Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I would like to see the letter before giving a response. Senator Hayden raised the issue of the local property tax, which will be before us over two days next week, and we will have a full debate. Senator Daly asked for a debate on uniting Ireland, which is of interest and a bit different. That was in light of a survey in Northern Ireland on national identity, which I also read with interest. The Leader has committed to having the First Minister and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland invited to the House and I hope this will happen some time early in the new year. We might have that debate in that context.

Senator Comiskey spoke about the Wild Atlantic Way in seeking a debate on tourism, which I am sure we can facilitate. Senator O'Donnell spoke about the respite carers grant, and we will have a debate on the Social Welfare Bill. I listened with interest to a Fine Gael Deputy on the radio this morning speaking of the need for a review of the impact of the cut, and we would do well to conduct such a review. The grant is not means-tested but the cut will clearly have an adverse effect and particularly disadvantage some people on low means. A review would be useful and has been raised.

Senator Gilroy has called for a debate on the abolition of the whip system but the question is whether the debate would be subject to a whip. If we are to debate Seanad reform and political reform in general, it would be an issue. Senator Quinn spoke about the need for defibrillators. I understand they are installed in this House and the question is whether enough people are trained to use them. We could look into that.

Senator Mullins commented on the study of the Consumer Association of Ireland on illegal installation of gas boilers. The Senator is quite right and this is a very important issue, so it would be good to have a debate on tougher regulation in the area. There was a tragedy in Trinity College some years ago when a young student died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning which emanated from a boiler in the home. His father has been very vocal in newspapers since in seeking tougher regulation in the area. We should have that debate.

Senator Cullinane is seeking an amendment to the Order of Business to accommodate the Sinn Féin motion. I cannot accede to that and there will be three days of debate on the Social Welfare Bill and the proposed property tax next week. There will be plenty of opportunity for voting at that point. Senator Cullinane also spoke about election promises from the Labour Party and I advise him to have a look at an excellent piece of analysis by Ms Colette Browne in The Irish Examiner, which points out the differential vote received by the Labour Party and Fine Gael in the last election. Fine Gael Members outnumber Labour Members by two to one in this coalition Government.