Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Gay people have not been protected in the past and we will certainly do everything to ensure that will not happen.

Senator Burke referred to the fact that almost 2 million medical cards have been issued to date. There is much good news in the health service as well as the difficulties. The Senator also mentioned the question of the value for money secured in the health service. I will endeavour to arrange for the Minister to come into the House and have a debate encompassing many areas of health. We should have such a debate soon.

Senator Leyden referred to the transatlantic free trade area between the EU and the USA and I note his points in that regard.

Senator Harte referred to the Magdalen laundries in the context of a point made in the other House. I hope to have a debate on the Magdalen laundries next week and the Senator can make the points he raised during that debate.

Senator Mullen raised the question of the media, the Garda and its relationship with the media and opinion polls, the latter being only a snapshot of a particular point in time. We have had a debate on the media and media standards and perhaps we could have another one some time soon.

I note the points made by Senator Paul Coghlan regarding the banks.

Senator Cullinane referred to Genzyme, a factory in Waterford, in which there are 500 jobs. The ¤44 million injection of capital into that company for new machines will copper-fasten those 500 jobs and probably create many more. It is down to the ingenuity and the productivity of the workforce in Waterford that we have had such investment from Sanofi, one of the major pharmaceutical companies in the world.

I note the Senator's points about the job losses in B&Q and HMV, which are most regrettable. We have had a number of debates on jobs but I will ask the Minister, Deputy Bruton, if he could come into the House to discuss jobs in the retail sector.

Senators Kelly, Clune and Keane raised the matter of wind energy and wind farms. I have asked the Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, to come to the House for such a debate but I have not yet got a date from him as to when he can do so.

Senator Daly raised the issues of safe food and obesity levels. That matters can be encompassed in the debate we will have on the public consultation report.

Regarding the points the Senator made on Europe, I am sure he will be here to make those points later. Ms Phil Prendergast, MEP, will be in the House after the Order of Business and the Senator can make those points to the former Senator.

Senator Mullins raised the issue of gas heating systems installed by non-registered contractors and the need for the insurance issue to be clarified. We will try to get clarification for the Senator on the exact position in that regard.

I note the points made by Senators Noone and Keane on the announcement by the Minister of State, Deputy Hayes, regarding public procurement. The Minister of State might come into the House soon and discuss those changes with us.

Senator O'Sullivan raised the issue of alcohol, including the provision of a measure with spirits sold in off-licences. I agree that is something that should be encouraged but as to whether we can do that, we will raise the issue with the Minister for Health and any other Minister dealing with consumer affairs to determine if such an item could be included with spirits when they are being sold.

Senator O'Neill called for a debate on air transport. I will take up that matter with the Minister, Deputy Varadkar.

Senator Conway raised the issue that one in five employers would not hire people with epilepsy. That is very sad, and I agree with him that it is to do with attitude and people's perceptions of people with disabilities. It is an issue that should be addressed in the House and I will arrange a debate on it.

I do not propose to accept the amendment to the Order of Business.