97 SEANAD ÉIREANN 1277

Déardaoin, 22 Samhain, 2012 Thursday, 22nd November, 2012

10.30 a.m.

RIAR NA hOIBRE Order Paper

GNÓ POIBLÍ Public Business

1. An Bille um Chosaint Shibhialta, 2012 — An Coiste. Civil Defence Bill 2012 — Committee.

2. An Bille um an mBiúró Náisiúnta Grinnfhiosrúcháin (Leanaí agus Daoine Soghonta), 2012 — An Dara Céim. National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Bill 2012 — Second Stage.

3. An Bille Luachála (Leasú) (Uimh. 2), 2012 — An Coiste. Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012 — Committee.

4. An Bille Cróinéirí, 2007 — An Coiste. Coroners Bill 2007 — Committee.

5. An Bille um Cheartas Coiriúil (Ciontuithe Spíonta), 2012 — An Coiste. Criminal Justice (Spent Convictions) Bill 2012 — Committee.

Tíolactha: Presented: 6. An Bille um Príobháideacht, 2006 — Ordú don Dara Céim. Privacy Bill 2006 — Order for Second Stage.

Bille dá ngairtear Acht do dhéanamh Bill entitled an Act to provide for a Tort socrú maidir le Tort arb éard é of Violation of Privacy; and to provide for Príobháideacht a Shárú; agus do dhéanamh matters connected therewith. socrú i dtaobh nithe a bhaineann leis an méid sin. —Senator .

7. An Bille Staidrimh (Leasú i leith Oidhreachta), 2011 — Ordú don Dara Céim. Statistics (Heritage Amendment) Bill 2011 — Order for Second Stage.

Bille dá ngairtear Acht do leasú an Achta Bill entitled an Act to amend the Staidrimh, 1993, i ndáil leis an gcéad Statistics Act 1993, in relation to the first daonáireamh ar Éirinn a rinneadh ó census of population of Ireland taken since P.T.O. 1278 22 Samhain, 2012 bunaíodh an Stát; do thabhairt stádas the establishment of the State; to afford that oidhreachta speisialta don daonáireamh sin census a special heritage status and to have agus do chur faoi deara é a chur ar fáil don such released to the public for genealogical, phobal le haghaidh taighde ginealais, staire historical and other research. agus taighde eile. —Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú.

8. An Bille um Reacht na dTréimhsí (Leasú) (LeasúchánTí-Pirít), 2012 — Ordú don Dara Céim. Statute of Limitations (Amendment) (Home Remediation-Pyrite) Bill 2012 — Order for Second Stage. Bille da´ ngairtear Acht do leasu´ Reacht na Bill entitled an Act to amend the Statute dTre´imhsı´, 1957 chun a chumasu´ do thı´osaigh of Limitations, 1957 to enable householders a ndearna pirı´t dama´iste da´ dtithe e´ileamh a whose houses have been damaged by pyrite thionscnamh laistigh de thre´imhse ama dar to institute a claim within a period of time tosach an tra´th a dheimhneoidh innealto´ir go commencing when the presence of pyrite bhfuil pirı´t laistigh den teach. within the house has been certified by an engineer. —Senators Darragh O’Brien, Thomas Byrne, , .

9. An Bille um Thuirbíní Gaoithe, 2012 — An Coiste. Wind Turbines Bill 2012 — Committee. —Senator John Kelly.

10. An Bille um Chosaint Sláinte Leanaí ar Dheatach Tobac, 2012 — An Coiste. Protection of Children’s Health from Tobacco Smoke Bill 2012 — Committee. —Senators , , .

11. An Bille um Dhúnorgain Chorparáideach, 2011 — An Dara Céim. Corporate Manslaughter Bill 2011 — Second Stage. —Senator Mark Daly.

Bille (atógáil) (0.02 n. fágtha): Bill (resumed) (0.02 m. remaining): 12. An Bille um Chlárú Uachtanna, 2011 — An Dara Céim (atógáil). Registration of Wills Bill 2011 — Second Stage (resumed). —Senator .

Bille (atógáil) (0.02 n. fágtha): Bill (resumed) (0.02 m. remaining): 13. An Bille um Fhreagracht Bhuiséadach (Ráiteas), 2012 — An Dara Céim (atógáil). Fiscal Responsibility (Statement) Bill 2011 — Second Stage (resumed). —Senator Sean D. Barrett.

Bille (atógáil) (0.02 n. fágtha): Bill (resumed) (0.02 m. remaining): 14. An Bille um Príobháideacht, 2012 — An Dara Céim (atógáil). Privacy Bill 2012 — Second Stage (resumed). —Senators David Norris, , Sean D. Barrett. 22 Samhain, 2012 1279 Bille (atógáil) (0.02 n. fágtha): Bill (resumed) (0.02 m. remaining): 15. An Bille Creidmheasa Morgáiste (Iasachtaí agus Bannaí), 2012 — An Dara Céim (atógáil). Mortgage Credit (Loans and Bonds) Bill 2012 — Second Stage (resumed). —Senator Sean D. Barrett.

Bille (atógáil) (0.01 n. fágtha): Bill (resumed) (0.01 m. remaining): 16. An Bille um Chomhionannas Fostaíochta (Leasú) (Uimh. 2), 2012 — An Dara Céim (atógáil). Employment Equality (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012 — Second Stage (resumed). —Senator Mary White.

Tairiscintí: Motions: 17. ‘‘Go dtugann Seanad Éireann dá aire That Seanad Éireann notes the Report of an Tuarascáil ón gComhchoiste um the Joint Committee on Finance, Public Airgeadas, Caiteachas Poiblí agus Expenditure and Reform entitled ‘Report Athchóiriú dar teideal ‘Tuarascáil maidir on the Principle of Acceptance by Public leis an bPrionsabal a bhaineann le Bodies of Recommendations of the Comhlachtaí Poiblí do Ghlacadh le Moltaí Ombudsman’ which was laid before Seanad an Ombudsman’ a leagadh faoi bhráid Éireann on 19 July, 2012.’’ Sheanad Éireann an 19 Iúil, 2012. —Senator Maurice Cummins. [19 September, 2012]

18. Go ndéanfar, maidir leis an Tuarascáil That, in respect of the Report of the Joint ón gComhchoiste um Buan-Orduithe (Gnó Committee on Standing Orders (Private Príobháideach) ar an Athbhreithniú ar Business) on the Revision of Standing Bhuan-Orduithe (Gnó Príobháideach) Orders (Private Business) 1939, dated 7 1939, dar dáta 7 Samhain, 2012, agus le November, 2012, and with immediate effect héifeacht láithreach na leasuithe ar Bhuan- the amendments to the Standing Orders Orduithe i dtaobh Gnótha Phríobháidigh relative to Private Business 1939 in 1939 i bhFoscríbhinn 2 a ghabhann leis an Appendix 2 to the Report be adopted. Tuarascáil a ghlacadh. —Senator Denis O’Donovan, Leas-Chathaoirleach. [21 November, 2012]

19. Tairiscintí nach ón Rialtas: Non-Government Motions: 1. ‘‘That Seanad Éireann calls upon the Government to convey to the Holy See at official level, and through existing diplomatic channels, that it would welcome the opportunity of extending an official invitation to Pope Benedict XVI to visit Ireland at a time of mutual convenience.’’. —Senators Jim Walsh, , Darragh O’Brien, Labhrás Ó Murchú, Terry Leyden, Mary White, Ned O’Sullivan, Mark Daly, Marc MacSharry, Brian Ó Domhnaill, Diarmuid Wilson, Averil Power, Thomas Byrne, Denis O’Donovan, Rónán Mullen, Feargal Quinn, , Trevor Ó Clochartaigh, , Jillian van Turnhout, Martin McAleese, . [2 February, 2012]

P.T.O. 1280 22 Samhain, 2012 Tairiscint (atógáil) (0.02 n. fágtha): Motion (resumed) (0.02 m. remaining): 2. ‘‘That Seanad Éireann, noting that:

• research on behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency shows that Irish consumers throw away 1 million tonnes of food a year which is approximately 30% of food bought;

• the average person throws out almost 300kg of ‘black bin rubbish’ every year, and about one third of this waste is food waste. This is the equivalent of 3,750 apples;

• this waste costs every household in Ireland about €1,000 per year;

• restaurants dispose of about €125 million worth of food every year;

• wastage is a huge financial cost to the State through the dumping of it in landfills;

• food wastage is a major factor in greenhouse gas emissions through rotting;

• food is inadequately labelled and its true origin is often obscured to the consumer;

• food is inadequately labelled in terms of content;

• there is a childhood obesity epidemic with over 300,000 children considered obese;

• most requirements of the new EU Food Information Regulations requirements do not apply until 2014 and nutrition labelling will become mandatory in 2016;

calls on the Government to introduce proper food labelling to improve information to consumers and other food safety measures:

• including the provision of ‘consume by’ dates of food products, in the ‘best before’ and ‘sell by’ dates (that is, many foods are in fact edible after the ‘best before’ or the ‘sell by’ or ‘display until’ dates which used by retailers) to reduce food wastage;

• immediately ensure ‘‘verifiable country of origin’’ labelling on all farm produce sold by retailers to ensure that consumers are not confused and undermine local producers by passing off imports as Irish as is the case currently (e.g. through the use of tricolors, shamrocks, green labels, etc.) — especially as the EU debate about country of origin labelling has effectively been postponed;

• ensure that terms like ‘‘Irish food’’ can only be used after specific criteria are satisfied — by doing so, it will help to stimulate growth in the economy by allowing consumers to buy produce verifiably produced in Ireland;

• include labelling on food so that Irish consumers know exactly from where their products are originating;

• given that it is estimated that up to 25% of an individual’s carbon footprint is associated with their diet; consider the introduction of labelling for products with at least 25% greenhouse gas savings (as in Sweden) to provide consumers with the ability to make an informed choice and with the ability to see how some products are more sustainable than others;

• introduce labelling with clearer food storage instructions to reduce waste; 22 Samhain, 2012 1281 • consider the introduction of simpler food labelling for food products aimed at children;

• teach primary schoolchildren more effectively about food and food labelling, emphasising healthy eating and continue to examine existing advertising regulations with regard to children and clarify the potential tax on fatty foods; and

• welcomes the European Commission’s proposal for the introduction, for the first time and on a voluntary basis, of an electronic identification system (EID) for bovine animals by repealing the current provisions on voluntary beef labelling; and

to consider additional measures to reduce waste, including, but not limited to:

• introducing a proper system for distributing leftover food to those most in need and to the appropriate charities; including ensuring that any catering procured by the State will be required to redistribute that food to vulnerable groups;

• encouraging retailers to allow ‘2 for 1’ offers to be redeemed at a later date through a voucher system, discouraging waste; and

• encouraging producers and retailers to reduce packaging including the introduction of biodegradable packaging and packaging that keeps fresh produce edible for longer in addition to making packaging easier to open for the elderly or disabled.’’. —Senators Feargal Quinn, Mary-Ann O’Brien. [14 February, 2012] Leasuithe: Amendments: 1. To delete all words after ‘‘Seanad Éireann’’ and substitute the following:

‘‘noting that:

• minimisation and management of food waste is being addressed under the National Waste Prevention Programme and the plan covering the period 2009- 2012;

• the Waste Management (Food Waste) Regulations 2009, on commercial food waste, introduced by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, include a requirement that from 1 July, 2010, the commercial sector have the food waste it generates segregated and collected separately and also imposes obligations on the major sources of food waste such as hot food outlets and institutions;

• the Waste Management (Landfill Levy) Regulations 2011 provide for an increase in the landfill levy to €50 per tonne from 1 September, 2011 and that there is a commitment to further increases;

• the General food labelling Directive 200/13/EC (S.I. 483/2002) requires indication of the place of origin where failure to give such particulars might mislead the consumer to a material degree and EU food information regulations will provide additional information to the consumer;

• according to IUNA data, children are not eating the recommended portions of milk, fresh meat and fruit and vegetables;

considers that these measures will improve Ireland’s performance in relation to food waste, and in particular: P.T.O. 1282 22 Samhain, 2012 • notes the launch by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Government of the Green Public Procurement Action Plan in January, 2012, which aims to implement green public procurement in favour of more resource efficient, less polluting goods services and works;

• highlights that food and catering services are a priority area for green procurement and that contracting parties will be required to deal with food waste in compliance with the National Composting Standard;

• emphasises that the sustainability of the agri-food sector in Ireland provides consumers in Ireland and further afield with environmental assurance, welcomes in this regard schemes such as the Bord Bia Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme, developed in partnership with Teagasc and the Carbon Trust. This includes traceability back to the farm and carbon measurement on the farm as well as an indication of origin;

• remarks that Country of Origin labelling is currently mandatory for beef, fish, honey, olive oil and fresh fruit and vegetables and for other products when its absence might mislead the consumer; that this is being extended to other meats and that the European Commission will carry out a feasibility study on the possibility of extending country of origin labelling requirements to other foods including ingredients that represent more than 50% of a food;

• notes that the DAFM is supporting research into anaerobic digestion, utilisation of by-products of processing and fruit and vegetable waste in particular and considers that it is important that the findings of such research are commercialised and used on a wide scale;

• encourages more schools to take up the EU school milk scheme;

• notes that the Food Dude/EU school fruit scheme, managed by Bord Bia funded by DAFM, has now been rolled out to over half of primary school children and that evaluations of the scheme have consistently shown increased consumption of fruit and vegetables;

• recommends wider publicity of the Stop Food Waste Programme (www.StopFoodWaste.ie) and the www.foodwaste.ie and the EPA publication ‘‘Less Food Waste — More Profit’’ which provides advice to consumers and operators on buying, storage and low waste cookery tips such as buying what is required, taking note of existing stock, checking use-by dates and understanding the differences between Use-by, Best before and Sell by dates, and on how to compost any residual food waste, as easy access to information and advice could have a substantial impact on individual consumer decisions and national patterns of consumer and operator behaviour.’’. —Senator Maurice Cummins. 2. To delete ‘‘• ensure that terms like ‘Irish Food’’’ and substitute ‘‘ensure that terms like ‘Irish Food’ applies to Irish produce on an All-Ireland basis, and’’. —Senators Trevor Ó Clochartaigh, David Cullinane, Kathryn Reilly.

3. ‘‘That Seanad Éireann hereby declares that the Order of Business of Seanad Éireann, save in exceptional circumstances, shall take precedence over other business of the and that consequently Senators shall not attend meetings of Committees of the Oireachtas until the Order of Business is concluded in the House.’’. —Senators David Norris, , Feargal Quinn, Rónán Mullen. [25 April, 2012] 22 Samhain, 2012 1283 4. ‘‘That Seanad Eireann takes notes of the Annual Report of The Press Council of Ireland and the Office of the Press Ombudsman 2011.’’. —Senators David Norris, Feargal Quinn, Rónán Mullen, Sean Barrett. [12 June, 2012]

5. ‘‘That the minutes of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges shall be automatically sent as a matter of course to every member of the Senate in light of the recent communication problems with members.’’. —Senators David Norris, Marie Louise O’Donnell, Darragh O’Brien, Thomas Byrne, Mark Daly, Terry Leyden, Marc MacSharry, Paschal Mooney, Denis O’Donovan, Ned O’Sullivan, Brian Ó Domhnaill, Labhrás Ó Murchú, Averil Power, Jim Walsh, Mary White, Diarmuid Wilson, Sean D. Barrett, Cait Keane. [26 June, 2012]

6. ‘‘That the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2012 (Section 12) (Commencement) Order 2012 (S.I. No. 206 of 2012) be and are hereby annulled.’’ —Senators Darragh O’Brien, Thomas Byrne, Mark Daly, Terry Leyden, Marc MacSharry, Paschal Mooney, Denis O’Donovan, Brian Ó Domhnaill, Labhrás Ó Murchú, Ned O’Sullivan, Averil Power, Jim Walsh, Mary White, Diarmuid Wilson, . [28 June, 2012]

7. ‘‘That Seanad Éireann condemns the failure of this and previous Governments to implement the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive despite the judgement of the European Court of Justice; and notes, in particular, that the ECJ has ruled that Ireland has not satisfactorily implemented article 3 of the directive which deals with the negative consequences of split decisions in planning between Irish planning authorities and the Irish Environment Protection Agency.

Seanad Éireann expresses its concern at the result that this failure may have had on major planning decisions such as the Corrib Gas Pipeline.’’. —Senators David Cullinane, Trevor Ó Clochartaigh, Kathryn Reilly. [4 July, 2012]

8. ‘‘That Seanad Éireann condemns the recently announced variable mortgage interest rate of 0.5% being imposed on mortgage holders by Bank of Ireland and ICS Building Society; and calls on the Government to take all necessary steps to reverse this unacceptable increase.’’ —Senators Darragh O’Brien, Thomas Byrne, Mark Daly, Terry Leyden, Marc MacSharry, Paschal Mooney, Brian Ó Domhnaill, Labhrás Ó Murchú, Denis O’Donovan, Ned O’Sullivan, Averil Power, Jim Walsh, Mary White, Diarmuid Wilson. [26 September, 2012]

9. ‘‘That this House condemns sexual violence in conflict; and calls on the Government to:

(a) affirm Ireland’s commitment to implement United Nations Security Council Resolutions on Women, Peace and Security;

(b) play a leadership role in international efforts to end sexual violence and bring about accountability and support survivors of sexual violence in conflict through Irish diplomacy and development assistance; and P.T.O. 1284 22 Samhain, 2012 (c) support the efforts of organisations to draw attention to, and denounce, sexual violence.’’ —Senators David Norris, Feargal Quinn, Rónán Mullen, John Crown. Sean D. Barrett, David Cullinane, Trevor Ó Clochartaigh, Kathryn Reilly, Darragh O’Brien, Thomas Byrne, Mark Daly, Terry Leyden, Marc MacSharry, Paschal Mooney, Brian Ó Domhnaill, Labhrás Ó Murchú, Denis O’Donovan, Ned O’Sullivan, Averil Power, Jim Walsh, Mary White, Diarmuid Wilson, Jillian van Turnhout, Fiach MacConghail, Marie Louise O’Donnell, Katherine Zappone, Maurice Cummins, , , Terry Brennan, , , , , , Martin Conway, Jim D’Arcy, Michael Darcy, , , , , James Heffernan, , , Cait Keane, John Kelly, , , , , Michael Mullins, , Susan O’Keeffe, Pat O’Neill, , John Whelan. [18 October, 2012]

10. ‘‘That Seanad Éireann, in the light of the unprecedented levels of youth unemployment and emigration, believes that a more pro-active approach is needed from the Government to tackle the sky high rates of joblessness among young people; and calls on the Minister for Social Protection to amend the criteria for eligibility for Community Employment Schemes to allow under 25s to participate in all schemes as many of them are now long-term unemployed.’’. —Senators Kathryn Reilly, David Cullinane, Trevor O’Clocartaigh. [7 November, 2012]

11. ‘‘That Seanad Éireann:

Recognises on the one hand, the important role of US investment in the development of Ireland’s knowledge-based and export-driven economy, and on the other, the export successes of indigenous Irish business, and their future potential in sustainable growth of Ireland’s economy, for example in areas like Pharma, Life Sciences, ICT, food and drink;

acknowledges the re-emergence of China as a major world economy and its own development up the value chain, for example in high-tech industries like Life Sciences and ICT, and the related growth in Chinese business demand for knowledge-based services and as a hub from which to operate in Europe; also, at a wider level, Chinese individuals’ growing demand for premium imported products like food and drink, and Chinese individuals’ growing ability to invest in education, property and entrepreneurialism in a politically neutral and English-speaking sovereign state;

observes that China wishes to access intellectual property and technology and needs to invest in new products and services demanded by their expanding domestic market;

recognises that multinational corporations who possess intellectual property are interested in accessing the substantial market in China could, in co-operation with Chinese partners use Ireland as a location to develop new products and services, in industry sectors where Ireland enjoys a competitive advantage;

understands the resulting opportunities for Ireland of future trade and investment with China, including China’s potential to follow the US model of ‘Ireland as the gateway to Europe’, its potential to boost job creation and market confidence in Ireland, from, for example, support of Ireland’s existing export industries, education and dampened property sectors, to the creation of jobs in Ireland through the attraction of Chinese investment, students and entrepreneurs; 22 Samhain, 2012 1285 accepts that while close cultural and historical links helped attract US investment to Ireland, a different approach, supported by a high-level political drive and the increasing use of Irish-Chinese talent and growing cultural ties, is required for China;

realises that Ireland’s potential as a hub for Chinese FDI into Europe, and as an exporter of premium goods and services to China, is currently being hindered by several practical barriers on the movement of skills, goods and investment;

notes that such barriers include Ireland’s lack of a means-based visa-on-arrival scheme for Chinese, Ireland’s lack of integration into Europe’s Schengen and UK visa zones, Ireland’s lack of a developed investment-based green card scheme; and Ireland’s heavy export dependence on traditional markets in Europe and North America;

proposes that the Government considers removing these practical barriers through the existing bilateral investment agreement with China, the piloting of a means-based visa-on-arrival scheme, greater integration with Schengen and UK visa zones, and the development of an investment-based green card scheme; and

that the Government also undertakes a review of how existing initiatives (for example, by Bord Bia, IDA, Enterprise Ireland, trade and exporter associations) can be more effectively supported to reflect the shift in new trade and investment opportunities from traditional to emerging markets like China.’’. —Senators Fidelma Healy Eames, Maurice Cummins, Paul Coghlan, Paul Bradford, Colm Burke, Deirdre Clune, Eamonn Coghlan, Michael Comiskey, Martin Conway, Jim D’Arcy, Michael Darcy, Imelda Henry, Cait Keane, Tony Mulcahy, Michael Mullins, Catherine Noone, Pat O’Neill, Tom Sheahan, Terry Brennan. [8 November, 2012]

12. ‘‘That Seanad Éireann:

recognises the need for persons with print disabilities to have access to published works and to expand the number of published works in accessible formats and to improve access to those works;

recognises the opportunities and challenges for persons with a print disability presented by the development of new information and communication technologies, including technological publishing and communication platforms that are transnational in nature;

notes that national copyright legislation is territorial in nature and, where activity is undertaken across jurisdictions, uncertainty regarding the legality of activity undermines the development and use of new technologies and services that can potentially improve the lives of persons with print disabilities;

recognises that appropriate copyright exceptions and limitations are needed to improve access to published works; and

calls on the Government to support the Minister of State for Research and Innovation in participation in the World Intellectual Property Organization negotiations for an international instrument on copyright limitations and exceptions for persons with print disabilities in order to improve access to works protected by copyright for persons with a print disability.’’. —Senators Martin Conway, Maurice Cummins, Paul Coghlan, Paul Bradford, Colm Burke, Deirdre Clune, Eamonn Coghlan, Michael Comiskey, Jim D’Arcy, Michael Darcy, Fidelma Healy Eames, Imelda Henry, Cait Keane, Tony Mulcahy, Michael Mullins, Catherine Noone, Pat O’Neill, Tom Sheahan, Terry Brennan. [8 November, 2012]

P.T.O. 1286 22 Samhain, 2012 13. ‘‘That Seanad Éireann:

acknowledges the important role that youth work has played and continues to play in assisting young people in Ireland, in supporting them to be active citizens and to reach their potential;

welcomes the Assessment of the Economic Value of Youth Work Report (For the National Youth Council of Ireland by Indecon International Economic Consultants, 2012), which shows that for every €1 the State invests in youth work there is a long term benefit and saving of €2.22 to the State;

affirms the important role of the voluntary youth work sector in young people’s lives with the Value of Youth Work Report noting that the sector is significant in scale and reach, with almost 383,000 young people benefiting from a wide range of programmes and services;

notes the important role of youth work in addressing social exclusion and poverty with the Value of Youth Work Report indicating that 53% of participants in youth work activities are from socially and/or economically disadvantaged areas;

welcomes the finding in the Value of Youth Work Report that 26% of young people in Ireland participate in a youth club or some kind of youth organisation, which is the highest level of participation in the European Union;

acknowledges the vital role of over 40,000 volunteers in the youth work sector who give their time and life experience to work with and for young people in their communities;

recognises the important work of 1,400 paid staff who, on a daily basis, provide many of the supports and services for both young people and volunteers;

notes the 10.4% increase in the youth population between the ages of 10-14 from 273,872 in 2006 to 302,491 in 2011;

notes that Ireland, at 18.4% in 2011, has the 4th highest number of young people not ‘‘in education, employment or training’’ (NEETS) in the European Union compared to an EU average of 12.9%;

further notes, that Ireland, at 37% compared to a 27% EU average, has the highest number of children and young people under 18 years of age at risk of poverty and social exclusion;

recognises the need to address the high levels of youth unemployment with over 29% of young people under 25 now unemployed with over a third of young men aged 20-24 out of work;

acknowledges the €56.8m in current expenditure provided by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs to support youth work in 2012, but is concerned at the 20% cut in funding since 2008.

calls on the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to:

1. acknowledge the role of the voluntary youth work sector in supporting young people who are not in education, training or employment and to work in partnership with the youth sector at local and national level to address social exclusion and youth unemployment; 22 Samhain, 2012 1287 2. recognise in policy and funding decisions the important role of the voluntary youth sector in reaching and supporting young people from the most socially and/or economically disadvantaged communities in Ireland;

3. take into account the economic benefits and long term savings to the State through investment in youth work as outlined in the Value of Youth Work Report;

4. recognise that continued cuts in funding will undermine the capacity of voluntary youth organisations to meet the needs of young people;

5. note the increasing numbers of young people in the 10-14 year old age cohort who will be seeking supports and services in their communities in the coming five years.’’. —Senators Jillian van Turnhout, Fiach MacConghail, Mary Ann O’Brien, Marie Louise O’Donnell, Katherine Zappone, Averil Power, Kathryn Reilly, Ronan Mullen, Martin McAleese, Feargal Quinn, David Cullinane, Trevor Ó Clochartaigh, David Norris.

20. An Seanad a chur ar athló. Adjournment of the Seanad.

BILLÍ AR SIÚL AGUS GNÓ ATÁ ORDAITHE Bills in Progress and Business Ordered Dé Máirt, 27 Samhain, 2012. Tuesday, 27th November, 2012. An Bille Iompair (Iasachtaí Chóras Iompair Éireann agus Fochuideachtaí), 2012 — An Coiste. Transport (Córas Iompair Éireann and Subsidiary Companies Borrowings) Bill 2012 — Committee. —Senator Maurice Cummins.

An Bille um Dhócmhainneacht Phearsanta, 2012 [Dáil] — An Coiste. Personal Insolvency Bill 2012 [Dáil] — Committee.

Dé Céadaoin, 28 Samhain, 2012. Wednesday, 28th November, 2012. An Bille um Cheadanna Fostaíochta (Leasú), 2012 — An Dara Céim. Employment Permits (Amendment) Bill 2012 — Second Stage. —Senators Feargal Quinn, Sean D. Barrett, John Crown.

BILLÍ SEANAID SA DÁIL Seanad Bills with the Dáil An Bille um Chonarthaí Foirgníochta, 2010. Construction Contracts Bill 2010.

An Bille Meabhair-Shláinte (Leasú), 2008 (athraithe ó) An Bille Meabhair-Shláinte (Bearta Ainneonacha) (Leasú), 2008. Mental Health (Amendment) Bill 2008 (changed from) Mental Health (Involuntary Procedures) (Amendment) Bill 2008.

P.T.O. 1288 22 Samhain, 2012 An Bille um Chlárú Sibhialta (Leasú), 2011. Civil Registration (Amendment) Bill 2011.

An Bille um Shláinte agus Leas Ainmhithe, 2012. Animal Health and Welfare Bill 2012.

An Bille Sláinte (Earraí Liachta a Phraghsáil agus a Sholáthar), 2012. Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Bill 2012.

An Bille um Choimisiún Thithe an Oireachtais (Leasú), 2012. Houses of the Oireachtas Commission (Amendment) Bill 2012.

An Bille um Fheidhmeannacht na Seirbhíse Sláinte (Rialachas), 2012. Health Service Executive (Governance) Bill 2012.

MEMORANDA Déardaoin,22Samhain, 2012. Thursday, 22nd November, 2012. Cruinniú den Chomhchoiste um Airgeadas, Caiteachas Poiblí agus Athchóiriú i Seomra Coiste 4, TL2000, ar 9.30 a.m. Meeting of the Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform in Committee Room 4, LH2000, at 9.30 a.m.

Cruinniú den Chomhchoiste um Shláinte agus Leanaí i Seomra Coiste 2, TL2000, ar 9.30 a.m. Meeting of the Joint Committee on Health and Children in Committee Room 2, LH2000, at 9.30 a.m.

PÁIPÉIR A LEAGADH FAOI BHRÁID AN tSEANAID Papers laid before the Seanad Reachtúil: Statutory: 1) Na Rialacháin Iascaigh Mhara (Córas 1) Sea-Fisheries (Community Control Rialaithe Comhphobail) (Leasú), 2012 (I.R. System) (Amendment) Regulations 2012 Uimh. 453 de 2012). (S.I. No. 453 of 2012).

2) Athbhreithniú Luach ar Airgead ar na 2) Value for Money Review of the Reserve hÓglaigh Cúltaca. (Deireadh Fómhair, Defence Force. (October, 2012). (Depart- 2012). (An Roinn Cosanta). ment of Defence).

3) Togra le haghaidh Cinnidh ón 3) Proposal for a Council Decision on the gComhairle ar an seasamh a bheidh le position to be adopted, on behalf of the glacadh, thar ceann an Aontais Eorpaigh, i European Union, in the EEA Joint gComhchoiste LEE i dtaca le leasú ar Committee concerning an amendment to Iarscríbhinn IV (Fuinneamh) agus ar Annex IV (Energy) and Annex XXI Iarscríbhinn XXI (Staidreamh) a ghabhann (Statistics) to the EEA Agreement together le Comhaontú LEE mar aon le nóta with explanatory information note. faisnéise míniúcháin . COM (2012) 645. COM (2012) 645. 22 Samhain, 2012 1289 Neamhreachtúil: Non-Statutory: 1) Seanad Éireann. An Naoú Tuarascáil ón 1) Seanad Éireann. Ninth Report of the gCoiste Roghnóireachta. 20 Samhain, 2012. Committee of Selection. 20 November, 2012.

2) Tithe an Oireachtais. An Comhchoiste 2) Houses of the Oireachtas. Joint um Shláinte agus Leanaí. Tuarascáil maidir Committee on Health and Children. Report le Tairiscint i ndáil le Toirmeasc ar on Motion re: Ban on Smoking on the Chaitheamh Tobac ar Champas Theach Leinster House Campus. November, 2012. Laighean. Samhain, 2012.

Wt. 59684. 278. 11/12. Clondalkin. (33510). Gr. 30-15.