Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator O'Keeffe referred to the helpline for the fodder crisis and complimented the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the co-ops who have worked together on this matter.

As regards the debate on lifestyle and cancer, and the public consultation report, on a number of occasions I have requested the Minister for Health to address this issue in the House. I have not yet had a positive reply, but I can assure Senators that I will continue to press the Minister to come here for such a debate. That public consultation report was a very good one. It was concise and dealt with the relevant facts and figures. Other Members have spoken about obesity and, in that regard, Senator Hayden referred to fizzy drinks and vending machines in schools and other areas under State control. It is all part of the public consultation on lifestyle and cancer that we have had. I hope the Minister will attend the House soon to address that issue.

Members have rightly praised Senator Barrett for the Financial Stability and Reform Bill which was introduced here yesterday. There is obviously a need to regulate this sector further, as has been pointed out by Senator Barrett. I was pleased that the Minister ultimately decided to accept the measure, although it was not the advice he was given coming into the House. There is no question but that we should adopt best practice and the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes, is certainly supportive of that. I hope the legislation will not be left there and that we will see some action on it.

Senator Ó Murchú raised some points about banks and I have addressed those matters. In addition, I have also addressed Senator Hayden's comments on childhood obesity and hopefully we will get the Minister in to debate that issue.

Senator Norris spoke about proper and focused reform of the financial sector.

The Job Shadow programme was mentioned by Senator Conway yesterday, as well as the 1 million trees project which was also referred to by a number of Senators on yesterday's Order of Business.

Senator Harte reminded us that members of the Opposition have very short memories, but we will leave that point stand.