Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

The questions of whether and which Garda stations will be closed will be taken in the context of the Garda Commissioner's draft policing plan. As with every organisation, the Garda Síochána will have to manage with reduced resources. The Commissioner has quite rightly been examining all aspects of the Garda policing model, including the deployment of personnel and the utilisation of modern technologies in the operation of Garda stations, in terms of opening hours and possible closures. The purpose of the review is to ensure Garda resources are managed and deployed in the most appropriate manner to meet existing and emerging policing requirements and maintain the Garda front-line services in a manner consistent with Government policy. Clearly, an examination of opening hours and, in some cases, the viability of stations will form part of the report. In that regard, the Garda Commissioner will have to consider whether better policing services could be delivered to certain communities by having Garda members on patrol rather than in a station. This can be discussed at a later stage.

Every Member would like to join Senator Whelan in congratulating the Ceann Comhairle on his initiative on the televising of debates in both Houses. I thank UPC for doing that.

Senators Phelan, Keane and Ó Murchú raised the issue of scrap metal and a Bill that may be introduced in the other House. The cash for gold issue is a cause for concern throughout the country and even monuments and graveside memorabilia are being stolen for their scrap value.

Senator Barrett and others spoke about the importance of mathematics, languages and economic subjects. We can raise that issue with the Minister for Education and Skills. Senator Mooney spoke about school fees, which also can be raised with the Minister.

Senators Cullinane and Ó Clochartaigh raised the issue of speaking time. I have repeatedly pointed out that Sinn Féin does not have sufficient numbers to make up a group. The Sinn Féin Member in the previous Seanad sat with other Senators in order to form a group. I have facilitated Sinn Féin Senators with far more speaking time than I am required to provide and I have given them Private Members' time. I have given the three Sinn Féin Senators more than a fair opportunity to make their point. They have three minutes for questions and the three of them can speak on the Order of Business. They have ample opportunity to contribute and we have facilitated them in practically everything they have requested.

Senators Byrne, Bradford and Noone referred to the Smithwick tribunal. The chairman of the tribunal wrote to the Clerk of the Dáil on 15 October to indicate that he is not in a position to meet the 30 November deadline. The Government has approved the Minister for Justice and Equality's proposal to put a motion to the Oireachtas requiring the tribunal to provide a further interim report by 9 March 2012 and to complete its work by 31 May 2012, in line with the chairman's request. The Government is conscious of the sensitivity that attaches to the tribunal. The Minister will not be available for most of the day but we have made inquiries and he will return to Dublin at 4.30 p.m., at which point I will facilitate a 15 minute debate on the tribunal. I am glad to facilitate the House in this regard. The motion merely deals with an extension of time but if Members require a debate, I will facilitate them.

Senator Quinn raised the issue of organ donations, in respect of which he introduced a Bill several years ago. I will revert to the Senator within a day or so on the question of whether the Government intends to introduce its own legislation or if he needs to reintroduce his Bill. It is an important subject.

On the issue of sick pay, the Minister for Social Protection will be in the House from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. I understand the cost to the Exchequer of sick pay has increased from €100 million to €900 million in the past decade. This is unsustainable. As regards putting the cost onto employers, reference was made yesterday to the Government's role in developing an environment for creating jobs. The measure appears to be contrary to the measures several Senators and other commentators have outlined in regard to creating such an environment. However, this is a matter that can be teased out with the Minister.

Senator Walsh spoke about bankruptcy legislation and the legal profession. The Government is committed to introducing bankruptcy legislation at an early stage and the Legal Services Regulation Bill will be debated in the House shortly. I note the Senator's comments about a cap of €200,000 on salaries for RTE presenters.

Senator White made a cogent point on education and transition year students. I think I have addressed most of the points raised by Senators.