Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator David Norris asked for a broad debate on the arts. We will ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Jimmy Deenihan, to come to the House to discuss the subject.

Senator Michael Mullins correctly welcomed the many recent job announcements. I hope confidence is returning to the economy. All Members of the House would wish for this. The Senator asked that we invite the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation to give a report on the Action Plan for Jobs. I have already asked the Minister to come to the House and he has indicated that he is willing to do so. It is a question of finding time in his schedule.

Senator David Cullinane proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, that No. 15, Corporate Manslaughter Bill, be taken before No. 1. I will accede to the request that the Bill be introduced and accept the amendment to the Order of Business. The Senator has mentioned a number of topics that have not been discussed, although a number of the topics he has raised have been debated in the House. We can arrange debates on the others.

Senator Fidelma Healy Eames referred to the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Bill. That Bill is before the other House and when it completes the process there, it will be brought to the Seanad when we will have an opportunity to debate it.

Senator Ned O'Sullivan raised the issue of the local and European elections. I understand the report of the commission will be produced by the end of the month. Everybody will then know where they stand in terms of the boundaries, particularly with regard to the local elections, for which they will have more than one year to prepare. I am not sure about the European elections. The boundary commission will probably report at a later stage.

Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh spoke about the ambulance service. I note the items he mentioned in that regard.

Senator Catherine Noone spoke about measures to ensure tax was being paid on cigarettes. I note her point.

Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill referred to the plan to fix the jobs problem. I have addressed that issue. We will try to have the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton, come to the House to discuss the problem.

Senator Susan O'Keeffe called for a debate, which we will have, on the Bill dealing with the protection of mothers during pregnancy. I am sure there will be a very dignified debate in the House when that Bill is brought before it.

I do not propose to accept the amendment to the Order of Business proposed by Senator Thomas Byrne.