously want to see as well.

I have no doubt people are going to travel in big numbers tomorrow. Many people are going to travel from my own city and county of Waterford and they will be travelling from all over the State to again send this Government a message on water, namely, it should be kept in public ownership and it should be paid for through direct taxation, not through a stealth charge or water tax.

Catherine Noone (Fine Gael)
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I do a lot of research on the area of obesity and try to come up with different ways to help in what is the ever-increasing crisis of obesity in this country. Mandatory calorie labelling has been looked at recently in America, in particular in regard to the volume of exercise which would be required to burn off individual food and drink products. The vast majority of people do not realise that, for example, a glass of wine will take an hour to walk off and an Indian takeaway would take about seven hours to walk off. One measure which has proven effective-----

Catherine Noone (Fine Gael)
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This is the reality, although people do not realise it. One measure which has proven effective in the US is where calories have been printed on menus. This research has shown customers consume 6% fewer calories on average once calories are listed on menus.

According to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, if calorie intake was reduced by 6% here, it would have a major effect on our obesity levels and, therefore, on our type 2 diabetes problem. Diabetes is nearly four times as common as all types of cancer combined and the risk soars as the pounds pile on. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland's recent report also revealed that 96% of consumers want calorie menu labelling in all or some food outlets.

I believe we could take it one step further. Labels displaying information about physical activity will allow people to realise the trade-offs with regard to high calorie foods, and thereby influence them to make choices of more healthy foods. A new study currently being conducted in North Carolina is examining whether adding the amount of walking it takes to burn off the calories in food items will lead to consumers making healthier choices. There are significant results which show that it would influence people's choices when it comes to eating healthy food.

Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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I wish the new Seanad review group success in its deliberations. The group comprises Mr. Maurice Manning, chairperson, Ms Mary O'Rourke, former Leader of the House and former Minister, former Senators, Pat Magner and Maurice Hayes, former Northern Ireland ombudsman, Mr. Tom Arnold, chairman of the Constitutional Convention, Dr. Mary Murphy, UCD, and Ms Elaine Byrne, journalist. I understand they will being their work next week and they must report by March. I acknowledge the e-mail from Senator Craughwell in which he outlined his proposal to extend the group, which is a fair point because it is limited. However, the group will take submissions from the organisations mentioned by the Senator. The group members have a limited time and they will not be in a position to recommend constitutional amendment. No new proposal will be put to the people regarding the Seanad now or in the future.

Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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Has the Senator a question?

Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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The report on Seanad reform published in 2004 is a fine document, which previous Governments should have implemented. The group was chaired by Ms Mary O'Rourke and included former Members, John Dardis, Brian Hayes and Joe O'Toole. That would have prevented the proposal to abolish the Seanad. Well thought out, logical and well researched reforms were put forward. I thought former Senator, Joe O'Toole, would have been appointed to the new group.

Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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He is a member.

Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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Senator Leyden to conclude without interruption. I am not allowing an argument about who is a member of the group.

Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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The press release I read was from Independent Newspapers but it must be inaccurate. I welcome the inclusion of Mr. O'Toole, as he is a logical choice who can bring his influence to bear.

David Norris (Independent)
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Hear, hear.

Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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I am going on the press release from Independent Newspapers.

Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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I am glad I am not on those Indian takeaways as I would run out of road.

David Norris (Independent)
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Jute is working very well.

Colm Burke (Fine Gael)
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The Senator will have to do the Ring of Kerry.

Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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An element of frivolity is breaking out on the Order of Business.

Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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A glass of wine is difficult enough to deal with.

I am somewhat surprised by Senator O'Brien's comments on the Seanad reform working group because there are some excellent people on it.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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I said that.

Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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I am sure the Taoiseach thinks the world of him. He is the Leader of the Opposition. Perhaps he should ask whether his party leader has been consulted.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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He was not.

Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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It looks to me like this is an all-party effort.

Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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The Senator should direct his comments through the Chair. Bí ciúin, Senator O'Brien.

Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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The Senator should consult Deputy Martin.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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Can Deputy Martin consult the Senator?

Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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No, although I met him at a funeral the other day.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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I am talking about the Taoiseach. Did he consult the Senator?

Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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Senator Coghlan, without interruption. I am sure the Senator has a question.

Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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No, I just wanted to make those points. The Taoiseach will work through the Leader. As Senator Norris indicated, there are some excellent people on the review group.

David Norris (Independent)
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Some - most of them are excellent.

Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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Senator Coghlan should not invite unnecessary interruption.

Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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I was going to be all-encompassing and say they are all excellent people.

David Norris (Independent)
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There are one or two dreary little-----

Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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Like others, I very much welcome the announcement regarding the Waterford Crystal workers. This is wonderful news and it will be a great boost to the local economy as we approach Christmas.

I also welcome the publication of the draft media merger guidelines, which are available for public consultation until 22 January. They have been prepared under the Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2014, which recently came into force. The guidelines have been produced to help media organisations and other interested parties to understand how the new media merger process will work in practice. In particular, they set out the relevant criteria for making determinations on whether a proposed media merger is contrary to the public interest in terms of media plurality.

I very much welcome it. Perhaps it is a subject that might be suitable, in due course, for a debate in the House.

Katherine Zappone (Independent)
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I have two questions for the Leader. I welcome the increase in the polls with regard to the referendum on marriage equality. According to The Irish Times, 71% of the electorate would now vote in favour of marriage equality. That is a finding which reflects the remarkable social and cultural change that has occurred in Ireland during the past 30 years. The Government has also acknowledged that the legislation needs to reflect this change. Across the country not only young people but also civil society groups have been engaged on the issue to encourage young people especially to register to vote in the upcoming referendums. I participated in the registration event organised by Marriage Equality, GLEN, the Irish Council of Civil Liberties and the Union of Students in Ireland. The initiative has been recorded as the most successful voter registration drive ever recorded. The views of the young could decide the outcome of the historic referendum on marriage equality. Members will be aware of the long running court case which my spouse and I have had to undertake to secure recognition of our marriage which took place in Canada. We have put our case on hold and will await the upcoming referendum which is due to take place in the spring of 2015. When will the constitutional amendment Bill be published and when is the referendum expected to take place?
Let me turn to the second issue I wish to raise. I welcome the leadership shown by the Tánaiste in the commitment she has given to the people. I refer to her recent statement that junior bondholders would not be paid in the liquidation of IBRC. The Taoiseach has made the same claim. It is important that the Government recognise that junior bondholders made a very high risk investment based on very low prices and on a speculative basis. Taxpayers never made such a choice and, therefore, are owed €1.1 billion. While there is a very low probability of it ever happening, it is important to give an absolute guarantee to the people who have paid the highest price for the disastrous bank guarantee that the State will receive every cent of the €1.1 billion owed to it. I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for Finance to come to the House for a debate on this issue and, in particular, to answer the following questions. Who will set the payment priorities? Are we an unsecured or a preferred creditor? Can the Government intervene in the special liquidator's decisions and, if not, why not? I hope we can debate the matter soon.

Colm Burke (Fine Gael)
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I propose an amendment to the Order of Business that No. 12 be taken before No. 1.

I raise a matter that was presented to us at a meeting of the Joint Committee on Health last Thursday. I refer to the HIQA report on the National Ambulance Service which is frightening. It clearly indicates that some in management in the ambulance service acknowledged that they did not have the skills required to carry out the job they were asked to do. This is a very serious issue and the committee has invited representatives of the HSE to attend a meeting on 16 December to give it some answers to learn how this situation has been reached. It reminds me of another issue I raised over six months ago. I refer to the situation where over 1,100 personnel in the HSE had been appointed without a job interview. In the ambulance service we do not know whether personnel were interviewed. If they were, how were they then appointed if they did not have the skills required? If they were not interviewed, who made the decision to appoint them? If it was identified that they did not have the skills required, why was a process not put in place to help them to acquire them to provide a comprehensive management structure in the ambulance service? The question has still not been answered as to how 1,100 personnel were appointed within the HSE without a job interview. We do not know whether they have the skills required to do the job that they were appointed to do. It is time the Minister came into the House with answers from the HSE on what action has been taken. I want him to supply us with answers before another serious report is compiled by HIQA on other aspects of the health service which are not functioning properly. I also ask that the matter be dealt with at an early date.

Feargal Quinn (Independent)
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I add my voice to those expressing some concern about the reform agenda of the committee. As Senator Darragh O'Brien said, it should not be limited to the Seanad. We need reform of both Houses and I hope the committee will investigate the opportunity to do so.

Some two years ago, the Government expressed concern about the colleges teaching English to non-European students. A number of them were abusing the opportunity to do so and the Government introduced the Q mark. It is a fairly blunt instrument but many of the colleges moved immediately to do something about it. One particular college spent a lot of time to ensure it had the Q mark granted by a British organisation. Two months ago, the Government announced it would not accept any Q mark registration from outside the country. That could mean the loss of jobs by a considerable number of people involved in teaching and administration in the colleges. There was abuse of the visa system and the Government had to do something but it must make sure it does not use such a blunt instrument. I urge the Minister for Education and Skills to ensure the colleges that did a lot of work to ensure they conform to the Q mark registration system are given the opportunity to prove they meet the standard. I believe it is necessary and I will send some details to the Leader to pass on.

A few months ago, I had an interesting task to help encourage retailers in Wexford to do away with 1 cent and 2 cent coins and round off to 5 cent. It was an impressive opportunity and the whole town got behind it. The town did very well and the Central Bank is considering it for around the country. There is a lot to be said for singling out one town and deciding to make an example of what we can do when a whole town gets behind an objective. The 1 cent and 2 cent coins cost far more to produce than they are worth and many end up being left in boxes and jam jars and not being used.

Something similar could be done with defibrillators. The Department of Health should identify one town, and I will suggest the town of Fermoy, where defibrillators are produced, and make an example of the town to show what can be done if the whole town gets behind saving lives. We can save lives on that basis and, once the rest of the country sees what one town can do, it will set an example for the rest of the country.

Michael Comiskey (Fine Gael)
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I echo the welcome of my colleague, Senator Naughton, on the announcement made by the Minister of State, Deputy Ring, about funding for the Fleadh Cheoil and festivals around the country. I welcome the announcement of €90,000 for Sligo Fleadh Cheoil, which made a great difference to the town and brought people from all over the world. It ran for almost two weeks and was a great boost to the economy and tourism in Sligo.

I was disappointed to learn that, at a meeting last week, there was news that mammography services will not recommence in Sligo. On a number of occasions over the past three years, we were promised that mammography services would recommence in Sligo. It was very disappointing to learn it this morning and I will call on the Minister for Health to outline the reasons and see if we can change the decision.

Gerard Craughwell (Independent)
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I rise to request an amendment to the Order of Business. I was rather shocked at the weekend to find out that an eminent group had been put together to come up with proposals for the reform of the Seanad. Democracy is a fragile thing and during the life of this Government the democracy of the country has suffered quite severely by having decisions made by a small group of people on the Economic Management Council. Some time ago, the Taoiseach came into the House, having failed to abolish the Seanad, and said that he came in peace.

Then he goes off and puts together a group to reform the Seanad. This affects every person in this room. Everyone I have seen since I have come to the House - I will agree I am a short time here - comes with conviction and concern for the role they play in our society. Each of us feels privileged to be in this House. What right has anyone to bypass this House, set up a review group but not consult the Members of this House? This is totally unacceptable in my view.

As I say, I have no difficulty whatsoever with the members of the group other than the fact that we have no representation on it from sitting Members. At the least, the Leader of the House should sit on the group. More important, I have taught students for the past 25 years and every time politics has come up in discussion they have told me they feel excluded. They ascertain no link with the political system in this country. Why has the Taoiseach not put a member of the Union of Students in Ireland or some other youth group on the review group? Why are such representatives not on it? I know they will be requested to provide reports or give an input, but that is not the same as being a member of the group.

I propose an amendment to the Order of Business. I call on every Senator when it comes to vote on the matter - I will push it to a vote if I can get a seconder - to please look into their hearts and think about the fact that it is their House they are talking about reforming. I call on people to think about that.

Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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What is the essence of your amendment, Senator Craughwell?

Gerard Craughwell (Independent)
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I would love to bring the Taoiseach before the House to discuss the matter but I doubt if I will get that. If I cannot have the Taoiseach I will take the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government.

Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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Is the question on the composition of the review group?

Gerard Craughwell (Independent)
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It is on the entire review process.

Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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Thank you.

Mary Moran (Labour)
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Cyberbullying and the use of social media has become a topic of debate in recent years. We have had numerous debates on the issue in the Seanad. I have participated in many local talks and attended the launch of many initiatives to deal with the issue of cyberbullying.

In recent weeks it has been brought to my attention that people are having great difficulty in making complaints to Twitter about cyberbullying. I am aware of one person who made a complaint to Twitter on three occasions in the past week regarding offensive and personal comments being made on the site. As of this afternoon the person has not received any reply to the complaint.

We encourage children and adults to report abusive behaviour to the site they are using, but if the site does not engage in a timely manner or, in this instance, does not reply at all, how can we ever hope to reduce the instances of cyberbullying? If someone reports a violation to Twitter she should receive an acknowledgement of the complaint and a follow-up e-mail as soon as possible. Having come forward, people should not still be waiting over one week later. I call for a debate again on ensuring that the processes are in place for when people, unfortunately, have to make complaints to Twitter.

On a lighter note, I thank everyone and praise Special Olympics Ireland, which held various polar plunges over the weekend. I was delighted to take part in one such event in County Louth and I thank everyone involved. Everyone here gave me great words of encouragement and support ahead of the event. It was great to see so many people taking an interest in the lives of people with a disability as well as encouraging and doing what we can for them.

Last week in the Seanad I raised this issue of the "Prime Time" programme to be broadcast tonight on the dreadful abuse in Swinford. I asked the Leader for a debate on the matter. I call on him again to have a debate on this issue as soon as possible after tonight's programme.

Having listened to and seen the reports about it on the radio and television this morning, even before the programme is aired, a debate on this issue is really necessary.

Mary Ann O'Brien (Independent)
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I will be brief because Senator Moran has said what I wished to say. I urge all the Senators to watch "Prime Time" this evening on the Áras Attracta Care Centre. They should prepare themselves to see how older people with intellectual disabilities are treated; I am sure they have all seen the trailers. Senator Moran and I sought a debate last week. I have a case on hand involving a child aged 16 years who is in a home with adults, near where I live. That is not permitted by HIQA or the HSE, but it is happening. I am trying to get her moved from that home. I will not go into detail about the child but there have been problems. I urge Members to watch "Prime Time" tonight and to look at what is happening in their own constituencies. We must schedule a debate with the Minister for Health. There will be lessons from tonight's programme and the HSE, from the top down, has questions to answer. A person supposedly on work experience had a hidden camera in the home that will be featured tonight. Should there be hidden cameras throughout Ireland? What is the answer for these very vulnerable people, who cannot tell us if they are being mistreated?

Michael Mullins (Fine Gael)
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I second the amendment to the Order of Business proposed by Senator Colm Burke, that No. 12 be taken before No. 1. I also support his request that the Minister for Health be invited to the House to discuss the HIQA report on the ambulance service. It is unconscionable that people occupying such key positions in the health service would have inadequate training. Senator Burke also raised a serious issue regarding the number of staff within the HSE who have been put into key positions without interview or adequate training, according to reports. It is important that the Minister respond to the comments made by Senator Burke.

I compliment everybody involved with the forum on homelessness last week, including the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Alan Kelly, and the team he brought with him. I welcome some of the good decisions and positive action taken in its immediate aftermath. I hope the commitments given will be fulfilled before the end of the year. I agree there should be a regular review of the work of the forum on homelessness.

However, there is another element and I ask the Leader to schedule a debate on it in the new year. The events of recent weeks bring into sharp focus the level of funding that is being channelled through charitable organisations to deal with homelessness. I wonder if that is an appropriate way to deal with the most vulnerable in our society and a serious social issue such as the lack of housing. In 2014 should it not be the role of the local authorities and the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government to ensure there is adequate housing available for people who are homeless? Is this an effective and cost effective way to deal with homelessness? Over last weekend one of the newspapers produced a big feature on the amounts of money being channelled through various agencies. We should examine this in the new year to assess whether it is the right way to deal with a major crisis that is facing many people in this country.

Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)
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My colleague, Senator Comiskey, commented earlier on the withdrawal of mammography services in Sligo General Hospital, but that is not the full story. Breast cancer is not a issue that should be politicised but it saddens me to say that the parties in this Government politicised the issue from the moment they embarked on the campaign trail seeking votes in the Sligo-Leitrim constituency. A succession of Fine Gael and Labour Party spokespersons promised the people of the north west that mammography services would be restored to Sligo following the restructuring of cancer services in this country, a decision incidentally which was taken by a previous Minister in a Fianna Fáil-led Administration which was bitterly opposed by those of us in the north west at the time.

One only has to look at the map of Ireland to see where cancer services are located and if one draws a line from Dublin to Galway North, one will see that there is none. It was obvious, once the restructuring by the Health Service Executive in recent years took place which resulted in the service in Sligo being part of a western group dominated by the service in Galway, that inevitably services would be sucked into Galway.

This morning Ocean FM carried the story and featured one of the cancer survivors, a member of the action group that has been fighting for many years for cancer services to be provided in Sligo General Hospital, which would benefit the entire north-western region. I appreciate that this may be seen as a local issue, but it is directly affecting people's lives. There was an air of resignation about the lady in question this morning when she spoke to Niall Delaney having had a meeting yesterday with the chief executive of the Ireland west hospital group who bluntly said mammography services would not be restored to Sligo General Hospital and that those who had been diagnosed with cancer and required follow-up treatment would have to make the long trek to Galway, which service is already overcrowded and the staff of which have been protesting about the increase in demand that will inevitably follow for mammography services. I appreciate that this issue was decided at HSE level, but Fine Gael and the Labour Party made it a political one. This morning Ocean FM played a clip of the former Minister for Health, Deputy James Reilly, saying money was not an issue and that mammography services would be restored to Sligo General Hospital. He was followed by my colleague, Senator Susan O'Keeffe, who made the exact same comment. That is what they have been saying to the people of the north west.

I am asking for the Minister for Health to come into the House to outline the background and explain context of this outrageous decision that will have life-threatening effects and I am not trying to be dramatic. I am echoing the views of those who have been fighting this case and the last thing I want to do is politicise it, but the Government has done so. I am proposing an amendment to the Order of Business that the Minister for Health come to the House today to explain to the people of the north west, particularly those who will have to experience the long trek to Galway at enormous expense, causing personal distress-----

Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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Is the Senator proposing an amendment to the Order of Business?

Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)
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Yes. I am proposing an amendment to the Order of Business that the Minister for Health come to the House to discuss the withdrawal of mammography services at Sligo General Hospital.

Caít Keane (Fine Gael)
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I want to quote what was actually said by the Taoiseach; the Minister of State, Deputy Simon Harris, and the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Paschal Donohoe, about the junior bondholders because when reporting anything, it is important to tell the entire story.

David Norris (Independent)
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What about the Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael Noonan?

Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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Senator Cáit Keane to continue, without interruption, please.

Caít Keane (Fine Gael)
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I am talking about the Taoiseach and-----

David Norris (Independent)
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The Taoiseach cannot add-----

Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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Please, Senator.

Caít Keane (Fine Gael)
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I ask Senator David Norris to withdraw his statement about the leader of the country.

David Norris (Independent)
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I will not withdraw it, as it is perfectly true.

Caít Keane (Fine Gael)
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The Taoiseach stated: "I do not see any circumstances in which junior bondholders will be paid ..."

Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)
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What about the law?

Caít Keane (Fine Gael)
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The people of Ireland come first in the pecking order.

David Norris (Independent)
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They do not and never have.

Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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Senator Cáit Keane to continue, without interruption, please.

Caít Keane (Fine Gael)
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We all know that we are bound by laws. We are bound by the Judiciary and judicial procedures in terms of bonds, shares and everything else, but the people of Ireland come first.

David Norris (Independent)
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They do not.

Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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Senator Cáit Keane to continue, without interruption, please.

Caít Keane (Fine Gael)
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The Taoiseach said that.

David Norris (Independent)
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Frau Merkel's lap-dog.

Caít Keane (Fine Gael)
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When Senators are quoting, I wish they would quote what the leader of the country said also.

I compliment the students of St. Mark's community school in Tallaght who have taken on the media for their negative reporting. When the Trinity access programme was being launched by the Tánaiste, an event which was attended by 1,300 students from around the country, she was not even asked one question about the programme or how children from deprived areas, as well as good areas, could not access universities. The youth deserve praise for asking the media to embrace the positives in society. One letter read: "The youth of today are the future of this country and if our voices are suppressed even during our most important educational days then our fine country will never progress". Another read: "I would like to recommend that your newspaper doesn't always look at the negative side to our country but actually embraces and acknowledges the positives in our society ...".

David Norris (Independent)
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Well said.

Caít Keane (Fine Gael)
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I hope we can have a debate on negativity and positivity both in society and in the media, and what it does to the person and to the country. I ask for a debate on that and ask that we would carry out research on it prior to the debate.

Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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The point is made. I call Senator Rónán Mullen.

Rónán Mullen (Independent)
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I second Senator Craughwell's amendment to the Order of Business in exactly the terms he set out. The point that occurred to me in regard to all of this was why the terms of reference were so limited. The Taoiseach was very quick to put a constitutional referendum before the people on this and does not seem to be keen to have another one, even if that is what would be necessary in order to get full and proper electoral reform where the Seanad is concerned.

David Norris (Independent)
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Hear, hear.

Rónán Mullen (Independent)
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I am already scared about what is going to be on tonight's "Prime Time" documentary, so I do not know what I am going to be like when I have actually seen it. It seems to me it will be necessary to ask the Minister for Health to come before this House but perhaps also the Minister for Justice and Equality. If, despite HIQA reports, assault of any kind has gone on in Áras Attracta or, indeed, in any other care setting, we need to know very quickly whether the matter is to be reported to the proper authorities for criminal investigation.

One of the disturbing things that is already emerging is that, despite having mechanisms to audit standards and to ensure there are protocols and rule books in place, it still seems that people are capable of mistreating each other, in particular that people on salaries are capable of mistreating people under their care. That is the really scary thing that appears to be coming out of tonight's report. Therefore, we are going to have to set an example so that people who are employed to care for others know that it is not a matter of being suspended on pay while some kind of investigation goes on in order to see how things can be done better in the future. There have to be consequences if there is any kind of abusive or oppressive social care.

I also ask the Leader for a debate on the issue of the broadcasting charge. Many people would like to know if the charge has gone away or if it is going to happen. We have been getting mixed messages from the Government, with Government sources suggesting the broadcasting charge is not going to be introduced in light of the furore over the water charge, or water tax, but the Minister, Deputy Alex White, himself a former trade union official in RTE and a former employee of RTE, saying he is not abandoning the charge and that he is still committed to delivering it.

People would like to know. People who have the difficult task of budgeting to see whether they can afford the raft of charges that have been imposed on them in recent years are entitled to know whether they are going to face a broadcasting charge in the future. I am certainly of the view that, at a time when, it would appear, people are being paid up to €500,000 to work for a State broadcaster, there are serious questions about the use of public money in funding broadcasting. I certainly believe the imposition of a broadcasting charge on people will be unfair.

Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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Tá an tám istigh.

Rónán Mullen (Independent)
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It will take away from people the right to opt out, if they so wish, of participation in the broadcasting architecture. It is effectively a communications tax. Communication is something very basic to people and something they should be allowed to make decisions on. It certainly should not be another stealth tax on people.

Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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I call Senator Ó Clochartaigh.

Rónán Mullen (Independent)
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At this point, I am merely asking for clarity. I would like to know, not before the next general election but now, what are the Government's intentions in regard to the broadcasting charge.

Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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For any of the Senators who might have bought into the propaganda around Irish Water, I recommend they listen to the members of the Detroit Water Brigade who are here at the moment. They gave a very chilling account of-----

Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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We do not need their propaganda.

Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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Senator Ó Clochartaigh, without interruption.

Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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They gave a very chilling recollection of the implications of the privatisation of water in Detroit and what is happening there at the moment.
At this time of year, many people's thoughts are turning to Christmas, and some people are hoping for a merry Christmas while others are not. One group who will probably have a very merry Christmas are those people who own companies that run direct provision centres in this country. Anybody who read the article today in The Irish Timesshould be astounded by the figures that have been quoted about the companies and the absolutely indecent profits they are making on the back of the suffering of the people in those systems. One company has made €10.8 million in accumulated profits and another made €2.5 million.

The published accounts record accumulated profits of approximately €25 million, but this is likely to be significantly under estimated given that some of the biggest firms have taken elaborate steps to shield their accounts from public scrutiny according to Carl O'Brien and Colm Keena, whom I commend on the work they are doing. These are colossal sums of money. It is a disgrace they are making such huge profits on the backs of people in direct provision centres.

David Cullinane (Sinn Fein)
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Hear, hear.

Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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We welcome the rumblings that have been coming from Ministers, particularly the Minister of State, Deputy Aodhán Ó Riordáin, on direct provision. I have asked a number of times for information on the Fine Gael stance on direct provision. It seems to me there is a difference of opinion between the Government parties on this issue. The Minister of State, Deputy Ó Riordáin, seems to be set on considering reform of the system, although this is going quite slowly. Will the Leader ask the Minister for Justice and Equality to clarify both Fine Gael and Government policy on direct provision. Does the Government intend to scrap it? How can it continue to justify profiteering on the back of people's misery?

Can we also have an update on the progress of the working group that has been put together by the Minister of State? In light of the figures we have been given and in light of the fact there have been moves on the homeless situation, it is important that after ten, 11, 12, 13 or 14 years in direct provision, people within that system see change. They deserve reform of the system and this should be brought forward more quickly. Can we please have one of the Ministers in to update us on how much progress has been made to date, how many times the working group has met and when it expects to conclude its deliberations so that the system can be scrapped or reformed once and for all?

Caít Keane (Fine Gael)
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The Senator will fight for municipal bankruptcy -----

Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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Senator Keane had three and a half minutes. I call Senator Wilson, without interruption please.

Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)
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I second Senator Mooney's amendment to the Order of Business. As colleagues are aware, last summer over €1 million was raised for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association through the ice bucket challenge and tens of millions of dollars were raised throughout the world in less than a year for the motor neurone disease cause.

As colleagues are aware, motor neurone disease is the name given to a group of diseases in which there is progressive deterioration of motor neurones in the brain and the spinal cord. Over 100 people are diagnosed with this disease in Ireland annually and currently, over 300 people are suffering from this horrific debilitating condition. Last week, a major new DNA mapping project which aims to discover the causes of motor neurone disease was launched in Ireland jointly by the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and Trinity College. The Irish research is headed by a woman who has dedicated her career to research in this area, Professor Orla Hardiman. I wish her and her team well with this research.

The reason I have raised this issue this afternoon is that the research group is seeking donations from the public towards this important mapping. While from 10% to 15% of cases are easily identified, the cause of motor neurone disease in over 90% of cases is difficult to determine. This research is important and is being conducted worldwide and I am delighted Dr. Hardiman and her team are involved in it. The research group is badly in need of funds and I would appreciate if colleagues would inform people of the research so that members of the public can make a donation to it.

I agree with colleagues and welcome the group established by the Government to consider Seanad reform. However, I believe current Members of the Seanad, including the Leader, should be involved in that group. I wish the group well with its deliberations.

David Norris (Independent)
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Hear, hear.

Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)
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It is good to see the Government takes action when it has to.

I am referring to the homelessness crisis. It struck me last night listening to the news that the centre in which €250,000 is being put will guarantee homeless people a bed until March. Pray tell me the Government will not turf the people out like cattle come March. Can the Leader clarify what that means?

I compliment action but hope the Government is as serious about its new mantra of lowering taxes and that there will be action in this area. In the last three to four weeks, I have looked for at least two debates in the House on the need for tax reform, reform of the tax system and the lowering of taxes, but we have not had one. I remind the Government that it is in government and might take action on this if it is serious about lowering taxes. I am not talking about the small gestures in budget 2015 which, as a matter of interest, is not even implemented. The Bill has not even gone through the Houses, which is how hypocritical it is to talk about budget 2016. If the Government is serious about lowering taxes for business and hard-pressed workers to put money back in people's pockets so we grow local economies, it should bring in a mini-budget now.

Colm Burke (Fine Gael)
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What services should we cut?

Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)
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Let us have that debate, Senator Burke.

Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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Senator Burke, allow Senator Healy Eames to conclude without interruption.

Colm Burke (Fine Gael)
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What services does she want to cut?

Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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I am sure the Leader will be able to respond adequately on behalf of the Government.

Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)
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That is exactly why I have been looking for the debate for the last three to four weeks. We now know from the Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael Noonan, that we have more than €1.5 billion extra in the State coffers that was not expected. I am not talking about a tax giveaway. I am talking about putting money back into the pockets of hard-pressed workers. Doing so will grow local economies up and down the country. That, I note to Senator Colm Burke, is when one gets more people back to work.

Paul Bradford (Independent)
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I support the call from Senator Craughwell for a debate on the most recent episode of Seanad reform. It is now a very long-running saga. I say with no great pleasure but with absolute certainty that the Taoiseach has zero credibility in relation to any matter concerning the House. As part of an election whim in 2009, there was a back of an envelope proposal by the Taoiseach and one or two poorly advising advisors to abolish the Seanad. It was not thought out and led to a referendum in the campaign for which the Taoiseach, bizarrely, refused to participate. He is not in any position to try to put in place structures for Seanad reform.

If we were genuine about Seanad reform, which the people are demanding, the two Bills which the House has passed would be at the top of the Government's proposals. The people are demanding that every citizen should have a vote in Seanad elections, which could be provided for without any constitutional referendum. The people who are willing to serve on the committee are well meaning but we all know that it will lead into a cul-de-sac where wishy washy proposals which will have no meaningful effect will be presented, reported on and debated. If the Government is serious about Seanad reform, two Bills are available from Senators and they can be amended if necessary. Certainly, they could be enacted in relation to the next general election.

I am not a member of the university electorate nor am I a university Senator but the only thing the Taoiseach is interested in doing in relation to Seanad reform is putting in place a bizarre, 1 million voter university panel to get his revenge on the university Senators. That is his only interest in Seanad reform.

Gerard Craughwell (Independent)
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Hear, hear.

David Norris (Independent)
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Hear, hear.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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Senator Darragh O'Brien and several other Members referred to the Seanad reform working group established by the Taoiseach. It is the prerogative of the Taoiseach to appoint Members to a working group if he so wishes. The Taoiseach informed me that he intended setting up such a group and was not aware of the membership of it. He announced on 11 November in the Dáil that he would set up such a group and it was discussed here in our debate on the Seanad Bill which was brought before us a number of weeks ago.

This committee is not a blue sky committee. Rather than replicating and duplicating work that has already done, it will mostly be doing work based on the recommendations of previous reports. All of the groups mentioned by Senator Gerard Craughwell and many more, including all the nominating bodies, were invited to give written presentations to the previous committee. Approximately 161 groups or individuals responded to this invitation, and these are listed on pages 71 to 76 of the report. Many of them were asked to give oral reports to that committee, and these are documented also. Several trade unions, including the TUI, gave oral presentations to the committee. It is those reports that the working group is examining. All the people mentioned by Senator Craughwell have been consulted. I have no problem with a debate on the working group. We have had several debates on Seanad reform. We can have proposals. The new group has the authority under its terms of reference to consider any new submissions made to it. If the House has new submissions to make I have no problem in having a debate on the issue. We can appoint a rapporteur who can convey our wishes to the group. I have no problem in doing that. I will facilitate a debate at 7 p.m. tomorrow if Members wish to have such a debate. We can appoint somebody to act as rapporteur; perhaps Senator Craughwell might do so. If there are new proposals on Seanad reform, other than those which have been put before us, we can make them to the group. The working group will report back by the end of March and we will then have ample time to discuss the report. The Government will probably discuss it also and, maybe, introduce legislation to implement some of the recommendations on which the working group decides. We will have ample opportunity at that time to discuss that report. If people have new ideas and want to discuss it again, I have no problem in facilitating a debate tomorrow at 7 p.m. We will get somebody to act as rapporteur and move the issue on if that is the wish of the House.

Senators Ivana Bacik, David Cullinane and Paul Coghlan raised the issue of the Waterford Crystal workers. It is welcome that the Government has signed off on an agreement. The workers will decide next week whether to accept it. I compliment the workers, the unions, the Minister and the Government for their work in achieving this agreement. Many people have worked behind the scenes. I compliment Mr. Kieran Mulvey on his efforts in respect of the proposed settlement of this matter. It was a disgrace that people who worked for 40 years in a company came out with little or nothing. I am pleased that issue has been addressed. It is another one of the legacy issues the Government faced on coming into Government and which has been-----

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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Tell the Aer Lingus pensioners that the Government is going to cut 50% from the pensions of deferred pensioners.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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Double insolvency-----

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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The Government will have to double that now.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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-----is a very rare thing, and that is what happens-----

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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The Government allows single insolvency thanks to the Labour Party and Fine Gael.

Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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The Leader to continue without interruption, please.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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Single insolvency is very rare.

Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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Senator Darragh O'Brien can raise that issue tomorrow morning.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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The Chair allowed-----

Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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The Leader is responding.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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Senators David Norris, Mary Moran, Darragh O'Brien and others raised the "Prime Time" programme-----

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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There is a chance to rectify it next week in the Social Welfare Bill.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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-----on Áras Attracta which is to be broadcast this evening. I think we should wait and see it. Listening to the radio on the way to the House, I heard that in bungalow three there were five workers looking after seven people. Therefore, I think it is unfair to speak about austerity in terms of that issue.

Austerity does not cause people to act in the manner described in terms of what happened. Let us wait and see what happens in that regard.

David Norris (Independent)
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That is unfair. It is what is happening all over the country. The sooner those in Government realise it the better.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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A number of Members raised the issue of payment of the junior bondholders. They will be at the very end of the queue, as outlined by all Ministers.

David Norris (Independent)
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They should not be in the queue at all.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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They will be behind taxpayers-----

David Norris (Independent)
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They should not be in the queue at all.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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-----the credit unions and many others. They will be at the end of the queue. If there is any money left-----

David Norris (Independent)
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What about the people of Ireland?

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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-----consideration will then be given to them.

David Norris (Independent)
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What about the people of Ireland being repaid the money that was taken off them by the German and French banks?

Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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Please allow the Leader to respond.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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Senators Naughton and Comiskey welcomed the increased funding for festival and events programmes announced yesterday by the Minister of State, Deputy Ring. It is very positive news for tourism here.

Senator Cullinane also welcome the announcement about Waterford Crystal, on which I have already commented. The Senator, along with Senator Ó Clochartaigh, also spoke about the people of Detroit. Detroit has a poor record in managing its own affairs. I am not sure what the people travelling to Ireland from Detroit intend to do.

Senator Noone raised the issue of obesity and the need for mandatory calorie labelling. Like Senator Coghlan, I would stay away from the Indian takeaways. There is a need for all of us to choose healthy options, which we do not do on many occasions.

I would like to correct a point made by Senator Leyden. The working group does include the former Senator Joe O'Toole. Senator Paul Coghlan also referred to the report on media merger guidelines and asked about the possibility of a debate on that report in this House. I will try to arrange that debate.

Senator Zappone spoke about the recent results of the marriage equality polls. I will get back to the Senator with an update on the date for the referendum and when the Bill will come before this House.

Senator Colm Burke proposed an amendment to the Order of Business in relation to the publication of his Bill. I have no problem accepting that amendment to the Order of Business. Senators Burke and Mullins also spoke about the HIQA report on the ambulance service and the appointment to that service of people who do not have the necessary skills for the job. I am glad to hear that the Joint Committee on Health and Children will revisit that important matter in early January.

Senator Quinn spoke about the English-teaching colleges and the issue of Q mark registration, and undertook to forward to me details on that matter, which I will pass on to the Minister. I note the Senator's points in regard to the abolition of 1 cent and 2 cent coins, which was first mooted in Wexford. It is a good idea.

I will pass on Senator Quinn's proposal regarding a pilot scheme for defibrillators in a particular town to the Minister. We will see how that works out.

Senators Comiskey and Mooney raised the issue of the withdrawal of mammography services from Sligo General Hospital. There is no question but that this is a vital issue for the north west. Best practice is of paramount importance in the treatment of cancer. I have asked the Minister for Health to come to the House for a debate on the matter but he is unavailable today as he is scheduled to deal with a number of items in the Dáil and has a number of other appointments. The Senators might consider raising the matter by way of an Adjournment motion, which could probably be taken tomorrow.

Senator Keane complimented the Tallaght students on their commentary on positivity and negativity in the media. Senator Mullen raised the issue of the broadcasting charge, which was to replace the television licence fee. I will try to ascertain the current Government position on that matter for the Senator.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh raised the issue of the profits of companies operating direct provision centres, articles on which we have all read in the newspapers.

I can assure him that the Government will act in unison in regard to direct provision centres. I will find out how the matter is progressing, as he requested.

Senator Wilson highlighted the need for donations for worldwide research on motor neurone disease. I agree with his comments and I am sure we would all like to be associated with them.

Senator Healy Eames called for a debate on tax reform. We had a debate on the Finance Bill and will have debates on Committee and Report Stages of the Bill. That will be the place for her to put her points regarding tax reform and proposals. I am sure she took part in the debate last week and will do so in the coming week.

I covered Senator Bradford's comments on Seanad reform.

Gerard Craughwell (Independent)
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On a point of clarification, is the Leader offering to bring a senior Minister or the Taoiseach before the House tomorrow between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. or is he suggesting we have a little chat among ourselves? I would like clarification on that.

Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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Senator, we will come to your amendment in a minute.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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I am not offering to bring a senior Minister before the House.

Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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We will deal with each amendment as proposed. Senator Burke has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, "That No. 12 be taken before No. 1." The Leader has agreed to this amendment. Is the proposal for dealing with amendment No. 1 agreed to?

Gerard Craughwell (Independent)
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This is extremely important.

Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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Senator, he has made it quite clear he is not in a position to offer a senior Minister for such a debate. We will come to your amendment in a minute.

Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)
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What about the Taoiseach?

Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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I will deal with the amendments as they come before me, and we can then decide. Amendment No. 1 was proposed by Senator Burke. The Leader has indicated that he is prepared to accept the amendment. Is the amendment agreed to? Agreed.

Senator Craughwell has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, "That the Taoiseach or a Minister come to the House to discuss the Seanad reform review group." Is the amendment being pressed?

Gerard Craughwell (Independent)
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Yes.

Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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Senator Mooney has proposed amendment No. 3 to the Order of Business: "That a debate with the Minister for Health on the withdrawal of mammography services from Sligo General Hospital be taken today." Is the amendment being pressed?

Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)
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Yes.