Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Yes. Senator van Turnhout spoke about the Chinese year of the snake. She also referred to the report by Ita Mangan which was referred to in this Chamber by the Minister, Deputy Burton. I thank Senator van Turnhout for reminding us about the report of the Advisory Group on Tax and Social Welfare. I have made inquiries since she last raised it. An update has been sought. I understand progress is being made on the report. I have not yet been told if the report is with the Minister. We will have a debate on it in early course.

Senator van Turnhout also sought a debate on the child and family support agency and the legislation in that regard. The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Fitzgerald, will be in the House tomorrow at 4.15 p.m. to deal with all Stages of the Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2013. It might be worth the Senator's while raising the matter directly with the Minister at that time. The Senator also asked about the Consumers' Association of Ireland report, which raises eyebrows in terms of the rising price of goods. It is worth pointing out that the consumer price index produced by the Central Statistics Office provides a more complete figure and indicates that food and non-alcoholic beverage prices have fallen by 6.3% since 2008. There is a mixed picture on that issue. On the Gary Douch report, I am making inquiries on that matter. I understood there was a publication arising from that appalling death.

Senator Mullen also raised the issue of policing, which I have dealt with. He also raised concerns about the treatment of a public representative of the other House in the context of a road traffic offence. I share the Senator's concern in that regard. The Senator also asked for a debate on the report on the Magdalen institutions by former Senator McAleese. I understand the Leader has promised such a debate. We are continuing in our efforts to secure a date for that debate. I assure colleagues that we are all keen to ensure there is a full debate on the issue. We will give notice of the debate so that Senators have time to prepare for it. I believe we can anticipate a Government response that is more fulsome than that given last week, in particular in light of the meeting yesterday between the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and some of the survivors of the Magdalen laundries. Many of us firmly believe there must be a State apology on this matter.

Senator Harte also raised the issue of policing. Senator O'Donovan spoke about the hostile takeover of Aer Lingus. The Government position is that it does not support the revised Ryanair bid for Aer Lingus because of concerns about competition, productivity and employment. On the Government's stake in Aer Lingus, it will be disposed of when the conditions are right. On the sale of Coillte, which has been raised in the House previously, I will revert to Senator O'Donovan on that matter.

Senator Jim D'Arcy referred to the tragic death of Garda Adrian Donohoe and the resources put in place to investigate that matter. I understand extra resources have been put in place. The Garda Commissioner has made clear that resources will not be an issue in that investigation, which I understand is at an advanced stage.

Senator Mary Ann O'Brien referred to the foreign aid budget. She may be aware that the Minister of State, Deputy Costello, has promised to attend for a comprehensive debate on Irish Aid. No date has yet been confirmed but he has promised it at an early course.

Senator Moran also referred to the death of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe. I have addressed that point. She also raised the issue of juvenile crime and the role of women in the church. As others have mentioned, while ageism may have no place in the church, which is welcome, sexism clearly does.

Senator Norris discussed Pope Benedict's retirement. Senator Bradford called for a debate on Irish Aid. One has been promised.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh asked for a debate on the report into the Magdalen institutions. We will have one. He also asked for a debate on the social cost of austerity but he might need to frame his request in a more focused manner, as I am unsure as to which Minister would attend such a debate in terms of marriage counselling.