Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

Senators Fidelma Healy Eames, Fiach Mac Conghail and Feargal Quinn asked that certain issues be debated by the Seanad Public Consultation Committee. The committee published an excellent report yesterday on the rights of older people. It was unfortunate that, once again, there was no one in attendance from the media. There is a problem for this House in general in attaining sufficient coverage for the great body of work in which we are engaged in many areas. I compliment everybody involved with the report which I hope will receive the coverage and action by the Government that it deserves in the coming weeks.

In regard to requests that the Seanad Public Consultation Committee discuss issues including Change Nation and social entrepreneurs, these requests may be submitted to the committee which has already agreed to examine a number of issues but others may be tabled for consideration. I advise Members who have made suggestions in this regard to be specific in their submissions. If there is too broad a range of issues to discuss, it will not be possible to compile a proper report. Members might agree on an issue on which we could all focus and I will certainly consider it as a matter for public consultation.

Several speakers referred to planning regulations and the issue of nuisance objections. It is unfortunate that some of these issues were not raised with the Minister of State with responsibility for housing and planning when she was in the Chamber for two hours yesterday. Nevertheless, we will arrange to have her come to the House again. She is scheduled to attend after Easter for the debate on the report of the Mahon tribunal. There may be an opportunity to raise these issues during that debate, or we may have a separate debate on planning issues, if such is deemed necessary.

Senators Sean D. Barrett and Paul Bradford called for a debate on taxation, with particular reference to the concerns expressed by Revenue regarding the tax breaks introduced by the Minister for Finance. I am not in a position to provide the information requested by Senator Sean D. Barrett, but I will raise the issue with the Minister.

Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh asked for a debate on the report of the Mahon tribunal. I indicated on Tuesday that I would meet the group leaders to arrange a date after Easter for this debate. That meeting will take place after the Order of Business today. I also said on Tuesday that I would allow ample time for a considered debate on the report.

Senators Jim D'Arcy and Michael Mullins referred to the importance of the trade visit to China, led by the Taoiseach. I will endeavour to have the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton, give the House an update on this visit and the various ministerial visits which took place in the week of St. Patrick's Day.