Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

Senator Kelly referred to fire service training in Roscommon. I will raise that matter, which is under arbitration at present, with the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Hogan.

Senator Byrne referred to Ministers and the Cabinet acting collectively. I assure him that they are acting collectively. The comment made by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Varadkar, related to a freedom of information request.

Senator Keane referred to the fact that the VHI is not providing cover in respect of PET scans. There is an anomaly in the system in this regard. I will raise this matter with the Minister for Health because it is ridiculous that consultants can refer public patients for such scans but that the VHI will not provide cover in respect of them for people who are paying private health insurance. Last week, Senator Colm Burke referred to the VHI providing cover in respect of patients at a new hospital in Cork. Perhaps it might be possible to arrange a debate on the overall matter of health insurance with the Minister.

Senator Ó Murchú requested debates on the independence of An Coimisinéir Teanga and on the Irish language. I have asked that the Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy McGinley, come before the House for a debate on the Irish language. I hope to receive a response from the Minister of State in respect of that matter soon.

Senator Mary Ann O'Brien referred to seeking pardons for Irish soldiers who fought for the rights of small nations in the Second World War. The Minister for Justice and Equality and Defence has commented on this matter in the past and I will take it up with him. Many men from throughout this country left to fight for the rights of small nations during the Second World War. I am of the view that consideration should be given to issuing pardons in respect of them.

Senator Mullins called for a public inquiry into why RTE broadcast a television programme relating to Fr. Kevin Reynolds. I understand a request has been made to the effect that the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Communications, Natural Resources and Agriculture should investigate the matter. Regardless of what is deemed to be the appropriate forum, the matter will certainly have to be addressed because it is far too serious to be brushed under the carpet at this stage. Senator Crown inquired about gagging orders and that issue should also form part of the debate on the matter relating to Fr. Reynolds.

Senator Quinn inquired with regard to planning regulations and the primacy of town and city centres. That is an extremely important issue. In recent years shops and retail outlets in such centres have closed. Any changes to the planning regulations should be debated in the House. If new regulations are to be introduced, I will ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to come before the House to discuss them.

Senator Moloney referred to the question of obtaining an eye-activated computer for a young boy who lives in the constituency in which she resides. I suggest that she raise this matter on the Adjournment in order that she might obtain an adequate and first-hand reply from the relevant Minister in respect of it.

Senator O'Sullivan also asked for a debate with the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Gilmore, on the proposed closure of the embassy to the Holy See. I am seeking to have him attend the House.

Senator Noone complimented Knock airport on Ryanair expanding its services. We all would compliment Knock airport on its negotiations in having its services expanded.

In response to Senator Ó Clochartaigh, persons from outside the House will attend the House to discuss the rights of older people, which is a subject for consideration by the Seanad Public Consultation Committee. I do not believe the Senator would try to prevent them from attending the House. It will be a good debate in the committee and is something that should be encouraged.