Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

The Leader of the Opposition, Senator Darragh O'Brien raised the case taken by Deputy Thomas Pringle. While I do not wish to comment on matters before the courts, I understand Mr. Michael Cush, counsel for the State, told the court yesterday there would be no Executive action before Ms Justice Laffoy gives her ruling on that case. My understanding of that is that the instrument of ratification of the treaty will not be lodged with the EU by Ireland before that time. However, there is no impediment on the House dealing with Committee and Remaining Stages of the Bill today.

I note Senator O'Brien's point regarding Ministers' scripts. Ministers have been informed that they should provide a script for Members when speaking in the Seanad. Some Ministers prefer to speak from notes, as opposed to using a script. We have asked that those notes be made available to Members. My office has raised this matter with Ministers over a period of time. I understand what Senator O'Brien has said on the matter.

A number of Senators referred to the personal insolvency Bill. I understand the Bill will be published as a Dáil Bill and will go to the Dáil first. It is a matter for that House to order its business and decide when the Bill will be taken. However, if the Opposition wished to have this raised at an early stage, I am sure the Government would be amenable to those requests.

Senator Bacik said the report of the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality on personal insolvency legislation should be circulated. The heads of the Bill were discussed for days on end by the joint committee, long before it was discussed with the banks. The report of the joint committee should be examined. It is incumbent on Senators to inform themselves of the proceedings of the committee hearings. I will, if possible, arrange a briefing by the Oireachtas Library and Research Service, similar to that held before the referendum. I will contact the Library and Research Service to arrange that briefing for Members. It would be very informative.

Senator Bacik raised the matter of advertising and billboards, which gave rise to a debate on the pros and cons of abortion. Abortion, as has been stated, is a sensitive subject. When the House holds a debate on abortion, I hope it will be devoid of bitterness and division. I hope that will be the case.

I note Senator Zappone's comments on the LGBTQ parade. The Senator's question regarding Dr. Lydia Foy might best be dealt with as an Adjournment matter. In that way, Senator Zappone may be given the information she requires. I will endeavour to find out the progress of gender equality legislation from the Minister for Social Protection, as the Senator requested.

Senators O'Neill, Comiskey, Wilson, Kelly and Conway raised the matter of the valuation of business properties and rates. Senator Comiskey suggested that more discretion should be allowed to city and county managers or to local representatives with regard to rates on properties. This is a serious situation. A new tenant can be liable for rates owed on a property. This is inhibiting business. Members have raised the issue and it should be addressed by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. The Minister is aware of the problem and I hope we will see action to help people to start up a small business without having this millstone around their necks.

Senator Mullen made some points about increments, which I addressed on a previous occasion. Senator Cullinane called for a debate on planning. The House has had several debates on planning, but if it is necessary to have another I will arrange that.

Senator Brennan congratulated the Deputy Chief Constable of the PSNI who received 96% in her Irish examination and has been awarded a silver fáinne. As the House debates Bille na Gaeltachta, it is good to note that some members of the PSNI are fluent in Irish.

Senator Quinn made valid points about road safety and Ireland's lack of conformity with safety regulations that apply in other EU countries. I received notice yesterday that the Road Safety Authority, RSA, has begun a public consultation on the new road safety strategy for the period 2013 to 2020. A public consultation document and questionnaire on the various education, engineering, enforcement and evaluation measures which have and have not worked is available on the RSA website, and submissions may be made online to strategy@rsa.ie. It is apt that Senator Quinn raised those points today. The vehicle, if Senators will pardon the pun, to make those submissions to the RSA is available.

Senator Ó Domhnaill asked that the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government come to the House to discuss the Water Services (Amendment) Act. I am sure Senators have seen plenty of the Minister. We had more than 24 hours of debate on that legislation. If Senator Ó Domhnaill does not have all the answers at this stage, I do not know what I can say.

Senator Michael D'Arcy referred to anaerobic digestion. The points he raised could be made to the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Rabbitte, who will be in the House later today.

Senator Norris's points regarding buses and trucks could be made in a submission to the RSA. It is my understanding that trucks, in particular, are subject to tests. I was in that business at one time and I know that trucks are subject to stringent annual tests. I would think buses are subject to similar tests. In any event, submissions may be made to the RSA on that subject.