Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I think I have replied to that.

Senator Burke referred to medical cards. I am surprised to hear from him that only two Senators from the Joint Committee on Health and Children turned up in Finglas to find our what was happening about medical cards. I would have thought we would have had a hell of a lot more, especially with the amount of people who have raised that question on the Order of Business. I recognise the great volume of applications that have gone in but there are still 31,000 applicants outstanding and these concerns need to be taken on board. I understand from Senator Landy that the primary care reimbursement service people are coming in to us soon, so we look forward to having an early update on medical cards then.

Senator White moved an amendment to the Order of Business. This is a technical amendment to allow her Bill to be printed and I will certainly accept it.

I do not intend to get bogged down on turf cutting issues, but I would like to point out to Senators Kenny, Leyden and Mullins that only 53 raised bogs are affected out of 1,400. On foot of the EU directive we will face massive fines unless this matter is dealt with. Families have been offered monetary compensation, including free turf and alternative plots as a solution. I commend the Minister, Deputy Deenihan, in this regard and we wish him well in his efforts to resolve the matter.

Senator Quinn referred to the Fines Act and I fully agree with him. I understand that there is a problem with the IT systems to enable cross-referencing between both jurisdictions. However, the Minister has indicated that he is fully committed to implementing the legislation in this regard. That should be done as soon as possible.

Senator Mullins outlined the positive happenings in Galway in recent weeks. He is attempting to harness the voluntary efforts of those who are retiring from the public service, which is certainly worth considering.

I am not accepting Senator Norris's amendment to the Order of Business. As I have outlined, the matter will be discussed by the Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality, and it can come back to us at a later stage.

Senator Reilly sought a debate on emigration and I will try to arrange that. There is no doubt that the vast majority of people who are currently emigrating are doing so to seek employment and a better life for themselves and their families. I will try to arrange for such a debate later in the year.

Senator Brennan, ag caint as Gaeilge, congratulated the golfer Rory McIlroy on becoming the world's number one. I am sure we would all join in those congratulations.

Senator Walsh spoke about wastage in the public service. He also discussed the salaries paid to those in NGOs in the charity and human rights sectors. Those salaries certainly seem very high indeed. While this matter is not within the remit of the Minister in question, I am sure it can be raised with him.

We would all welcome the fact, as Senator Moran stated, that high-speed broadband is to be rolled out in 650 secondary schools by 2014. This is of paramount importance for teachers, pupils and the general development of our educational sector.

Senator Landy spoke about centralising the driving licence authority. I am not aware of the situation but I will try to clarify it for him.