Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator O'Neill raised the Control of Horses Act, micro-chipping horses and the enforcement of the Act. We all appreciate the dangers in that regard. I will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Perhaps the Senator should raise it as an Adjournment matter also.

Senator Quinn raised the issue of the Central Bank and the number of people employed there compared with the European Central Bank. The Cathaoirleach outlined the position with regard to the brown envelopes and Order Papers. We have been raising this for years but, as the Cathaoirleach mentioned, the Committee on Procedure and Privileges will take it up as well. The wheels grind slowly when getting little things like that to happen but, hopefully, it will happen soon.

Senator Cullinane raised primary care centres and the criteria, which I outlined yesterday. On the one hand, the Senator is criticising overspending but, on the other, he is looking for more money to be spent on other services. He cannot have his bread buttered on both sides. Again, Sinn Féin is engaging in a cynical exercise in what it is doing with regard to the Minister for Health, Deputy James Reilly.

Senator Colm Burke asked for a debate on the nursing home issue and the plan for care of the elderly. We can arrange for that debate early in the new year.

Senator Mooney welcomed the proposed linking of the Luas lines, which is long overdue. I note his point relating to road maintenance, especially in the case of motorways.

Senator Keane raised the issue of preventative medicine and a new report that has been published on obesity related illnesses. Again, that is an issue we can discuss early in the new year.

I note Senator Barrett's comments on free general practitioner, GP, care and his advice that it be introduced on a gradual basis rather than being implemented straight away.

Other Senators raised the question of the expert group. The matter will be addressed in the House on the week after next.

Senator O'Keeffe also raised the question of the working group on bullying and asked that we act on the report when it is published. We would all agree with her sentiments.