Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

We have had 18 Members speak on the Mahon report and call for a debate on it. The Fianna Fáil leader in the House asked when we would have a debate, and I indicated we would have one soon as we return after the recess. We should have a very considered and informed debate. I will give as much time as is necessary to discuss it. If one day is not sufficient, we will allow for further time. I can assure the House that nobody will be prevented from speaking.

On the Motor Vehicles (Duties and Licences) Bill, unfortunately all Stages have to be taken today because the Bill has to be signed by the President tomorrow. All Stages are being taken because, I understand, no amendments have been tabled.

On the household charge, I understand people have already taken a lot of pain. We all recognise that and that it feels like a bridge too far for many people, but the reality is that we are in the middle of an adjustment we have to make. Despite the pain that is already being felt, we still have some way to go. We are obliged to introduce some form of property charge by the agreement we had to sign up to with our external lenders when we could no longer borrow from anywhere else.

Even if we did not have our current banking problems, as I said last week, we would still have a big gap between our income and expenditure which has to be balanced. It is not truthful to say the household charge will go to bondholders and banks. Our overall spending has to be reduced. We have to fund local services in new ways. The money raised from the household charge will be ring-fenced for that purpose.

I am not claiming that paying the household charge will mean increased services, but failing to collect the charge will mean reduced services. I realise there have been difficulties with collection. No money should have been refused from any quarter, whether by local authorities, An Post or whoever. People still have time to pay the household charge and I believe the majority will do so.

Senators Bacik, Conway and others referred to crime and the case of Mr. Stephen Collins. We all agree he and his family stood by the institutions of the State and paid a dreadful price for the courage they showed. It is vital the State stands behind them. Despite the great progress made by the Garda in tackling gangs in Limerick, to which we should all pay tribute, it remained necessary for Mr. Collins and members of his family to have intensive Garda protection. We should regret that he had to take the decision to leave, but we all fully understand why he did so. All right-thinking people would wish him and his family well in their move. The greatest tribute that can be paid to them is for the Garda to continue to bring to justice those involved in gangland activities in Limerick and elsewhere. The Garda is determined to do that and we should all assist it in every way possible in that regard.

Senator Ó Murchú raised an issue concerning the human rights of Marian Price. If he provides details, I will convey them to the Tánaiste.

On the Mahon report, Senator O'Keeffe referred to business and politics being too close and she would certainly know that. As she stated, she was alone when she made the remarks to which she referred. I hope that when the constitutional review comes into play, a mechanism will be found to allow the payment of pensions to corrupt politicians to be stopped. That is an outcome people want. While the issue of portraits being displayed in the House is a matter for the Oireachtas Commission, I understand where Senators are coming from in that regard.

Senator Noone referred to Game, a computer retail company. Senators will all express a wish that workers in the company receive their full entitlements and likewise the staff of other firms which have closed in recent months.

Senators Feargal Quinn and Colm Burke referred to visas. Some 70 million Chinese tourists travel worldwide every year and the Government has taken steps to improve the position, as Senator Quinn noted. I agree, however, that much more needs to be done. I also take on board Senator Burke's comment on the importance of extending our markets and tourism products to countries such as Brazil, Russia, India and China. I also note the points he made on Irish culture and music.

Senator Whelan referred to Irish Water. While the House debated the issue previously, we can have a further debate. Our reservoirs are at unseasonably low levels and I note the Senator's point on the need for water conservation.

To respond to Senator Leyden's contribution on the fiscal compact, I understand the Tánaiste has announced in the other House that the referendum on the treaty will take place on 31 May. A presentation on the treaty was made in the audiovisual room and the Seanad also had a four hour debate on it. I hope to meet the leaders of the parties and groups to ensure Senators have sufficient time to debate the treaty once the wording of the referendum and relevant legislation become available.

Senator Moran raised the barbaric practice of symphysiotomy, on which we will try to have a debate. I believe I have covered most of the issues raised on the Order of Business, which was dominated by the Mahon report and household charges, but if I have omitted anything, I apologise.