Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

One reason recent Exchequer figures are on target is that the Government is serious about bringing the public finances into order.

Senator Bacik called for a debate on the children's rights referendum. The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, has indicated she would be willing to attend the Seanad at an early point for such a debate. All Members join with Senator Bacik's congratulations to Senator Martin McAleese on becoming the chairperson of the Magdalene laundries investigation. He is a fitting person to deal with it and I wish him well in his task.

Senator Jillian van Turnhout inquired of the preparations for Ireland's EU Presidency term in 2013. I will arrange for the House to have ongoing debates on this matter and Europe over the next several months. With the permission of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, I intend to have the President of the European Parliament address the House next week.

Senator Sean D. Barrett asked that the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport would deal with the Luas and metro issues separately. He also asked that the Minister would forward the drafts of the next national development plan to the House for debates on them rather than announcing that the plan has simply been decided. I will raise this matter with the Minister.

Senator Imelda Henry and several other Members raised the case of Maedhbh McGivern who lost her opportunity for a liver transplant due to a failure in transportation services. As the Cathaoirleach said, the matter will be dealt with on the Adjournment. The Minister for Health has expressed his deep concern and sympathy to the McGivern family over the traumatic events which led to the lost transplant opportunity. He has ordered HIQA, the Health Information and Quality Authority, to deal with this matter as expeditiously as possible. Every Member will agree the HIQA inquiry is essential in ensuring the McGivern family and others in similar predicaments do not face such heartbreaking outcomes in the future.

Senator Byrne raised the issue of the Smithwick report. The Minister has agreed to come into the House when the report is published and I am sure he will address the concerns outlined by Senator Byrne in that regard. Senators Moran, Harte, Mooney, Mullins, Reilly, Cullinane and others mentioned the Special Olympics, a matter we dealt with last week. I would like to compliment all the participants, the coaches and the families involved. The athletes are a great credit to their families, their counties and their country. We would all like to join in congratulating each and every one of them.