Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I will take on board what Senator Landy has stated. I acknowledge he only learned about this situation in recent days but it is a pity that the points could not have been made during discussion of the Industrial Relations Bill.

Senator Zappone's point about poverty was also raised yesterday by Senator Cullinane. The Minister for Social Protection will be in the House on 11 October to address these points. The Government is taxing wealth but people argue that this Government is not taxing wealth. I refer to some of the key measures for the taxation of wealth in last year's budget. Taxes were all increased to 30% including capital gains tax, capital acquisitions tax and the deposit interest retention tax. The tax-free thresholds for capital acquisition tax have been reduced to take account of the fall in asset values over the past number of years. This Government is applying a balanced approach. We will have a debate with the Minister for Social Protection for two and a half hours on 11 October next.

Senator Moran asked for a debate on the Cork report on suicide deaths and we can have a debate early in the new term. Senator Norris and other Senators welcomed the development of the Grangegorman site. It looks like it will go ahead at this stage. He also asked about the preservation of the Art Deco buildings. Senator Norris also asked about linking up the national children's hospital and the metro project so that more jobs could be created. The aim of the Government is to promote joined-up thinking in the creation of jobs.

Senator Mullins welcomed the promotions in the Garda Síochána and the improvement in the management structures as a result. The Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Alan Shatter, will come to the House to discuss law and order, penal reform and the other issues mentioned by Senators.

In response to Senator Barrett, I will find out about the status of the fiscal responsibility Bill and revert to him.

Senator Eamon Coghlan also raised the question of the national children's hospital and the delay with the report. I will raise that matter with the Minister for Health. It is unacceptable to have further delays with this. Work must commence on the national children's hospital. The process has been dragging on for far too long and I agree it is unacceptable to have further delays with this report.

Senator Wilson raised the issue of Cavan barracks, which he has raised on many previous occasions, and the threat of dissidents. That threat always remains, especially in the Border area, and I will ascertain from the Minister the situation regarding the sale of that barracks.

Senator Reilly referred to the stimulus package and youth unemployment. I am told that youth unemployment is under the remit of the Minister for Social Protection so we will be able to address that point when the Minister comes to the House. It is a matter the Senator has raised on several occasions.

Senator Daly spoke about the scrutiny of EU legislation. I totally agree with the Senator in that regard and I intend to address the matter in my few words to the Taoiseach when he is in the House later.

Senator Quinn referred to the delays in making things happen. We all get frustrated in that regard but, hopefully, the Senator will have the opportunity to mention that to the Taoiseach also.