Ivana Bacik (Independent)

The Tánaiste made a statement yesterday on the recent outbreak of hostilities and the Israeli airstrike in Gaza, in which he set out the Government's views and concerns. He has pointed out that civilians on both sides have been put at risk in these exchanges and welcomed the ceasefire agreed this week. He was in the House recently for a debate in which a number of Senators raised issues regarding the Middle East. I will be happy to ask him to return for a further debate specifically on the situation in the Middle East. That would be a good idea.

Senator Michael Comiskey raised the issue of LIS schemes. It might be worthwhile for him to contact the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Leo Varadkar, directly about it.

I have responded to Senator David Norris, but he also asked that the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Pat Rabbitte, be invited to the House to discuss a public inquiry into all aspects of the media, for which others have also asked. The Minister was in the House recently for a general debate and I am sure we can invite him back again.

I have dealt with Senator Jim D'Arcy's useful suggestion that we send a message to the Taoiseach about the delay in dealing with the issue of mortgage arrears. I have also responded to Senator David Cullinane's contribution.

Senator Mary Moran mentioned the Irish Network Against Racism. We all support the work it is doing to highlight the issue of racism. It would be useful to have a debate on the issues of racism and race crime. Suggestions have been made about making it an aggravating feature of a crime where it is committed with a racist motivation. I would support such a move.

Senator Mark Daly spoke about the need for greater scrutiny of EU measures and welcomed the fact that committee chairmen were meeting to discuss the issue. The justice committee holds a large number of meetings at which we scrutinise EU proposals. The Leader of the House has taken up the suggestion that the Seanad have a greater role in scrutinising legislation.

Senator Fidelma Healy Eames asked that the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Ruairí Quinn, be invited to the House to discuss the school building programme. I should follow the Leader's example of not responding to Senators who are not present and have not made apologies for their absence, but we all welcome the school building programme. It involves an investment of €1.5 billion over five years. I note there is a further amount of money left in the programme for other capital works. This is, therefore, not the full extent of the building work that will take place. It will assist schools to plan ahead when they know they will be included in the five year programme.

Senator Rónán Mullen raised the issue of lobbyists, to which I have responded. Senator Cáit Keane raised the issue of mortgage arrears and the need for a debate on the issue of freedom of information. It would be useful to have such a debate in the House. The former Minister of State, former Deputy Eithne Fitzgerald, introduced the freedom of information legislation and the Government is committed to restoring its strength.

Senator Michael Mullins congratulated those involved in the "Prime Time" programme. I share his view that Lorraine Mulvey is an exceptionally courageous young woman who has done a great deal for the survivors of rape and sexual abuse by speaking out on the issue and pointing out that there are supports available. It is very difficult to come forward with a complaint of rape or sexual abuse. Her action is an inspiration and will assist others in the same position.

Senator Wilson asked for a debate on adult and further education, which we have called for. Senator Quinn pointed out the importance of lobbying and its effects and how, in the context of smoking, lobbyists persuaded people for many years that smoking was good for them. That should inform our discussion on lobbyists. Finally, Senator White is calling for a debate on active ageing. I know Senator White has spoken on this topic before and I think the Leader of the House has agreed to it previously, but I will check that with him. I have also been present in the House when Senator White referred to the age of the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan. I am not sure he is always entirely pleased when his age is mentioned.