Dan Boyle (Green Party)

It is about results. Senator McDonald also brought up the question of the carbon tax and how it is applied. Many Members might not have been aware, but the library and research service organised an excellent presentation yesterday in the AV room by Professor John Fitzgerald of the Economic and Social Research Institute where he spoke of how a carbon tax can be applied and how many of the concerns of many can be addressed in the application of the tax. I think we will have a debate come budget day as to how this is panning out.

Senator Bradford also spoke of an issue raised initially by Senator Twomey, namely, the report by the National Economic and Social Forum on home care packages. Senator Buttimer might have been a member of the committee that produced that report. It is a useful report. It states that the policy is necessary and important, but also points out where inefficiencies exist, how there is a disparity between different parts of the country and how economies are not being achieved as a result. There have been calls for the report to be debated in this House, and if and when the time can be provided, that too would be a useful debate.

Senator Healy Eames raised the worsening and ongoing flooding situation, and greater use of the Army. While criticisms have been made by some Members of the timeliness of response by various emergency services, there is a recognition that as and when the Army, the Fire Service and the Garda could be used, they have been used and their members have made a big contribution towards the efforts to alleviate the devastation caused in recent days.

Senator Healy Eames, along with Senator Mullen, brought up the question of the student services charge. I am not in a position to decide whether this is a charge that will be increased or not. That is a decision that will be made elsewhere but the comments of both Members will be noted.

Senator Glynn spoke of how the flooding is affecting the Westmeath area, and Athlone in particular, and stressed the Taoiseach's visit. In addressing the views of many Senators this morning, it should be noted that the Taoiseach and the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Gormley, have travelled widely, and the Minister of State at the Department of Finance with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Deputy Mansergh, has visited many of the areas, but at the end of the day it is delivering the services on the ground and dealing with the situation that really matters. This is something that is being kept under review.

Senator Buttimer asked for an investigation to be held into the role of ESB with the Inniscarra dam in the Cork flooding situation. I would support such an investigation being held. I do not believe that there would not have been flooding in Cork, but the purpose of an independent investigation could be to see whether the flooding was exacerbated by the actions taken or otherwise, or whether further flooding was stopped by taking appropriate action. It is important in terms of public confidence that such an investigation happens.

Senators Feeney and Bacik brought up the question of the report into abuse of children in the Dublin diocese being released today. This will be an important report. It is not being released in its ideal form, but it is anticipated it will contain many items of public concern. The review of the programme for Government contains an agreement to implement the findings of the recent Ryan report, which runs parallel to this. This will inform that process, but the need for an immediate debate is something this House can and should address. I will see whether that can be organised.

Senator Mullen raised the existence of hardship funds for people affected by the flooding. From his part of the world, he will have first-hand experience, as some of us from the southern region have, of the devastation of the flooding. We will see how that can pan out.

Senator Cannon, who is also from that part of the world, pointed out that the flooding crisis continues. As I said in yesterday's debate, there is a recurring threat. We need the means to ensure that we can deal not only with the current crisis, but also prepare for future flooding. That will require investment in and changes to our emergency services.

Senator Donohoe asked about the banking sector, which I referred to in terms of the Committee on Finance and the Public Service, concerning the role of Anglo Irish Bank. I will have to get information on that specific question. I am not too sure whether Anglo Irish Bank, which is now a State-owned bank, is seen as having any priority over any other State agency. If I can obtain that information I will be happy to pass it on to the Senator. Senator Donohoe also requested that if there is an agreement between the trade unions and the Government on public service costs, it should be discussed in this House. As someone who has spoken on the issue of social partnership in the past, I would be happy to have such a debate in the House.

Senator Coghlan asked about Committee Stage of the Property Services (Regulation) Bill. He is correct that the Bill has been discussed in the House on Second Stage and awaits discussion on Committee Stage. Its priority has been overtaken by recent events, but as soon as a window of opportunity becomes available, we can proceed with Committee Stage of that Bill.

Senator Callely asked about plans for integrated transport, but that is dependent on decisions to be made in the budget. None the less, such a debate in this House would be useful. The Senator also referred to the excessive use of antibiotics. I am not particularly good at Greek but I believe that the word "antibiotic" means "against life". Such a debate on the use of pharmaceutical products is ongoing in society at large, so it should be discussed in this House also.

Senator Glynn wants the Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs to address the House on the drugs issue. A request will be made for such a debate because that is a matter of concern for Members of the House.

Senator Joe O'Reilly sought a debate on overseas development aid and I have a personal sympathy with that subject. There has been a decrease in the value of our gross domestic product and we have cut €220 million from the ODA budget in recent years. It is difficult politically to decide on such issues when we are making decisions about those in need in our own society. My own preference would be to seek to maintain ODA levels in percentage terms and indicate how we will meet the 2012 target.

I think I have covered all the points that were raised and I thank Members for their contributions.