Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

Senator Darragh O'Brien called for a debate on the programme for Government. I will endeavour to provide time for such a debate in the coming weeks although I cannot commit to any particular date in that regard. However, I assure the Senator that we will have a debate on that subject in the coming weeks. I do not propose to accept Senator O'Brien's amendment. Members will be aware that the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government has been developing proposals for a programme of water metering to be rolled out next year following commitments of the previous Government under the EU-IMF programme for financial support. I emphasise that this was a decision taken by the previous Government. The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government has repeated on numerous occasions that it is the Government's intention to roll out a water metering programme. Charges will be only for use of water above a particular annual allowance. This remains the Government's position.

The EU-IMF programme for financial support for the Irish State also contains commitments in relation to revenue from property. It is the Government's intention to advance proposals on a site valuation tax. However, this will take time. The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government has stated that he is preparing proposals to meet the commitments laid out in the EU/IMF programme and will bring them to Government shortly. I do not propose to accept Senator O'Brien's amendment.

Senator Bacik raised the report on children's rights. I hope to have a debate on that report. The debate could be expanded to include the report from the Ombudsman for Children. That debate will take place next week.

Senator Mullen spoke about human trafficking and prostitution. We will get the up-to-date position on legislation in that regard.

Senator Healy Eames referred to the skills deficit and the jobs initiative. That matter can be incorporated in debates that are planned for the coming weeks.

With regard to the Dublin and Monaghan bombings, an all-party motion on this matter was tabled in the other House in 2008. The Taoiseach has had negotiations with the British Prime Minister on this subject. I do not know whether it would serve any purpose to debate this matter at this time. While I do not rule the proposal out and will consider it, I wonder what it would achieve at this time.

Senator Ó Murchú raised the same subject and also the question of establishing Moore Street in Dublin as a national monument. We will seek further information on that.

The matter raised by Senator Mullins would be more appropriately debated on the Adjournment, when the Minister could reply. Senator Barrett referred to the McLaughlin report and funding for local government. We will seek information on that. We may ask the Minister to come to the House and speak on his proposals for local government, which could incorporate water charges and staffing in local authorities. As soon as the Minister can come to the House we may have a debate on that matter. This would afford Senators the opportunity to speak on the items mentioned by Senator Barrett and by Senator O'Brien.

Senator Coghlan and other Members sought a debate on the economy and the banks. Senator Cullinane raised a number of items, including joint labour committees, JLCs, and also the question of repetition by Senators. I am afraid I cannot determine what Members say when they rise to speak. If one Member says something I cannot forbid another Member from requesting a debate on the same subject.