Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I join the Leader of the Opposition, Senator O'Brien, in wishing well all pupils taking the junior and leaving certificate examinations today and I wish them every success for the future.

A number of Members requested debates on finance, the economy and the EU-IMF bailout. The Minister for Finance or the Minister of State at his Department will come to the House next week. The time for the Second Stage debate has been extended to three hours, which is unprecedented. There will be an opportunity to raise many of the topics and questions that were raised.

Senator Bacik requested a further debate on child protection. The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, yesterday agreed to come to the House for a further debate when the recommendations are considered and implemented.

A number of Senators, including Senators Crown, Bradford and Healy Eames among others, raised the issue of constitutional and political reform. Members will be aware the Government is committed to constitutional reform and we can arrange to have a debate on the subject.

Senators Crown, Ó Murchú, Quinn and White raised the suffering endured by doctors and nurses in Bahrain. We are in favour of a motion on the issue and would be prepared to facilitate such an all-party motion if it could be of help.

Senator Crown raised the question of the Taoiseach abolishing the Seanad. Let me remind him that the Taoiseach cannot abolish the Seanad. The people of Ireland will decide on its abolition.

On the issue of the pension levy, which can be raised in the debate on the Finance Bill next week, it is ironic that the pension industry prior to the election recommended a 0.5% levy. When the Minister introduced a 0.6% levy, all hell seemed to break out. That is a matter than can be raised. Perhaps the companies and the fund managers could take the opportunity to absorb some of the costs in order that they are not passed on the people to whom Senator Crown referred.

Senator Sheahan requested a debate on fisheries, and a number of other Senators also requested such a debate. Fisheries provide great potential to create jobs and I will facilitate a debate on the issue at an early course.

Senator Thomas Byrne raised issues relating to the Finance Bill. I assure him that if we do not have sufficient time to debate the Finance Bill, I will arrange time for further debates on specific areas of the economy and topics such as NAMA. The Senator also called for debates on various aspects of health services. I advised Members that both Ministers of State at the Department of Health will come to the House next week to deal with primary care and the fair deal.

Looking back at last week's business, I note that the Minister for Health, Deputy Reilly, the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, and the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Burton, came to the House. The senior Ministers have spent time in the Seanad and I hope that will continue.

Senator Whelan raised the issue of the shortage of junior doctors. That is a matter that must be addressed and it could be raised with either of the Ministers of State at the Department of Health when they come to the House next week.

Senators Norris, Healy Eames, Ó Clochartaigh, Mullen and Quinn raised the issue of regional airports, Galway Airport in particular. It is a problem. I know from experience of Waterford regional airport, which is the only regional airport that does not have public service funding, that there is a difficulty. When Members speak about the volume of business, we must create a situation where regional airports are financially viable as well. There is a need for Government funding, the Minister has reversed his decision in respect of Galway and perhaps he will come to the House at a future date to deal with the wider area of aviation policy in respect of regional, national and international airports.

Senator Norris raised issues relating to those who were in Bethany House. I agree that these people deserve the same redress as envisaged will be provided for those who were in Magdalene homes. The recommendations arising from the report into this issue will be discussed by Cabinet and I hope the debate in the Seanad will be just after that.

Senator Michael D'Arcy raised the question of social welfare fraud and the development of the black economy. The social welfare Bill will come to the House in two weeks time and that will afford the Senator an opportunity to raise with the Minister questions about social welfare fraud.

I assure Senator Cullinane that the matter he raised will be considered by the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. I did not receive his letter but the matter will be dealt with. I have emphasised the point that the Members concerned are not a group and therefore cannot be afforded the opportunities provided for group membership, but we will try to facilitate the party as much as possible.

Senator Harte raised the questions of the pension funds and passports. We can raise the issue of passports with the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Senator Feargal Quinn mentioned the practice of placing the Order Paper in an envelope. This matter has been raised on several occasions and was discussed by the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. I see no reason every Senator should be given each day's Order Paper in a big brown envelope which is probably thrown in a bin. There are savings to be made in this regard. I note the Senator's Japanese experience of regional airports and business people subsidising other passengers. This is something we should consider in this country.

Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh also mentioned rural transport, which is something we can deal with at a later stage. Senator Mary White referred to the suicide rate among asylum seekers. The previous Seanad held a debate on suicide, to which the Senator contributed. It is a subject to which we can come back. I am sure every Senator has received representations relating to the delays in processing asylum applications. This issue needs to be addressed in the Department of Justice and Equality. I am sure the Minister is working to expedite the matter. This is something we would all welcome.

Senator Rónán Mullen referred to the school syllabus. The Minister for Education and Skills will be in the House next week for statements on special educational needs and other aspects of education. The Senator may raise this matter on that occasion. Male genital mutilation is a matter he can discuss with Senator Ivana Bacik at a later stage. I am sure she will be well able to answer his question.