Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Darragh O'Brien, the Leader of the Opposition, raised the question of Bank of Ireland and the Minister's reason for not voting against the proposed remuneration at the AGM. As the Senator well knows, the review of bank executives' pay was conducted by consultants Mercer. The Minister wrote to the banks seeking remuneration cuts of between 6% and 10%. As this process has not yet concluded, it would not be appropriate for the Minister to express an opinion at the institution's AGM. However, it is a serious matter and I hope that we can revert to it soon.

In the past 12 months, the House has held three debates on adult mental health services, but we can arrange a further debate with the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, who has spent a good deal of time discussing that and other matters in her portfolio in the House.

Senator Bacik and others who were present referred to today's excellent session with young people, who made bright, constructive, articulate and thought-provoking presentations. It is incumbent on us to listen to young people's concerns at every opportunity. I compliment everyone involved, including the young people, their parents and teachers and the Ministers, Deputies Quinn and Fitzgerald, who also gave of their time to respond in the House. I thank the organisers. It was time well spent for the House and I congratulate all involved.

Senator van Turnhout referred to the scouting association's concerns about access to forests. I assure her that access will be protected. The Minister is on record in this regard. I noted the Senator's comments on the serious issue of websites being blocked and child abuse.

A debate on direct provision was requested. We will try to arrange one. Most Senators requested Ministers' attendance, but we are in the middle of the Irish Presidency of the EU and it is difficult to arrange Ministers' attendance in the House for business other than legislation. I assure Senators that I will endeavour to do the best I can to have as many Ministers as possible attend to discuss the issues raised by Senators.

Senator Mullen referred to the maternal protection Bill.

I understand it is the intention of the Government that the Bill will come before the House in this session, with the heads being published soon. The health committee will debate the Bill and both Houses will have ample time to debate the issue before the summer recess.

Senator Brennan spoke about improved bookings in the bed and breakfast and guesthouse sector. It is good news for tourism and the economy, and it augurs well for the success of The Gathering. We welcome those figures and hope they translate to other sections of the tourism industry to the end of the year. I also note Senator Ó Murchú's remarks on the banks, which I have referred to in my reply to Senator O'Brien. Senator Harte mentioned that very little was said when bankers were getting over €1 million each in salary when the previous Government was in power. I suppose people tend to forget such things.

Senator Barrett mentioned that heads of universities have been making disparaging remarks about young people leaving secondary schools. I noted the Minister's comments on the issue and I share Senator Barrett's views on it. Senator D'Arcy commented on the view that an €18 million bridge project is being delayed by politics, arguing that politics are not causing the delay. He called on the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Varadkar, to provide a timescale and ensure that the project remains on schedule. I will try to ascertain the current position of the project, and there has been great political support from both sides of the House and the Border for the project. The sooner it goes ahead, the better for all concerned.

Senators Cullinane, Bradford, Burke and others spoke about housing. A Minister of State, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, was in the House on 6 February to discuss housing projects and we will endeavour to bring her back to the House. It is disheartening to hear, as Senator Burke noted, that 500 council houses are vacant in Cork, as it seems to be a very high number. Some schemes should be put in place to repair and bring houses up to standard so they can be let to deserving applicants.

I note Senator Norris's comments regarding a maternal protection Bill and freedom of information. He also noted the wonderful young people we had in the House earlier today. Senator Noone spoke about the regulation of online retailers in the US and how we should monitor the impact on Ireland and the EU. I also note her comments regarding mental health. I should clarify the position of the Deputy Leader for Senator Healy Eames. She was the acting Leader last week when she was responding to questions on the Order of Business from the other side of the House. She responded to questions, as is her right as acting Leader, on the maternity protection Bill in particular.