Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Marie Moloney spoke about social welfare matters. As I mentioned at the start of the Order of Business, the Minister for Social Protection will come to the House on 18 October. Senator Fidelma Healy Eames also called on the Minister to come to the House. She will address the matters raised on 18 October.

Senator Katherine Zappone will have ample time to relay her ideas on the economy in the weeks ahead. She also called for a debate on gender recognition. I can inform her that the Minister will come to the House for statements on the matter next week. I assure her that the appointment of the chair of the constitutional convention is imminent. The convention will be up and running by the end of October.

Senator Terry Brennan and other Members highlighted the shortage of tickets for the all-Ireland final, a matter which is not very relevant to the Order of Business. I can assure the House that I have no tickets. Like most others, I was turned down when I applied for tickets. That is the situation.

Senator Sean D. Barrett mentioned the sad events in Northern Ireland at the weekend, when three members of the Spence family died in such tragic circumstances. It reminds us of the dangers encountered on farms on a daily basis. Senators Pat O'Neill and Michael Comiskey suggested the Ministers on either side of the Border should work together to find some way of monitoring various gases and seeing what could be done to prevent such a tragedy from happening in the future.

Senator Eamonn Coghlan spoke about our Olympians and Paralympians. We would all like to join him in complimenting each and every one of them. The Paralympians, in particular, were an inspiration to us all.

Senator David Cullinane addressed a number of items. I welcome Sinn Féin's support for the forthcoming children's rights referendum. Senator Fidelma Healy Eames mentioned the referendum in the context of the adoption (amendment) Bill which is being published. I am sure her points will be taken into consideration when we discuss that legislation.

Senator Feargal Quinn referred to sick pay. I remind him that the Minister will be in attendance on 18 October as part of the budgetary process. I am sure the points made by various Senators can be relayed to the Minister on that day.

Senator Michael Comiskey spoke about the Revenue Commissioners, with which I do not wish to get involved. They have stated they will deal with those who have problems on a one-to-one basis.

Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh mentioned the Lisbrook centre. I know he has arranged for the matter to be discussed in the AV room. Perhaps he might table an Adjournment motion in order to highlight the issue.

Senator Paschal Mooney referred to Clare County Council. Section 7 of the Local Government (Financial Provisions) (No. 2) Act 1983 provides that "where a sum is due to a local authority ... under any enactment ... and, at the same time, another sum is due by that authority to that person, the former sum may be set off against the latter". Local authorities are thus empowered to set off moneys owed to them against moneys due to be paid out. However, no moneys have been withheld by Clare County Council in respect of higher education grants.

The Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government has advised Clare County Council to ensure that its treatment of such grants is appropriate in respect of any provision laid down by the Department of Education and Skills, and furthermore that the provision in the Local Government (Financial Provisions) (No. 2) Act 1983 is specific to the person who owes the money to the local authority. Any grant cannot, therefore, be partially withheld from a student because his or her parent or guardian is liable for the charge and has not paid it. That clarifies that matter.

I have dealt with the matters raised by Senators.