Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

-----such as that there was collusion with the German Government that we would have no referendum, and that we have a democratic deficit, as he has called it for the past number of weeks. Earlier today he was insisting once again that we would have no referendum. However, as we now know, there will in fact be a referendum, by means of which the people of Ireland will make the decision. As Members are aware, we had arranged a debate on this issue prior to the Taoiseach's announcement. It would be preferable if the Bill dealing with the referendum is not introduced prior to that debate, but we will have to wait and see what the timing is. We will try to have the debate before the legislation is brought forward, as per our original plan. Time may overtake us in the meantime, but we will do what we can to rejig the agenda.

Senator O'Brien also raised the issue of mortgage arrears, as he has done on several occasions. There is no question that the Government is taking urgent action on this issue. In particular, the personal insolvency legislation will allow heavily indebted people trapped with unsustainable mortgages a chance to restart their lives. The Government is very aware of the problem of mortgage arrears and the effect it is having on families throughout the State. Unfortunately, we will be living with the effects of the dramatic crash in the property market for years to come. The Government's primary focus in this area is to help those who genuinely cannot pay their mortgages. We have also taken steps in the budget, as the Senator well knows, to help people who purchased their home in the boom years by way of increases in mortgage interest relief. The Government is not standing idly by on this issue. Rather, it is working actively with all partners and will continue to do so. Several of the recommendations in the Keane report have already been implemented. To suggest that no action has been taken is a fallacy.

On the question of the sale of State assets, I am endeavouring to bring the Minister to the House for a debate on the issue as soon as possible. I hope it will happen next week, but I am not sure whether that will be possible. I agree we should have a debate as soon as possible. Senator O'Brien also repeated the allegation that the job initiative has yielded no jobs. I assure him that 6,500 jobs were created as a result of the programme announced last year. The Government is getting on with its work and will continue to do so in an effort to bring the country back from the brink we inherited last year.

Senators Ivana Bacik, Rónán Mullen and others referred to the legislation on whistleblowers. The heads of the Bill have now been published. I hope that legislation will come before the House in early course so that we all have an opportunity to discuss it. It is important legislation which has been promised for a long time. I look forward to getting on with that business.

Senator Terry Leyden and others raised the issue of the referendum on the fiscal treaty, which I have dealt with. Senator John Kelly and others raised the issue of delays in the processing of medical card applications. As Senator Colm Burke pointed out, a delegation from the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children will visit the headquarters of the primary care reimbursement service next Friday. We are also informed that the staff of the centre will make a presentation to Oireachtas Members in the near future.

On the question of disability and carer's allowance, I suggest that Senator Kelly take that matter up with the relevant Minister of State. I will certainly bring it to her attention, but he should raise the individual cases to which he referred with her.

Senator Eamonn Coghlan raised the issue of the national children's hospital. The Minister has announced the establishment of a review team, to be chaired by Dr. Frank Dolphin. The review team will examine the planning decision and its impact on the project. It will then report to the Minister and advise on the options now available to ensure earliest possible delivery of the national children's hospital which, I am sure, is what everyone wants. We await completion of that review and what will happen in that regard. I reassert the Government's commitment to the provision of a national children's hospital at the earliest possible time.

Senator Quinn asked why the provisions of the Courts and Courts Officers Act 2002 in regard to driving down costs and the increase in limits recommended by the Circuit Court have not been commenced. I will find out the reason for this from the Department and get back to the Senator on it. Senator Brennan raised the issue of flight tickets. As stated by the Cathaoirleach, the Senator could raise that matter by way of motion on the Adjournment. I take on board his comments in that regard.

Senator Moran referred to the Dignity 4 Patients group and asked that I inquire of the Minister for Health the position in regard to the commission of inquiry into Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. It is a pity the Senator did not raise that issue with the Minister when he was in the House last week. However, I will endeavour to find out the position in that regard for the Senator.

Senator MacSharry called for a debate on health insurance. I will try to arrange for such a debate to take place as soon as possible.