Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Clune raised the web summit in Dublin which is of paramount importance to the country and the issue of technology visas. I will certainly raise that matter. The Minister is well aware of that situation. As I stated, we will have him in on 13 November but I will relay the Senator's concerns in that regard.

I would hope that Senator Byrne would find it in his heart to support the Taoiseach and the Government in our efforts to get a deal on bank debt in the interests of all the citizens. That would be the wish of everybody on the summit that will be held this week.

Senator Hayden raised the achievements of the Croke Park agreement. There have been many achievements on the Croke Park agreement over the past 18 months. We will have the Minister for Public Enterprise and Reform, Deputy Howlin, in the House, as has been requested, to debate the Croke Park agreement and, indeed, many other issues in respect of his Department.

I note Senator Barrett's comments on CIE and bus services for rural areas that have been withdrawn. We will have the Minister for Transport, Deputy Varadkar, in here, probably for an overall debate encompassing a number of areas on transport, in early course.

Senator Colm Burke raised the achievements and reform that have taken place in the health service. The Minister outlined those, in particular, on Second Stage of the Health Service Executive (Governance) Bill 2012, and we will have him in again here next week.

On the issue of national monuments, raised by Senators Reilly and Ó Murchú, I will certainly invite the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Jimmy Deenihan, to come in. I am sure it is a matter that is close to the Taoiseach's heart and, indeed, the Minister's, and perhaps we could have an update on the situation. I note the points Senator Ó Murchú made on a television programme, which I have not viewed. I will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister and perhaps we can have him in here fairly soon.

Senator Kelly raised the question of answers to Adjournment motions and proposals for home help. I can raise the question of answers for Adjournment motions at the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. The Ceann Comhairle has taken action in the other House. We will examine the system and see whether we can improve it in any way. On proposals which Senator Kelly made for home help, if he provides me with a copy of those proposals I will ensure the Minister gets them.

Senator Walsh commented on the banks. Indeed, other Senators have mentioned that. We will take Second Stage of the Personal Insolvency Bill in the House on 21 November and I can assure everybody that they will have ample time to debate that on Second Stage. We will provide as much time as possible for every Senator, if he or she wishes, to contribute on the Bill. There will be no time constraints and any points that anybody wishes to raise can be made by them at that stage.

Senator Comiskey raised the regrettable job losses in Abbott in Sligo. Hopefully, those jobs will be replaced in early course.

On Senator Daly's comments on banks, he will have ample time to bring forward amendments to the Personal Insolvency Bill if he is not happy with it. On the points he raised on the Minister, Deputy Burton, I hope he will stay on to make those points to her when she is here.

Senators Michael Mullins and Conway raised the undocumented Irish in the United States. The Government will continue to lobby on this issue. Senator Mullins also raised the point on the undocumented in this country, which is another matter in need of attention.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh mentioned the Sinn Féin budget proposals. As I stated, the Government will examine proposals from all sources but will then make its decisions, obviously based on the proposals.

Senator Keane raised the matter of sexual violence against women, which I have mentioned. She mentioned the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 and Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly Resolution 1670. I will try to have a debate on that. Perhaps we can do so in the context of non-Government motion No. 9 on the Order Paper at a later stage.

Senators Paul Coghlan and Healy Eames raised progress at the EU summit on bank debt.

The Minister of State, Deputy Creighton, will be in the House next week to discuss developments at the EU summit.

Senator Noone mentioned the banks and the insolvency Bill and those items can be discussed on 21 November. I do not propose to accept the amendment to the Order of Business. The issue has been covered here by the Minister and he has made the position clear. Senator Burke has also outlined the situation and has indicated that it is the intention of the Government to develop home-care packages.