Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

Regardless of from what side the requests were made, I wonder if people are listening when I reply to the Order of Business. I try to be as concise as possible and to keep the House informed of what legislation or other business will come before us. I intend to continue to do so. The Minister for Health will come to the House to discuss the issues raised.

Senator Zappone called for a debate on the social and voluntary sector, which should be consulted in regard to the design of grant schemes. I agree with the Senator. The Senator could raise the matter during tomorrow's debate on the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Bill 2011.

Senators Norris and Quinn raised the issue of retrospective pardon for Irish soldiers who fought in the Second World War. I share the Senators' views. It is a wrong that should be put right. I will make representations to Government on the matter. What happened at the time was wrong and it should be rectified.

Senator Healy Eames and others called for a debate on the salaries and bonuses paid to CEOs. The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Varadkar, and Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, dealt adequately with that matter last weekend. The right result was achieved as a result of their actions. The message that the bonus culture is over has gone out loud and clear. The Government is not only focussing on chief executive officers in all the State bodies. While it does not have a problem with the payment of small performance related payments to other staff, the criteria under which people qualify for such payments must be robust and such payments should not to be taken to semi-automatic, which has been the case up to now.

Senator Mooney and others called for a debate on licensing for exploratory mining in counties Cavan, Leitrim, Roscommon and other countries. I will invite the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to come to the House next session to discuss that matter and related matters. I understand this matter was addressed in reply to a parliamentary question in the Dáil last week, which information I will try to get for the Senator.

Senator Mullen congratulated the sporting heroes involved in the Transplant Games and the Special Olympics, who in terms of what can be done are an inspiration to all of us. We congratulate all who competed in those games, in particular those who won medals.