The Minister knows that peat has been an ongoing hot topic. I would argue that our horticulture sector is perhaps one of the greenest sectors in agriculture. Those in involved in horticulture and mushroom growing want to ensure that everything they do is done in a green and environmentally sustainable way. They want to make sure that their produce is green and branded as such. Now that we are moving into the spring season, I would ask that we finally resolve the issue surrounding peat. We cannot have a situation wh…

I thank the Minister of State for coming in to take this matter. It is one that is of personal interest to him. As far as the consumer is concerned, there is very limited, and in some sectors no real competition, in banking, insurance and financial services in Ireland. The Minister of State will also be aware that there has been criticism among fintech companies about the approach the Central Bank has been taking, especially about trying to encourage a number of these companies to develop here. Due to his own exper…

I agree with the Minister of State that consumers are voting with their wallets, so to speak, and moving on to new products such as Revolut and N26. They are moving into new areas of fintech. If he talks to any of the fintech companies, he will find that they do not feel that they are getting a level playing field from the Central Bank. The Central Bank obviously has to protect the consumer, but one of the best ways it can protect the consumer is by ensuring that there is competition between traditional retail bank…

This Saturday marks the 50th anniversary of when, on 22 January 1972, the accession treaty for Ireland to join the then European Economic Community, EEC, was signed by Taoiseach Jack Lynch and Minister for Foreign Affairs Patrick Hillery. They built on the work of Seán Lemass and others who very clearly argued that Ireland's future rightly lay in Europe. In May of that year, 83% of voters endorsed the decision and as the Leader knows, on 1 January 1973 we joined the EEC. I have always been very proud of my party's …

I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House to speak to this matter. He might recall we discussed it in September 2020, when I raised concerns around the capacity of the office of the Data Protection Commissioner, its resourcing and its powers in being able to deal with some of the challenges it continues to face. First, I compliment the staff of the Data Protection Commissioner, who have been working under difficult circumstances and faced much criticism. Some of that has been unfair but some of it shoul…

I welcome the fact that there are discussions around a move towards three commissioners. I am certainly interested in hearing the Minister of State's personal view on whether this will happen, and happen quickly. In terms of addressing some of the concerns, including those raised by the DPC around its functioning, this may be a step forward. If the Minister of State cannot give a direct answer, I ask him to clarify what he means when he says a decision will be made by the Minister "shortly". I always wonder what ex…

Like others, I extend my sympathies to the family, friends, partner and school community of the late Ashling Murphy. Her death has started a number of discussions. I occasionally run and never think about my personal safety as a man, but for women it is an issue of concern. Having spoken to women runners I know it has always been an issue. Even at our local park run on Saturday it was interesting that a discussion started. If one thing comes out of this, it may be that it starts a discussion and that men get involv…

First, I compliment the work of my Wexford colleague, Deputy Kehoe, and the Joint Committee on Education, Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. I also compliment the Minister on her work in this area. In the context of online bullying, while I welcome the new strategy with regard to bullying, a lot of our concern is not so much about the bullying that takes place in the playground but the bullying that takes place in the online space. The Minister may be aware of the tragic case of Eden He…

I thank Senator Boyhan for his Churchillian oration. This is a matter I raised on Second Stage with the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien. It applies very specifically to this legislation, but it is the general principle of the exclusion of councillors from certain State boards. The case I made then, and to the Minister of State, Deputy Noonan, on Committee Stage, is that it is not about a councillor being appointed just because he or she is a councillor, it is where the person has relevant expertise and all other t…

I echo Senator Joe O'Reilly's concerns about Belarus and the deteriorating situation there. Ireland has taken a strong position, which I urge be continued. This situation shows that we need to appreciate how fortunate we are to live in a free and democratic country such as ours. I am always struck by the Christmas story, which is a story of refugees seeking freedom from oppression. Consider what we have achieved this year. The Afghan admission programme has just opened, a regularisation scheme for long-term undocum…

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire. I certainly echo many of the comments of my colleagues and particularly those so eloquently expressed by Senator Black. All of us in the Chamber look forward to a day when we can debate arts and culture policy without the impact of Covid-19. The Minister and her Government have had achievements, including increasing Arts Council funding to €130 million, additional supports for local authorities and the introduction of the basic income scheme. These are all positive developments but, unf…

I endorse the remarks of my colleague, Senator Warfield, in response to comments made by Senator Keogan last week. I happen to know the work that BeLonG To, ShoutOut, Transgender Equality Network Ireland, TENI, and the INTO LGBT+ Teachers Group happen to do. They provide confidence to young people when they are often at a particularly vulnerable stage in their lives. Their motivation is not political. Their motivation is purely about giving young people certainty, often at a very vulnerable stage. It is important t…

I am always conscious the Minister of State tends to come into this Chamber to wrap up every session, but it is appropriate to pay tribute to her work. She is passionate about what she does and the fruits of her labour are now being seen. I will follow on from Senators Gavan and Conway. I have been raising this issue around international student health insurance and had a Commencement matter last week with the Minister of State's colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Feighan. Frankly, I am frustrated. I introduc…

I thank the Minister of State for coming to the Chamber. I know him as somebody who is very compassionate and with a real interest in matters like this and human rights. I commend Senator Higgins and her colleagues on what is a very well-worded motion in considering this issue. I probably cannot express my views in the same way as Senator Garvey, with such compassion and emotion, but I share her views on the matter. I have spoken to my Fianna Fáil colleagues about this specific issue and the Minister for Health, De…

I wish to acknowledge that today is National Irish Sign Language Day. Members know, of course, that our Cathaoirleach is a big supporter. Equally, it is very important that the message is on the floor of the House that we are very strong supporters of the Irish Sign Language Act. However, this Act needs to be more than just legislation; it is about how it is enforced and that the Department of Education takes this issue seriously. It should never be a case that parents of deaf children have to fight to secure right…

I move amendment No. 45: In page 52, to delete line 25. I raised this issue with the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, on Second Stage. It applies in general to State boards, but to the specific exclusion of members of local authorities from serving as members of State boards. This makes perfect sense in the case of Members of the Oireachtas who have been involved in the legislative process in the setting up of this body and so on, but I do not see any reason a member of a local authority should be excluded from co…

Respectfully, I will not disagree with anything the Minister of State said but he avoided the core issue. There will be input at local level and so on. However, he spoke of the chief executive reviewing the governance. The chief executive cannot change what is within the legislation, and the legislation is clearly excluding from the board of MARA anyone who happens to be a member of a local authority. Conversely, it ensures that there will be a chief executive of a city or county council on the board. Senator Ward …

I thank the Acting Chairman for notifying me of that in time and I thank the Minister of State for coming in to address this issue. One of the most frightening phrases I have discovered since coming into this House is being told a matter falls between a number of Departments or agencies. The issue of international students’ health insurance unfortunately is one of those that seems to fall between the Department of Health and the Department of Justice, and there is an interest on the part of the Department of Furthe…

I appreciate the Minister of State's answer. Part of the difficulty I had in tabling this question was whether to direct it to the Department of Health or the Department of Justice. My worry, if I had tabled it to the Department of Justice, was that Department would say this is a health insurance matter. I appreciate the answer the Minister of State has given but the reality is that it comes back to buck passing between the two Departments. I do not care which Department is responsible for it. I know the Department…

I want to refer back to issues we raised in the House on Tuesday. I strongly endorse the call from Senator Black that the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Deputy Catherine Martin, come before the House. I am aware the Leader gave a commitment on Tuesday to do that. It is important to acknowledge the issues raised by Senator Cummins and me, especially around the support for amateur and semi-professional panto and theatre groups around the country. It is clear from her announcement yes…