Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I hope that spirit of goodwill will continue throughout the day as we debate Bills. Senator Darragh O'Brien spoke about taking Committee and Remaining Stages of the Finance (Local Property Tax) Bill 2012 today. We are dedicating as much, if not more, time to Committee and Remaining Stages of the Bill than was the case in the other House, although that is not the barometer I like to use to measure our business. We will have ample time to discuss amendments.

Senator Hayden outlined the many positive legislative measures that were debated in and passed by this House. She rightly noted that bank debt and jobs remain the No. 1 priority for this Government and we hope to make significant progress in the coming year in both areas.

Senator Barrett pointed out that the Houses of the Oireachtas legislation was debated at length in the Seanad. I did not read today's Irish Independent but it is not correct to suggest that it sneaked through both Houses of the Oireachtas or that it only imposed a cut of 2.5% in the budget of the Oireachtas. We were told by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform that the Bill provided for ¤60 million in savings compared with the previous Bill. Journalists can write whatever headlines they want. They seem to interpret matters their own way but I cannot do anything about what headlines they put in newspapers.

Senators Comiskey, O'Donovan, Healy Eames and others spoke about the good news on fish quotas. All of us would like to compliment the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Coveney, and the Marine Institute on their efforts. This is the second year in a row that we have enjoyed a very positive outcome from the talks. A debate on fisheries is overdue at this stage and we will arrange a debate early in the new term. As Senator O'Donovan pointed out, it makes sense to make agreements that last two or three years rather than renegotiate them annually because fishermen would have greater certainty. I am sure the Minister will take up that point during the debate.

Senator O'Keeffe spoke about the Seanad Public Consultation Committee. I thank the Senator for the excellent work she has done on that committee. She also reminded us about the young senators who will be coming here in the new year. We look forward to that and I am sure Members will be keeping an eye on them because they may replace some of us in the future. I also commend the four entrepreneurs on the excellent work they are doing.

Senator Norris recalled the heroic teacher in Connecticut who saved her students from a tragic and dreadful end. Our hearts go out to all the families affected by that tragedy.

I am glad to hear from the Members opposite that they are prepared to begin their debate on the Social Welfare Bill 2012 at section 5. It was ludicrous that we spent one hour debating the Title of the Bill on amendment No. 1.