Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

Senator Healy Eames made a serious allegation concerning consultants demanding cash from patients. I hope she brings any evidence she has in that regard to the attention of the Minister for Health. This is a serious allegation and I hope the evidence will be brought to the Minister as a matter of urgency. We cannot allow such activity to occur in our hospitals.

Senator Mullen raised the issues of the Refugees Appeals Tribunal, legal fees and judges pay. The Government is committed to a referendum on judges pay and it will go ahead. With regard to how we appoint our judges, the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board advises the Government on appointments to the Judiciary and does an excellent job in that regard.

Senator Conway asked about Fáilte Ireland and its lack of involvement in the competition to find the New 7 Wonders of Nature. This is a matter we can raise with the relevant Minister of State, Deputy Ring. Senator Mooney referred to the guidelines for habitual residence. We will arrange that the guidelines are circulated to all Members. The point raised is valid. Senator Sheahan raised the anomalies in free legal aid, a matter we will ask the Minister for Justice and Law Reform to address.

Senator Quinn mentioned delays in payments. When he attended this Chamber a week ago, the Minister of State, Deputy Perry, set limits for the payment of small and medium-sized enterprises by State bodies. He said they were almost on target for 30 days and that he hoped it would be reduced to 15 days for all State bodies to pay suppliers. I am concerned at a report that it was taking 73 days. It is the intention of the Government that 30 days is the maximum and the Government intends to reduce this period. It is unacceptable that State bodies contribute to small businesses going to the wall. That is not the intention of the Government. The Minister of State is chasing up that matter as a matter of urgency.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh called for a debate on fisheries. The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food will appear in the Chamber on 20 July. Senator Walsh made reference to escalating costs and consultants' pay. The Minister for Health will be in the Chamber and Senator Walsh can address it with him then. Senator Walsh has raised the matter of judicial pay and fees for legal practitioners on several occasions. Regarding Senator Ó Domhnaill's contribution, I advised Members last week that we would have emergency legislation and that we would be dealing with the Foreshore Act and health legislation. I do not like to have emergency legislation rushed through the House but the Government is publishing the Bills today and they will be introduced and passed by both Houses by Friday.

Senator Michael Mullins referred to businesses passing on the VAT reduction. I hope all businesses that have benefited from the VAT reduction pass on these reductions to the customer. Regarding Senator Reilly's question, we will have the debate on food safety today and labelling comes into that. The figures released yesterday are mainly on target. If necessary, we will invite the Minister for Finance to the Chamber before the end of July.