Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That is correct and I note the points made by both Senators in that regard.

Senator Hayden called for the Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael Noonan, to come before the House for a debate on mortgage arrears and debt. The Minister has debated the issue with us previously and I am sure he will discuss it with us again, especially with regard to buy-to-let mortgages. The Minister of State with responsibility for housing, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, also came to the House recently for a debate on housing. I will try to arrange to have the Minister for Finance come before us to address the issue the Senator raises.

Senator Walsh called for the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Phil Hogan, to come to the House to discuss housing aid for the elderly. I note the points the Senator made in that regard. The Minister will be in the House in a matter of minutes.

Senator Noone raised cyberbullying, another issue on which the House has had several debates. I note the point she made regarding 28 students who were suspended from a school recently. I heard the principal of the school in question interviewed on radio this morning. He spoke in a calm, reasonable and respectful manner and his contribution made a great deal of sense. I concur with the Senator that empowerment through education is the way forward on this issue.

Senator Quinn raised the EU directive on public procurement. I am aware that this directive is presenting difficulties for some small businesses and several owners of small companies have approached me about the issue. We should try to have the Minister of State with responsibility for public procurement, Deputy Brian Hayes, before the House for a discussion of the issue.

I also note Senator Quinn's comments on the problems being experienced in New York in enforcing legislation on alcohol. I join the Senator and Cathaoirleach in expressing sympathy to the families of Enda Marren and the former Ceann Comhairle, John O'Connell.

Senators Conway, Brennan and Wilson referred to hotel prices and the fact that many hotels are increasing prices six and seven-fold. This year, the year of The Gathering, I join those Members in saying it is an absolute disgrace for hotels to be putting up prices by that amount. We all agree that where there is volume, hotels must increase their charges, but not to the extent in question. The hotels responsible should rethink what they are doing because their charging of exorbitant prices will do the country irreparable damage, especially in the year of The Gathering, in which we are hoping to promote tourism and attract tourists to the country.

Senator Ó Murchú expressed disappointment with Sinn Féin on its decision to activate a petition of concern in Northern Ireland. This matter was also raised by Senator Mullen.

I have answered Senator Brennan's questions on property tax, the universal social charge, the children's allowance and cuts to the benefits for the blind and disabled. Everybody realises that the previous Government initiated cuts in these areas.