Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I firmly agree that this House should take precedence and that the Order of Business, in particular, should take precedence. If committee schedules have to be changed, then so be it.

Senator Keane also spoke about the sale of the national lottery and Coillte, on which I have already commented. Senator Cullinane called for a debate on rural Ireland and I am sure that will form part of the debate on policing scheduled for next week. Senator Hayden raised the matter of the guidelines for mental health and suicide prevention in our schools which were published by the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Quinn, and the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Lynch, today. Senator Donovan referred to a debate on policing which has already been scheduled. Senator Kelly spoke about social welfare entitlements and getting people back to work. Senator Mullen also spoke about the school patronage survey and as I have already said, if there is a flaw in that survey, it should be rectified. Senator Noone referred to increased Wi-Fi availability in Dublin, which is certainly a welcome development that also has the potential to advance our tourism product.

Senator Ó Murchú referred to a school in Caherciveen in County Kerry and the young pupils who were involved in charitable work, which is something we should all encourage.

We should all encourage young people to become involved in charitable causes. I fully agree with the Senator's assertion in this regard - the intimidation being carried out by The Jerusalem Postis totally unacceptable. The children and school in question should be praised for their efforts and involvement in charitable causes.

Senator Susan O'Keeffe called for a debate on the beef industry. I will try to arrange such a debate with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in early course. The debate to be held yesterday with the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, has been rescheduled and will take place in a couple of weeks.

Senator Feargal Quinn referred to a school where sign language classes may be withdrawn. If the Senator provides me with precise details of the case, I will raise the matter with the Minister. I agree with the sentiments he expressed. He also referred to payments made by Departments to suppliers. It is essential that Departments pay their suppliers on time. I am informed that in the fourth quarter of last year, 98% of payments made by Departments to suppliers, with a total value of ¤1.25 billion, were made within 15 days. This is a wonderful improvement on the position over the past 12 months and one that should permeate through to local government and Government agencies. I agree with the Deputy that prompt payments are the lifeblood of small and medium-sized enterprises. The Government is living up to its promises in this regard. The news that Departments are now making payments to suppliers within a 15-day period is to be welcomed by all small businesses.

Senator Michael Mullins referred to the need to reassure communities where Garda stations are closing. This and other matters, for example, Garda vehicles, can be raised next week when a Private Members' motion is taken on the issue.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh referred to the use of the Irish language in the House during Seachtain na Gaeilge. I am making arrangements to have the Minister of State, Deputy McGinley, come before the House for a debate as Gaeilge during Seachtain na Gaeilge. A number of Senators can speak fluent Irish. I understand the Seanad was the only House to debate a Bill exclusively as Gaeilge last year. Everyone involved in that debate, including the Minister of State, Deputy Fergus O'Dowd, should be complimented.

I concur with the comments made by Senator Leyden.

Senator Colm Burke referred to the recent public hearings of the Joint Committee on Health and Children and proposed similar public hearings to discuss changes in public policy. This issue could probably be addressed. We have received requests from ASHOKA and other organisations to discuss changes in public policy with Members. Perhaps the matter could be addressed soon through the Seanad Public Consultation Committee.

Senator Martin Conway called for a debate on gambling, specifically online gambling. I agree with him on this matter and I am disappointed that legislation to introduce a tax on online gambling has not yet come before the House. The sector continues to get away scot free. I hope the Bill, which is on the list of legislation, will be expedited.

Senator Paul Coghlan called for a corridor along the Border to allow members of the PSNI and Garda Síochána cross the Border and indicated he intended to raise this proposal with the Minister for Justice and Equality. I am sure he will be able to do so during next week's Private Members' motion.