Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I am not sure about that as yet.

Senator Fiach MacConghail referred to last night's Private Members' motion. I agree we had an excellent debate and, as Senator David Norris stated, there was, unfortunately, little or no coverage in the media of this very important debate. That happens on a regular basis. Many commentators in the media have a lot to say about this House but we seldom see any of them in the House reporting on it. It is something on which we will have to work. If we have a referendum and if the people are not aware of what happens in this House, it will be very difficult for them to make an informed decision. The media have a role to play but they are not playing a proper role currently.

Senator Fiach MacConghail referred to the detention of children in St. Patrick's Institution. He asked for an update on the Oberstown project. I will try to find out from the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position in that regard.

Senator Rónán Mullen and other Senators referred to a referendum on the fiscal compact. When everything is complete, the Attorney General will give advice to the Government on whether a referendum is necessary. The Government and the Taoiseach have stated plainly that there will be a referendum if one is necessary. We should wait until everything is finalised and the advice comes from the Attorney General on the matter.

Senators Cáit Keane and Colm Burke referred to problems which have arisen with the JobBridge programme. The Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Joan Burton, is very open to changes to improve the programme and I am sure she would welcome any suggestions in that regard. It is an excellent programme and if it needs to be tweaked in some way, I am sure she would be very amenable to that.

Senator David Cullinane referred to the Seanad Public Consultation Committee, which has been very effective and has worked on the rights of older people. I wish to inform the Senator that report is currently being prepared. It was delayed because of research problems but we will have it within the next number of weeks. It can be debated in this House, if necessary, but it is intended to hand it over to Government and, hopefully, it will be acted on. That is the idea of the Seanad Public Consultation Committee, that is, that we compile a report after each consultation, that it is debated, that it is handed over to Government, that we see action on it and that the committee is not just a talking shop. Unfortunately, the initial report has been delayed but I hope there will not be such a delay with the publication of subsequent reports.

Senator Michael Mullins welcomed the cost of houses. A number of people mentioned the cost of houses coming down but the problem is banks giving mortgages, or freeing up finance for people who need mortgages. That is not being addressed. Despite what the banks say, the lack of credit is crippling not only businesses but people looking for mortgages. The Government will have to increase the pressure on the lending institutions in this regard.

Senators Healy Eames, Martin Conway, Ned O'Sullivan and others called for a debate on small schools in Gaeltacht and rural areas. Senator Healy Eames put down a matter for the Adjournment debate. We will endeavour to get the Minister for Education and Skills to come to the House to discuss that matter specifically. As Senator Healy Eames mentioned, the Minister was in the House yesterday to deal with legislation and will be back next week to take Committee Stage of that Bill. Getting the Minister to return to the House for a debate on a different matter will be difficult but I will endeavour to do so.

Senator Ivana Bacik addressed the personal insolvency Bill. In terms of having a debate here and a similar debate at the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality, we should avoid duplication as much as possible in that area.

Senator David Norris complimented the Garda Síochána on the investigation into the murder of a young Roma lady. We would all like to compliment the members of the Garda Síochána on their daily work and hope the perpetrators of this act will be brought to justice.

Senator Sheahan mentioned Kerry, which his compatriot Senator Paul Coghlan mentioned last week, in complimenting Mick O'Dwyer's inclusion in the hall of fame. We had an intervention from the Leas-Chathaoirleach, who is a Cork man, but that has nothing to do with football. We all compliment Mick O'Dwyer.