Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

In regard to the Amnesty International report raised by Senators Jillian van Turnhout, Ivana Bacik and Martin Conway, we have had debates in the House on the Ferns, Cloyne and Murphy reports. I can try to facilitate a debate on the actual report with the Minister, which would probably be a worthwhile debate.

I thank Senator Mullen for raising the Swedish experience in criminalising the purchase of sex and complimenting Ruhama and other organisations which work with people in this field. I agree there is a need for legislation in this area and I certainly support his comments.

Senator Noone referred to women's involvement in sport and we join her in complimenting the European team on their success in the Solheim Cup and the Cork ladies team who won the Gaelic football final. I inform Members that the Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Michael Ring, will be in the House next week to listen to the spokespersons and answer questions during the debate on sport.

Senator Thomas Byrne raised the leaking of a social welfare file and made grave accusations about a Senator who is not present. Any information he has on the leaking of the document should be reported to the Minister. The Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Joan Burton will come to the Seanad on 24 October and I advise the Senator to raise this matter with her at that time.

Senator Marie Moloney raised the incident on the reality television show where a person with mental health issues was ridiculed. I am not aware of the programme, but it is appalling that a television show would do not. That is unacceptable.

Senator Mary Moran raised mental health and suicide awareness issues. The Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, was in the Seanad, in July but I am sure she would be willing to return to address the issues raised by Senators.

Senator Healy Eames raised the situation with newly qualified teachers. The Minister for Education and Skills was in the Seanad last week dealing with educational qualifications. That would have been an ideal opportunity to raise the matter with him. It will take some time before the Minister comes to the House again, but we will endeavour to do so. The opportunity to raise the issue when the Minister was in the Chamber was missed.

Senator Reilly raised the flip-flopping on the budget, I do not think there is any basis for that assertion. The budget will be introduced on the date specified and then we will learn what it contains. The Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael Noonan, will come to the Seanad next week to address any other matters on finance that Members wish to raise. Senator Reilly also raised a health matter which can be addressed by the Minister for Health.

I have addressed Senator Leyden's point on health issues. The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Gilmore, has outlined the Government's position on Palestine and I will consider putting a combined motion on the Order Paper.

Senator Cáit Keane raised the practice of reducing the size of products while retaining the same price. This is not acceptable. This matter of concern to shoppers should be raised with the National Consumer Agency.

Senator Martin Conway raised issues in the Mid-Western Regional Hospital. The Minister for Health, Deputy James Reilly, will come to the Seanad and that is the time to pose those questions.

Senator Coghlan commented on culture night and the need for a debate on the arts. We will have a more structured debate at a later stage.

Senator Mulcahy raised the issue of the cap of €500,000 on the salary of a new chief executive of AIB. It is a matter which I am sure the Minister, Deputy Noonan, will address next week when he is present in the House.

Senator Mullins called for the banks to show more compassion to mortgage holders who are in arrears. I am sure we would agree with him in that regard.