Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

Senators Ivana Bacik, Rónán Mullen, Paul Bradford, Mary White and Martin Conway raised the matter of the reports on the six dioceses. My office contacted the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, who has agreed to come to the House early in the new year for a debate on child protection and what legislation is required.

Senator Katherine Zappone raised a matter to do with the Minister for Justice and Equality and a document dealing with prostitution. I will raise the matter with the Minister with a view to having the document published in early course.

Senators David Norris, Susan O'Keeffe and Michael Mullins, among others, raised the matter of agency workers and the possibility of seeking a derogation from the directive for Ireland similar to the one obtained by the United Kingdom. There is certainly a need for greater clarity on the issue which I will raise with the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton.

Senator David Norris also raised the question of ethical standards in the Irish media and the control of the electronic media. It is a difficult sector to control but, as the Senator mentioned, such incitement is totally unacceptable. I am sure there is a way of finding out what the sources were to dealing with the people involved.

Senator Clune raised called for a debate on climate change. I will arrange a debate on the issue in the new year.

Senatord Paschal Mooney referred to the difficulties in the retail sector, a matter also raised earlier in the week. I agree with the Senator that we need to get the message out that it is important to buy Irish and to buy local. He asked whether the issue could be dealt by the Seanad Public Consultation Committee in the new year. I have received many telephone calls about the deliberations of the committee which were broadcast and viewed by many. They are all very favourable to the Seanad Public Consultation Committee and the groups and experts that have come before it. Quite a number of other people are offering to come before the committee to discuss various aspects of life in the country. It is a matter the committee will discuss and decide upon for the next term.

Senator Cullinane raised the issue of child poverty and we can address this as a single item if necessary. I am sure it can also be debated in the context of the social welfare Bill.

Sinn Féin Senators stated that they are willing to forfeit their right to ask questions when we have statements and questions and answers and instead make a three minute statement. I have agreed with the Sinn Féin Senators on this. In doing so it does not in any way recognise them as a group under Standing Orders and it does not set any precedent for the future in this regard. The matter will be reviewed on a regular basis.