Seanad debates

Tuesday, 7 February 2012

3:00 pm

Photo of Maurice CumminsMaurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

Senator Bacik raised the potential for greater trade opportunities with China. I will certainly endeavour to have the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Joe Costello, come to the House to address that situation. I am sure he would be quite willing to do so for the first time as Minister of State.

Senators van Turnhout and Rónán Mullen referred to the Internet and Internet providers. I agree totally with them on the need to block child abuse material on the Internet, which should be a priority. I will try to get the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Pat Rabbitte, or the Minister of State at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Sean Sherlock, to come to the House for a debate on that whole area.

Senators Barrett and Conway referred to driving down VHI costs. I understand the Milliman report was eventually placed in the Oireachtas Library, which I arranged for Senator Barrett. We should discuss it during a debate with the Minister for Health.

Senators Healy Eames, Martin Conway, Mullins and Ó Clochartaigh referred to the situation in Galway Airport, which was raised here last week. At that time I described the situation and the actions of Bank of Ireland as deplorable and I have not changed my mind on it. We will certainly raise the matter with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Leo Varadkar. Senator Healy Eames also mentioned she would write to the relevant committee to ask it to deal with this matter.

Senator Leyden referred to the second home charge. The birds in the trees should know about the second home charge at this stage. I do not believe there will be any-----

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