Dan Boyle (Green Party)

An invitation can be extended to the Minister, depending on his availability.

Senator Norris raised the issues of sub-prime mortgages and the approaching 50th anniversary of Windscale, areas in which this House could make a contribution.

Senator O'Reilly sought a debate on the roll-out of broadband services, which has not been great but has improved. I am sure the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources would be open to discussing the issue in the House.

Senator Keaveney spoke about the animal welfare Bill. I understand the Bill will be a responsibility of the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Deputy Sargent, and I am sure he would accede to a request to discuss the contents of the legislation.

Senator Callely raised the issues of orthodontic care and the National Treatment Purchase Fund. We have already held several debates on health since we returned. The request can be made and possibly addressed.

With regard to a debate on mental health and suicide, these are the responsibility of the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Devins, and we are prepared to request his attendance in the House.

Senator Quinn spoke about the non-payment of fines, especially in terms of the penalty points system. I am not sure whether the issue can be addressed in the general debate on crime which the House will hold in the coming weeks because Members referred to serious crimes, but maybe the debate can be structured to allow its inclusion.

I thank Senators for their constructive suggestions and we will try to progress as many of the issues they raised as possible.