Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Colm Burke raised the issue of the use of illegal drugs, the recent deaths in Cork and elsewhere and sought a debate with the Minister in attendance to change the culture in this regard. I am sure the Minister will come into the House again. While Members held a debate on drugs only a couple of months ago, I am sure they can have a further debate. I take the opportunity to compliment the Garda Síochána and the Customs service on the recent major seizures of drugs throughout the country.

In response to Senator White, as Members will have a debate on small and medium-sized enterprises in a matter of minutes, I am sure she will participate in it to discuss the items she raised on the Order of Business. Senator Higgins last week raised the question of the accountability of banks and raised it again this afternoon. Senator Paul Coghlan called for a debate on banking, as well as complimenting the Kerry Group, which is a matter addressed previously.

Senator Conway raised the question of apartment blocks, the problems arising therefrom and queried the effect of the legislation passed on that matter last year. Perhaps Members could be provided with an update on that legislation soon.

Senator Daly referred to the NAMA and Irish Bank Resolution Corporation Transparency Bill 2011, on which Members had a comprehensive debate when it was introduced in the House. However, the Senator wants to have a number of bites at the cherry in this regard.

Senator O'Neill raised the issue of discards of fish. Last Christmas, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Coveney, secured what probably was one of the best deals for fishermen in decades. I understood that some progress also had been made on the question of discards.

We will certainly ask the Minister to come in again to discuss the area of fisheries. He was here last week to deal with the Common Agricultural Policy and spent a long time with us dealing with that matter. It certainly was not Fine Gael which criminalised fishermen. That matter was dealt with by the previous Government.