Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not have any information on that. I note the Senator's point regarding that judgment. If we can get further information on it, we will certainly come back to the House.

Senators Moran and Hayden raised the closure of the Women's Aid office in Dundalk and the general issue of domestic violence. I know Senator Moran raised an item on the Adjournment regarding this subject. I suggest that she raises a further item on the Adjournment to get an update regarding the funding for that area. In the meantime, I will try to arrange a debate on domestic violence with the Minister.

Senator Walsh called for a debate on the UN and spoke about the 20th anniversary of the atrocities in Rwanda. I compliment RTE on its recent excellent coverage of these dreadful events.

I note Senator Barrett's points regarding the President's visit to the UK and the work of the North/South Inter-Parliamentary Association, a meeting of which he attended last week. The work of this body is very important is fostering good relationships between both countries. The North/South Inter-Parliamentary Association is to be complimented. We need to progress its work in the coming months.

Senator Colm Burke spoke about the significant reduction in cases of MRSA in hospitals, which is to be welcomed by all. He also outlined the difficulties in the recruitment of hospital consultants. It is a problem for many hospitals. There is a need for a debate on that issue and I will try to get the Minister to come to the House to discuss it.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh spoke about inviting the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to address the Seanad. I will certainly renew my invitation to both of them to visit the Seanad. We issued invitations in the past. Perhaps after the visit of the President to the UK, it might be appropriate to issue them again.

Senator Mullen spoke about the difficulties experienced by some farming families in respect of inheritance tax. I am told that if a child dies and the farm goes back to the parent, land to the value of €2.25 million is not liable for tax. I would suggest that Senator Mullen raises the item on the Adjournment in order to get a more comprehensive reply. The Senator knows that the White Paper on universal health insurance has been published. The White Paper is a discussion document and I am sure we will have a lot of discussion on the matter over the coming months.

Senator Mullins raised the case of Sophie Toscan du Plantier. I assure him that this case is still open and gardaí will continue to investigate it until the murderer is brought to justice.

Senator Healy Eames spoke about the Teagasc report on rural towns and suggested that we debate the matter in the House. We will certainly have a look at that. She also spoke about VAT levels.

However, VAT levels are a budgetary measure for the Minister for Finance. I am sure he will take on board and consider any suggestion the Senator has.

Senator O'Keeffe referred to the PULSE system and Sergeant McCabe. That is a matter for the Acting Garda Commissioner and I have no intention of interfering with her work in that regard.

Senator Quinn recalled the words of former Senator Sam McAughtry, which were apt. We will hold tributes to the former Senator at some time in the future. I also noted Senator Quinn's points that Ireland has the highest inheritance tax rate not only in Europe, but the world and that this is inhibiting investment. When our public finances are back in a proper state of repair, I am sure that issues such as this will be considered by the Minister for Finance at budget time.