Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

Senator O'Brien raised the issue of pension schemes being underfunded. Quite a number of pension schemes in the country are underfunded. I cannot understand how 0.6% levy would result in a 10% reduction in pension payments. That is something that would have to be investigated. The levy introduced on pension funds was 0.6%. I do not know how that can translate into a 10% reduction. It must relate to the underfunding of the pension scheme itself.

The commitment not to increase tax or cut social welfare was given some time ago. I have no further information on whether it still pertains, although I would think it does. I am not au fait with the situation.

Several Members called for the Minister for Health to be present for a debate. I will endeavour to arrange that in the near future, if possible.

Senators Bacik and Cullinane spoke about the job losses at TalkTalk, with particular reference to the way in which the workers involved were treated. It is appalling that workers can be treated like that in this day and age. We can raise the matter with the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation when he comes to the House before 6 p.m. I am sure there will be ample opportunity to address the problem and to ask pertinent questions about this issue.

Senator Bacik referred to the Arab Spring. We hope an all-party motion in that regard will be put on the Order Paper and brought before the House tomorrow.

Senator Zappone mentioned the merger of the Irish Human Rights Commission and the Equality Authority. We all hope the merger will provide for a more effective and cohesive policy. We can ask the Minister for Justice and Equality to come to the House to speak on the matter.

My intention is that the public consultation committee which is now in place will concentrate on the single issue of human rights over the next few months of this term. I suggest we deal with the matter by allowing people to make submissions to the committee. I will raise it with the Committee on Procedure and Privileges at an early stage.

I intend to invite the President of the Irish Human Rights Commission, Dr. Maurice Manning, who is a former Leader of the Seanad, to address this House before the end of the month. An enlightening debate should follow the former Leader's contribution on behalf of the commission.

Senator Mullen and a number of other Senators raised the German Commissioner's comments about the Irish flag. I would like to treat those remarks with the contempt they deserve by refusing to comment further on them.