Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Anything Senator Norris wants to say, he can say then.

Senator Mullins sought an update on the Lunacy Regulation (Ireland) Act 1871. Every Member agrees that this is something which should be updated and that legislation should be introduced to update that Bill as soon as possible. I will make representations to the Government Chief Whip on the matter.

Senator Cullinane raised the concerns of the committee of the forgotten, who were here. We all support their efforts. I understand they are meeting a representative of the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Shatter, later today to discuss that matter.

Senator Cullinane also referred to Mr. Jim Power's report on the economic consequences of the break-up of the south-east region hospital network. I have read the report, which is excellent. I hope we will not be discussing a break up of the south east hospital network and that it will remain intact.

Senator Healy Eames called for a further debate on the expert group. As I stated, two and a half hours have been allocated on Thursday and I will provide further time if more speakers are offering. I wish to point out that the Joint Committee on Health and Children will meet on 8, 9 and 10 January to accept submissions on the expert group report. There will be no rushing or lack of debate; there will be plenty of debate in the House. The Joint Committee on Health and Children will debate the issue and action will be taken by the Government as soon as we have all the information before us.

Senator Healy Eames also spoke about the use of pension funds invested abroad. That is another matter which she could raise with the Minister during statements on the budget tomorrow evening.

Senators Wilson, D'Arcy, Ó Domhnaill and others raised the difficulties of constituents with regard to financial institutions. One Member highlighted that there was damage to property in order to gain access. If there was damage to property, that is an offence and it should be investigated by the Garda, but I do not have full knowledge of it. Senator D'Arcy also spoke about introducing legislation to the House. It is the prerogative of any Member to introduce legislation and we must examine any legislation based on its content. Anyway, I can understand the anger of Members with regard to the activities of some financial institutions and the manner in which they are trying to get back money. I fully understand the feelings of Members. Banks say they are operating within the law. That has to be challenged and if they are operating within the law, then, obviously, by doing what they are purported to have done in Wexford and Cavan, we will have to do something to address it.

Senator Barrett raised the issue of Shannon Airport, which I have already commented on. We will have the opportunity to discuss it again next week.

Senator Mooney raised the possible need for a referendum on abortion. We will debate the expert group first. He suggested that the Supreme Court judgment was flawed.

I question the making of such statements in the House.

On development companies operating under the umbrella of local authorities, for many years people have been calling for a one-stop shop. The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government is due to come to the House on 22 January to discuss the issue of local government reform, as requested by Senator Diarmuid Wilson and others, and the matter can be raised during that discussion.

In response to the point made by Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú, the budget will be announced tomorrow and whether it is fair will be up for discussion. Some will probably think it is, while others will have a different opinion, as is the case with all budgets.

I have addressed the matters raised by Senators Brian Ó Domhnaill and Michael D'Arcy.