Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

Senators Ivana Bacik and Martin Conway, among others, asked about job creation and the internship scheme, with concerns being expressed about the three-month requirement. I will raise the matter with the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Joan Burton. The Minister had intended to come to the House for statements on the internship scheme but is unable to do so. However, she has given a firm commitment to facilitate a debate in September during which she will present a progress report on how the scheme has been operating in the intervening months. It will be useful to have that discussion when the scheme is up and running.

Senator Fiach Mac Conghail asked about the establishment of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. The motion was passed last week and the committee will meet next Tuesday. We hope to discuss and implement many aspects of the motion at that meeting. I support the call to have a distinguished person address the Chamber before the end of the session. It is the wish of every Member to improve the status of the House and I will do everything possible to meet that end and comply with Members' wishes in that regard. Progress will be made, but it must await next week's meeting of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges when we will have an opportunity to consider the proposals made by Members on all sides of the House for an opening up of the Seanad, including by way of accommodating addresses by distinguished persons.

Senator Rónán Mullen asked about party and group leaders' meetings. Such meetings will commence next week. The various leaders have received e-mails indicating that they will take place every Tuesday at 2.10 p.m.

Senator Marc MacSharry spoke about the prerogative of Members making comments in the House. Any Member may raise any matter with the permission of the Cathaoirleach. Fortunately, the Leader is also allowed to have opinions on matters.

Senator Jim Walsh has asked about an issue he has raised on several occasions, namely, professional fees, including legal fees. I understand the Minister intends to address this issue and I will endeavour to facilitate a debate.

Senator Mark Daly referred to the NAMA Bill he is proposing. His party is scheduled to have Private Members' time in the coming weeks which will afford him ample time to bring forward that proposal.

Several Members referred to a role for the Seanad in representing the Diaspora, with particular reference to the Taoiseach's nominees. Several Taoisigh had ample opportunity to appoint Members from the Diaspora but failed to do so. I agree in principle with the suggestion, but there are many in this Seanad well qualified to represent the Diaspora.

Senator Feargal Quinn spoke about the important matter of the leaving certificate applied examination, while Senator Fidelma Healy Eames called for a debate on education. We will endeavour to have that debate, which is overdue, in the next term.

On the issue of chief executive officers of semi-State bodies, we have had leadership from some of the people concerned and I hope it will trickle down among all the others. If ever leadership was needed, it is now.

Senator David Cullinane referred to something close to my own heart. The Tall Ships festival in Waterford, Ireland's oldest city, will be opened on Thursday by the Taoiseach and continue until Sunday. It is hoped the festival will attract at least 500,000 visitors to Waterford and the south east. All we need is good weather.

On reform of the JLC system, we have had two debates in recent weeks on the jobs initiative and competitiveness. I proposed that Members raise their concerns about the JLC system with the Minister of State at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy John Perry, in the course of these debates, which several did. Nevertheless, I will try to accommodate a debate on the specific issue raised.

Senator Paul Coghlan referred to the paucity of public interest directors in financial institutions. I understand a newspaper advertisement was published two months ago inviting applications from members of the public for directorships of the banks and that there were several hundred responses. It is my understanding it is the intention of the Government to appoint more public interest directors to the banks in the coming months.

Senators Denis O'Donovan and John Gilroy suggested the Northern Ireland First Minister be invited to the Chamber. That issue is on the agenda for debate at next week's meeting of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges and I have already discussed it with several Members.