Seanad debates

Tuesday, 24 April 2012

11:00 am

Photo of Maurice CumminsMaurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I also note Senator Paul Coghlan's comments on the referendum.

Senator Jim Walsh referred to the issue of abortion. I have indicated on numerous occasions that, in accordance with the programme for Government, an action plan was submitted and an expert group established under the chairmanship of a distinguished judge, Mr. Justice Sean Ryan, which is due to report in July. The Government considers that group the appropriate forum in which to examine this complex and sensitive matter, to which we will return once its report has issued.

Senator Paul Bradford called for the Minister for Finance to come to the House to discuss a range of options regarding the broadening of the tax base. I will certainly ask the Minister to partake in such a debate. The Senator also referred to the proposed constitutional convention. I agree that the role of the Houses of the Oireachtas must be paramount in respect of any proposed changes and that all proposals must be debated in both Houses before being acted upon.

I have referred to the point made by Senator Paschal Mooney on the role of the Committee of Public Accounts in investigating issues that have emerged relating to the Department of Finance. The last Government did run surpluses on many occasions, but, as we learned to our cost, they were not built on sustainable foundations.

Senator Tom Sheahan referred to several social welfare issues. The Minister for Social Protection will be in the House all day Friday and again on Monday next, during which time the Senator will have ample opportunity to raise these issues.

Senator Sean D. Barrett rightly points out that almost half of commercial water rates have not been paid. I acknowledge that, in some cases, the businesses in question are no longer in operation. Notwithstanding this, ensuring a more efficient method of collection of these charges is necessary if we are to make progress. However, that is a matter for the local authorities.

Senator Mary M. White referred to the attitude of union leaders to the forthcoming referendum, a matter I have dealt with. I welcome the Senator's acknowledgement that confidence is beginning to return to the system, which we all hope will lead to the creation of more jobs. A positive outcome to the referendum will certainly add to this.

I will endeavour to accommodate Senator Mary Moran's request for a debate on the practice of symphysiotomy.

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