Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join with Senator Darragh O'Brien and several other Senators who extended votes of sympathy to the families of Harry Blaney and Dick Barry. I knew both men.

They were wonderful men who gave great service to the country. I am sure we all wish to express our sympathy to their families.

At the risk of repeating myself on the Mercer report, I have given a number of explanations for the Minister's decision not to oppose the proposal, including that we only have a 15% shareholding in Bank of Ireland. The Minister has requested a 6% to 10% pay cut, in particular for senior bankers. We hope we will have these proposals within the next day or two. It would be much more meaningful to have cuts and wait for the proposals rather than going through the motions of opposing something we know will be accepted.

With regard to Croke Park II, I do not deal with speculation and leaks to newspapers. We should alllow the space requested and hope the negotiations will bear fruit in the near future.

Senator Ivana Bacik and other Members welcomed the N7 and N11 improvement projects and the creation of over 1,000 construction jobs in the next two years. This should be welcomed by all.

The Senator also mentioned the prevalence of autism in Ireland and called for a debate on the issue. I will try to arrange it. She also mentioned a Bill in the other House. I am not sure whether it will be dealt with. I do not think it is on the A list, but we will check to see when it is intended to have it discussed in the House.

Senator Rónán Mullen referred to the €22 million being spent on treating alcohol-related diseases in Galway and said we should encourage methods to discourage the abuse of alcohol. I have asked the Minister of State, Deputy Alex White, to come to the House soon to discuss the issue with us.

On the protection of maternal life Bill, ample time will be afforded to discuss that issue in the House. Anyone who wishes to speak on it will be afforded the opportunity to do so. I can give that assurance to the House.

Senator Jim D'Arcy raised the issue of diesel laundering, a criminal activity, and called for the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes, to come into the House to discuss it. I have requested the Minister of State to come to the House to address the matter and he is agreeable. I am waiting for a date and hope it will happen in early course.

Senator Paschal Mooney referred to the N4 road works mentioned by Senator Marc MacSharry last week. As he stated, we have seen progress since last week in that an environmental impact statement has been requested. The compulsory purchase orders, CPOs, will also be attended to, which is good news. The matter is being progressed, which I am glad has been welcomed by Members on the other side of the House.

Regarding the European Investment Bank, I am sure the Minister will take on board what Senator Paschal Mooney mentioned in that regard. To the best of my knowledge, he has already taken that matter on board.

Senators John Kelly and Tom Sheahan spoke about carbon taxes. Senator John Kelly referred to a voucher system, while Senator Tom Sheahan spoke about extending the fuel allowance. That issue might be raised in the form of an Adjournment matter to allow the relevant Minister to deal specifically with these items.

To reply to Senator David Norris, as I have stated, ample time will be afforded in this House for the debate on the protection of maternal life Bill. As expressed by Senator Ned O'Sullivan, I hope when that debate it held, it will be conducted in a proper manner with respect shown from all sides.

Senator Terry Brennan welcomed the positive news on the tourism front where visitor numbers were up significantly in the first quarter of 2013. He also noted that there would be a large influx of rugby supporters in the next week or two, in particular from France. I am sure they will afforded the welcome they always receive in our capital city.

I remind Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh that, as I announced last week, that next week is Europe week. I indicated that in the lead-up to Europe week we would have three MEPs in the House this week. If one looks at the subjects of the addresses of the MEPs to the House, especially those of Ms Nessa Childers and Ms Marian Harkin, one will see that they deal with items requested by many Members, including the links between the Seanad and the European Parliament and European directives. They are very relevant matters for the House to address.