Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

On consultants, as was mentioned by Senator O'Brien, all areas of Government spending are coming down in line with the budget deficit reduction targets. It is safe to say that no matter what was spent by the current Government in the past year, it would be considerably less than what was spent by the previous Government on consultants.

Senator Bacik stated that all decisions on water, and all other matters, are decisions for the Cabinet. As I stated yesterday, the Government is united in implementing the programme for Government over the five-year period. That will be done and let the people judge at that point in time.

A number of Members raised the question of the stance of unions on the referendum. There was a good Second Stage debate on the referendum Bill here yesterday and Committee and Remaining Stages will be taken today. All of those comments can be made in the context of the debate on Committee and Remaining Stages that we will hold over the next couple of hours.

Senator Rónán Mullen and others referred to the review of teacher training colleges and institutes of education. The Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Ruairí Quinn, will be in the House next Tuesday, 1 May, for a debate on the issue of school patronage and pluralism, during which Members will have an opportunity to raise the question of teacher training.

Senators Cáit Keane and other speakers referred to recent revelations of a cover-up in the Department of Finance. No person should feel isolated in such circumstances as the individual in question apparently did in this case. As Senator Paschal Mooney mentioned, this matter will be dealt with comprehensively by the Committee of Public Accounts. We all wish it well in its deliberations. We can have a debate on the matter after it has produced its report.

Senator Denis O'Donovan called for a debate on the agrifood and fisheries sectors. The two debates we have had on agriculture and fisheries, both attended by the Minister, Deputy Simon Coveney, were among the best we have had in the House. I am sure the Minister will be willing to come to the Chamber to report on the positive implications of his visit to China and debate whether, as Senator Denis O'Donovan mentioned, Bord Bia and Bord Iascaigh Mhara can meet the targets outlined for them. That would be the basis of a good debate and I will certainly seek to arrange it with the Minister.

Senator Michael Mullins referred to the excessive booking fees charged by airlines. I will ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he intends to introduce legislation to deal with this matter.

Senators David Norris, Sean D. Barrett and others raised the need for forward planning in water management. That is the reason the new body, Irish Water, is being established. As I outlined previously, the service will remain in public ownership, which is to be welcomed.

Senator David Cullinane referred to points made in reference to the forthcoming referendum. I was disappointed that only one Sinn Féin Member had contributed to the debate on Second Stage of the Thirtieth Amendment of the Constitution (Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union) Bill 2012, but I am sure that will be rectified on Committee and Remaining Stages.