Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Sean D. Barrett made important points about teacher training. I noted the points made and will bring them to the attention of the Minister.

Senator David Cullinane raised the importance of the food sector to the economy and our strong regulation and traceability standards. It was because of our strong regulation and traceability standards that we discovered the problem of the traces of horsemeat in burgers in the factories involved. Senator Lorraine Higgins also mentioned the problems related to the beef crisis and horsemeat in burgers.

Senator Martin Conway mentioned the Magdalen laundries. We will have a debate on that issue in a couple of weeks.

Senator Mark Daly called for a further debate on the local property tax. We had a comprehensive debate on this matter and practically had a debate on it on the Order of Business when Senator Darragh O'Brien raised it a couple of weeks ago. With regard to the assessment system, the local property tax will operate on the basis of self-assessment and self-declaration by liable persons. The Revenue Commissioners will have responsibility for administration, collection, enforcement and all others aspects of the matter and the normal Revenue enforcement and collection procedures will apply. With regard to the valuing of property, liable persons will self-assess the market value of the property and when the Revenue guidance on valuing a property is followed, property evaluations will not be challenged by the Revenue Commissioners. The initial valuation will be valid up to and including 2016.

Senator John Kelly raised the issue of wind energy. I hope we will have the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Pat Rabbitte, in the House in a couple of weeks time to discuss this matter.

Senator Michael Mullins called for a debate on Irish aid. We have contacted the Minister of State, Deputy Joe Costello, who has agreed to come to the House to discuss the issue. We have not yet agreed a date, but the debate will probably take place towards the end of February.

Senator Mary Ann Moran asked about the report on symphysiotomy. I will try to find out from the Minister for Health when it will be published.

Senator Cáit Keane mentioned the conference on sustainable energy to be held on 21 and 22 February. This important conference will be attended by representatives from all over Europe, most of whom will be MEPs.

Senator Terry Brennan raised the issue of access for insurers to penalty point records. He is concerned about the implications for drivers. We will ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Leo Varadkar, to come to the House to clarify the matter.

Senator Eamonn Coghlan raised the issue of funding for Crumlin hospital. I will try to obtain the information the Senator requires on the matter.

I share the frustration of Senator Feargal Quinn with regard to the Construction Contracts Bill and the Human Body Organs and Human Tissue Bill which deals with organ donation and the issue of presumed consent. It is frustrating that these Bills have been introduced and passed through this House. It is 1,000 days since the Construction Contracts Bill was introduced.

I do not know what is holding it up. We have been told that it may be the Office of the Attorney General. I will find out the exact position on the Bills and get back to the Senator on the matter in a couple of days.