Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I join with all the Members who expressed their sympathies to the families of the fishermen lost in the accident off west Cork. The skipper of the vessel was a fellow county man of mine, from the small village of Bunmahon in Waterford. Our hearts go out to all the families. Likewise, we extend our sympathies to the family of Aengus Fanning, editor of the Sunday Independent and a very influential figure in Irish journalism.

Senator O'Brien asked about a strategy for mortgage arrears. I will endeavour to have the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes, come to the House to address that issue. In regard to the interdepartmental committee on Europe, there has been constant speculation as to whether or not we will have a referendum. One does not put all of one's cards on the table before going into the negotiating room. That is not how one operates in negotiations. The Government is working very well on this matter, but the question of a referendum is not yet decided upon. Moreover, the advice has not yet been given. As Senator Coghlan observed, it is better that we have the final text in order to decide whether a referendum is necessary. We should not rush our fences on such important issues. There must be proper consideration of these matters in order to avoid rash decisions.

Senator Bacik called for a debate on the report of the expert group on the ABC case, as soon as that report is published. I will be pleased to facilitate that debate. The Senator also seeks a debate on waste strategy. Waste collection services in Dublin are a matter for the local authority, but we can have a broader debate on waste strategy with the Minister, Deputy Phil Hogan, in due course.

Senator van Tunhout asked that the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Fitzgerald, update the House on her plans for the referendum on children's rights. The Government's legislative programme, issued last week, attempts to accurately reflect the position of legislation in the process at a particular point. The heads of the legislation relating to the children's rights referendum has not as yet cleared Cabinet. However, work on it is ongoing. It is a top priority for Government, as confirmed by the Government Chief Whip this morning. The stated position of Government is that the referendum will be held in 2012.

Senator van Turnhout also raised the issue of accommodation for young offenders, which is an important issue. I will ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs or the Minister for Justice and Equality to come to the House to address that issue at a later stage.

Senator Quinn and other Senators raised the issue of generic drugs and the possibility of reducing costs in this regard. The Senators also mentioned blood tests, x-rays and the use of the Internet in regard to education on health. This is an important issue, one that must be addressed, in particular given the comments of Senator Crown and others in relation to the pharmaceutical industry. Senator Crown mentioned that seven out of ten of our top selling drugs are due to come off patency in the coming years, which creates a problem. The Minister, Deputy Reilly, is addressing the area of generic drugs. It is hoped Senator Crown will expand further on his ideas in this regard during the debate on jobs ideas on Thursday. We look forward to that debate.

Senator Healy Eames spoke about education matters, including DEIS and small rural schools and guidance counsellors. She also highlighted the issue of senior academics refusing to take a pay cut. It is disgraceful that some of these people have not even replied to the Minister's request.