Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Two hours is more than adequate and I cannot agree to this amendment.

Senator Gilroy, along with other colleagues, called for debates on banking policy and debt. We could have those in the new year, so if Members do not get to speak tonight, they will be able to contribute at a later date.

Senator Landy spoke on the need for the enforcement of planning regulations. This might be covered in the debate in the new year with the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan.

Senator O'Sullivan asked about the report on the boundaries for local elections. I understand that the commission is due to report at the end of March. He also raised the issue of gangland crime. I agree entirely with his concerns, particularly after yesterday's shooting in broad daylight in Clontarf. We might arrange a debate on crime and the approaches to gangland crime in the new year.

Senator Mullins asked for a debate on job potential in the restaurant and hospitality industry, a good idea especially in light of next year's The Gathering. He also raised the matter of the shortage of chefs and the potential for job creation in this area.

Senator Quinn raised the issue of the delay in the introduction of the post code system. I was not aware that that much money had already been spent on it. It is worth checking the reasons for the delay with the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. He also raised the delay in the Construction Contracts Bill which has been raised as a matter on the Adjournment by Senators Higgins and Heffernan.

Senator Gilroy called for a debate on banking and debt strategy in the new year. This would be useful as it is often presumed there is a link between promissory notes and today's budget. This shows a lack of understanding when people make an automatic conflation of those two matters.

Senator Ó Domhnaill spoke about property tax and supported the proposal for a debate on climate change. Senator Clune spoke of the need for a debate on the sale of alcohol which was supported by Senator Noone. The Minister of State with responsibility for this area, Deputy Alex White, could attend the House on this matter in the new year. We had a debate with the former Minister, Deputy Shortall, but it would be worth having a debate with the Minister of State, Deputy White, to see where the proposals for legislation are at.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh called for a debate on corruption in light of today's Corruption Perceptions Index report. This would be useful and I commend the work of Transparency International in highlighting this issue. Again, it is another debate we could have in the new year. I am not sure who would be the appropriate Minister to take such a debate. It might be the Minister for Justice and Equality.