Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In response to Senator Cullinane, I think I addressed the points on the budget. The Social Welfare Bill will be discussed next week.

Senator Michael Mullins raised the illegal importation of cigarettes and having the penalties fit these crimes. It is a matter which has been raised with the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Shatter.

We need to have debates with the Minister and I shall arrange one for early in the new year.

Senator Paul Coghlan referred to allegations made by a Member of the House in regard to NAMA. He asked that people would check their facts first and I am sure everybody agrees with his request.

Senator Colm Burke mentioned the Presidency of the EU for the next six months and that the Commission's work programme has been published. As the House is aware, I sought extra resources for us in order that we could deal with the work programme and select a number of items from it. While we have not been granted the resources, I still intend to arrange a debate on the work programme and to select a number of items for discussion. We must inform ourselves and we will have to reach an agreement. If the resources will not be provided we will have to provide them ourselves and I shall see what I can do in that regard. I have invited the MEPs to address the House during the Presidency, and I am confident a number of commissioners will also attend. European affairs will have a greater hearing in the House over the next six months.

Senator Crown referred to a proposed change announced in a newspaper. However, Members should not believe everything they read in the newspapers. If the announcement is true, it is a serious situation which needs to be clarified by the Minister for Health. The message would interfere with the duties of GPs. It would be deplorable if such a missive were given to GPs urging them not to refer their patients to certain consultants. I am sure the Minister will clarify the matter. He will be in the House later and perhaps he will clarify the matter during the debate. I have covered the majority of items raised.