Ivana Bacik (Independent)

Some of the Senator's points were specific to the stability treaty.

Senator Barrett asked about referring the public transport scheme to the Comptroller and Auditor General. This is something that could be discussed further but I am not sure that a general debate on the floor of this House is the appropriate venue. Perhaps the issue could be simply addressed through a letter. We can follow it up.

Senator Moran spoke eloquently about paying tribute to the volunteers who ensure so many services in this country run smoothly. All of us would join her in welcoming the substantial investment being provided for St. Patrick's teacher training college in Drumcondra.

Senator Cullinane called for a more general debate on the financial system. I entirely agree with some the points he made about Greece. As Senator Coghlan reminded me, Greece is the birthplace of democracy. I do not think it is appropriate to criticise, hector or bully the Greek people. Some of those issues can be teased out in Thursday's debate on the treaty.

Senator Keane also sought a debate on rehiring in the public sector. As part of the love-in between Kerry Senators that was later referred to by Senator Colm Burke, Senator O'Sullivan called for the Taoiseach to appear before the House and raised the issue of Shannon Development. The latter issue was also raised by Senator Conway in the context of the power plant in Kerry. I suggest that the Senators consider raising the matter on the Adjournment.

Senator Bradford called for a general debate on reform with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. We can arrange such a debate before the summer recess. Senator Norris sought a debate on foreign affairs.

Senator Mullen called for a general debate on the reform agenda and raised the issue of the occupy Galway movement in Eyre Square. Senator Ó Clochartaigh responded on the latter issue. I agree that a balanced approach to policing is needed. The occupy Dame Street protestors were approached by the Garda in advance of the St. Patrick's Day parade and asked to move. They did not agree but, in the context of the Volvo race, negotiations may be ongoing with the occupy Galway protestors. It is a matter for the authorities and local police in Galway.

Senator Daly spoke about The Gathering. Senator Colm Burke sought a debate about the Private Residential Tenancies Board with the relevant Minister. The relevant Minister is the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, but the specific matter might be best raised on the Adjournment. I agree with the Senator that any delay is a matter of great concern.

Senator Crown raised a specific question about public patients and whether there has been a change to policy in regard to choice of hospital. I do not know the answer but I think the question should be put to the Minister for Health. It is a very specific issue on which to arrange a debate. The Government is committed to wholesale reform of the health system and introducing universal health insurance, which is a welcome reform. Perhaps we can have a more general debate on health care reform, in which case Senator Crown could raise more specific questions. We can arrange that.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh dealt with the point about the Occupy Galway movement and sought a debate on the fishing industry with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, who has been a regular visitor to this House for wide-ranging debates on agriculture and fisheries. He will have no difficulty in attending the House before the end of the session but we will consider when he last appeared to ensure the debates are not too close.

Senator Jim Walsh raised the question of rehiring public sector workers, which I have addressed. Senator Norris sought a debate on the Middle East, which is on the list of debates I will ask the Leader to arrange on his return.