Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I believe everybody in the House wants us to expedite the construction of the national children's hospital which is the commitment of the Government. I hope we will be in a position to proceed with that at the earliest possible opportunity. Obviously it is a major setback to have An Bord Pleanála make its decision on the grounds it made it. However, we need an opportunity to consider that decision and I am sure the Government will act in the best possible way to expedite construction of the hospital, which is what everyone in this House wants.

On the issue of medical card applications, I understand that members of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children will visit the PCRS headquarters in the near future. I am glad that, as outlined by Senator Landy, officials from the PCRS will come to the House and address Members in the AV room as soon as the review is complete.

Senator Mullins spoke about the rip-off of insurance costs regarding warranties. Perhaps the Senator could raise the matter with the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Bruton when he is in the House on 6 March. I am trying to arrange for the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Shatter, to come to the House to address a number of issues and if Senator Moloney provides me with details on the issue of the drugs helpline that she mentioned, I will raise it with the Minister.

I join Senators Barrett and Wilson in congratulating Rev. Roy Patten, the new Moderator of the Presbyterian Church, whom we all wish well. Senator Wilson also asked when the social welfare and pensions Bill will be taken in the House and I will make inquiries and come back to him on the matter.

Senator Crown raised the issue of Pastor Nadarkhani and I will bring the issue to the attention of the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. The House passed an all-party motion on Pastor Nadarkhani a number of months ago and it is regrettable to hear what Senator Crown said in that regard today. Senator Mooney spoke about the situation in Syria. We might be able to get the Tánaiste to come back to the House to have an overall debate on foreign affairs addressing a number of items. If it needs to be spelled out further I am sure the Tánaiste will do so. What is happening there is a human rights disaster.

Senator Conway called for a debate on planning and we will try to arrange a debate with the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Hogan, on the matter. Senator Leyden spoke about taxi regulation. I have asked the Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Kelly, to come to the House to address the matter and I hope he will make himself available in early course.