Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

Senator O'Brien and others spoke about the dreadful situation in Norway. I join with the House in expressing our deepest sympathy to the people of Norway. To think that such an atrocity as the shootings happened at a gathering of young people. As Senator Bacik stated, all of our parties have summer gatherings where young people enjoy themselves. To see what happened in Norway was dreadful. I am sure we all join in expressing our deepest sympathy to the people of Norway.

I welcome the comments made by Senators O'Brien, MacSharry and others complimenting the Government on its skills in negotiating a more credible EU-IMF package for Ireland. It was in the programme for Government that we would renegotiate a more credible agreement and this has been accomplished. Many commentators questioned the Government's commitment but it has negotiated a radically different package through the hard work of the Ministers and officials involved. We all owe them a debt of gratitude.

The most important changes are the lowering of the interest rates by 200 basis points and the extension of the loans to 15 years. This will reduce the cost of our programme of assistance by between €600 million and €800 million per annum assuming the full drawdown of funds. The exact amount will depend on the variables such as the technical details associated with the administration of the funds. The changes will improve our debt sustainability by reducing the cost of borrowing from the EU elements of the programme of assistance.

As Members stated, many difficult challenges lie ahead. The decision will ease the repayment burden as set out in the programme for Government but we must all recognise the patience of the Irish people who have given the Government the time to pursue the arguments for lower interest rates and achieve a successful conclusion to the matter. When we discussed this matter several months ago, I stated it was not a sprint but that it would take time and that we would need a reasoned debate and a reasonable amount of time before these matters could be concluded. I compliment everybody concerned.

As far as I know, it is still the position of the Government that we will have a charge for water when meters are put in place. A certain amount of usage will be allowed after which people will be charged. From reading the newspapers, I understand the Cabinet will deal with a property charge of €100. After the Cabinet has made a decision everybody will be informed.

I welcome Senator Bacik's comments and explanation on the change in the public consultation committee. All the other arrangements we agreed will be in place and I hope a number of people will address the House during the next session.

Senator Mullen referred to the complexity of school admissions policies and yesterday's court case. The Minister for Education and Skills indicated to me last week that he will come to the House early in the new session for a debate on education, which many Members have requested. With regard to the debate on the Cloyne report, the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs will be present for the beginning of the debate and the Minister for Justice and Equality will close the debate. The motion will be put to the House tomorrow evening but we can have a further debate, if necessary, in the new session if Members do not have an opportunity to contribute. The same all-party motion agreed in the other House will be put and I hope there will be similar support for it when it comes before the House tomorrow night.

Senators Comiskey, White and others raised the Superquinn issue. As Senator Whelan stated last week, it is a difficult time for producers and suppliers. Credit for small business is an issue the Government will continue to address with the banks. Small businesses are the lifeblood of the economy and I agree that this matter will have to be addressed in a more vigorous way, even at this stage.

We will debate Senator MacSharry's Family Home Bill 2011 tomorrow. He also commented on "Oireachtas Report". I read into the record a letter from RTE previously on the Order of Business regarding it not covering the Seanad when the Dáil is not sitting. I do not agree with the policy, nor does any other Member, and I share the concerns of Senators about this.

Senator Hayden raised the issue of the rental accommodation scheme, RAS. The Minister of State with responsibility for housing attended the House recently for a comprehensive debate but I am sure he will return to address the problem. A commitment was given that people availing of the scheme would continue to be included on housing lists. Perhaps the Senator might table an Adjournment matter tomorrow to get an immediate response from the Minister of State on the issue.

Senator Quinn called for further discussions on organ donations. We have different views in the House on the matter but it could be discussed again. I understand the Government is taking steps to amend the Betting Act 1931 and many amendments which are necessary in regard to betting could be introduced in this. There was an attempt to introduce a betting Bill this session but some problems arose. It will probably be introduced in the next session.

Senator Cullinane and team Sinn Féin continue to pursue a policy of a curse on everyone's house, bar its own. Everybody seems to be wrong and they are the only ones who are right.