Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I will try to arrange a debate early in the next session on genetically modified foods, which should be very interesting. I am sure there will be people on various sides of the fence in that regard.

Senator Healy Eames made a very important point about innovation and how we had a changed nation regarding waiting lists. I am sure the Minister for Health will accept any assistance in this regard. I am glad he is taking on board the points she has raised.

Senator Reilly spoke about charging people extra for inserting fadas on their texts. That is a matter we can raise. As I believe there are exceptions for other countries, there is no reason for that not to apply here also. I will raise the matter with the Minister, Deputy Rabbitte. Senator Harte also spoke about post offices and banks. Senator Wilson outlined the additional facts which he intends to bring to the attention of the Moriarty tribunal. Any additional facts which are available should be brought to the attention of the tribunal. The cost of tribunals has been debated in this House on many occasions and if there is a need for a further debate on the Mahon and Moriarty tribunals I will arrange it.

Senator Barrett spoke about fiscal responsibility. I note that he raised the issue on the Order of Business and the Bill was published in the afternoon. If only I could do that on every occasion, but I am delighted the Bill was published yesterday. I note his points about the IMF report.

Senator Whelan raised the matter of O'Connell Street and the safety of the streets of our capital city. This is a problem and it was raised by Senator Marie-Louise O'Donnell and Senator Sheahan on the airwaves yesterday morning. I am informed that the Garda Síochána and the Garda Commissioner have been taking action to address this problem, not alone in the city centre of Dublin but also in the major cities, towns and rural areas. I will endeavour to have the Minister for Justice and Equality come to the House for a general debate on law and order and policing policies which many Members have requested.

Senator D'Arcy raised the issue of universal payments. We can have that comprehensive debate in the House on 11 October. I do not think there is any need for a referendum. Senator Mooney spoke about the cuts in the local authority budgets. I believe that more than 60% have paid the household charge and I urge everybody to pay the charge as it is the law of the land. The Government must manage the finances in the best way possible. We are still spending a lot more than what is being taken in. It is within our own power to address those problems. The Government is intent on getting the public finances back in proper order.

Senator Landy spoke about the carer's allowance. If he wishes me to raise that matter with the Minister I will do so but I am sure he will raise those points with the Minister when she comes to the House. He is correct that delays such as he has mentioned should not happen. I have addressed Senator Cullinane's request for a debate on poverty. We all agree that all workers should get their just entitlements. I note he has raised the matter of the brewery workers in Dundalk and their entitlements. Senator Coghlan agreed with Senator Bacik and others about the banking inquiry and we can have a debate on that issue in the new term.

Senator O'Sullivan raised the matter of the Order of Business and I have addressed it. I welcome his comments on the Seanad. Senator Eamonn Coghlan advised us that the Olympic Games will begin soon. I join with him in wishing team Ireland every success at the Olympics. We hope that all those athletes who have put so much work and effort into their training will fulfil their dreams in the coming weeks.

Senator Keane spoke about the increase of the number of children in care and she asked for a debate about the children's allowance and other issues and this debate will be arranged. Senator Mullen spoke on the same theme of State payments and he raised the plight of people whose small businesses have collapsed and who do not receive such payments. These matters can be taken in the same debate.