Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

Senator Moloney commended Ms Lorraine Mulvey's courage in going public on her abuse and called for a debate on child sexual abuse and domestic violence. I will try to arrange for such a debate with the relevant Minister.

Senator Norris referred to a television programme called "Tallafornia". I am not familiar with the programme and, therefore, cannot comment on it, but I will take his word for it.

Regarding the Health Information and Quality Authority, HIQA, standards, I realise they are exacting and are in place to ensure the elderly enjoy the best possible conditions. I am aware that many people have issues with HIQA because of those exacting standards but I am sure they can be trashed out with the agency and the Health Service Executive.

Senator Burke referred to the Irish Medical Council taking two and a half months to make a decision on doctors. That is not good enough. The Senator quoted a case in New Zealand which took only a matter of days. It is a matter I will raise with the Minister for Health.

Senator Cullinane welcomed the schools programme and asked about the replacement of prefabs. An allocation of €35 million has been granted and it will help 200 schools to replace their prefabs. The replacement programme will continue over the next number years with a view to eliminating prefabs altogether.

Senator Noone mentioned betting machines in pubs. I do not think they are allowed in pubs and are illegal but promotions on behalf of bookmakers are different. A betting Bill is scheduled for the House in the autumn. I commend the Senator for raising the issue. Gambling can and will be discussed during the autumn debate on the Bill and it will afford Members an opportunity to speak on the issue.

Senator Harte raised the issue of the household charge and the matter was raised last week. I do not think the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government will refuse money from any source, even An Post. I will raise the issue of the NPPR with him and he will be here on Thursday.

I have addressed the issues of competitive tendering for new schools and getting the best value for money raised by Senators Barrett and Quinn. Value for money is what is required.

Senator Mullins and Keane raised the issue of the worsening crisis in Syria. Over the past number of days we have witnessed appalling scenes on our television screens of women and children being shot and where executed men and women had their hands tied behind their backs. We would all agree with Kofi Annan that the international community must adopt a united approach to the matter, as a matter of urgency.

Senator Conway called for a debate on white collar crime and I will try to arrange one with the Minister for Justice and Equality.

Senator Ó Murchú mentioned the abuse of alcohol and the thuggery on our streets that we have witnessed on St. Patrick's Day in previous years. Let us hope that people will drink in moderation at this year's celebration. I commend some of the off-licences for deciding not to open their doors until after parades have taken place and such a move should help the situation.

Senator Crown raised the issue of a referendum on the Seanad. It is in the programme for Government. We will have a referendum but it may be postponed until next year because we will have two referendums this year. A commitment was given and a referendum may take place in the early part of next year.

With regard to the Minister of State, Deputy Creighton, I thought that the Senator concerned had indicated that he would write to her because Deputy Creighton had indicated that she would respond. If the Senator has not done so then I suggest that he does and he can do it through me if he wishes. I am sure that he will get a response.

Senator Mary M. White raised the issue of credit for small businesses. We have addressed the issue with the Minister, Deputy Bruton. The Finance Act will reach here on 21 and 22 March and it will give members ample opportunity to discuss the matters with him next week.