Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

Regarding Senator Cullinane's point, I have no wish to comment in this House on the presidential election. We can comment after the election.

Senator Hart raised the ongoing problem of the Inishowen ferry, the closure and the lack of funding from the local authority, which has little funds. We can raise the matter with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport. Senator Tom Sheahan raised the matter of Garda cars being decommissioned after 300,000 km, believing it to be an insurance problem. We will inquire of the Minister for Justice and Equality whether this matter can be addressed and revert to the Senator.

Senators Ó Clochartaigh and Ó Domhnaill raised the question of MFG. Senator Ó Clochartaigh did raise this matter with the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Bruton, when he was here a couple of weeks ago and I thought the Minister had addressed the question, but the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government will be here dealing with legislation next week and perhaps he will have an answer for the Senators at that point.

Senator Ó Murchú, like Senator Ó Clochartaigh, raised the issue of a pensioner who is in prison. I understand the ESB and EirGrid made proposals yesterday which I hope will solve the problem. I agree that dialogue should be the first option in disputes such as this. Senator Mullins mentioned the issue of charitable donations. The Minister for Finance will be here on Thursday and I am sure the Senator will have an opportunity to raise the questions he mentioned on the Order of Business today. Senator Conway spoke about the problems at Mid-Western Regional Hospital, the issue of hospital reconfiguration and the failed policy of co-location. This is a matter that can be raised with the Minister when he is in the House. There was also a question about social welfare from one Senator. The Minister for Social Protection will be here by the end of October to address these matters. Senator Kelly mentioned proposed legislation on begging. I will certainly inquire of the Department whether any legislation is proposed in that area.

I do not propose to accept the amendment to the Order of Business. As I have outlined, the Minister will be here on 27 October to address Members' queries.