Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Paul Coghlan outlined measures for people in mortgage arrears. Senator Cullinane called for a debate on poverty. We have had debates on social welfare, jobs, budgets and all of these are linked to poverty. We will try to arrange a special debate on poverty but it is wide-ranging and will encompass a number of Departments. We have had a debate on the Social Welfare Bill and the action plan for jobs, all of which contribute to the reasons people are in poverty.

Senator Daly referred to the 2011 report on deprivation. It dealt with some of the budgets put in place by Fianna Fáil, when it was in government. I have no intention of debating a leaked report. Its leaking was totally ill-advised.

Senator Mullins referred to the public consultation report on lifestyle changes for the prevention of cancer. I will endeavour to have the Minister for Health come in to discuss the document. I remind the House that we will have another public consultation next week. A number of Senators wrote to me seeking such a debate with Ashoka and Social Entrepreneurs Ireland. We will have the debate next Thursday between 11.30 a.m. and 3 p.m. I hope for a good attendance and that people take part in the public consultation session.

I note Senator Quinn's point about upward-only rents. I understand there are constitutional difficulties in that regard but it is certainly on the agenda for the Government. I will bring his remarks to the attention of the Minister for Justice and Equality.

Senator Kelly brought up a wide range of issues and, in particular, incentives for people to work. The Government is all about providing such incentives and that programme is beginning to bear fruit. Another major jobs announcement was made earlier and that will happen again in the near future in a number of areas. Things are, therefore, beginning to turn and let us hope that continues.

Senator Walsh called for a debate on Northern Ireland issues. The issues he raised were discussed by the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement on a number of occasions but it is probably time we had a debate in the House on them. As I mentioned, the Minister for Health has not even had sight of the report the Senator requested him to release.

Senator Conway raised the issue of family reunification and the conference under way in Dublin. I wish the eminent judge and his colleagues well in their deliberations on that subject.

Senator Mullen referred to a number of areas under the remit of the Minister for the Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Perhaps the questions of tickets and Inishmore could be raised via an Adjournment matter. The Minister could give a specific reply to him on them.