Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

Senators Bacik, Zappone and others called for a debate on domestic violence and the need for the Minister for Health and possibly the Minister for Justice and Equality to attend the House. Senator Zappone also raised the question of organisations' funding in this regard. I will attempt to arrange a debate on the subject early in the new year. We are unlikely to have statements on any subject before Christmas, given the number of Bills with which we must deal. We will probably only deal with legislation between now and Christmas.

Senators Bradford, Sheahan, Noone, Paul Coghlan and Conway asked for a debate on the Croke Park agreement. I will try to arrange a debate with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Howlin, for early in the new year.

Senator Wilson asked about the Chief of Staff not meeting a Fianna Fáil councillor. I would have expected the inclusion of public representatives in any meeting but I will try to ascertain the situation.

Senator Harte asked for a debate on cardiology services in County Donegal, but it might make for a better Adjournment matter later this week.

Senator Crown raised a number of important points about cancer screening and access to cancer drugs. It is paramount that people have access to cancer drugs. I will ascertain for him whether a change to the policy has been proposed for the near future. I agree with him on ending the mandatory retirement age, which was discussed by the Seanad Public Consultation Committee with representatives of older people last week.

The question of pensions for Deputies and others who are aged under 65 years has been addressed in 2004 legislation. People who retire in their 40s, 50s or whatever will not receive pensions until they are 65 years of age.

Senator Sheahan requested a debate with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine on the Common Fisheries Policy, CFP. I will try to arrange it and determine the position of former Deputy Jim O'Keeffe's Bill on administrative rather than criminal sanctions in respect of fishermen.

Senator Cullinane called for a debate on the retail sector. I will try to arrange one for early in the new year, as it would be a worthwhile debate.

Senator Burke discussed improving research projects' access to funding. I will arrange a debate on the issue. The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade is due to attend the House in January.

Senator Leyden asked about fire-fighters in Roscommon. This issue was raised as a matter on the Adjournment in the name of Senator Kelly last week. The matter is for the council and the Labour Court to address and I have no intention of debating the subject in the House.

Senators Mullins, Mooney, Byrne, Conway and others referred to decentralisation plans and the requirement for cost-benefit analyses and an inventory of leases. It was a flawed process in many ways, as has been accepted by some Members on the other side of the House.

Senator Quinn asked about the first four weeks of sick pay being a burden on employers. When the Minister for Social Protection attended the House last week, the Senator suggested that this provision not be applied to small businesses, namely, those with fewer than ten employees. We will await the budget.

Senator Noone asked about NAMA's stock of properties. This matter could be discussed during our debate on decentralisation. Regarding the question of the Grand Canal Theatre being sponsored by Bord Gáis, every arts organisation is in need of funding. If organisations cannot get sufficient funding from the Government, they must seek it from other sources. However, this is a matter for the Grand Canal Theatre. It is a private organisation and the Minister cannot get involved.

Senator Mooney referred to human rights abuses in Syria. Every Senator joins with him in condemning these abuses. The Tánaiste will attend the House in January.

Senator Gilroy raised the important matter of the growing of cannabis and the promotion of its use by some Members in the Lower House. This is a serious matter that we can debate early in the new year.

Senator Byrne asked about nursing homes, a matter that is the subject of a Private Members' motion. I am sure that people on this side of the House will refer to the Fianna Fáil-Progressive Democrats policy on co-location, but we will have ample time during Private Members' business to address the points raised by the Senator.