Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

Senator Mullins welcomed the new website launched by the Minister, Deputy Bruton, to cut the costs of business and to eliminate red tape. I will certainly ask the Minister to arrange that his officials make a presentation on this matter in the AV room at a later stage.

Senator Mooney noted the retirement of the honorary consul in the Channel Islands. We would all wish Ms O'Neill a very happy retirement and compliment her on promoting issues relating to Ireland over many years.

Senator Hayden referred to the child death review group. As I said, the Minister can come to the House. Senator Hayden made some very good points which can and should be addressed during that debate.

Senator Mary Ann O'Brien raised the issue of the Crowley report on disability spending. As she said, the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, was in this House and made a very good contribution on this subject earlier in the year. The report has only been with the Minister of State since 31 May. I am sure she will be quite willing to come to the House when this report is published and I will bring the matter to her attention again.

Senator Healy Eames referred to the Volvo Ocean Race and appealed for funding from various industries for an initiative in Galway. As she stated, she has already raised this matter with the Minister, Deputy Bruton. Senators Mullen and Walsh referred to the difference in the way that church and State are being mentioned with regard to accountability in various reports. That is a matter that can be raised when we have a debate with the Minister, Deputy Fitzgerald.

Senator Moloney referred to national carers' week, which we all welcome. We wish all carers who do such wonderful work throughout the length and breadth of the country, well in their endeavours.

I am aware of delays in the receipt of illness benefit and I am sure Senator Moloney will raise the matter herself with the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Burton. I will also raise the matter with the Minister.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh mentioned rent supplements and called for a debate on housing. We had a comprehensive debate on housing for two and a half hours on 28 March, so I do not propose to have another one after such a short period. We can, however, come back to it in the next term without a doubt.

Senators D'Arcy and Brennan called for the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes, to attend the House to report on proposed legislation to curb diesel laundering. This illegal practice is causing a loss of revenue for the Exchequer but is also posing a danger to the environment in many parts of the country. We will certainly ask the Minister of State to address that matter here.

Senator Byrne referred to An Bille na Gaeltachta and we will have ample opportunity to discuss that legislation tomorrow. We will welcome Senator Byrne's comments at that particular time.

Senator Landy suggested inviting the banks into the audio-visual room. The Deputy Leader has informed me that she has written to the Minister of State, Deputy Perry, on that matter requesting that to be arranged. I therefore hope that it can be arranged in early course. In addition, we will find out from the relevant Minister what the situation is concerning the registration of septic tanks. I thought it was fairly clear on the website, but if not we will urge the Minister to have that matter clarified.

Senator Leyden mentioned the report of the review of Dáil and European Parliament constituencies, which is due out in the next day or so. We will endeavour to have a debate on that subject, which seems to be a matter of grave concern to Senator Leyden.