Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Darragh O'Brien called for a debate on perinatal care. I will try to arrange that in the new year. With regard to the budget and the elements relating to social welfare, we will have ample opportunity to discuss that next week during the debate on the Social Welfare Bill.

Senator Bacik, Senator Moran and others raised the escalation of violence in Northern Ireland, especially the attacks on members of the police force and members of the Alliance Party, which has been the voice of moderation in Northern Ireland for many years. Last week I conveyed our sympathy and support to the leader of the Alliance Party, as was requested by Members of the House. Unfortunately, there has been further violence over the weekend. As has been stated, peace is a very fragile rose and we should do everything possible to ensure that peace reigns, especially over the Christmas period and throughout next year. Everybody should do what they can to support the police force and voices of moderation in Northern Ireland at all times.

Senator van Turnhout asked for a debate on referenda, how they can be conducted and so forth. That is an interesting subject for debate which we will try to pencil in for the new year. The Senator also asked about the child and family support agency.

The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Fitzgerald, has agreed to attend the House in late January or early February to discuss a number of the issues that Senator van Turnhout has raised in recent months. I also noted the request by the Senator and others for a debate on forced labour in Ireland.

Senator Quinn referred to an Irish citizen jailed in Sri Lanka. I suggest that the Senator table an Adjournment matter on the issue so that he might get the up-to-date position from the Department, which he could relay to the family.

Senator Quinn has called for a further debate on shale gas and fracking. The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Rabbitte, attended the House on the issue. In light of the UK proposals, however, this may be an opportune time for a further debate.

Senator Eamonn Coghlan rightly complimented Ms Fionnuala Britton and the Irish ladies' team on their excellent result at the weekend. It was a proud moment for their families, their coaches and the country. It gave us a lift that we all badly needed.

Of the 2,300 applications for sports capital grants, only 600 received moneys. I will take the Senator's comments about the non-major sporting organisations on board.

Senator White called for a further debate on budget issues and Archbishop Martin's comments yesterday. The archbishop also stated that jobs comprised a key matter. The creation of jobs is one of the main issues that the Government is trying to address. Many aspects of the budget were geared towards job creation and helping small and medium-sized enterprises, SMEs, to prosper. I hope that these efforts will continue into the new year and that we will see a result from the budget initiatives.

Senator Harte mentioned Liberty Insurance, a private company. I am sure that many other insurers will make themselves available to take up the slack for the small businesses in question. It is important that small businesses receive insurance.

Senator Norris referred to a meeting in the AV room today. We all need to inform ourselves, but if people on the other side of the argument decide to attend that meeting, it is a matter for themselves. Pressure should not be placed on any Member to attend the meetings.