Dan Boyle (Green Party)

I would be happy to talk to Members outside the Chamber after the Order of Business.

Senator Callely spoke about the area of unauthorised moneylending and the need to provide resources for the money advice and budgeting service, MABS. We have had recent legislation to improve the effectiveness and administration of MABS. That request should be brought to the relevant Minister as being representative of views in this House.

Senator Hanafin also raised the question of procurement but asked for more particular debates on the economy, as did Senator Regan on the question of unemployment and competitiveness. Those issues might deserve a debate in the wider context with the ESRI seminar today and the recent publication of that agency's report. That could form the basis of a particular economic debate we could have in coming weeks.

Senator Buttimer asked about a debate on local government, as did Senator Burke, and on the question of local government funding. The Commission on Taxation has been given a particular remit on local government funding. It will report earlier than expected. I am not sure whether that report will be produced before the end of this session but while there would be value in discussing the role of local government before the local government elections, I suggest the debate on local government funding needs to be informed by the recommendations that will come from the Commission on Taxation in a number of months.

Senator Buttimer also asked me to respond to the application of breast cancer facilities in the Cork area. He may be surprised to hear that I agree with him in that regard.

Senator Glynn spoke about the appearance of small green shoots in terms of new opportunities in local communities and employment prospects. The dim light, in terms of the ever-increasing unemployment figures, is that the rate of increase in the figures announced yesterday was significantly less than in the previous month. We can only hope that is a sign of things changing.

Senator Glynn also raised the question of planning issues but also, more importantly, the need to have a particular debate on tenant training prior to social housing being allocated. In that he was joined by Senator Butler. I believe a debate can be organised to discuss such matters.

Senator Bacik asked about the current position on international adoption agreements with Russia and Vietnam. I am aware that 1 May is seen as a deadline but I am also aware that the Minister of State with responsibility for children, Deputy Barry Andrews, is active in reaching a conclusion to this matter. There is ongoing activity and it is hoped that positive news can be reported to the House on that.

Regarding the civil partnership Bill, my understanding is that it will be published before the end of June.