Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

Action speaks louder than words and we will go ahead and progress the reforms we initiated this term. We should expand on the new format we adopted when the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food attended the House. In that regard, the Minister for Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht Affairs will probably come to the House on the first day of the new session for a wide-ranging debate on the arts and heritage and to address issues raised by Senator Ó Murchú and others. I hope a similar format will be used whereby the Minister and spokespersons will make statements, which will be followed by a question and answer session for the remaining hour and a half. That is the way we should try to make progress in the future.

I am delighted Tourism Ireland enlisted so many Senators to give a synopsis of what is available in various counties throughout the country and I am sure we will all avail of the beauty spots. I note Senator Crown's comments on Roscommon hospital. We have to move on and the Government's aim is to provide the best services for the people of Roscommon. With regard to his comments on Whitfield Clinic in Waterford, it is a matter of grave concern for the people of Waterford and the south east and we hope, in particular, there will be no threat to the radiotherapy facility. Over the past ten years commitments in writing were furnished and statements were made by former taoisigh and Ministers for Health and Children regarding the provision of radiotherapy services at Waterford Regional Hospital, which were never delivered on. A facility is available in the Whitfield Clinic and I hope it remains open and accessible to the people of the south east. An excellent service is provided at the clinic and I hope that will continue. The Government does not make appointments to the board of UNICEF Ireland.

Senator Keane referred to the difficulty with press coverage, which I have addressed. There are 34 new Senators and some of the older Senators are learning day by day. None of us professes to know everything.

Senator Ó Domhnaill raised the issue of the Financial Regulator's comments yesterday. The Government's position is clear on the salaries of bank officials and chief executive officers. It should not top €500,000 per annum.

With regard to the €100 household charge raised by many Senators, it was part of the bailout agreement. We have renegotiated quite an amount of the package, which we were told would be impossible to do. If anything further can be renegotiated, the Government will do it.

Senator Gilroy has conducted significant research into Swissco Limited. If he wishes to pass any information he has to the Minister, I will facilitate that.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh referred to the problems that remain for the country. While it was good to secure the reduction in interest rates and longer maturity dates for the loans, we still have major problems to deal with and I hope they will be addressed during the Government's term in office. I will try to arrange a debate on natural resources in the next session.

Senator Conway referred to the Cliffs of Moher. The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport is well aware of the project, given the Senator has highlighted it on numerous occasions in the House. Like Senator Byrne, we all welcome the debate on the Family Home Bill 2011 and I am sure we will have a good debate.

Senator Colm Burke raised the issue of proper records being conveyed from hospitals to the HSE or the Department of Health. I can convey his concerns to the Minister. Everyone would like to note the undoubted dedicated skills and commitment of medical professionals in the country. They do an excellent job. We can be critical at times but, on the whole, they are wonderful people who provide an excellent service to the community.

Senator Quinn raised the issue of companies passing on the recent reduction in VAT and other taxes and I agree with his comments. I listened to a radio programme during which there were many complaints by members of the public about companies, restaurants and so on that had not passed on the reductions. The Minister will monitor this, as he said he would when he implemented them.

Senator Paul Coghlan asked about the restoration of Killarney house and gardens. He has piloted this project over a long number of years and it appears his wish will come true and that the house and gardens may be refurbished in the near future.

Senator Mary White is correct to highlight the success of our exporters and the Irish Exporters Association. Exports are important to our economy and this sector is performing well. I note her comments about the Musgrave group. I assure her and other Members that the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation will attend the House during the next session and, hopefully, he will be here early in the session. Reference was made to him attending the McGill Summer School in Donegal but I understand a few Fianna Fáil Senators are present as well.