Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

Senator Cassidy raised the matter of the McCarthy report on State assets and asked that I raise it in the next Seanad. I can assure him that should I be a Member of the next Seanad, I shall raise it with the then Leader. I will certainly pass on his request to the Government, in any event.

Quite a number of speakers referred to the Nyberg report, including Senators O'Toole, Coghlan, Ormonde and Boyle, among others. Certainly the Nyberg report has given the facts of the situation. Obviously it lacks specifics in many areas and possibly the report was constrained by the terms of reference, especially in terms of naming names. I assure the House that the Government will move on and learn the lessons from the mistakes of the past. Honesty will always be the first priority of this Government in laying the facts before the people on all issues.

Many people spoke about Seanad reform. That is a debate for another day and for the next Seanad, but I note the comments from Senator O'Donovan about a possible role relating to Europe and cross-Border co-operation. There is certainly merit in those suggestions.

Senator Carty spoke about job cuts at Mayo County Council and we will raise that issue with the relevant Minister. Senator Callely asked about an amendment to the Order of Business. It has been pointed out already that personal explanations can only be made with the permission of the Cathaoirleach under Standing Order 32A. It cannot be dealt with by an amendment to the Order of Business as the decision is solely one for the Cathaoirleach. I hope that addresses the point.

Senators Deary and Ó Brolcháin spoke about the Climate Change Bill. It is a very important issue and the Government will be publishing its own Bill in due course.

Senators O'Brien and O'Malley requested that the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport attend the House to debate the national development plan. This is a matter that should be addressed by the new Seanad.

I note Senator Walsh's comments on the Committee of Selection. Senator Hanafin spoke about the need for a change to bankruptcy legislation. I will raise that matter with the relevant Minister. I will also leave the issue of the remuneration of councillors to the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Senator Mooney stated that the Government has hit the ground running, which is certainly the case. In respect of his criticism of the media, I would say that we should not shoot the messenger.