Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Mullins and Mary Ann O?Brien raised the issue of Irish Aid and moneys spent in its programmes. The Minister of State, Deputy Costello, will address this matter and others in the House in early course. The issues of payments to chief executive officers of charities and the misappropriation of funds in Uganda were also raised and these too will be addressed by the Minister of State.

Senator Barrett raised the matter of extending the vote to 16 year olds as was decided by the Northern Ireland Assembly yesterday. This is a matter that will be dealt with by the Constitutional Convention but we will have an opportunity to discuss it in this House also.

Various Senators raised the matter of The Gathering. We will be having a debate on it early in the new year. When we come back after the Christmas recess, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Varadkar, will attend the House for a general debate on tourism during which this matter can be raised.

Senator O'Keeffe referred to mental health matters and the lack of regulation of people offering help. This is an important matter and I am sure we will arrange a debate on it. The Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Lynch, has been in the House on several occasions to deal with the matter and will be willing to attend again.

Senator Comiskey commented on a completely different matter, the question of dieback disease affecting ash trees, which is a serious problem for the country. We will arrange a debate on it. The Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy McEntee, is willing to come to the House and perhaps we will try to get him in here next week to discuss the matter. Senator Norris referred to Dr. Schäuble. I take it the Senator is not a great admirer of Dr. Schäuble.