Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

In regard to the call by the Leader of the Opposition, Senator Darragh O'Brien, for a debate on the fiscal compact, I have no problem in extending the time allocated to Members. We can give them all the time they want to express their opinions.

On the question of mortgage arrears, obviously many people are experiencing difficulties in this regard. Senator Bacik has indicated that the heads of the insolvency Bill have been discussed in the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality. When the committee's report is made available perhaps we can have a debate on the subject of mortgage relief and the insolvency Bill.

Senator Darragh O'Brien and others alluded to the visit by the Chinese Vice-President. We all agree it was a wonderful visit that will provide great opportunities for both countries. Our embassy in China reported that the Vice-President's visit received extensive and positive coverage in Chinese media. It was the first item on CCTV's news reports and it was reported on the front page of most newspapers, including People's Daily, China Daily and Beijing News. The coverage emphasised the significance of the visit in terms of deepening the friendship and strengthening the co-operation between Ireland and China. References are regularly made in China to Ireland's successful transition from an agrarian to a knowledge based economy. The visit was also viewed in the broader context of EU-China relations. Mr. Xi's comments regarding China's willingness to support Europe in addressing its debt problems have been widely reported. It has been a very successful visit and I hope the Ministers who will travel to China in the months ahead will foster closer relationships and trade between our countries. This will yield jobs in Ireland and will create opportunities in China for many Irish companies.

Senators Bacik, Zappone, Norris, Bradford, Mullen and Mullins mentioned human rights. It would be timely to arrange a debate on human rights not only in China but also internationally. I hope we can arrange that in the coming weeks. It is something that should be discussed in this House which has an excellent record in discussing human rights abuses in many countries and it is probably an opportune time to do so again.

We have a further hour allocated to Committee Stage of the Electoral (Amendment)(Political Funding) Bill today. I believe an hour will probably suffice, but we will review it as it goes on. We had two hours on it last week and another hour today. If it is necessary to extend the time, we will review it at that time depending on the availability of the Minister.

Senator Comiskey spoke about the closure of Teagasc offices in Manorhamilton. I suggest that the Senator might table an Adjournment motion in that regard and he might be able to get further information on the subject. Senator O'Donovan spoke about the Faroe Islands and Iceland having no restriction in mackerel fishing. The Minister addressed this matter not last week but the previous time he was in here. He spoke of his dissatisfaction and concern on the matter. I will certainly relay the Senator's concerns in the matter to the Minister again and I am sure he will take it up at European level.

Senators Darragh O'Brien, Jim D'Arcy, Brennan, Colm Burke and Wilson spoke about the announcement of 1,000 jobs in Dundalk - or Haggardstown to be precise as Senator Jim D'Arcy mentioned. It is a wonderful day not only for the people of Dundalk and Haggardstown, but also for the entire region as Senator Wilson said. Many people thought that the days of announcements of 1,000 jobs were well and truly gone. It is wonderful to see an announcement of so many good jobs in an area which obviously needs them. I hope that when further announcements are being made, Waterford and the south east will be also considered as it is the greatest unemployment black spot in the country.

Senator Harte spoke about Lifford community hospital. Again, perhaps he might table an Adjournment motion on the matter. Senator Crown spoke about the 50% increase in waiting lists for day surgery and the shortage of doctors in the system. I know he raised it with the Minister when he was in the House last week and I am sure the Minister will take on board what the Senator mentioned in that regard. Senator Cullinane spoke about cuts in the community and voluntary sector. It is a gross exaggeration to say that many of these services will go completely. There will certainly be cuts, which have been announced in practically every Department. However, to suggest that these services will go as a result of the cuts is hyperbole.

Senator Noone spoke about cloud computing and switching e-mails to embrace this technology in the Oireachtas. I am sure the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission will be very interested in saving money and it is a matter the Senator might raise with the commission. Senator Leyden spoke about a grant scheme for septic tanks. The Minister has already commented on that and said he would address it when the time comes. Senators Mullins and Brennan called for a debate on the jobs plan. The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Bruton, has agreed to come to the House to debate the jobs plan on 6 March and we will have an opportunity to discuss that matter then.

Senator Conway spoke about the Chinese visit and he got in his promotion of the beautiful county of Clare and the benefits for tourism that may accrue from the visit. The promotion of tourism is an important part of that visit because at the moment there are approximately 100,000 visitors coming from China. As a result of the extensive, excellent coverage we got in China the number will increase significantly in the coming years and this will be of benefit to County Clare and every other county.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh commented on the use of the Irish language. I urge people who have Irish to use as much of it as possible during seachtain na Gaeilge. I am unsure whether it would be possible to specify a particular day because people would be confined to speaking the Irish language but I urge that people use the language as much as possible especially during seachtain na Gaeilge.

The council in Galway should be capable of finding a solution to the traffic problem there but if the Minister, Deputy Varadkar, is needed I am sure he will assist in the matter.