John Minihan (Progressive Democrats)

Senator Brian Hayes and a number of other Members raised the issue of the recent court awards to Frank Shortt. We all acknowledge and recognise that awards are a matter for the courts. Senator Brian Hayes asked that the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform be requested to come before the House to debate legislation on this issue. We will ask the Minister to do so but court awards are a matter for the courts rather than this House.

Senator Brian Hayes also raised the issue of the Defence Forces' presence in Liberia and we all join him in complimenting them on the service they have given in that country. Many concerns were raised about sending troops to Liberia when a debate was held on this issue in this House two years ago. The Defence Forces proved they can carry out such an operation very successfully as a result of their professionalism and preparation for their presence in Liberia. We should all be very proud of the role played by our Defence Forces on the international stage and the great credit they bring to this country. I join with Senator Hayes in complimenting them and it was right and fitting that this was raised in the House this morning.

Senator O'Toole raised the issue of how the food industry is dealt with at European level and was joined in his request for a debate by Senators Dooley, John Phelan, Coonan and Scanlon. Such a debate would be welcome and I will ask the Leader to request that the Minister for Agriculture and Food, Deputy Coughlan, come to the House, not only to discuss the specific issue raised but also the wider area of regulation in the food industry.

Senator McCarthy raised the issue of the case involving Mr. Shortt and I have already referred to that matter. He also raised the issue of Garda Síochána facilities in Dunmanway, of which I am aware. As Senator McCarthy is aware, a meeting was held between the community of Dunmanway and the Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Deputy Parlon. The community does not want the Garda station to leave the centre of the town and is trying to renovate the existing premises. However, a legal difficulty exists with regard to a wayleave at the back of the station. Senator McCarthy should put the specific matter down for debate on the Adjournment and a request will be made to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to discuss the broader issue of Garda facilities.

Senator McCarthy also raised the issue of Fr. Alec Reid's comments, as did Senators O Murchú and Norris. We are all guilty of using inappropriate and emotive language in the heat of the moment and we must allow for human nature and emotion. Senator Ó Murchú and others stated that if one is big enough to apologise for remarks made in the heat of the moment, such apologies should be accepted and the comments should be viewed as unfortunate and unnecessary. Requests for debates on ongoing issues such as Northern Ireland will be made. However, I do not know if one will be forthcoming in the short term given that one was held so recently. I will bring it to the attention of the Leader.

Senator Leyden raised the issue of the lack of take-up of pensions and this has been flagged for some time. A discussion to highlight the need for people to take up pensions would be welcome and I will request that the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Deputy Brennan, come to the House. Senator Coghlan raised the issue of stage payments. My recollection of events with regard to the comments made by the Minister of State at the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Noel Ahern, is the same as that outlined by Senator Coghlan. I cannot answer the question with regard to the Government's legislative programme as I do not know the answer but I will remind the Minister of State of the commitments made in the House and will seek to have that matter put back on the agenda.

Senator Morrissey requested a discussion with the Minister for Transport on the five year strategic plan for transport. A discussion on the Clare Street initiative was held in the House on Tuesday. A request can be made that the Minister come to the House again to discuss the progress made on the five year plan.

Senator Norris raised the issue of adding chiropractors to the designated groups of professionals included in the Health and Social Care Professionals Bill. I understand the Bill is on Report Stage in the Dáil and once it is passed it will be at the discretion of the Minister to add extra professions once they meet the necessary criteria. We have all been lobbied by a number of different groups that are not included in the Bill, and I have met the chiropractors group. I will bring it to the attention of the Minister for Health and Children. We must examine whether the Bill will be delayed in order to add other groups or whether it will go through and other groups will be added by ministerial order. I do not know when it is listed to be completed in the Dáil.

Senator Ó Murchú requested that the Minister for Transport examine the issue with regard to the removal of blind people from an aircraft. That must be brought to the attention of the Minister and I will be happy to discuss the matter with Senator Ó Murchú to ensure his message is clearly communicated to the Minister. Senator John Paul Phelan requested a debate on the national education psychological services and the use of PPPs in building schools. A debate on education in this House is due and I will request that the Leader seeks such a debate.

Senator Glynn gave an example of price practice in certain public houses and catering outlets and requested a debate with the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The Director of Consumer Affairs has both the authority and the inspectors to investigate such issues and I hope this specific matter has been brought to her attention. The matter will be raised with the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

Senator Browne requested a general debate with the Minister for Defence to ensure the national disaster plan is up to date. I assure the Senator that such a plan does exist and it is run in conjunction with Government and local authorities. The request to the Minister for Defence for a debate will be made.

Senator Browne also raised the issue of type 2 diabetes. Last night Senator Henry spoke on that matter, which overlaps the areas of health, education and sports. It has been highlighted in the House on a number of recent occasions in discussions with the relevant Ministers.

Senator Feighan raised the issue of fireworks, which comes to the fore as we approach Hallowe'en. I presume the Senator has made his views known to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and has written to him in this regard. I am happy to highlight the Senator's observations.

Senator Hanafin requested that the Minister for Finance come to the House to debate how we can plan for the influx of moneys from the SSIAs into the economy within in a short period of time. Such a debate would be welcome and useful, if for no other reason than to highlight the matter and encourage people to reflect on what will happen and how to deal with the money wisely. It would also be useful in ensuring that the economy manages the influx properly and efficiently. A request for a debate will be made and as we approach the Estimates process perhaps a debate with the Minister for Finance on a number of issues would be welcome.