Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will bring Senator Sean D. Barrett's comments to the attention of the Minister for Health.

Senator Paschal Moloney referred to discretionary medical cards issued for serious health reasons.

It is regrettable that people granted discretionary medical cards on the basis of serious medical illness are being asked to account again for them to the Department. I will seek clarification on the matter from the Minister of State, Deputy White.

I note Senator O'Sullivan's points on the plight of Parkinson's disease patients. I assure the Senator there will be no bullying in any debate on a Bill in this House. I have the utmost confidence in the Cathaoirleach to ensure there is no bullying in this House on any issue.

Senator Mullins called for a debate with the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Burton, on the delay in processing appeals for carer's and invalidity allowances. I agree with the Senator that many people are experiencing long delays, in the appeals process in particular. There is a need for dialogue between staff in the appeals office and applicants whose applications for carer's and invalidity allowance appeals, in terms of documents submitted, are found to be deficient. This is not happening.

Senator Walsh welcomed the proposed improvements to the N11 and the benefits that will accrue therefrom for Rosslare and Waterford ports. Senator Keane also welcomed the N7 proposals. I note her point in relation to Bangladesh. The disaster there was dreadful. I also note the Senator's points in relation to companies using what can only be described as slave labour in places like Bangladesh and so on. I have already spoken to UN Commissioner, Ms Margareta Wahlström, who deals with disaster relief. I am hopeful that the UN Commissioner, who is second in command to Ban Ki-moon, will be in a position to address this House in the future. I believe everybody would welcome that debate, which would do well for the stature of the House.

Senators Cullinane and O'Neill welcomed the announcement of the 1,600 jobs being created through the Glanbia project in Kilkenny and adjacent-----