Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The point raised by the previous speaker was also raised by the Leader of the Opposition and I will deal with it now. I refer to the question of the ESB and the substantial profits that have been made in the first half of this year. As Members are aware, the pricing of electricity is a matter for the Commission on Energy Regulation, but I am sure it should be taking cognisance of the large profits that are being made as a result of its decisions in granting such price increases. Moreover, I hope the Minister, Deputy Pat Rabbitte, will take the opportunity to speak to the regulator on this matter. It is dreadful when people are falling behind with their ESB bills and so on and it is immoral to see such profits in this semi-State body. Moreover, as Senator Barrett pointed out, the salary of the chief executive officer of this body is three or four times greater than that of the Taoiseach. In addition, many of the staff in that body have not been affected in any way by the cuts experienced recently by other members of the public service. It certainly is an important matter which I will bring to the attention of the Minister who I am sure is dealing with it. The Commission on Energy Regulation certainly must take cognisance of such substantial profits made by the ESB.

The Leader of the Opposition also raised the question of home helps and I will try to get answers to his questions. I do not propose to accept his amendment to the Order of Business on that matter.

Senator Harte raised a number of issues on the Order of Business, mainly regarding the Ombudsman's report. This matter was raised by Senators Hayden and Mullins in respect of the question of mobility allowance. I believe the Ombudsman's findings should be upheld and, whatever happens, the Government will be obliged to find means to act on the aforementioned findings and to restore these mobility allowances to people who are aged over 65. It has been proved that it is illegal not to give such allowances to those who are aged over 65 and the Government will be obliged to act on that matter.

Senator Harte also raised the issue of yesterday's debate on Alzheimer's disease. I compliment the Labour Party group on bringing this matter to the attention of the House because the debate was very informative.

On the question regarding Malin Head and Valentia Coast Guard stations, I understand the decision will be made soon. Were the Senator to table an Adjournment motion on the matter, he might be able to get the updated position in this regard.

The question of the promissory notes was raised by Senators Harte and Gilroy, among others. The Minister and his officials are in constant negotiations on this matter and I am sure the Minister will be willing to come to the House and update Members as soon as more progress is made on it.

Senator Brennan referred to Narrow Water bridge, a matter which is close to his heart. He has done tremendous work on this issue over many years in highlighting the need for this bridge, and the securing of European Union funding for it is to be welcomed. The Senator highlighted the benefits for tourism in the area, as well as building closer relationships between both communities. That is what this is all about and it certainly will be very beneficial to the tourism industry on the Cooley Peninsula and the other side of the bridge.

I mentioned Senator Barrett's observation in respect of the chief executive officer of the ESB. The Senator also referred to the household charge. The errors being made in this regard are simply not acceptable. Letters that are being sent by local authorities are based on information from the Property Registration Authority and, in some cases, the information contained within its databases might not have been updated. While that may deal with the specific point, having letters sent to people who have paid simply should not happen and there must be answers in this regard. Obviously people should and I am sure will immediately notify the authorities if they have paid, but it should not come to that.

Senator Hayden called for a debate on the private rented sector and a debate on housing, for which Senator Bradford also called. While the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, has come into the House previously, I am sure she would be quite willing to return to have an overall debate on the housing sector and the private rented sector. I will try to arrange such a debate in early course.

Senator Cullinane raised the subject of his Adjournment matter yesterday. I am glad the Minister responded as he did, because there is an obvious need for enhanced GPS systems on all fishing vessels. There have been accidents in recent years in which many lives have been lost. I agree with the Senator on the question of personal locator beacons on fishermen in that legislation should be introduced whereby fishermen should be obliged to wear them. I hope such legislation will be introduced soon because there is a need to improve safety regulations in the fishing or any other sector. I compliment the Senator on raising the matter.

Senator Bradford mentioned a debate on housing, to which I have referred, as well as keeping down the cost for all utility companies. He also mentioned the question of house price levels and the euphoria in some sectors as a result of an increase in house prices. I note the Senator's comments in that regard.

Senators Leyden, Mullins, Wilson and Paul Coghlan raised the issue of the children's rights referendum and pointed to the importance of people voting in the referendum. It is incumbent on all Members to ensure people are well informed on the issue and that they get out as many people as possible to vote in the referendum. That it is being held on a Saturday is being welcomed by the majority of the population and there should be no excuses for anyone not to vote on a Saturday.

Senator Gilroy raised the issues of the promissory notes and the fishing fleet, both of which I have dealt with.

Senator Paul Coghlan again extolled the virtues of Killarney, the Minister from County Kerry and anything pertaining to that county.