Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

Senator Bacik and other Senators raised the question of the plentiful supply of water. I agree there is a plentiful supply of water in the country but there is not a plentiful supply of treated water and this is what has to be paid for. A total of €1.2 billion is spent on the provision of quality treated water and it will have to be paid for as outlined in the EU-IMF deal which was signed up to by the previous Government.

Senator Mac Conghail referred to the Private Members' motion. The Government amendment to the motion is very conciliatory and I expect a very good debate and that the House will agree to the amendment as outlined.

Senator Mullen and a number of other Senators referred to a Bill dealing with the question of abortion which is being taken in the other House. This House will have ample opportunity to debate that Bill if it reaches this House. On that matter, the Government submitted an action plan on 16 June 2011 to the committee of ministers of the Council of Europe relating to the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in the case of ABC v. Ireland which was delivered on 16 December 2010. As per the programme for Government commitment and the submitted action plan, the Government has established an expert group drawing on appropriate medical and legal expertise with a view to recommending a series of options on how to implement the judgment of the European Court. It is proposed that the group, chaired by Mr. Justice Seán Ryan, will report within six months. This report is due in July 2012. The Government is of the view that this is the appropriate forum in which to examine this complex and sensitive matter.

Senator Conway requested that Aung San Suu Kyi be invited to address the House. We will certainly raise the matter with the Committee on Procedure and Privileges and inquire about the availability of Aung San Suu Kyi to visit Ireland.

Senator Norris sought a debate on rendition. We will see whether we can get time to debate that issue. I note Senator Harte's comments about catchment areas and I am sure the HSE and the Minister will clarify the situation for the Senator when he requests that information.

Quite a number of points were made about water charges, which I have answered. Senator D'Arcy mentioned the donation to the National Museum of locks of hair belonging to General Michael Collins. The vendor is to be complimented for donating these to the National Museum rather than putting them up for public auction. I agree with the Senator's comments about the swab that was also supposed to go for auction; I hope it will be given to the appropriate authorities. Something like that should not go for public auction.

Senators O'Donnell and Wilson spoke about the national lottery. The lottery will not be sold; it is the sale of a 20-year franchise that is being discussed. The majority of the up-front money from the sale will go towards the national children's hospital, but a percentage of lottery funding will still go to worthy causes. Senator Coghlan poetically answered Senator Darragh O'Brien on the question of water. I will certainly discuss with the Minister the points made by Senator Barrett about the Irish water utility.

In answer to Senator Mooney's question, I am not aware of when the legislation will be forthcoming, but I will update the House when I have that information. Senator Crown spoke about the important issue of anti-cancer drugs and their accessibility. I suggest to Senator Crown that he table a matter on the Adjournment so that he can receive a comprehensive reply from the Minister which will clarify the position.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh mentioned lone parents. I wish to advise the House that the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill will be discussed here all day and practically all night on Thursday of next week, after being discussed in the Dáil on Wednesday. We can also discuss it on Friday if necessary. There is quite a lot about lone parents in the Bill, and the Senator will have ample opportunity to debate the issue at that point.

Finally, Senator Quinn spoke about Dublin being the city of science and mentioned what is coming here in July. This would be a good opportunity for us to have a discussion on science and innovation, and I will try to arrange that debate as soon as possible.