Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

The acting leader of the Opposition, Senator MacSharry, and many other Members raised the question of the flooding in Cork and other areas. I will endeavour to have the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes, come into the House. As has been mentioned, especially by the Senators from Cork, namely, Senators Clune, Gilroy and Burke, a report has been sought by the Minister of State from the Office of Public Works and the various agencies. I am sure that when these reports are available, the Minister of State will be willing to come in and discuss this serious matter. It is a serious issue both for Cork and, as Senator Mooney noted, in many other areas nationwide in which farmers were unable to access their lands and similar incidents. It is an important matter and I will endeavour to have the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes, come into the House at the earliest possible opportunity to discuss it.

Quite a number of Members mentioned the personal insolvency Bill and I understand the Department of Justice and Equality is in the process of arranging a briefing for the spokespersons from all parts of the Houses in the coming week. As the Bill is being published as a Dáil Bill, its passage will commence in the Lower House. Perhaps Members can have an opportunity to examine it before it is introduced to the other House. As I stated, if it is necessary to meet for longer times in this House to deal with this Bill, I certainly will provide the time. However, I reiterate it will come into the other House first as it is being published as a Dáil Bill.

Senator MacSharry also raised the issue of mortgage interest supplement and the Government certainly is fully aware of the difficulties faced by many households in meeting their mortgage repayments. The purpose of the mortgage interest supplement is to provide short-term income supplement and support to eligible people who are unable to meet their mortgage interest repayments in respect of a house that is their sole place of residence. The supplement assists with the interest portion of the mortgage repayments only and at present, 18,000 people are in receipt of mortgage interest supplements. The Government has provided almost €51 million for mortgage interest supplement in 2012. In line with the Cooney and Keane reports, budget 2012 provided for the curtailment of the mortgage interest supplement scheme for the first 12 months, while the person concerned is involved in the mortgage arrears resolution process. Mortgage interest supplement will not be payable until such time as the applicants have complied with the alternative payment arrangement agreed with their lender for a cumulative period of not less than 12 months prior to the application. I believe the important point is this measure will not affect existing recipients of mortgage interest supplement but will apply to all new applications received on or after the commencement date of 18 June.

Senator Bacik raised the question of the European Union summit and I believe all Members will wish the Taoiseach well in his endeavours to negotiate, on behalf of the country, both a growth package and some alleviation of our bank debt, which is of paramount importance. The Senator also raised a question which she had raised yesterday in respect of advertising standards. Senators Healy Eames and Bradford raised the question of abortion and as I believe I addressed both of those issues yesterday , I do not wish to refer to them again today. As I mentioned, Senators Mooney, Clune and Gilroy raised the flooding situation, with which I have dealt. Senator Healy Eames raised the insolvency Bill and I reiterate briefings will be arranged for the spokespersons on that from the Department of Justice and Equality. The Senator also welcomed the solutions for homeowners, as I believe will all Members.

Senator Cullinane made reference to matters relating to the Croke Park agreement. On the Order of Business on Tuesday, I outlined the Government position on that matter, which still stands today. Senator Barrett raised the Enterprise Ireland report and seeks a debate on industrial policy. This also was requested by Senator Walsh in respect of the IDA. It would be good to have an overall debate in respect of the policies of Enterprise Ireland and the IDA. I certainly will ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Bruton, to come into the House to deal with those matters.

Senator Ó Murchú sought a debate on Northern Ireland and I certainly will arrange such a debate. However, I note there was criticism from the Senator's side of the House to the effect the Taoiseach might be coming in to the House merely to discuss Northern Ireland. Nevertheless, I assure the Senator that I will arrange a debate on the subject. Peace, reconciliation and understanding of other people's views is very important and those matters can be discussed in the context of that debate. Moreover, as Senator O'Keeffe mentioned, the Orange Order will be here next week and that is all part of the process.