Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Henry referred to alcohol abuse. We will endeavour to have the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Alex White, come before the House at the earliest opportunity. I did so last week but I again wish to thank the former Minister of State, Deputy Shortall, for spending so much time in this House and for always coming here when requested. I also thank the former Minister of State for her commitment to tackle alcohol abuse. She had agreed to come before the House later this month in order to discuss that issue. I am sure the new Minister of State, Deputy Alex White, will continue where Deputy Shortall left off.

Senator Norris referred to Clerys department store. I am sure all Members would express the wish that the staff who are being obliged to leave the company should receive their full entitlements.

Senator Jim D'Arcy referred to the NCSE report in the context of the recommendation it contains that responsibility for behaviour management in schools be given to one member of staff. I note the Senator's remarks and also the comments made by the many teachers who brought this matter to his attention.

Senator Reilly referred to primary care centre staffing. The House is due to take Committee Stage of the Health Service Executive (Governance) Bill next week. Perhaps the Senator might raise the matter to which she refers with the Minister when he comes before us for that debate. As stated, the Minister for Social Protection is due to come before the Seanad in a couple of weeks time.

Senator Walsh asked that I arrange a debate with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. I have made a request in this regard and hope the Minister will accede to it.

Senator Barrett referred to the efficiency of health insurers, particularly VHI. I suggest that this matter might also be raised with the Minister for Health when the House takes Committee Stage of the Health Service Executive (Governance) Bill next week.

Senators Noone and Healy Eames referred to cyber-bullying. Last week the House engaged in a good debate on homophobic bullying, during which the question of cyber-bullying was raised. However, I agree that, as the Senators suggested, there is perhaps a need to ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Rabbitte, to come before the House to discuss the matter of control of the Internet.

Senators Ó Murchú and Colm Burke referred to homelessness and applauded the Simon Community and all other agencies that work with the homeless for their efforts. The Government is determined to find a better way to address homelessness and to prevent it. I am sure the Senators will agree that there are no simple or easy solutions to this complex problem. In the programme for Government we are committed to reviewing the current national strategy and to adopting a housing-led approach to homelessness. The Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government's funding provision for running costs in respect of homeless accommodation and related services for 2012 is ¤50 million. When added to the 10% provided by the Housing Agency from its own resources, this means that a total of ¤55.5 million in funding will have been made available this year. Funding at this level means that there will be no diminution in the provision of essential front-line services. I agree that we should applaud the efforts of and give every possible encouragement to all the voluntary agencies that are involved with the homeless.

Senator Sheahan raised a number of matters in the context of wasteful spending. I understand the Committee of Public Accounts is dealing with those issues to which he refers. However, I will certainly invite the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to come before the House for a debate on them.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh asked about the provision of fire services in Galway. This is a matter for Galway County Council and I suggest that is where it should be raised.

I have addressed Senator Paul Coghlan's reference to Archbishop Martin's comments.

Senator O'Donovan raised the matter of the plight of trainee pilots. Their training was licensed by the Irish Aviation Authority and a number of questions arise. The Senator referred to the Garda Síochána and the Director of Corporate Enforcement. I am aware that he wrote to the Minister who replied at the time. I suggest if the Senator writes to the Minister and includes those questions again, he will give him a comprehensive reply.

Senator Brennan asked about the provision of maps for areas liable to flooding. I will bring this matter to the attention of the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Deputy Brian Hayes, who when he was in the House recently spoke about flooding.

I have addressed the points about social welfare which were also raised by Senator Wilson. He also raised the issue of the excessive use of the whip but I am sure he is quite used to that.

Senator Daly spoke about the parades in Northern Ireland. We are all delighted that they took place relatively peacefully. Matters relating to the parades have been addressed comprehensively by the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement which has maintained a good rapport with all involved. We thank all those involved in ensuring that the events were peaceful.

I wish to correct the inaccuracies mentioned in newspapers and by Senator Daly. The Government has increased the budget for the National Office for Suicide Prevention from ¤4.1 million to ¤7.1 million. This highlights the priority placed on the matter by the Government. I do not think it is correct to say that the position of director has been vacant for five months. The position has been vacant since 10 September when Dr. O'Keeffe was seconded by the Department of Health to work on a new national project on public health and well-being which will include a policy on early prevention of suicide. On 27 September 2012 expressions of interest were sought from the general manager, local grades and higher within the HSE in the position of director of the National Office for Suicide Prevention. The closing date for receipt of applications is 10 October. The interview process will be held on 22 October. In the interim, Martin Rogan, assistant national director of mental health, will take responsibility for the National Office for Suicide Prevention.