Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Hayden asked for a debate with the Minister for Finance on the ESRI growth forecast.

As I mentioned last week, the Minister for Finance has indicated that he will come to the House in July to discuss a number items. I cannot get him to come here any sooner; that is when he says he is available.

The inappropriate billing of patients by the health service can be addressed with the Minister for Health. There is no one better qualified than Senator John Crown to speak about genetic testing for women with breast cancer and a Minister would be unwise not to consider the statement made by him. Senators Cáit Keane and Susan O'Keeffe called for a debate on stem cell research. I will try to find out which Minister deals with that issue and arrange a debate on it.

Senators Trevor Ó Clochartaigh, Michael Comiskey, Susan O'Keeffe and several others referred to the fodder crisis. I will bring the matters raised to the immediate attention of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Simon Coveney, who kindly came to the House last week to explain what was taking place in that regard. I am sure he will be well aware of the matter raised when I bring them to his attention and I am sure he is working hard on them.

A number of Senators asked when a Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine would be appointed. Seemingly, Senator Jim Walsh knows all about it, but it is a matter for the Taoiseach to decide and I have no say in the matter.

Senator Denis Landy referred to CSO figures and the positive signs emanating from them. I note also his comments that the Minister should encourage local authorities and other public bodies to participate in the JobBridge scheme which is of great benefit.

I agree fully with Senator Paschal Mooney on the media coverage given to Bills taken in this House. Last week there was massive coverage of a Bill dealt with in the other House which had been dealt with here several months ago and on which we had had an excellent debate. I certainly agree with what the Senator said in that regard.