Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The matter Senator Quinn referred to is certainly worthy of debate. The fact that hospital procedures here cost 40% more than those carried out in the UK is an absolutely damning indictment. Senator Quinn also referred to Brent geese and the need for a debate on the environment. I hope the departure of the Brent geese will mean that we will see some more sunshine.

Senators Paul Coghlan and Ó Clochartaigh referred to the planting of a tree on Leinster lawn tomorrow in commemoration of our late colleague Shane McEntee. This is being done in conjunction with the One Million Trees in One Day project. I appreciate Senator Ó Clochartaigh's comments in respect of our late colleague and thank him for them.

Senators Landy and Walsh referred to the OECD report on pensions. This matter was raised by Senator Moloney yesterday. I will ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation to come before the House for a debate on this report.

Senator Comiskey referred to the difficulties relating to agriculture and Senator Mullins highlighted the fact that moneys from the animal welfare fund are available for members of the farming community.

Senator Conway referred to national job shadow day and the difficulties experienced by people with disabilities. The Senator has highlighted that matter in the House on numerous occasions. The Senator also referred to the undocumented Irish and the problems experienced by some individuals in the US. If he is aware of a specific case and if he wants to provide me with details of it, I will certainly make representations on his behalf to the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. I am sure the Senator either has made or will make his own representations on this matter.

Senator Healy Eames raised the matter of school workplace audits and inquired as to why the services of the National Employment Rights Authority, NERA, were not used. I will check the position in that regard with the relevant Minister. I note the comments of the Senator in the context of the CEO of the Bank of Ireland, a matter I have already addressed.

Senator Noone referred to the important issue of the establishment of a policy group on alcohol by the Royal College of Physicians in Ireland, RCPI. I will ask the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Alex White, to come before the House to discuss the matter.

Senator Mooney referred to the fact that while building costs have decreased, insurance costs have not followed suit. The Senator also referred to the fact that insurance companies are charging higher premiums. As this matter comes under the remit of the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Bruton, I will endeavour to have him come before the House to address the concerns relating to it.