Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I have been informed by the Department that all were informed of the situation, but I will take the matter up with the Minister and ask for an extension of the timescale.

I was coming to Senator Norris's query on the Press Council, but I have dealt with that.

Senator Comiskey raises an important issue relating to the discards of fish. It is something which has been discussed in this House on a number of occasions over the past ten years. Certainly, Senators O'Donovan and Ó Clochartaigh, and many others in coastal villages and towns throughout the country, have raised this question of discards. In what was the most significant EU fisheries Council meeting in over a decade involving over 20 hours of negotiations which ended at 5 a.m. this morning, the EU fisheries Ministers agreed their position on the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy. The issue of discarding of fish whereby unwanted catches of dead fish are thrown back into the sea has been a most contentious element in discussions and threatened to block the Council's efforts to reach agreement. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Coveney, put forward a new compromise approach setting down a definitive timescale for the elimination of discards on a phased and planned basis. The Minister's proposals offered a practical and progressive solution which was accepted by his fellow Ministers early this morning. This approach will end the waste of valuable resources and would enable stocks to grow. It is welcomed by all involved in the fishing sector and beyond.

Senators Jim D'Arcy and Barrett raised the lack of action by the heads of universities on the proposals for reform of the points system. I note Senator Barrett's comment in that regard, namely, that the wrong persons were being asked. That is a point which we will certainly raise with the Minister for Education and Skills.

Senator Jim D'Arcy also raised the €8 million in unauthorised payments. It is a disgrace that there should be such payments. Certainly, the heads of universities have a lot to answer for in that regard and I hope they will be forthcoming in their answers in early course.

Senator Michael Mullins has called for greater sensitivity in the Coroner's Court when deaths by suicide are being discussed. Perhaps we might have a debate on that issue with the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Alan Shatter, which could encompass other issues.

Senator Feargal Quinn urged encouragement of Bord Bia to consider the need for further designation of Irish foodstuffs, including those he mentioned. Certainly, the Waterford blaa is one with which I am very familiar. I can assure the Senator I have the constitution to eat many blaas. I agree totally that we should be supporting-----