Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

Senators Darragh O'Brien, Labhrás Ó Murchú and several others referred to One Day More, an organisation that held a breakfast information meeting this morning, and called for a debate on prenatal care. I will seek to arrange such a debate in the new session.

Senators Bacik, O'Donovan and others mentioned the pilot training college in Waterford. I gave a comprehensive response on this issue yesterday, which I received from the Minister's office. I have asked the Minister to address the matter in the House. However, he is in Brussels today and will be in Northern Ireland tomorrow. He will then visit Cyprus on Friday to prepare for the EU Presidency. I have asked him to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date report on the matter next week. I hope this will suffice for Senators who are seeking to have the Order of Business amended.

Senator Quinn referred to the lack of progress in procurement and advancing legislation in the House. All of us would like faster progress to be made on these issues. On the environmental problems caused by fuel laundering and its impact on revenue to the Exchequer, action must be taken quickly on this issue as it is causing havoc in many counties. The erstwhile subversives who are involved in this activity are doing a great deal of harm to the environment and standards of living are being adversely affected by the decline in revenue from excise duties on fuel.

Senators O'Neill, Landy and Mooney called for the recruitment embargo to be lifted to allow staff to be recruited at agricultural colleges to enable more students to attend the colleges. Additional staff were employed last year. I am sure this issue is close to the heart of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, who will be before the House this week, at which time Senators will have an opportunity to raise the matter with him.

Senator Moloney referred to Garda rostering arrangements. As Senators will agree, the new rosters will benefit everyone. On speed cameras, it may be possible to have a debate on road safety in the new term.

Senator Norris called for the reopening of the James Joyce tower. I will inquire as to the position from the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Jimmy Deenihan.

Senator Clune referred to training for people who operate off-licences and called for the Minister of State, Deputy Shortall, to come before the House. I have contacted the Minister of State and she will come to the House in the first few weeks of the new term to discuss the issue several Senators raised this morning.

Senators Reilly and Walsh raised the dangers of the Internet and the need to keep children safe online. I will ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to come before the House to debate the issue in the new term. If we are unable to have a Minister come before the House next week for a debate on youth unemployment, which is long overdue, we will ensure such a debate takes place early in the new term.

Senator Landy referred to security staff at concerts and argued against banning all concerts because of the actions of some of those who attend them. I am sure Senators share that view. As I noted yesterday, the Minister has taken action on this issue and legislation will be introduced on security at such concerts and the security industry in general. I will inquire of the Minister as to when it is intended to have legislation on the rights of workers.

Senator Colm Burke spoke about the advances made in perinatal care. We all agree that the dedication and commitment of staff in maternity hospitals are excellent. As I said, we will arrange a debate on the issue in the new session.

Senators Mary Ann O'Brien, Mary Moran and Martin Conway referred to the position of young people with disabilities when they leave school. The State should not turn its back on families such as those mentioned by the Senators. As Senator Martin Conway stated, Mr. Laurence Crowley's value for money report on disability services will be available next week and I hope we can have a debate on the issue as soon as possible. I agree with Senator Mary Moran that the people involved know more than anyone else about the importance of respite care to carers, which should be paramount when we are speaking about funding for disability services.

Senator Cáit Keane referred to the science forum, as well as the effectiveness of electric cars. She suggested we attend the exhibition today. I hope no Members on this side will be attending because we have very important business to deal with today.