Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It involves senior members of the Judiciary, the Attorney General, relevant Ministers and senior Government officials. That process of engagement will continue and address issues of legitimate concern.

Senator Denis O'Donovan, among others, referred to the fodder crisis in farming owing to the severe weather conditions we have witnessed. I am trying to get the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to come to the House and hope to have him here within a couple of weeks to discuss this and other farming issues. Therefore, I cannot accept the proposed amendment to the Order of Business.

Senator Aideen Hayden mentioned the lack of childhood obesity intervention programmes throughout the country.

The matter was raised by the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute and should be debated further in the House.

I have addressed the question raised by Senator Mullen on the Judiciary. Senator Comiskey outlined the theft of heavy machinery in several Border counties. The matter is one that Customs and Excise and other agencies of the State on both sides of the Border should be, and I am sure are, addressing. I shall bring the matter to the attention of the relevant authorities.

Senator Whelan mentioned a need for proper infrastructure to harvest water and asked questions on water metering. I understand that the water metering programme is to commence in the next couple of months.

With regard to Senator Marc MacSharry, I was not aware of the death of former Senator, Mr. McGlinchey. I wish to express my sympathy and that of the House to his family. At a later stage we will bring his family into the House to hear tributes to him. A number of other matters were raised by Senator MacSharry but I only heard some of them. He raised the matter of access to the Department of Finance and allegations in that regard that are in the public domain in the form of newspaper cuttings. I am sure the Secretary General of the Department will address those matters.

I agree with Senator Paul Coghlan that consultation and dialogue is needed now in order to deal with the Croke Park II agreement and the Judiciary.

Senator Quinn mentioned a Pakistani lady who has been in jail for four years for blasphemy and awaits a death sentence. I shall bring the matter to the attention of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, as requested.

Senator Kelly referred to the cold case report that is due soon on the murder of Fr. Niall Molloy and called for a public inquiry. I am sure that when the relevant Minister receives the report from the Garda Commissioner, the matter will be addressed.

Senator Ó Murchú referred to his genealogy Bill on the Order Paper regarding the publication of the 1926 census. If he has insufficient time to address the matter during Private Members' time then I shall consider allocating Government time. Normally those matters are addressed during Private Members' time.

Senator Healy Eames referred to the forthcoming Bill that will deal with legislation to address the X case. We will consider any requests by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children to use the Chamber, as we did previously. I am sure the Government will give ample time to discuss such a serious matter, as it has to date.

I can assure Senator Barrett that the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton, during the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, is working with his counterpart in the United States of America to conclude a trade deal between the two economic blocs. It will be of great benefit to Ireland if agreement is reached.

Senator Landy referred to a lack of notification by the Revenue Commissioners about the property tax and said that some people still had not received notification. He also requested that the relevant Minister clarify the methods of payment. I am not sure whether the information is contained in the note provided by the Revenue Commissioners. I am sure clarity can be given to the Senator and the general public on the matter.

I have outlined to Senator Ó Clochartaigh on numerous occasions that I did issue an invite to the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister, but I have not received a response as yet. I gave him the same response the previous three or four times he raised the matter.

Senator Burke mentioned the cost of drugs. Significant reductions in the cost of drugs have been negotiated but I agree with him that significantly more reductions are required.

Senator Marie Moloney advised Members of the closing date for submissions in respect of the mobility allowance. I understand the transcripts of the debate were forwarded but, if not, I will ensure they are forwarded by 5 p.m.

Senator Paschal Mooney referred to an RTE programme. Perhaps that matter can be addressed by the Cathaoirleach. Certainly I did not have an input into the programme, nor was I asked. A Member of the House suggested this would happen and I brought the matter to the attention of the Cathaoirleach's office. Perhaps the Cathaoirleach will outline what happened in that regard.