Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

Senators Quinn and Keane spoke about organ donation and the Facebook initiative. Facebook is to be complimented on this and I hope we will have a similar initiative in this country.

Senator Quinn also raised the question of bank fees on debit cards in the United States and suggested we should consider similar measures here. I will raise this matter with the relevant Minister.

Senator Conway spoke of the role of local policing committees and stated they should have an enhanced role, a point we can take in the context of a debate on rural policing.

Senator Wilson called for progress on the disposal of Army barracks. Perhaps he could table this as an Adjournment matter in order to get an update from the Minister for Defence. He and Senator Landy raised the issue of local government reform. On 1 February the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Hogan, attended the House and stated his wish for Senators to put forward informed and practical proposals to improve local government. That process is ongoing and Senators can make further proposals in this regard, if they wish. The Minister stated he will issue a White Paper June on local government reform in June.

Senator Harte mentioned Garda resources. Senator Norris spoke of the relationship between church and State and I acknowledge that he has raised the matter of the Bethany Homes in the House on several occasions.

Senator Mullen raised the issues of the release of prisoners and policing. Many factors are taken into consideration regarding the suitability of prisoners to participate in the scheme for temporary release mentioned by the Senator. These include the nature and the gravity of the offence for which a sentence is being served by the prisoner, any recommendations made by the court in regard to the sentence imposed, the potential threat to the safety and security of the public by the person to be released and the person's previous criminal record. There are a number of areas involved. We might ask the Minister to the House to discuss that scheme at a later stage.

Senator Cullinane spoke of the Protection of Employees (Amendment) Bill. I believe we would all agree with the Senator it is very important that workers get their rights in a timely fashion.

Senators Gilroy, Whelan, Landy and others mentioned reform of the other House. I certainly have no intention of dwelling on such reforms which are a matter for the other House. As to some of the misinformed comments made by people in that House, I would treat them with the contempt they deserve.