Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Crown asked about waiting list times for those awaiting specialist treatment. We will have a Minister in the House tomorrow to discuss the Health Service Executive (Governance) Bill and those matters can be raised with whichever Minister is present. Senator Crown will back me when I say there are many consultants who schedule appointments for patients, be they public or private, of whom a sizeable percentage do not turn up. The matter has been raised with me by many consultants. That prevents people from getting their slot. It is vital that members of the public who do not attend to fill their slot notify their consultant they cannot attend.

Senator Moloney asked about the attacks on the elderly, which are appalling.

We all extend our sympathy to the families of everyone who has been murdered, especially the elderly gentleman in Sligo.

Senator Mooney raised the issue of public co-operation with the Garda, to which I have alluded.

I am delighted all the Donegal Senators are present, as I have heard some of them had to rush back. I congratulate each of them on the wonderful success last Sunday.

Senator Landy said he would raise his matter on the Adjournment. I cannot answer him in the detailed fashion he requested. Therefore, having a debate on the Adjournment would be the proper way to raise that matter.

In response to Senator Wilson, I am delighted that some good has come from the closure of the barracks and that it has been handed over to County Cavan Vocational Education Committee. The finance for the development of the barracks as an educational facility will be a matter for the Minister for Education and Skills but I am sure everyone will wish the VEC success with this development. There will be an education debate during October with the Minister. Therefore, the Senator will have an opportunity to raise this matter with him.

Senator O'Keeffe raised the issue of cyber bullying and unfortunate cases of several young people dying by suicide. We will debate the issue of homophobic bullying following the Order of Business, but I am sure all forms of bullying can be addressed during the debate. The Senator can make her points then, which I am sure the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, will be delighted to hear.

Senator Mullen referred to the sponsorship of sports events by alcohol companies. The Minster of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Shortall, has outlined that while this will continue until 2016, the Cabinet will make a decision on the matter in early course. The Minister of State is at one with the Minister for Health on this matter.