Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Or Thursday. The Minister has given an indication that he is quite willing to come and discuss the proposals well in advance of legislation.

Senator Bacik raised the question of food poverty. It is a matter we can raise with the Minister for Social Protection when she is in the House on Thursday. We join the Senator in wishing that young Pakistani girl a speedy and complete recovery and condemn the people responsible for that deplorable act.

Senator O'Neill called for a debate on fluoride in water. Certainly we will try to arrange that debate, which has been requested previously. The Senator also noted the birthday of Michael Collins. It is good to see that he is being commemorated properly but this was not always the case.

Senators Moran, Brennan, Paul Coghlan and Barrett commented on the North-South Interparliamentary Association and its meeting here in this House on Friday last. The Senators have welcomed the fact that An Bord Pleanála has given the go-ahead for the bridge linking counties Louth and Down at Narrow Water. I imagine that project will be welcomed on all sides.

Senators Henry and Comiskey have commented on Stiefel Laboratories and the fact that the associated jobs will now be retained. This is to be welcomed and I note the comments of both Senators in this regard.

Senator Comiskey commented on the N4. Perhaps the matter could be tabled by the Senator as an Adjournment matter and he could get an up-to-date report.

Senator Hayden and others, including Senators Noone and Conway, commented on the conference of the Irish Banking Federation and I note their points in this regard. The issue of distressed mortgage holders is a serious matter and I imagine we will have many hours of debate on it when we deal with the Personal Insolvency Bill in the House. The Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Hogan, and the Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Deputy Hayes, have dealt with the issue of mortgage arrears. I agree with Senator Hayden that we should continue to receive updates on the matter as regularly as possible and I will try to arrange that.

Most of the other Senators dealt with the area of local government. Senator Mullins remarked on the 170 new vehicles for the Garda Síochána. I imagine this will be welcomed by all. It is of paramount importance to the force which has made strong representations to have the number of vehicles increased because of the poor quality of some in use. The provision of the new vehicles will be welcomed by all and they will provide the Garda with the necessary resources to combat crime.

Senator Colm Burke referred to the ¤440 million in savings with regard to drugs announced yesterday. The new deal over the next three years will mean a significant reduction in the cost of drugs for patients, a reduction in the drugs bill for the State, greater access to new cutting edge drugs for certain conditions and an easing of financial pressure on the health service in future. All of these will be welcomed by all Members and the public.