Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We are all aware of Fianna Fáil's light regulatory approach to the banking sector in the past. Ireland is certainly in a completely different position to Cyprus. We have already recapitalised our banks, unfortunately at great expense to taxpayers and the people in general. We have moved from the crisis mode which obtained in 2008 to one of stability in the past couple of years. We are now in a position where we are recouping as much money as possible by selling financial sector assets such as Bank of Ireland contingent capital notes and Irish Life.

In addition to the promissory note agreement which has improved our deficit and our debt position it is very important for the people of Cyprus that a sustainable programme of assistance is agreed and implemented in order to bring economic and financial stability to Cyprus. I am sure we all hope that a proper bailout for Cyprus will be agreed soon.

Senator MacSharry also raised the question of the delays in the waiting lists for consultants in the north west. He referred to a statement by a consultant in the north west. I will raise that matter with the Minister for Health. He has been dealing with waiting lists. Significant progress has been made by the new special delivery unit in reducing waiting lists, as evidenced by the performance in 2012. If there are problems in the north west I am sure they will be addressed by the special delivery unit. It is obvious that this is a cause for concern for the consultant. I am sure his concerns will be addressed by the Minister and the HSE.

Senator Bacik advises me she will be introducing a Bill soon. I will certainly allow it to be published on the Order Paper. She welcomed the Courts Bill which will be before the House soon.

Senators Mary Ann O'Brien, Harte, Conway, Landy and others, referred to the decline in town centres. This matter was raised last week by Senator Quinn and other Senators and it was dealt with at length. The question of parking fees is a matter for local authorities. I am sure that chambers of commerce, business associations and traders throughout the country make representations about parking fees to their local authorities. It is in the interests of all towns and local authorities to be competitive where parking fees are concerned.

Senator Kelly also raised the question of incentives for town centres. The Finance Bill will be in the House today. I am sure Senator Kelly will raise the matter with the Minister.

Senator Comiskey and several Senators welcomed the agreement on CAP reform. Senators Comiskey and O'Donovan said it is a good deal for young farmers. There will be some who will lose out because the budget has been reduced. Senators O'Neill, O'Keeffe and others mentioned the flexibility of the payments. They welcomed the disappearance of the sugar quotas in 2017. They complimented Beet Ireland. Hopefully we will be in a position in 2017 to renew and restore our beet industry which has been a great loss to the country and to farmers. Other Members called for a debate on the CAP reforms. The Minister had agreed to come to the House after Easter to discuss the horsemeat and food labelling situations. I suggest that rather than having the debate on those issues, we could have the debate on reform of the CAP when the Minister comes to the House after the Easter recess.

Senator Barrett asked for a debate on the free trade negotiations. Last week, Members raised the issues of the EU-US trade agreement, the undocumented Irish and job creation. Those negotiations and visits are continuing this week. An Taoiseach and other Ministers are in the United States.

I hope that the negotiations will bring much needed jobs to our citizens here.

Both Senator Coghlans saluted the Coghlan clan-----